Motivation and confidence about physical activity in COPD patients: health benefits matter to patients.

INTRODUCTION: Physical activity (PA) has shown great benefits in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), however, their PA is below average. Motivational factors associated with PA in COPD have not been widely studied and could be a target for improving adherence to PA. The objective of our study was to identify and understand the different motivational and confidence factors related to low levels of PA in a COPD cohort. METHOD: Observational, prospective, multicentre study of COPD patients. Sociodemographic data, respiratory symptoms, comorbidities, spirometry and exercise capacity were collected. PA was measured using the Dynaport accelerometer and patient motivation and confidence in PA were assessed by a questionnaire previously used in a COPD population in the United States. RESULTS: Eighty-six COPD patients were included, 68.6% being male, with a mean (SD) age of 66.6 (8.5) years and a mean forced expiratory volume in the first second (%) of 50.9% (17.3%). The mean walking time was 82.8 (37.8) minutes/day. Questions related to health benefits and enjoying exercise were ranked highest in the motivation questionnaire and statistically significant differences were found in PA measures between patients with low and high motivation. A lack of confidence regarding hot weather and health-related issues significantly influenced PA levels. Advice from third parties, including healthcare providers, was not associated with higher PA levels. CONCLUSIONS: Improving the health of COPD patients is their main motivation to perform PA. Lack of confidence when it is hot or when they fear for their health is related to low levels of PA. Advice from third parties, including healthcare professionals, is not associated with higher PA. These results are relevant for developing strategies to increase the adherence of COPD patients to PA programmes.

Association between occupational exposure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and respiratory symptoms in the Spanish population

Introduction: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of occupational exposure on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and respiratory symptoms in the general Spanish population.MethodsThis was a study nested in the Spanish EPISCAN II cross-sectional epidemiological study that included participants who had completed a structured questionnaire on their occupational history, a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms, and forced spirometry. The data were analyzed using Chi-square and Student's t tests and adjusted models of multiple linear regression and logistic regression.ResultsWe studied 7502 subjects, 51.1% women, with a mean age of 60±11 years. Overall, 53.2% reported some respiratory symptoms, 7.9% had respiratory symptoms during their work activity, 54.2% were or had been smokers, and 11.3% (851 subjects) met COPD criteria on spirometry. A total of 3056 subjects (40.7%) reported exposure to vapors, gases, dust or fumes (VGDF); occupational exposure to VGDF was independently associated with the presence of COPD (OR 1.22, 95% CI: 1.03–1.44), respiratory symptoms (OR 1.45, 95%: CI 1.30–1.61), and respiratory symptoms at work (OR 4.69, 95% CI: 3.82–5.77), with a population attributable fraction for COPD of 8.2%.ConclusionsOccupational exposure is associated with a higher risk of COPD and respiratory symptoms in the Spanish population. These results highlight the need to follow strict prevention measures to protect the respiratory health of workers. (AU)

Association between occupational exposure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and respiratory symptoms in the Spanish population.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of occupational exposure on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and respiratory symptoms in the general Spanish population. METHODS: This was a study nested in the Spanish EPISCAN II cross-sectional epidemiological study that included participants who had completed a structured questionnaire on their occupational history, a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms, and forced spirometry. The data were analyzed using Chi-square and Student's t tests and adjusted models of multiple linear regression and logistic regression. RESULTS: We studied 7502 subjects, 51.1% women, with a mean age of 60±11 years. Overall, 53.2% reported some respiratory symptoms, 7.9% had respiratory symptoms during their work activity, 54.2% were or had been smokers, and 11.3% (851 subjects) met COPD criteria on spirometry. A total of 3056 subjects (40.7%) reported exposure to vapors, gases, dust or fumes (VGDF); occupational exposure to VGDF was independently associated with the presence of COPD (OR 1.22, 95% CI: 1.03-1.44), respiratory symptoms (OR 1.45, 95%: CI 1.30-1.61), and respiratory symptoms at work (OR 4.69, 95% CI: 3.82-5.77), with a population attributable fraction for COPD of 8.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational exposure is associated with a higher risk of COPD and respiratory symptoms in the Spanish population. These results highlight the need to follow strict prevention measures to protect the respiratory health of workers.

