New Concepts in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

摘要: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of death and disability but has only recently been explored from cellular molecular perspective. In COPD, chronic inflammation leads to fixed narrowing small airways alveolar wall destruction (emphysema). This characterized by increased numbers macrophages, neutrophils, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, the release multiple inflammatory mediators (lipids, chemokines, cytokines, growth factors). There also high level oxidative stress, which may amplify this inflammation. elastolysis probable involvement matrix metalloproteinases. The proteolysis in COPD an amplification normal response cigarette smoke. Unlike asthma, appears be resistant corticosteroids, prompting search for novel anti-inflammatory therapies that prevent relentless progression disease.