Investigation of the Obesity Paradox in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, According to Smoking Status, in the United States

Association between lipid accumulation product and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a cross-sectional analysis

BACKGROUND

Research indicates that obesity can worsen the clinical manifestations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Timely detection of COPD has the potential to enhance treatment results. This study seeks to investigate the association between a new metabolic indicator, the lipid accumulation product (LAP), and the risk of developing COPD.

METHODS

The observational analysis employs data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted from 2007 to 2016. Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore the association between LAP levels and COPD. Further analysis methods included subgroup analysis, smooth curve modeling, and threshold effect evaluation.

RESULTS

Within the sample of 12,089 individuals, 1,072 were diagnosed with COPD. A positive correlation between LAP levels and COPD risk was identified through logistic regression analysis, even after controlling for potential confounders. The analyses by subgroup showed an enhanced association in participants without hypertension. The smooth curve fitting analysis highlighted particular saturation effects of LAP, with significant inflection points identified at 65.5278 and a P-value of 0.013.

CONCLUSION

This study's findings suggest that elevated LAP levels are associated with an increased risk of COPD. It is suggested that dietary modifications and exercise routines be implemented to mitigate COPD risk in those with higher LAP levels.

Spirometric pattern and cardiovascular risk: a prospective study of 0.3 million Chinese never-smokers

Background

Existing studies have not provided robust evidence about the CVD risk of non-smoking patients with restrictive spirometric pattern (RSP) or airflow obstruction (AFO), and how the risk is modified by body shape. We aimed to bridge the gap.

Methods

We used never-smokers' data from the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) and performed Cox models by sex (278,953 females and 50,845 males). Spirometry was used to assess the baseline spirometric pattern. CVD outcomes were captured through multiple sources.

Findings

Females' results were presented primarily, though males' results were similar. During a median 12-year (maximum 14.5 years) follow-up, both RSP and AFO patients had increased risks of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), other ischaemic heart disease (other IHD), heart failure, pulmonary heart disease, arrhythmia, and intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). RSP was also associated with ischaemic stroke (IS). The HRs (95% CIs) for AFO in females ranged from 1.29 (1.15-1.45) for ICH to 8.84 (7.79-10.03) for pulmonary heart disease, while those for RSP ranged from 1.11 (1.08-1.15) for IS to 3.17 (2.80-3.59) for pulmonary heart disease. These risks increased with the severity of AFO and reduced FVC. RSP/AFO was more strongly associated with other IHD, heart failure, and pulmonary heart disease in underweight females than in normal and obese counterparts, respectively.

Interpretation

With the confounding of smoking fully controlled, both RSP and AFO were associated with higher risks of various CVD outcomes, which further increased with the severity of AFO and reduced FVC. These associations were even stronger in underweight individuals.

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Key Research and Development Program of China, Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China, Kadoorie Charitable Foundation, UK Wellcome Trust, UK Medical Research Council, Cancer Research UK, and British Heart Foundation.

Longitudinal analysis of adiponectin to leptin and apolipoprotein B to A1 ratios as markers of future airflow obstruction and lung function decline

Previous studies suggest associations between the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and adiponectin/leptin (ALR) and apolipoprotein B/A1 (APOR) ratios. This longitudinal observational study, using data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES), examined the rate of lung function decline, risk factors for the airflow obstruction (AFO), and the time to first AFO based on ALR and APOR groups. Among 5578 participants, high ALR and low APOR were associated with rapid decline in lung function and a shorter time to the first AFO. The high ALR group and the combined high ALR and low APOR group showed higher risk of experiencing AFO both at least once (RR 1.46, 95% CI 1.12-1.90; RR 1.74, 95% CI 1.23-2.46, respectively) and at the final follow up (RR 1.44, 95% CI 1.05-1.96; RR 1.72, 95% CI 1.14-2.60, respectively). High ALR and the combined high ALR and low APOR were identified as risk factors for earlier time to first AFO. This study highlights the potential of ALR and APOR as makers for predicting the risk of future airflow obstruction.

BMI moderates the relationship between depression and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A cross‑sectional survey

BACKGROUND

Prior research has established a connection between depression and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the influence of age and BMI on this association remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

We used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database to explore the relationship between depression and COPD, and to investigate whether age and Body mass index (BMI) act as moderators in this relationship.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 10,940 participants in the NHANES database. Depression served as the independent variable. COPD status served as the outcome variable. We employed multivariable logistic regression to examine the relationship between depression and COPD.

