Circulating miRNAs from imprinted genomic regions are associated with peripheral muscle strength in COPD patients

Reduced muscle mass and strength are common comorbidities of COPD that lead to a poorer quality of life and are associated with increased mortality. Whilst the presence of disease may be viewed as a ‘necessary’ factor for the loss of muscle mass and strength, disease severity itself is not tightly linked to muscle loss, as some patients with mild disease have a significant loss of muscle mass and strength, whereas others with severe disease appear to maintain a normal muscle mass and strength [1]. These differences in susceptibility to changes in muscle are likely to be caused by the interplay between genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors.