Skeletal muscle dysfunction in COPD: miRNAs, myokines and exercise

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Molecular Biology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major global health issue, leading to significant morbidity and mortality.
• Skeletal muscle dysfunction, characterized by atrophy and altered fiber composition, affects up to 35% of COPD patients, increasing mortality risk.
• Factors contributing to muscle dysfunction include inactivity, oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial issues, and impaired autophagy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the complex relationship between myokines, microRNAs (miRNAs), and skeletal muscle dysfunction in COPD.
• To highlight the role of miRNAs in mediating adaptations to pulmonary rehabilitation.
• To identify miRNAs as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for managing skeletal muscle dysfunction in COPD.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes current research on the molecular mechanisms underlying skeletal muscle dysfunction in COPD.
• It examines the roles of myokines and miRNAs in inter-organ communication and muscle homeostasis.
• The review analyzes the impact of pulmonary rehabilitation, particularly exercise training, on these molecular pathways.

Main Results:

• Skeletal muscle dysfunction is a significant systemic complication of COPD, impacting physical capacity and survival.
• Pulmonary rehabilitation, including exercise, can mitigate muscle dysfunction through enhanced protein synthesis and systemic adaptations.
• Myokines and miRNAs are crucial signaling molecules mediating these adaptations and inter-organ crosstalk.

Conclusions:

• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play pivotal roles in muscle remodeling and exercise adaptation in COPD patients.
• Modulating specific miRNAs presents a promising therapeutic strategy for skeletal muscle dysfunction.
• miRNAs hold potential as both biomarkers for disease progression and therapeutic targets within pulmonary rehabilitation programs.