Association between circulating alpha-1 antitrypsin polymers and lung and liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is considered one of the most common genetic diseases and is characterised by the misfolding and polymerisation of the alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) protein within hepatocytes. The relevance of circulating polymers (CP) of AAT in the pathogenesis of lung and liver disease is not completely understood. Therefore, the main objective of our study was to determine whether there is an association between the levels of CP of AAT and the severity of lung and liver disease. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study in patients with different phenotypes of AATD and controls. To quantify CP, a sandwich ELISA was performed using the 2C1 monoclonal antibody against AAT polymers. Sociodemographic data, clinical characteristics, and liver and lung parameters were collected. RESULTS: A cohort of 70 patients was recruited: 32 Pi*ZZ (11 on augmentation therapy); 29 Z-heterozygous; 9 with other genotypes. CP were compared with a control group of 47 individuals (35 Pi*MM and 12 Pi*MS). ZZ patients had the highest concentrations of CP (p < 0.001) followed by Z heterozygous. The control group and patients with Pi*SS and Pi*SI had the lowest CP concentrations. Pi*ZZ also had higher levels of liver stiffness measurements (LSM) than the remaining AATD patients. Among patients with one or two Z alleles, two patients with lung and liver impairment showed the highest concentrations of CP (47.5 µg/mL), followed by those with only liver abnormality (n = 6, CP = 34 µg/mL), only lung (n = 18, CP = 26.5 µg/mL) and no abnormalities (n = 23, CP = 14.3 µg/mL). Differences were highly significant (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Non-augmented Pi*ZZ and Z-patients with impaired lung function and increased liver stiffness presented higher levels of CP than other clinical phenotypes. Therefore, CP may help to identify patients more at risk of developing lung and liver disease and may provide some insight into the mechanisms of disease.

The Experience of COPD Patients in Lockdown Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Purpose: On March 16, 2020, the Spanish government declared a state of alarm due to the rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were restricted to remain confined at home, and medical visits were cancelled for 3 months. The impact of this lockdown on the manifestations of COPD and the quality-of-life of these patients has not been explored. Patients and Methods: One hundred patients with COPD were interviewed by telephone from May 2-18, 2020. The interviews included questions about the lockdown, missed medical appointments, fears of the disease, possible COVID-19 infection, and exacerbations of COPD suffered during this period and their management. In addition, the COPD Assessment Test, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression, and the 5-Dimension Euro Quality-of-Life questionnaires were administered. Results: Sixty-four (64%) patients claimed to have strictly complied with the lockdown, and only 42 (42%) stated they had left home at least once during lockdown. Only one patient (1%) was hospitalized due to COVID-19, and 13 (13%) patients presented an exacerbation of COPD self-managed at home with no admissions due to exacerbation of COPD during this period. A medical consultation or complementary test was cancelled in 90% of the patients, but 61% had a medical telephone visit with a high degree of satisfaction (mean 9.3/10). Most patients declared that their feeling regarding lung disease and general health was similar or even better during lockdown (82% and 81%, respectively). Conclusion: Our results indicate that in general lockdown had a low impact on COPD patients. Only one patient was affected by COVID-19, but moderate exacerbations of COPD were not infrequent. Although many medical visits and test were cancelled, patients were very satisfied with the medical telephone visits.

Analysis of Blood Biomarkers in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and with Asthma-COPD Overlap (ACO).

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous entity with different clinical phenotypes, such as asthma-COPD overlap (ACO). The aim of this retrospective study was to compare routine blood biomarkers in patients with ACO and the remaning COPD phenotypes. Data were collected from stable COPD patients visited in during 2018, including C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, neutrophyl/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR).A total of 77 patients with COPD were included, 24 (31%) fulfilled the diagnosis of ACO. Clinically, patients with ACO presented more dyspnoea and wheezing. Regarding laboratory parameters, both groups had low levels of lymphocytes, especially the non-ACO group (24.2% vs. 29.3%; p = 0.031), patients with ACO had significantly higher eosinophil counts (4.7% vs. 1.9%; p < 0.001) but a lower percentage of neutrophils (56.8% vs. 64.7%; p = 0.003), NLR and PLR (2.5 vs. 3.8; p = 0.013 and 115 vs. 160; p = 0.063, respectively). In conclusion, besides the expected eosinophilic inflammation in patients with ACO, both groups had low levels of lymphocytes, especially the non-ACO group. The low levels of lymphocytes, in particular in non-ACO patients, should be confirmed in larger studies.

Practical Guide to the Identification and Diagnosis of Asthma-COPD Overlap (ACO).