RESULTS

Of the 10,940 respondents surveyed, about 3.9 % had COPD and 8.5 % had depression. The prevalence of depression in COPD patients was significantly greater than the prevalence of overall respondents (21.1 % VS.8.5 %). We found that the association between depression and COPD was mediated by BMI status. Controlling for other covariates, the association between depression and COPD increased significantly. For the underweight group, the impact of depression on the risk of COPD was lower compared to the normal BMI group.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms a significant association between depression and COPD, with BMI serving as a moderator. These findings enhance our understanding of the complex interplay between depression and COPD and underscore the importance of considering individual physical health characteristics in clinical assessments. The results have significant implications for clinical practice and public health policymaking.

Genetically Predicted Body Mass Index and Mortality in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Rationale: Body mass index (BMI) is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mortality, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. The effect of genetic variants aggregated into a polygenic score may elucidate the causal mechanisms and predict risk. Objectives: To examine the associations of genetically predicted BMI with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in COPD. Methods: We developed a polygenic score (PGS) for BMI (PGSBMI) and tested for associations of the PGSBMI with all-cause, respiratory, and cardiovascular mortality in participants with COPD from the COPDGene (Genetic Epidemiology of COPD), ECLIPSE (Evaluation of COPD Longitudinally to Identify Predictive Surrogate End-points), and Framingham Heart studies. We calculated the difference between measured BMI and PGS-predicted BMI (BMIdiff) and categorized participants into groups of discordantly low (BMIdiff <20th percentile), concordant (BMIdiff between the 20th and 80th percentiles), and discordantly high (BMIdiff >80th percentile) BMI. We applied Cox models, examined potential nonlinear associations of the PGSBMI and BMIdiff with mortality, and summarized results with meta-analysis. Measurements and Main Results: We observed significant nonlinear associations of measured BMI and BMIdiff, but not PGSBMI, with all-cause mortality. In meta-analyses, a one-standard deviation increase in the PGSBMI was associated with an increased hazard for cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-1.49), but not for respiratory or all-cause mortality. Compared with participants with concordant measured and genetically predicted BMI, those with discordantly low BMI had higher risks for all-cause mortality (HR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.41-1.74) and respiratory death (HR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.61-2.51). Conclusions: In people with COPD, a higher genetically predicted BMI is associated with higher cardiovascular mortality but not respiratory mortality. Individuals with a discordantly low BMI have higher all-cause and respiratory mortality rates than those with a concordant BMI.

The impact of body mass index on mortality in COPD: an updated dose-response meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The obesity paradox is a well-established clinical conundrum in COPD patients. This study aimed to provide an updated analysis of the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and mortality in this population.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted through Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science. International BMI cut-offs were employed to define underweight, overweight and obesity. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, and the secondary outcome was respiratory and cardiovascular mortality.

RESULTS

120 studies encompassed a total of 1 053 272 patients. Underweight status was associated with an increased risk of mortality, while overweight and obesity were linked to a reduced risk of mortality. A nonlinear U-shaped relationship was observed between BMI and all-cause mortality, respiratory mortality and cardiovascular mortality. Notably, an inflection point was identified at BMI 28.75 kg·m-2 (relative risk 0.83, 95% CI 0.80-0.86), 30.25 kg·m-2 (relative risk 0.51, 95% CI 0.40-0.65) and 27.5 kg·m-2 (relative risk 0.76, 95% CI 0.64-0.91) for all-cause, respiratory and cardiovascular mortality, respectively, and beyond which the protective effect began to diminish.

CONCLUSION

This study augments the existing body of evidence by confirming a U-shaped relationship between BMI and mortality in COPD patients. It underscores the heightened influence of BMI on respiratory and cardiovascular mortality compared to all-cause mortality. The protective effect of BMI was lost when BMI values exceeded 35.25 kg·m-2, 35 kg·m-2 and 31 kg·m-2 for all-cause, respiratory and cardiovascular mortality, respectively.

