Work

Pathogenesis of Inflammation and Repair in Advanced COPD

Year: 2010

Type: article

Abstract: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is characterized by an abnormal persistent inflammatory response to noxious environmental stimuli, most commonly cigarette smoke. Although cigarette smoking elicits airway inflammation in all of those who smoke, persistent inflammation and clinically significant COPD occurs in only a minority of smokers. The pathogenesis of COPD involves the recruitment and regulation of neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes to the lung, as well as the induction of oxidative stress, all of which result in lung parenchymal destruction and airway remodeling. Recent research has generated a greater understanding of the mechanisms responsible for COPD development, including new concepts in T cell biology and the increasing recognition that the processes governing lung cell apoptosis are upregulated. We are also starting to understand the reasons for continued inflammation even after smoking cessation, which accelerates the rate of lung function decline in COPD. Herein we review our current knowledge of the inflammatory pathways involved in COPD pathogenesis, as well as newer concepts that have begun to unfold in recent years.

Source: Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine

DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1254066

Authors: William Cornwell, Victor Kim, Changcheng Song, Thomas Rogers

Institution: Temple University

Language: English

Topic: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Research

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute on Drug Abuse