Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 22, 2025
09:43
Measurement of Heme Synthesis Levels in Mammalian Cells
Published on: July 9, 2015
12.4K
Heme metabolism genes Downregulated in COPD Cachexia.
Ava C Wilson1,2, Preeti L Kumar2, Sool Lee3
1Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
Respiratory Research
|May 2, 2020
Summary
Cachexia in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is linked to gene expression changes. Researchers found specific genes involved in heme metabolism were downregulated in COPD cachexia patients.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cachexia significantly increases mortality and reduces quality of life in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
- Gene expression alterations are suspected to play a role in the development of COPD cachexia.
- Identifying these genetic signatures can provide insights into disease mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify differential gene expression signatures associated with cachexia in individuals with COPD.
- To compare gene expression patterns between cachectic and non-cachectic COPD patients.
- To explore the role of specific gene pathways in COPD cachexia.
Main Methods:
- Whole-blood gene expression data was analyzed from two cohorts: COPDGene (N=400) and ECLIPSE (N=114).
- Cachexia was defined using criteria including weight loss, low body mass index (BMI), decreased muscle strength, anemia, and low fat-free mass index (FFMI).
- Differential gene expression was assessed between cachectic and non-cachectic subjects, with adjustments for covariates, followed by gene set enrichment analysis.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of COPD cachexia was 13.7% in the COPDGene cohort and 7.9% in the ECLIPSE cohort.
- Fourteen genes were found to be differentially downregulated in cachectic COPD patients compared to non-cachectic patients across both cohorts.
- These downregulated genes were consistently identified in both the discovery (COPDGene) and replication (ECLIPSE) cohorts.
Conclusions:
- Several replicated genes involved in heme metabolism were downregulated in individuals with COPD cachexia.
- Impaired heme biosynthesis is suggested as a potential contributor to cachexia development.
- This impairment may lead to increased free-iron buildup and oxidative tissue damage, exacerbating cachexia in COPD.
Related Concept Videos
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
1.7K
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions that progressively worsen over time, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This cluster of diseases collectively leads to a gradual and irreversible decline in lung function over time.
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
1.7K
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
4.0K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
4.0K
01:01Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
3.8K
All blood and immune cells are produced from the multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by the process of hematopoiesis. However, they all have a limited life span. In addition, many are depleted in immune surveillance or combatting an injury or infection. This makes blood one of the most regenerative tissues. Hematopoiesis helps replenish these blood and immune cells, restoring the body's normal functioning. However, overproduction of blood and immune cells can make them cancerous or...
3.8K
01:24Factors Affecting Respiration
8.7K
Respiration is a crucial physiological function involving exchanging oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) between an organism and its environment. Various factors can impact this essential process:
8.7K
01:27Oxygen Transport in the Blood
5.4K
Hemoglobin (Hb) is a crucial molecule in the human body, consisting of four polypeptide chains, each bound to an iron-containing heme group. This unique structure enables hemoglobin to bind to oxygen, with each molecule capable of combining with four molecules of oxygen, leading to rapid and reversible oxygen loading. When fully loaded with oxygen, it is called oxyhemoglobin, while hemoglobin that has released oxygen is called reduced hemoglobin or deoxyhemoglobin. As hemoglobin binds oxygen,...
5.4K
01:22Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
2.1K
COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
2.1K