Relationship between body composition, inflammation and lung function in overweight and obese asthma
Hayley A Scott1, Peter G Gibson, Manohar L Garg
1Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW Australia.
Respiratory Research
|February 3, 2012
Summary
Obese asthma is complex. This study found body composition and inflammation impact lung function differently in males and females, with lean tissue worsening asthma in women.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Obesity Research
- Immunology
Background:
- The obese-asthma phenotype remains poorly understood.
- Investigating mechanical and inflammatory factors in overweight/obese asthma patients is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare lung function with body composition and airway inflammation in overweight and obese asthma patients.
- To elucidate the distinct mechanical and inflammatory influences contributing to the obese-asthma phenotype.
Main Methods:
- Forty-four overweight and obese adults (BMI 28-40 kg/m²) with asthma underwent lung function assessment.
- Full-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to analyze body composition.
- Inflammatory markers were analyzed in venous blood samples and induced sputum.
Main Results:
- In females, android and thoracic fat, along with total lean tissue, inversely correlated with expiratory reserve volume (ERV).
- In males, fat tissue showed no correlation with lung function, but lean tissue (android and thoracic) positively associated with ERV.
- Lower body lean tissue positively associated with sputum neutrophils in females; leptin positively associated with android/thoracic fat in males.
Conclusions:
- Body composition and inflammation independently influence lung function in obese asthma patients, with significant sex-based differences.
- Lean body mass appears to exacerbate the obese-asthma phenotype in females.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these sex-specific findings.
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