Abstract
It is currently believed that the most important factor in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is inflammation of the small airways caused by inhaled particles and gases. In this context, a disturbance of the physiological balance between proteases and antiproteases develops that may cause lung emphysema. Moreover, oxidative stress seems to be important, as it may enhance the inflammatory reaction. The development of emphysema may also involve a loss of alveolar cells by apoptosis. Finally, several studies have indicated that a systemic inflammation is induced by COPD that may be of relevance to the development of systemic components that are observed in COPD patients.
MeSH terms
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Air Pollutants / adverse effects
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Apoptosis / physiology
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Bronchi / physiopathology
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Cause of Death
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Germany
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Humans
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Immunity, Cellular / physiology
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Macrophages, Alveolar / physiology
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Peptide Hydrolases / physiology
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Pneumonia / complications
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Pneumonia / mortality
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Pneumonia / physiopathology
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Protease Inhibitors / metabolism
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Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / etiology*
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Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / mortality
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Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / physiopathology
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Pulmonary Emphysema / etiology
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Pulmonary Emphysema / mortality
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Pulmonary Emphysema / physiopathology
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Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
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Respiratory Mucosa / physiopathology
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Smoking / adverse effects
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Smoking / physiopathology
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alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency / complications
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alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency / mortality
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alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency / physiopathology
Substances
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Air Pollutants
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Protease Inhibitors
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Reactive Oxygen Species
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Peptide Hydrolases