For COPD Awareness Month 2024, we will be taking a closer look at some of the most popular COPD articles recently published in the leading pulmonology journals.

The Impact of Changing Race-Specific Equations for Lung Function Tests among Veterans with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

  • Annals of the American Thoracic Society
  • September 2024
  • The American Thoracic Society has recommended the use of a single reference equation for spirometry, however, the potential impact on patients remains uncertain. The objective of this study is to assess the potential effects of transitioning to a single reference equation among veterans diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
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Impact of Dyspnea on Adults with Respiratory Symptoms Without a Defined Diagnosis

  • CHEST
  • September 2024
  • The researchers conducted a study on dyspnea, exploring its associated risk factors and its effects on healthcare utilization, quality of life, and work productivity in adults experiencing undiagnosed respiratory symptoms.
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A Research Agenda to Improve Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Cardiovascular Disease. An Official American Thoracic Society Research Statement

  • American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
  • August 2024
  • Individuals diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) frequently face an increased risk of developing comorbid cardiovascular disease, which significantly heightens their likelihood of succumbing to cardiovascular-related complications.
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Sex-biased Regulation of Extracellular Matrix Genes in COPD

  • American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology
  • August 2024
  • In comparison to men, women frequently experience the onset of COPD at a younger age and with more severe respiratory symptoms, even though they have lower exposure to smoking. Despite these significant differences, many preventive and therapeutic approaches fail to consider the biological distinctions in COPD between genders. The objective of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the specific gene regulatory mechanisms in lung tissue and the molecular foundations for the variations in the onset and severity of COPD.
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Increased Pneumonia Risk Associated with Concomitant Use of Inhaled Corticosteroids and Benzodiazepines: A Pharmacovigilance Analysis

  • Lung
  • August 2024
  • Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) have been proven to be effective in the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), however, they have been linked to an increased risk of pneumonia. Similarly, benzodiazepines (BZD), often prescribed for comorbid psychiatric disorders in patients with asthma or COPD, have also been associated with pneumonia. This study aims to explore the potential risk of pneumonia associated with the concurrent use of ICS and BZD.
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Pulmonary Vascular Diseases at High Altitude – Is it Safe to Live in the Mountains?

  • Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine
  • September 2024
  • This review examines the health implications of living at high altitudes and experiencing chronic hypoxia, with a specific focus on pulmonary hypertension. As the global population continues to grow in high-altitude regions, it is imperative to comprehend these effects for the development of public health interventions and clinical management strategies.
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The FAM13A Long Isoform Regulates Cilia Movement and Coordination in Airway Mucociliary Transport

  • American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology
  • August 2024
  • Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the locus are commonly associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory diseases. However, the physiological role of FAM13A remains unclear. In humans, two major protein isoforms are expressed at the locus: long and short. Yet, their functions remain unknown, partly due to a lack of isoform conservation in mice. This study involved a detailed characterization of organotypic primary human airway epithelial cell subsets. We found that multiciliated cells predominantly express the FAM13A long isoform, which contains a putative N-terminal Rho GTPase-activating protein (RhoGAP) domain. Through the use of purified proteins, we were able to directly demonstrate the RhoGAP activity of this domain.
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Reduced Cost Sharing and Medication Management Services for COPD: A Randomized Clinical Trial

  • JAMA Internal Medicine
  • July 2024
  • High out-of-pocket costs and improper use of maintenance inhalers are factors that contribute to negative outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Limited evidence exists on how addressing these barriers could enhance adherence and impact COPD exacerbations, healthcare spending, and racial disparities in outcomes.
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The Responsiveness of Exercise Tests in COPD: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

  • CHEST
  • August 2024
  • Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, originally approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, have shown promising results in reducing cardiovascular events, particularly heart failure, in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Newer research involves investigating the potential use of SGLT2 inhibitors in the field of cardio-oncology, with the goal of minimizing the cardiovascular side effects associated with cancer treatments. These inhibitors possess a unique dual nature, providing both protective effects for the heart and potential anti-cancer properties, offering a double benefit for patients in the realm of cardio-oncology. In this review, the authors delve into the established cardioprotective effects of SGLT2 inhibitors in heart failure, before delving into the current body of evidence, encompassing both preclinical and clinical studies, that supports the utilization of SGLT2 inhibitors in the context of cardio-oncology. They also explore the mechanisms by which SGLT2 inhibitors shield against cardiovascular toxicity resulting from cancer treatment.
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There you have it – a look at some of the most popular COPD articles recently released. Sign up for alerts and stay informed on the latest published guidelines and articles.

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