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Measurement of Mitochondrial Respiration in Human and Mouse Skeletal Muscle Fibers by High-Resolution Respirometry
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Mitochondrial dysfunction in COPD patients with low body mass index
R A Rabinovich1, R Bastos, E Ardite
1Pneumology Service (ICT), Hospital Clinic, Barcelona University, Spain. roberto.rabinovich@ed.ac.uk
The European Respiratory Journal
|December 22, 2006
Summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with low body mass index exhibit impaired mitochondrial respiration and reduced UCP3 mRNA expression, contributing to decreased muscle endurance.
Area of Science:
- Exercise physiology
- Mitochondrial biology
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
Background:
- Skeletal muscle adaptations in COPD patients are abnormal after exercise.
- Increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are observed in COPD.
- Body composition may influence these adaptations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between body composition and mitochondrial respiration in COPD patients.
- To compare mitochondrial function in COPD patients with low BMI (BMI(L)) versus normal BMI (BMI(N)) and healthy controls.
- To explore the relationship between mitochondrial function, UCP3 expression, and muscle endurance.
Main Methods:
- Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were obtained from BMI(L) COPD patients, BMI(N) COPD patients, and healthy controls.
- Muscle structure, in vitro mitochondrial respiratory function (assessed by acceptor control ratio - ACR), UCP3 mRNA expression, and glutathione levels were determined.
- Correlations between ACR, arterial oxygen tension, muscle endurance, and blood lactate levels were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Mitochondrial respiratory function (ACR) was significantly impaired in BMI(L) COPD patients compared to BMI(N) COPD patients and controls.
- ACR correlated positively with arterial oxygen tension and muscle endurance.
- ACR showed a negative association with exercise-induced increases in blood lactate.
- UCP3 mRNA expression was reduced in BMI(L) COPD patients.
Conclusions:
- COPD patients with low BMI demonstrate impaired electron transport chain function.
- This mitochondrial dysfunction likely contributes to reduced muscle endurance in this patient subgroup.
- Findings highlight the impact of body composition on exercise capacity in COPD.
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