ANABOLIC THERAPIES FOR MUSCLE DYSFUNCTION IN WOMEN WITH COPD

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. To determine whether the exercise tolerance of women with severe COPD will be improved by 1) testosterone supplementation or 2) strength training. To devise better ways to rehabilitate women with lung diseases, bronchitis and emphysema. This project follows on a study of similar therapies in men with these diseases. Two therapies will be explored: 1) testosterone, known to strengthen the muscles, 2) strength training (for example, weight lifting) of the leg muscles. The former therapy is being explored because it is becoming clear that although levels of testosterone are much lower in women than in men, testosterone is an important mediator of muscle growth in women. Testosterone levels have been found to be low in women with lung disease and our intention is to increase levels to those seen in healthy young women.