Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 23, 2026
Author Spotlight: Decellularization-Based Quantification of Skeletal Muscle Fatty Infiltration
Published on: June 9, 2023
Association between the visceral fat-to-muscle ratio and severe exacerbation of asthma: a cross-sectional study
1Department of Respiratory, Longyan First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Longyan, China.
Background:
Asthma is a prevalent chronic inflammatory airway disease globally, and its acute exacerbations significantly increase healthcare burdens. In recent years, abnormal body composition has been recognized as a potential contributor to the onset and progression of asthma. The Visceral Fat-to-Muscle Ratio (VMR) is a composite indicator reflecting sarcopenic obesity. This study primarily aims to evaluate the relationship between VMR and asthma, as well as asthma-related events.
Methods:
This study utilized cross-sectional data from the 2011-2018 NHANES database, including adult participants. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to assess the association between VMR and asthma risk, as well as acute exacerbations in the past year. Additionally, restricted cubic spline (RCS) functions were applied to examine potential nonlinear relationships between VMR and asthma risk, and subgroup analyses were conducted to verify the robustness of the results.
Results:
The study analyzed data from 7352 participants. Further classification into stable asthma and asthma exacerbation groups revealed that higher VMR levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of asthma exacerbations (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.12-1.57). Compared to the lowest group, participants in the highest VMR quartile had a 94% higher risk of asthma exacerbations (OR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.18-3.18, p < 0.01), whereas no significant association was observed during the stable phase of asthma. RCS analysis indicated a linear relationship between VMR and asthma risk, with the association remaining statistically significant.
Conclusion:
This cross-sectional study is the first to identify a significant association between VMR and the risk of asthma exacerbations, suggesting that abnormal body composition may be an important factor influencing asthma attacks. As a convenient and modifiable body composition indicator, VMR holds potential clinical value in risk identification and non-pharmacological management of asthma populations.
More Related Videos
06:22Isolation of Viable Adipocytes and Stromal Vascular Fraction from Human Visceral Adipose Tissue Suitable for RNA Analysis and Macrophage Phenotyping
Published on: October 27, 2020
08:30Intraperitoneal Glucose Tolerance Test, Measurement of Lung Function, and Fixation of the Lung to Study the Impact of Obesity and Impaired Metabolism on Pulmonary Outcomes
Published on: March 15, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:29Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
Considering cholesterol and...