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of mortality around the world. COPD is characterised by a heterogeneous clinical presentation and prognosis which may vary according to the clinical phenotype. One of the phenotypes of COPD most frequently studied is the asthma-COPD overlap (ACO), however, there are no universally accepted diagnostic criteria for ACO. It is recognised that the term ACO includes patients with clinical features of both asthma and COPD, such as more intense eosinophilic bronchial inflammation, more severe respiratory symptoms and more frequent exacerbations, but in contrast, it is associated with a better prognosis compared to COPD. More importantly, ACO patients show better response to inhaled corticosteroid treatment than other COPD phenotypes. The diagnosis of ACO can be difficult in clinical practice, and the identification of these patients can be a challenge for non-specialized physicians. We describe how to recognise and diagnose ACO based on a recently proposed Spanish algorithm and by the analysis of three clinical cases of patients with COPD. The diagnosis of ACO is based on the diagnosis of COPD (chronic airflow obstruction in an adult with significant smoking exposure), in addition to a current diagnosis of asthma and/or signficant eosinophilia.

Gender and skeletal muscle characteristics in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: The influence of gender in the clinical expression of COPD has received important attention. Limited information exists regarding gender differences in the skeletal muscle characteristics in COPD subjects. The present study was aimed to determine the differences in the skeletal muscle characteristics in men and women with and without COPD. METHODS: For comparison we studied 24 female (61 ± 9 years) and 30 male (65 ± 8 years) COPD patients with similar disease severity. In addition healthy subjects, 17 women (58 ± 8 years), and 9 men (57 ± 8 years) were studied. Pulmonary function, health status, six minute walk distance test (6MWD) and vastus lateralis muscle biopsy were assessed. Fiber type proportion, fiber type cross sectional area (CSA), capillary counts, and activity of citrate synthase (CS), 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA-dehydrogenase (HAD) and lactate-dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined. RESULTS: Pulmonary function, health status and 6MWD were similar in male and female COPD patients. Fiber type distribution was similar between women (I = 42 ± 9%, IIA = 39 ± 13%, IIX = 19 ± 7%) and men (I = 39 ± 13%, IIA = 38 ± 9%, IIX = 29 ± 10%) with COPD, as well as CSA, capillarity and enzymes (CS 8.59 ± 1.6 vs.9.74 ± 2.6, HAD 9.03 ± 1.9 vs. 9.84 ± 2.5, LDH 124 ± 48 vs. 151 ± 68 µmol min(-1) g(-1)). In normal subjects a decrease in type IIX fibers CSA was found in women compared with men (3703 ± 1478 vs. 5426 ± 1386 µm(2), respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Female and male with COPD have similar skeletal muscle characteristics; it is possible that the disease blurs the gender differences. On the other hand, there seems to be fewer differences in muscle characteristics between older men and women, perhaps due to lower male testosterone levels and physical inactivity.

[Lactate dehydrogenase isozymes in skeletal muscle of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]. / Isoenzimas de lactatodeshidrogenasa en el músculo esquelético de pacientes con EPOC.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in skeletal muscles are normal or tend to be elevated; on exercise, these levels increase more rapidly than in individuals without COPD. As it is likely that concentrations of LDH isozymes LDH(4) and LDH(5) are elevated in such patients, we measured those isozymes in peripheral muscle of patients with COPD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with COPD and 10 healthy nonsmokers were included in the study. Spirometry and the 6-minute walk test were performed, and a biopsy of the quadriceps muscle was taken to measure levels of both total LDH and LDH isozymes by agarose gel electrophoresis and to classify the types of muscle fibers. RESULTS: Controls and patients had similar concentrations of total LDH (mean [SE], 130 [30]micromol/min/g vs 152 [50]micromol/min/g, respectively) and LDH isozymes. A subgroup of 5 patients showed increased levels of isozymes LDH(1), LDH(2), and LDH(3), with decreased LDH(5) levels; these patients were women and had a lower oxygen saturation. The LDH(5) level was directly correlated with the 6-minute walk test and oxygen saturation. The percentage of type IIA fibers correlated directly with LDH(3) and LDH(4) concentrations whereas type IIX fibers were inversely correlated with LDH(3) concentration. CONCLUSION: Measurement of LDH isozyme concentrations enabled a subgroup of patients to be identified with a higher concentration of cardiac isoenzymes and lower concentration of muscle isoenzymes, a situation which might indicate adaptation that favors aerobic metabolism.

