New treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using ergogenic aids

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Sports Medicine
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a systemic disease causing skeletal muscle dysfunction.
• Muscle dysfunction in COPD impairs respiratory and peripheral muscle performance, reducing quality of life and survival.
• Ergogenic aids are considered for COPD to counteract catabolism and stimulate protein synthesis, potentially mitigating muscle loss.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the efficacy of ergogenic aids in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• To evaluate the impact of ergogenic aids on muscle mass, exercise tolerance, and clinical outcomes in COPD.
• To assess the role of supplements like anabolic steroids, creatine, L-carnitine, BCAAs, and growth hormones in COPD management.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature on ergogenic aid use in COPD patients.
• Analysis of data concerning anabolic steroids, creatine, L-carnitine, branched-chain amino acids, and growth hormones.
• Evaluation of studies focusing on lean muscle mass, bioenergetic changes, exercise tolerance, and clinical benefits.

Main Results:

• Ergogenic aids show potential in increasing lean muscle mass and inducing bioenergetic modifications in COPD.
• Anabolic steroids have been most studied, but consistent clinical benefits for exercise tolerance and strength remain unproven.
• Evidence for ergogenic aids improving COPD morbidity and mortality is currently limited and not consistently demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• Dietary supplementation with ergogenic substances may serve as a valid adjuvant therapy for advanced COPD.
• These aids are particularly relevant for COPD patients experiencing muscle mass loss or peripheral muscle weakness.
• Further research is needed to establish definitive clinical benefits and optimal use of ergogenic aids in COPD management.