Role of apoptosis in the pathogenesis of COPD and pulmonary emphysema

摘要: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by chronic inflammation of the airways and progressive destruction lung parenchyma, a process that in most cases initiated cigarette smoking. Several mechanisms are involved development disease: influx inflammatory cells into (leading to airways), imbalance between proteolytic anti-proteolytic activity (resulting healthy tissue) oxidative stress. Recently, an increasing number data suggest fourth important mechanism COPD: apoptosis structural might possibly be upstream event pathogenesis COPD. There increase apoptotic alveolar epithelial endothelial lungs COPD patients. Since this not counterbalanced proliferation these cells, net result tissue emphysema. Data from animal models role for Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) induction lung. Other mediators apoptosis, such as caspase-3 ceramide, could interesting targets prevent In review, recent on both well studies human subjects will discussed. The aim provide up date summary knowledge