Isoenzimas de lactatodeshidrogenasa en el músculo esquelético de pacientes con EPOC / Lactate Dehydrogenase Isozymes in Skeletal Muscle of Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Introducción y objetivos. En los pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC), las cifras de la enzima lactatodeshidrogenasa (LDH) en los músculos esqueléticos son normales o tienen cierta tendencia a aumentar; cuando dichos pacientes hacen ejercicio, los valores se elevan más rápidamente que en personas sin la enfermedad. Es probable que las concentraciones de las isoenzimas 4 y 5 de la LDH puedan estar aumentadas en estos pacientes, por lo que se han determinado las isoenzimas de la LDH en el músculo periférico de pacientes con EPOC. Pacientes y métodose ha estudiado a 18 pacientes con EPOC y a 10 personas sanas no fumadoras. Se les realizaron pruebas de función pulmonar, la prueba de la marcha de 6min y biopsia del músculo cuádriceps para medir tanto la LDH total como las isoenzimas de la LDH por electroforesis en gel de agarosa, así como para clasificar los tipos de fibras. Resultadoslas concentraciones de LDH total (media¡Àerror estándar: 130¡À30 frente a 152¡À50¦Ìmol/min/g) y sus isoenzimas fueron similares en controles y pacientes. Un subgrupo de 5 pacientes mostró un aumento de las isoenzimas LDH1, LDH2 y LDH3, con disminución de la LDH5; estos pacientes eran mujeres y tenían menor saturación de oxígeno. El valor de la LDH5 se relacionó directamente con la prueba de la marcha de 6min y la saturación de oxígeno. El porcentaje de fibras IIA mostró una correlación directa con la concentración de LDH3 y LDH4, y las fibras IIX se relacionaron inversamente con la LDH3. Conclusión. A partir de las concentraciones de las isoenzimas de la LDH se pudo identificar a un subgrupo de pacientes con una concentración mayor de las isoenzimas cardíacas y menor de las musculares, lo que eventualmente podría representar una adaptación que favorezca el metabolismo aeróbico(AU)

Introduction and Objectives. In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in skeletal muscles are normal or tend to be elevated; on exercise, these levels increase more rapidly than in individuals without COPD. As it is likely that concentrations of LDH isozymes LDH4 and LDH5 are elevated in such patients, we measured those isozymes in peripheral muscle of patients with COPD. Patients and MethodsEighteen patients with COPD and 10 healthy nonsmokers were included in the study. Spirometry and the 6-minute walk test were performed, and a biopsy of the quadriceps muscle was taken to measure levels of both total LDH and LDH isozymes by agarose gel electrophoresis and to classify the types of muscle fibers. ResultsControls and patients had similar concentrations of total LDH (mean [SE], 130 [30]¦Ìmol/min/g vs 152 [50]¦Ìmol/min/g, respectively) and LDH isozymes. A subgroup of 5 patients showed increased levels of isozymes LDH1, LDH2, and LDH3, with decreased LDH5 levels; these patients were women and had a lower oxygen saturation. The LDH5 level was directly correlated with the 6-minute walk test and oxygen saturation. The percentage of type IIA fibers correlated directly with LDH3 and LDH4 concentrations whereas type IIX fibers were inversely correlated with LDH3 concentration. ConclusionMeasurement of LDH isozyme concentrations enabled a subgroup of patients to be identified with a higher concentration of cardiac isoenzymes and lower concentration of muscle isoenzymes, a situation which might indicate adaptation that favors aerobic metabolism(AU)

Peripheral muscle alterations in non-COPD smokers.

BACKGROUND: Although tobacco smoke is the main cause of COPD, relatively little attention has been paid to its potential damage to skeletal muscle. This article addresses the effect of smoking on skeletal muscle. METHODS: The vastus lateralis muscle was studied in 14 non-COPD smokers (FEV(1)/FVC, 78 +/- 5%) and 20 healthy control subjects (FEV(1)/FVC, 80 +/- 3%). Muscular structure, enzyme activity, constitutive and inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthases (endothelial NO oxide synthase [eNOS], neuronal NO synthase [nNOS] and inducible NO synthase [iNOS]), nitrites, nitrates, nitrotyrosine, and the presence of macrophages were analyzed. RESULTS: In smokers, type I muscle fibers cross-sectional area was decreased, and a similar trend was found in type IIa fibers. Lactate dehydrogenase levels and the percentage of fibers with low oxidative and high glycolytic capacity were increased in smokers. nNOS (96.9 +/- 11.7 vs 125.4 +/- 31.9 ng/mg protein; p < 0.01) and eNOS (38.9 +/- 11.0 vs 45.2 +/- 7.7 ng/mg protein [+/- SD]; p < 0.05) were lower in smokers, while fiber type distribution, capillarity measures, beta-hydroxy-acyl-CoA-dehydrogenase levels, iNOS, nitrite, nitrate, and nitrotyrosine levels, and macrophage number in the muscle tissue were similar to the nonsmoker subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Smokers presented some alterations of skeletal muscle such as oxidative fiber atrophy, increased glycolytic capacity, and reduced expression of the constitutive NO synthases (eNOS and nNOS). The findings support some muscular structural and metabolic damage but not the presence of local inflammation in the smokers. In addition, they suggest a possible effect of tobacco smoke impairing the normal process of NO generation.