Plasma myostatin levels are related to the extent of right ventricular dysfunction in exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

AbstractObjective: To investigate the relationship between plasma myostatin levels and right ventricle (RV) dysfunction (RVD) in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).Methods: The study recruited 84 patients with AECOPD. Plasma myostatin was analyzed and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) < 16 mm was used as the main indicator for RVD.Results: Plasma myostatin levels were significantly higher in 47 patients with RVD than 37 ones without (P < 0.005). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that myostatin levels correlated significantly with TAPSE values and RV myocardial performance index (p < 0.001) among the study patients.Conclusion: Plasma myostatin is a potential biomarker for improving diagnosis of RVD in AECOPD.