Dynamics of body composition in male patients during chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) development

The various distribution of fat mass (FM) and lean mass (LM) during COPD development is not yet researched.

82 male patients (40-67 years) with acute exacerbation of COPD and 19 comparable healthy males (the control group) were examined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to COPD severity: 1st - 19 (GOLD I stage); 2nd - 43 (GOLD II) and 3rd - 20 (GOLD III).

The patients of 3rd group had lower indices of FM, LM, bone mineral component (BMC) vs. the control and 1st, 2nd groups. A significant increase in FM share was noted in android and gynoid regions, trunk, legs and arms in 2nd groups vs. the control with the decline of these parameters in the 3rd group below the control level. A greater proportion of FM in 1st and 2nd groups was distributed in android and trunk regions vs. the control. TNF-a and leptin levels were significantly increased by 12%, 15% 17% and by 18%, 75%, 79% respectively in 1st, 2nd, 3rd groups vs. the control, while free testosterone level was lower in these groups vs. the control (by 28%, 30% and 47% respectively; p < 0,05).

Body mass index (BMI) was within the control range in mild-moderate COPD patients in spite of LM, FM and BMC changes. The level of LM and BMC was decreased during COPD progression, while FM was increased in mild-moderate COPD and then it was decreased in severe COPD.