Figure 5 | Scientific Reports

Figure 5

From: Low skeletal muscle radiodensity and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as predictors of poor outcome in patients with COVID-19

Figure 5

Proposed pathophysiology for low muscle radiodensity in COVID-19. 1. COVID-19 infection and increased inflammatory response (cytokine storm); 2. Systemic inflammation and oxidative stress due to COVID-19 and underlying comorbidities with high levels of circulating cytokines (e.g., IL-6 and TNF-α) and high NLR; 3. Fibro-/adipogenic progenitors in skeletal muscle differentiate into fibrocytes and adipocytes; 4. Myositis increases cytokine release; and 5. Increase in intramuscular adipose tissue leading to low SMD. Abbreviations: COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; IL-6: Interleukin 6; NLR: Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio; SMD: Skeletal muscle radiodensity; TNF-α: Tumor necrosis factor alpha.

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