Thus, the previously observed increase in cytochrome c release from mitochondria isolated from COPD patient muscle (Puente-Maestu et al., 2009b) could reflect an increased occurrence of mitochondrial permeability transition, and for this reason it may be worthwhile to explore the therapeutic value of targeting of mitochondrial permeability transition as a means of attenuating exacerbated skeletal muscle atrophy in various conditions, including COPD. Here, CYCS is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.