COPD and Muscle Troubles: The Mitochondria Connection

Skeletal muscle dysfunction (SMD) is a serious problem for folks with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It affects how well they get better and live their lives. Mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells, play a big role in this. They keep their networks in check through something called mitochondrial quality control (MQC). This process involves making new mitochondria, changing their shape, and getting rid of faulty ones. When this system is messed up, mitochondria can get damaged. This is a big deal because it can harm both the structure and function of skeletal muscles in COPD patients. In people with COPD, mitochondria in their muscles go through some changes. They often have fewer mitochondria and make less of them. The balance between mitochondria splitting and joining up also gets thrown off. Plus, the process of clearing out old mitochondria (mitophagy) doesn't work like it should. But scientists aren't quite sure how these changes connect to the muscle damage and problems experienced by COPD patients. This review looks at how the MQC system might be affecting muscle issues like muscle loss, problems with muscle growth and repair, and how long muscles can keep going aerobically in COPD patients. It also talks about possible ways to target the MQC system to improve muscle function and quality of life.