Practical Guidelines by the Andalusian Group for Nutrition Reflection and Investigation (GARIN) on Nutritional Management of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Review

Malnutrition is common in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and is associated with worse lung function and greater severity. This review by the Andalusian Group for Nutrition Reflection and Investigation (GARIN) addresses the nutritional management of adult COPD patients, focusing on Morphofunctional Nutritional Assessment and intervention in clinical practice. A systematic literature search was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, followed by critical appraisal based on Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guidelines. Recommendations were graded according to the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) system. The results were discussed among GARIN members, with consensus determined using a Likert scale. A total of 24 recommendations were made: 2(A), 6(B), 2(O), and 14(GPP). Consensus exceeded 90% for 17 recommendations and was 75-90% for 7. The care of COPD patients is approached from a nutritional perspective, emphasizing nutritional screening, morphofunctional assessment, and food intake in early disease stages. Nutritional interventions include dietary advice, recommendations on food group intake, and the impact of specialized nutritional treatment, particularly oral nutritional supplements. Other critical aspects, such as physical activity and quality of life, are also analyzed. These recommendations provide practical guidance for managing COPD patients nutritionally in clinical practice.

Associations of obesity with chronic inflammatory airway diseases and mortality in adults: a population-based investigation

BACKGROUND

The association between obesity and respiratory diseases has been confirmed. However, few studies have reported the relationship between obesity and the risk and mortality of chronic inflammatory airway disease (CIAD). The aim of this study was to reveal the association between obesity and the risk of CIAD, and mortality in patients with CIAD.

METHODS

The study was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013 to 2018 among adults aged 20 years and above. All participants were grouped according to body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) levels to study the relationship between obesity and CIAD. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized to examine the connection between CIAD and obesity in a cross-sectional study. The association between obesity and all-cause mortality in individuals with CIAD was examined using multiple cox regression models and smooth curve fitting in a prospective cohort study.

RESULTS

When stratified based on BMI in comparison to the normal weight group, the ORs with 95%CIs of CIAD for underweight and obesity were 1.39 (1.01-1.93) and 1.42 (1.27-1.58), respectively. The OR with 95%CI of CIAD for obesity was 1.20 (1.09-1.31) when stratified according to WC. Additionally, underweight was associated with a higher mortality (HR = 2.44, 95% CI = 1.31-4.55), whereas overweight (HR = 0.58,95% CI = 0.39-0.87) and obesity (HR = 0.59,95% CI = 0.4-0.87) were associated with a lower mortality (P for trend < 0.05). There was a non-linear association between BMI and all-cause mortality (P for non-linear = 0.001). An analysis of a segmentation regression model between BMI and all-cause mortality revealed a BMI turning point value of 32.4 kg/m2. The mortality of CIAD patients was lowest when BMI was 32.4 kg/m2. When BMI ≤ 32.4 kg/m2, BMI was inversely associated with all-cause mortality in patients with CIAD (HR: 0.92, 95%CI:0.88-0.97). However, when BMI > 32.4 kg/m2, there was no association between BMI and all-cause mortality (HR:1.02, 95%CI:0.97-1.06).

CONCLUSION

Compared to normal weight, underweight and obesity were associated with the increased risk of CIAD. Underweight was associated with increased all-cause mortality, while overweight was associated with reduced all-cause mortality. There was a non-linear association between BMI and all-cause mortality in patients with CIAD. The all-cause mortality was lowest when BMI was 32.4 kg/m2.

Impact of Body Mass Index on All-Cause Mortality in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Obesity is a risk factor for many diseases, diagnosed by calculating body mass index (BMI). Methods: To find an association between BMI and mortality in adults, we searched PubMed for articles published in the 21st century. Our review included 82 original studies, comprising 2.7 million patients and 23.4 million patient years. Results: The meta-analysis showed a U-shaped relationship between BMI and all-cause mortality risk, with the lowest mortality in the BMI range of 25-30 kg/m2. Subgroup analysis showed a J-shaped relationship, with greater risk in the highest BMI range (>35 kg/m2). Among the elderly, BMI values <20 kg/m2 were associated with the highest risk. Among diabetic patients, a U-shaped relationship was noticed, again with the highest risk in the lowest (<20 kg/m2) and highest BMI range (>35 kg/m2). Among patients with cardiovascular disease, the risk increased with BMI values <25 kg/m2 but did not noticeably change for BMI exceeding that value. Among cancer patients, the relationship was less pronounced than in other subgroups, with a slightly higher risk (>35 kg/m2). Conclusions: Our results show that the lowest mortality is observed among patients with BMI 25-30 kg/m2. Reduction of body mass should not be a universal recommendation in clinical practice, but it should be individualized.

