Relationship among Body Composition, Adipocytokines, and Irisin on Exercise Capacity and Quality of Life in COPD: A Pilot Study

Adipose tissue is an endocrine organ that interferes with the severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although inflammatory markers, body composition, and nutritional status have a significant impact on pulmonary function, the real contribution of adipocytokines and myokines in COPD is still controversial. We aimed to evaluate the role played by the body composition, leptin, adiponectin, haptoglobin, and irisin on the functional exercise capacity, respiratory function, and quality of life (QoL) in COPD. In 25 COPD (20% GOLD-1; 60% GOLD-2; 20% GOLD-3) patients and 26 matched control subjects, we find that leptin, total adiponectin and haptoglobin are significantly increased whereas the 6 min walk test (6MWT) and physical functioning scores are significantly decreased in COPD versus controls. A significant positive relationship is found between leptin and fat mass and between 6MWT and the good health indicators of nutritional status. A significant inverse relationship is found between 6MWT and leptin and fat mass, FEV1 and haptoglobin, and irisin and haptoglobin. Phase angle and leptin level are significant predictors for functional exercise capacity assessed with 6MWT. Taken altogether, the results of this pilot study further support the role played by body composition and adipocytokines on exercise capacity respiratory function and QoL in COPD.

Automated summary

Adipose tissue is an endocrine organ that affects the severity of COPD. The role of adipocytokines and myokines in COPD is still controversial. This study evaluated the impact of body composition, leptin, adiponectin, haptoglobin, and irisin on exercise capacity, respiratory function, and QoL in COPD patients. The results showed increased levels of leptin, total adiponectin, and haptoglobin in COPD patients, along with decreased 6MWT and physical functioning scores. There were significant relationships between leptin/fat mass and 6MWT/nutritional status. Overall, this pilot study further supports the influence of body composition and adipocytokines on exercise capacity, respiratory function, and QoL in COPD.