Lower paraspinal muscle density is associated with small airway dysfunction in women with persistent asthma

Patients with asthma exhibit lower paraspinal muscle density (PSMD) which is reflective of increased skeletal muscle adiposity. Moreover, in women with persistent asthma, lower PSMD is associated with longitudinal decline in spirometry.(1) Notably in the same study however, there were no differences in baseline spirometry values according to PSMD. Pointedly, high intramuscular fat infiltration is associated with greater systemic leptin, lower systemic adiponectin and increased expression of tumour necrosis factor alpha, all of which have been implicated in asthma.(2) This is of particular interest as the targeted management of metabolic dysfunction provides another potential opportunity for reducing asthma exacerbations.(3)
Source: Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Tags: Letters Source Type: research