Association of serum testosterone with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a nationally representative sample of White, Black, and Hispanic men

BACKGROUND

The association between total testosterone (T) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), remains poorly understood. We aim to investigate this association and how it varies by smoking status, body fatness, and race/ethnicity in a nationally representative sample of American men.

METHODS

Data included a full sample (NHANES 1988-1991, 1999-2004, 2011-2012) and subset sample (excluding 2011-2012, no estradiol and SHBG levels available) of 2748 and 906 men (≥20 years), respectively. COPD was measured by self-report or spirometry test. Total T (ng/mL) was measured among men who participated in a morning examination session. Weighted multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models were conducted.

RESULTS

Low T was positively associated with self-reported COPD in the full sample (OR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.18-3.74, Ptrend = 0.010), and when stratified by current smokers and body fatness. When examined across race and ethnicity strata, this association persisted among White men (OR = 2.50, 95% CI = 1.30-4.79, Ptrend = 0.002) but not among Hispanic or Black men. In the subset sample, low T was positively associated with self-reported COPD (OR = 1.42, 95% CI, 0.57,3.55, Ptrend = 0.04), including among smokers and White men, but not body fatness. No significant associations were observed with COPD defined with spirometry plus self-report.

CONCLUSION

Low levels of T were associated with an increased prevalence of self-reported COPD in the full and subset samples. Similar associations were observed after stratifying by smoking status, body fatness, and race/ethnicity in the full sample and subset sample. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm these significant associations among understudied and underserved populations.

Metabolically Abnormal Non-Obese Phenotype Is Significantly Associated with All-Cause Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients

The association between obesity and all-cause mortality in patients undergoing kidney failure with replacement therapy (KFRT) has shown conflicting results. This study aimed to evaluate whether metabolic abnormalities (MA) increase the risk of all-cause mortality in these patients. Between 2009 and 2015, 1141 patients undergoing KFRT were recruited from the Clinical Research Center for End-Stage Renal Disease dataset. Patients were divided into four groups according to the presence of obesity and MA. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed to determine the association between the phenotypes and all-cause mortality. During a mean follow-up of 4.2 years, all-cause mortality was observed in 491 (43.0%) patients. Obesity had a 24% decreased risk of all-cause mortality compared with non-obesity. In contrast, the presence of MA showed a 1.53-fold increased risk of all-cause mortality. There was a significant interaction between obesity and MA (p = 0.006). In Cox proportional hazard analyses after adjustment of confounding factors, the metabolically abnormal non-obesity (MANO) phenotype showed a 1.63-fold increased risk of all-cause mortality compared with the metabolically healthy non-obesity phenotype. In subgroup analysis, the risk of all-cause mortality was higher in the MANO phenotype; this phenotype was significantly associated with a higher all-cause mortality in patients undergoing KFRT.

CT-Derived Deep Learning-Based Quantification of Body Composition Associated with Disease Severity in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Purpose

Our study aimed to evaluate the association between automated quantified body composition on CT and pulmonary function or quantitative lung features in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Materials and Methods

A total of 290 patients with COPD were enrolled in this study. The volume of muscle and subcutaneous fat, area of muscle and subcutaneous fat at T12, and bone attenuation at T12 were obtained from chest CT using a deep learning-based body segmentation algorithm. Parametric response mapping-derived emphysema (PRMemph), PRM-derived functional small airway disease (PRMfSAD), and airway wall thickness (AWT)-Pi10 were quantitatively assessed. The association between body composition and outcomes was evaluated using Pearson's correlation analysis.

Results

The volume and area of muscle and subcutaneous fat were negatively associated with PRMemph and PRMfSAD (p < 0.05). Bone density at T12 was negatively associated with PRMemph (r = -0.1828, p = 0.002). The volume and area of subcutaneous fat and bone density at T12 were positively correlated with AWT-Pi10 (r = 0.1287, p = 0.030; r = 0.1668, p = 0.005; r = 0.1279, p = 0.031). However, muscle volume was negatively correlated with the AWT-Pi10 (r = -0.1966, p = 0.001). Muscle volume was significantly associated with pulmonary function (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Body composition, automatically assessed using chest CT, is associated with the phenotype and severity of COPD.

Obesity Paradox in Lung Diseases: What Explains It?

