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 obstructivepulmonary disease (COPD). Although inflammatory markers, body composition, and nutritionalstatus have a significant impact on pulmonary function, the real contribution of adipocytokines andmyokines 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, respiratoryfunction, 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 aresignificantly increased whereas the 6 min walk test (6MWT) and physical functioning scores aresignificantly decreased in COPD versus controls. A significant positive relationship is found betweenleptin and fat mass and between 6MWT and the good health indicators of nutritional status. A significantinverse 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 functionalexercise capacity assessed with 6MWT. Taken altogether, the results of this pilot study further supportthe role played by body composition and adipocytokines on exercise capacity respiratory functionand QoL in COPD.