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Abstract #0498

Effects of Tetrahydrobiopterin on Limb Blood Flow and Muscle Metabolism in Patients with COPD

Stephen Decker1, Oh-Sung Kwon2, Taylor S Thurston3, Yann Le Fur4, Eun-Kee Jeong5, and Gwenael Layec1

1Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States, 2Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States, 3Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States, 4Centre de Resonance Magnetique Biologique et Medicale, Marseille, France, 5Radiology and Imaging Services, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States

Exercise intolerance is an important predictor of mortality in patients with COPD, and evidence shows reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability is a contributing factor. Thus, restoration of NO using BH4, a cofactor involved in NO production, is a novel therapy for improving oxygenation and metabolism in these patients. Patients with COPD performed dynamic plantar flexion exercise with 31P-MRS and vascular Doppler ultrasound assessments following supplementation of BH4. Limb blood flow during exercise was unchanged, however, exercise-induced changes in metabolic measurements were improved with BH4 supplementation. Therefore, BH4 supplementation in patients with COPD appears a promising therapy to improve muscle metabolism.

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