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a globally increasing health problem that impacts multiple organ systems and a potentially modifiable risk factor for many diseases. Obesity has a significant impact on lung function and is strongly linked to the pathophysiology that contributes to lung diseases. On the other hand, reports have emerged that obesity is associated with a better prognosis than for normal weight individuals in some lung diseases, including pneumonia, acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. The lesser mortality and better prognosis in patients with obesity is known as obesity paradox. While obesity paradox is both recognized and disputed in epidemiological studies, recent research has suggested possible mechanisms.

SUMMARY

In this review, we attempted to explain and summarize these factors and mechanisms, including immune response, pulmonary fibrosis, lung function, microbiota, fat and muscle reserves, which are significantly altered by obesity and may contribute to the obesity paradox in lung diseases. We also discuss contrary literature that attributes the "obesity paradox" to confounding.

KEY MESSAGES

The review will illustrate the possible role of obesity in the prognosis or course of lung diseases, leading to a better understanding of the obesity paradox and provide hints for further basic and clinical research in lung diseases.

BMI moderates the association between adverse childhood experiences and COPD

OBJECTIVES

Cigarette smoking and obesity are leading risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although studies have established an association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and COPD, few studies have examined whether this association is moderated by cigarette smoking or body mass index (BMI). This cross-sectional study examined the association between ACEs and COPD, and whether cigarette smoking or BMI moderates this association.

METHODS

Data for this study came from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. An analytic sample of 75,700 adults aged 18-79 years (50.7% female) were analyzed using binary logistic regression. The outcome variable investigated was self-reported physician-diagnosed COPD, and the main explanatory variable was ACEs.

RESULTS

Of the 75,700 respondents examined, 8.1% had COPD. About one in three (33.6%) respondents had no ACEs, 23.1% had one ACE, and about one in five (20.2%) had four or more ACEs. In the multivariable binary logistic regression, we found that the association between ACEs and COPD differs by BMI status. Controlling for the effects of other factors, the association between ACEs and COPD is strongest for respondents who are obese (AOR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.04-1.91).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study demonstrate that ACEs are associated with COPD later in adulthood, and BMI moderated this association. The findings of this study add to the number of studies demonstrating the adverse impact of ACEs on chronic health outcomes among adults.

High-Density Lipoproteins: A Role in Inflammation in COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a widespread disease associated with high rates of disability and mortality. COPD is characterized by chronic inflammation in the bronchi as well as systemic inflammation, which contributes significantly to the clinically heterogeneous course of the disease. Lipid metabolism disorders are common in COPD, being a part of its pathogenesis. High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are not only involved in lipid metabolism, but are also part of the organism's immune and antioxidant defense. In addition, HDL is a versatile transport system for endogenous regulatory agents and is also involved in the removal of exogenous substances such as lipopolysaccharide. These functions, as well as information about lipoprotein metabolism disorders in COPD, allow a broader assessment of their role in the pathogenesis of heterogeneous and comorbid course of the disease.

The Obesity Paradox in Chronic Heart Disease and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Obesity in recent years has become an epidemic. A high body mass index (BMI) is one of today's most crucial population health indicators. BMI does not directly quantify body fat but correlates well with easier body fat measurements. Like smoking, obesity impacts multiple organ systems and is a major modifiable risk factor for countless diseases. Despite this, reports have emerged that obesity positively impacts the prognosis of patients with chronic illnesses such as chronic heart failure (CHF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a phenomenon known as the Obesity Paradox. This article attempts to explain and summarize this phenomenon.

As it stands, two theories explain this paradox. The muscle mass hypothesis states that obese patients are better adapted to tide through acute exacerbations due to increased reserve because of greater muscle mass. The other theory focuses on brown adipose tissue and its anti-inflammatory effects on the body.

We performed a literature review on research articles published in English from 1983 to the present in the following databases - PubMed, Elsevier, and Google Scholar. The following search strings and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms were used: "Obesity," "Heart Failure," "COPD," and "Cardio-Respiratory Fitness." In this review, we looked at the obesity paradox in Heart Failure and COPD. We summarized the current literature on the Obesity Paradox and reviewed its relationship with Cardio-Respiratory Fitness.

Respiratory Effects of Treatment with a Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist in Patients Suffering from Obesity and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Purpose

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects millions of people worldwide. Obesity is commonly seen concomitantly with COPD. People with COPD have reduced quality of life, reduced physical activity, chronic respiratory symptoms, and may suffer from frequent clinical exacerbations. Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) approved for weight loss and treatment of type-2 diabetes mellitus. In addition, liraglutide exerts anti-inflammatory actions by reducing IL-6 and MCP-1 levels. We investigated the effect of liraglutide on pulmonary function in people suffering from obesity and COPD.

