Impact-driven, pulmonary emboli of osseous fat in exercise-induced bronchospasm

Abstract Exercise induced bronchospasm (EIB) affects approximately 10% of normal individuals with higher prevalence rates among children, obese adults, and competitive athletes. Although hyperpnea with dry air is the best known cause, the problem is multifactorial with atopy, asthma and chlorine all...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Medical hypotheses 2015-11, Vol.85 (5), p.694-698
Main Authors: Simkin, Peter A, Snitily, Brian K
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bronchial Spasm - etiology
Exercise
Fats
Humans
Internal Medicine
Pulmonary Embolism - physiopathology
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Summary:Abstract Exercise induced bronchospasm (EIB) affects approximately 10% of normal individuals with higher prevalence rates among children, obese adults, and competitive athletes. Although hyperpnea with dry air is the best known cause, the problem is multifactorial with atopy, asthma and chlorine all playing established roles. To date, no clear mechanism has connected musculoskeletal loading with the ensuing pulmonary compromise. This paper reviews evidence that impact-driven pulses in subchondral bone pressure may push osseous fat cells into the local venous sinusoids. The resultant showers of microemboli must then travel to the lung where lysis of membrane phospholipids leads to leukotriene formation with resultant inflammation and bronchial hypersensitivity. Concurrently, the same emboli deliver triglyceride fuels for further physical activity. Thus, pulmonary microemboli derived from osseous fat may resolve the seeming paradox of athletic excellence in persons afflicted with exercise-induced bronchospasm.
ISSN:0306-9877
1532-2777
DOI:10.1016/j.mehy.2015.08.014