MYH14 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Histologically, the reduction of the diaphragm muscle strength in COPD may be in relation with sarcomere disruption, caused by the high inspiratory load.[14] Loss of myosin content has been found in COPD diaphragm fibers.[15] Also, the oxidative stress in the diaphragm muscle has been reported to be increased in COPD and this feature was negatively associated with muscle strength.[16] Finally, a production of cytokines been reported in diaphragm fibers of rats in loading situations, which may influence diaphragm function.