Patients and Methods

In this controlled, double-blind trial, 40 people with obesity and COPD from two outpatient clinics were allocated randomly to receive liraglutide (3.0 mg, s.c.) or placebo (s.c.) for 40 weeks. At baseline and after 4, 20, 40, and 44 weeks, participants underwent pulmonary-function tests, 6-min walking test, and replied to a questionnaire regarding the clinical impact of COPD (COPD assessment test (CAT)-score).

Results

Compared with placebo, liraglutide use resulted in significant weight loss, increased forced vital capacity (FVC) and carbon monoxide diffusion capacity, and improved CAT-score. We found no significant changes in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), FEV₁/FVC, or 6-min walking distance.

Conclusion

In patients suffering from obesity and COPD, 40 weeks of treatment with liraglutide improved some measures of pulmonary function. Our study suggests that liraglutide at 3.0 mg may be appropriate treatment in patients with obesity and COPD.

Efficacy of nalmefene with noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation on elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease combining with type II respiratory failure

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the therapeutic effect of nalmefene combined with noninvasive positive-pressure mechanical ventilation (NIPPV) on elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) complicated with type II respiratory failure and to explore its influence on TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, data of 106 COPD patients with type II respiratory failure were collected and divided into a research group and a control group based on different treatment, with 53 cases in each group. Both groups were given NIPPV. Besides, the control group was treated with conventional therapy and the research group was treated with nalmefene for 7 days. The changes of heart rate, respiratory rate, clinical efficacy, pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), serum inflammatory parameters, levels of TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway related molecules and the incidences of adverse reactions of both groups were compared.

RESULTS

After treatment, the heart rate, respiratory rate, PAP, IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations in both groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05). The levels of PaO₂ and SaO₂ were higher and the levels of PaCO₂ were lower than those before treatment in both groups (P<0.05). The expression levels of TGF-β1 and Smad2 in the research group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). And all the above indicators in the research group were better than those in the control group after treatment (P<0.05). Besides, the incidence of adverse reactions in the research group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Nalmefene combined with NIPPV can significantly improve the level of PaO₂ and reduce inflammatory response in elderly COPD patients with type II respiratory failure, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of TGF-β1 and Smads expressions.

Dynamic Metabolic Risk Profiling of World Trade Center Lung Disease: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

Rationale: Metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) increases the risk of World Trade Center (WTC) lung injury (LI). However, the temporal relationship of MetSyn, exposure intensity, and lung dysfunction is not well understood. Objective: To model the association of longitudinal MetSyn characteristics with WTC lung disease to define modifiable risk. Methods: Firefighters, for whom consent was obtained (N = 5,738), were active duty on September 11, 2001 (9/11). WTC-LI (n = 1,475; FEV₁% predicted <lower limit of normal [LLN]) and non-WTC-LI (n = 4,263; FEV₁% predicted ⩾LLN at all exams) was the primary outcome, and FVC% predicted <LLN and FEV₁/FVC <0.70 were secondary outcomes. We assessed 1) the effect of concurrent MetSyn on longitudinal lung function by linear mixed models, 2) the temporal effect of MetSyn and exposure by Weibull proportional hazards, 3) the effects of MetSyn's rate of change by two-stage models, and 4) the nonlinear joint effect of longitudinal MetSyn components by a partially linear single-index model (PLSI). Measurements and Main Results: WTC-LI cases were more often ever-smokers, arrived in the morning (9/11), and had MetSyn. Body mass index ⩾30 kg/m² and high-density lipoprotein <40 mg/dl were most contributory to concurrent loss of FEV₁% predicted and FVC% predicted while conserving FEV₁/FVC. Body mass index ⩾30 kg/m² and dyslipidemia significantly predicted WTC-LI, FVC% predicted <LLN in a Weibull proportional hazards model. Dynamic risk assessment of WTC-LI on the basis of MetSyn and exposure showed how reduction of MetSyn factors further reduces WTC-LI likelihood in susceptible populations. PLSI demonstrates that MetSyn has a nonlinear relationship with WTC lung disease, and increases in cumulative MetSyn risk factors exponentially increase WTC-LI risk. An interactive metabolic-risk modeling application was developed to simplify PLSI interpretation. Conclusions: MetSyn and WTC exposure contribute to the development of lung disease. Dynamic risk assessment may be used to encourage treatment of MetSyn in susceptible populations. Future studies will focus on dietary intervention as a disease modifier.

Analytic Morphomics Are Related to Outcomes After Lung Volume Reduction Surgery

:Lung volume reduction surgery continues to have a high morbidity despite National Emphysema Treatment Trial selection criteria. This study evaluated the association between analytic morphomics on chest computed tomography scans and outcomes after lung volume reduction surgery. In a retrospective review of 85 lung volume reduction surgery patients from 1998-2013, dorsal muscle group area, subcutaneous and visceral fat area, and bone mineral density were assessed using analytic morphomics. Lung density was divided into five levels of increasing density (Lung density 1, emphysema; 2, normal lung; 4-5, scarring). Outcomes including survival, hospital length of stay, readmission at 30 days, and pulmonary complications were analyzed using univariate and multivariable techniques. Pulmonary complications developed in 27.1% (23/85). Mortality at 90 days was 9.4% (8/85). On multivariable analysis, lower bone mineral density (Odds ratio 0.61; 95% confidence interval 0.39-0.95) was associated with decreased survival, longer length of stay (0.83; 0.77-0.89), and readmissions (0.39; 0.15-1.00). Higher lung density 5:lung density 2 volume (1.84; 1.05-3.23), possibly due to scarring, was associated with pulmonary complications and longer length of stay (1.32; 1.23-1.41) while lower subcutaneous fat area:height was associated with readmissions which may reflect decreased metabolic reserve (0.35; 0.13-0.93). Patients with signs of frailty including lower bone mineral density may be at increased risk of adverse outcomes including decreased survival after lung volume reduction surgery. The results of this hypothesis-generating study will need to be confirmed in larger, multicenter trials to determine whether analytic morphomics can improve risk stratification and patient selection.

Quantitative Analysis of Adipose Depots by Using Chest CT and Associations with All-Cause Mortality in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Longitudinal Analysis from MESArthritis Ancillary Study

Background Obesity and sarcopenia are associated with mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Routine chest CT examinations may allow assessment of obesity and sarcopenia by soft-tissue markers for predicting risks of mortality. Purpose To investigate associations between soft-tissue markers subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), and pectoralis muscle (PM) index from chest CT with mortality in participants with COPD. Materials and Methods In this secondary analysis of a prospectively enrolled cohort from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, participants with available chest CT in 2010-2012 were included. CT examinations were analyzed to determine SAT, IMAT (within PM), and PM areas. The spirometry evaluations were used to establish COPD diagnosis. Mortality data were extracted from the National Death Index (April 2010 to December 2017). The correlations of the soft-tissue markers with fat mass index were studied. The associations of these markers and risks of mortality in participants with COPD were assessed by using Cox proportional-hazard models adjusted for confounders. Results Among 2994 participants who were included (mean age, 69 years ± 9 [standard deviation]; 1551 women), 265 had COPD (9%; mean age, 72 years ± 9; 162 men) and 49 participants with COPD (18%) died during follow-up. The SAT, IMAT, and PM areas had moderate-to-excellent reliabilities (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.88-0.99). In the 2994 participants, the SAT (ρ = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.78, 0.81; P < .001) and IMAT indexes (ρ = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.41; P < .001) were correlated with fat mass index. Those with COPD and higher SAT index had lower risks of mortality (hazard ratio, 0.2; 95% CI: 0.1, 0.4; P < .001, per doubling), whereas a higher IMAT index was associated with a higher risk of mortality (hazard ratio, 1.4; 95% CI: 1.0, 1.9; P = .04, per doubling). Conclusion Soft-tissue markers were reliably obtained by using chest CT performed for lung assessment. In participants with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a high intermuscular adipose tissue index was associated with a higher risk of mortality than was a high subcutaneous adipose tissue index. © RSNA, 2021 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Sverzellati and Cademartiri in this issue.

Participation of ABCA1 Transporter in Pathogenesis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the important medical and social problem. According to modern concepts, COPD is a chronic inflammatory disease, macrophages play a key role in its pathogenesis. Macrophages are heterogeneous in their functions, which is largely determined by their immunometabolic profile, as well as the features of lipid homeostasis, in which the ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) plays an essential role. The objective of this work is the analysis of the ABCA1 protein participation and the function of reverse cholesterol transport in the pathogenesis of COPD. The expression of the ABCA1 gene in lung tissues takes the second place after the liver, which indicates the important role of the carrier in lung function. The participation of the transporter in the development of COPD consists in provision of lipid metabolism, regulation of inflammation, phagocytosis, and apoptosis. Violation of the processes in which ABCA1 is involved may be a part of the pathophysiological mechanisms, leading to the formation of a heterogeneous clinical course of the disease.

Higher BMI Confers a Long-Term Functional Status Advantage in Elderly New Zealand European Stroke Patients

OBJECTIVE

Obesity is a risk factor for ischaemic stroke but provides a survival advantage. The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and long-term function is less clear. The presence of an obesity paradox can inform clinical care and identify vulnerable patients who need additional support post-stroke.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study used linked health administrative data of a population based cohort of adult patients who experienced an ischaemic stroke between 2012 and 2017 in New Zealand. Patient demographics were obtained from the National Minimum Dataset (NMDS). BMI and Activities of Daily Living scores (ADLs) for the same patients were obtained from the International Resident Assessment Instrument (InterRAI™).

RESULTS

Linked data was obtained for 3731 patients. Ninety-five percent of the cohort were aged 65 or older and the average age of stroke was 84.5 years. The majority of patients (55%) identified as New Zealand European. Beta regression indicated BMI and European ethnicity were negatively associated with ADL score. Univariate analysis confirmed patients with underweight stroke had significantly higher ADL scores than other BMI categories (p<0.001), however functional status for patients with overweight and obesity were comparable. Further, Asian and Pacific Peoples had higher ADL scores than Europeans (p<0.05). A higher BMI was advantageous to all ADL subscores.

CONCLUSION

An abridged obesity paradox was evident in our cohort of stroke patients where a BMI in the overweight, but not obese range conferred a long-term functional status advantage. Collectively these results suggest underweight and non-European patients may require additional supportive clinical care post-stroke.

The Impact of Diabetes Mellitus in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Hospitalization

(1) Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been shown to have adverse inflammatory effects on lung anatomy and physiology. We investigated the impact of DM on COPD patient outcomes during inpatient hospitalization. (2) Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) over the years 2002–2014. Three groups, COPD without diabetes, COPD with diabetes but no complication, and COPD with DM and complication, were analyzed. (3) Results: A total of 7,498,577 were COPD hospitalization; of those, 1,799,637 had DM without complications, and 483,467 had DM with complications. After adjusting for clinical, demographic, and comorbidities, the odds of increased LOS in the COPD/DM with complication were 1.37 (confidence interval (CI): 1.326–1.368), and those of DM without complication were 1.061 (1.052–1.070) when compared with COPD alone. The odds of pneumonia, respiratory failure, stroke, and acute kidney injury were also higher in COPD hospitalizations with DM. Both DM with complication (odds ratio (OR): 0.751 (CI 0.727–0.777)) and DM without complication (OR: 0.635 (CI: 0.596–0.675)) have lesser odds of mortality during hospitalization than with COPD alone. (4) Conclusions: There is a considerable inpatient burden among COPD patients with DM in the United States.

A Dyadic Growth Modeling Approach for Examining Associations Between Weight Gain and Lung Function Decline

The relationship between body weight and lung function is complex. Using a dyadic multilevel linear modeling approach, treating body mass index (BMI; weight (kg)/height (m)2) and lung function as paired, within-person outcomes, we tested the hypothesis that persons with more rapid increase in BMI exhibit more rapid decline in lung function, as measured by forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and their ratio (FEV1:FVC). Models included random intercepts and slopes and adjusted for sociodemographic and smoking-related factors. A sample of 9,115 adults with paired measurements of BMI and lung function taken at ≥3 visits were selected from a pooled set of 5 US population-based cohort studies (1983-2018; mean age at baseline = 46 years; median follow-up, 19 years). At age 46 years, average annual rates of change in BMI, FEV1, FVC, and FEV1:FVC ratio were 0.22 kg/m2/year, -25.50 mL/year, -21.99 mL/year, and -0.24%/year, respectively. Persons with steeper BMI increases had faster declines in FEV1 (r = -0.16) and FVC (r = -0.26) and slower declines in FEV1:FVC ratio (r = 0.11) (all P values < 0.0001). Results were similar in subgroup analyses. Residual correlations were negative (P < 0.0001), suggesting additional interdependence between BMI and lung function. Results show that greater rates of weight gain are associated with greater rates of lung function loss.