Molecular Mechanisms of Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): New Advances and Future Trends

A special issue of Biomolecules (ISSN 2218-273X). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2023) | Viewed by 10371

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Guest Editor
Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Disease Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University 1-1-1 Minami-kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
Interests: asthma; COPD; biology; biomarkers; disease modification
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are major global health problems showing increasing incidence and mortality. However, early intervention targeting molecular mechanisms can lead to disease modification, and the possibility of clinical and biological remission is beginning to be discussed. The prospects for the control of airway inflammation are promising, as is the potential for functional repair of airway structures. Studies are being conducted to elucidate the involvement of innate immunity and pathogenic immune cells in refractory pathologies. Many problems require clinical solutions, such as the early diagnosis and treatment of obstructive lung diseases, the nature of disease progression, sedentary behavior, the diversity of airway inflammation, the role of biomarkers, and the appropriate use of disease-modifying drugs. Therefore, we would like to invite original research, perspectives, and state-of-the-art reviews on the new advances and future trends in obstructive lung diseases. We look forward to receiving your submissions to help move this field forward.

Prof. Dr. Kazuto Matsunaga
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • molecular biology
  • biomarkers
  • disease progression
  • disease modification
  • remission

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 596 KiB  
Communication
Association between Serum Levels of Interleukin-25/Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin and the Risk of Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
by Joon Young Choi, Tae-Hyung Kim, Sung-Yoon Kang, Hye Jung Park, Seong Yong Lim, Sang Hyuk Kim, Ki-Suck Jung, Kwang Ha Yoo, Hyoung Kyu Yoon and Chin Kook Rhee
Biomolecules 2023, 13(3), 564; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13030564 - 20 Mar 2023
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Abstract
Th2 inflammation is associated with various characteristics of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this study, we analyzed the COPD exacerbation risk associated with serum levels of interleukin (IL)-25/thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and eosinophils. We studied the KOCOSS cohort, a multicenter [...] Read more.
Th2 inflammation is associated with various characteristics of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this study, we analyzed the COPD exacerbation risk associated with serum levels of interleukin (IL)-25/thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and eosinophils. We studied the KOCOSS cohort, a multicenter COPD cohort created by 54 medical centers in South Korea. We extracted data collected between April 2012 and August 2020. We measured serum levels of TSLP and IL-25 in those who agreed to provide blood, and assessed exacerbation risk according to each. In all, 562 patients were enrolled. The IL-25-high group had a lower St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire score than others, and the TSLP-high group had a poorer exercise capacity than the TSLP-low group. There were no significant differences in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), the levels of Th2 inflammatory biomarkers, or the exacerbation histories between the two groups. The 3-year decline in FEV1 was not significantly affected by IL-25 or TSLP levels. In terms of 1-year exacerbation risk, individuals in the IL-25-high group were at lower risk for moderate-to-severe exacerbation than others. A high TSLP level was associated with a lower risk of severe exacerbation but only in the eosinophil-low group. Serum levels of IL-25 are negatively correlated with moderate-to-severe exacerbation risk in this cohort. A negative correlation between severe exacerbation risk and TSLP level was apparent only in the eosinophil-low group. Full article
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Review

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17 pages, 1297 KiB  
Review
The Functional Role of Group 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells in Asthma
by Takahiro Matsuyama, Kentaro Machida, Keiko Mizuno, Hiromi Matsuyama, Yoichi Dotake, Masahiro Shinmura, Koichi Takagi and Hiromasa Inoue
Biomolecules 2023, 13(6), 893; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13060893 - 26 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1713
Abstract
Asthma is a heterogeneous disease characterized by chronic airway inflammation. Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma. ILC2s lack antigen-specific receptors and respond to epithelial-derived cytokines, leading to the induction of airway eosinophilic inflammation in [...] Read more.
Asthma is a heterogeneous disease characterized by chronic airway inflammation. Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma. ILC2s lack antigen-specific receptors and respond to epithelial-derived cytokines, leading to the induction of airway eosinophilic inflammation in an antigen-independent manner. Additionally, ILC2s might be involved in the mechanism of steroid resistance. Numerous studies in both mice and humans have shown that ILC2s induce airway inflammation through inflammatory signals, including cytokines and other mediators derived from immune or non-immune cells. ILC2s and T helper type 2 (Th2) cells collaborate through direct and indirect interactions to organize type 2 immune responses. Interestingly, the frequencies or numbers of ILC2 are increased in the blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of asthma patients, and the numbers of ILC2s in the blood and sputum of severe asthmatics are significantly larger than those of mild asthmatics. These findings may contribute to the regulation of the immune response in asthma. This review article highlights our current understanding of the functional role of ILC2s in asthma. Full article
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16 pages, 1988 KiB  
Review
Pathophysiology, Therapeutic Targets, and Future Therapeutic Alternatives in COPD: Focus on the Importance of the Cholinergic System
by Felisbela Gomes and Shih-Lung Cheng
Biomolecules 2023, 13(3), 476; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13030476 - 05 Mar 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4076
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease characterized by airway limitation and changes in airway structure. It has a high global burden of mortality and morbidity. The etiology of COPD is complex, but exposure to tobacco smoke and other inhaled lung [...] Read more.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease characterized by airway limitation and changes in airway structure. It has a high global burden of mortality and morbidity. The etiology of COPD is complex, but exposure to tobacco smoke and other inhaled lung oxidants are major risk factors. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches are used to manage COPD, but there remains an urgent unmet need for drugs that can modify the course of the disease. This review focuses on the role of acetylcholine and other components of the pulmonary cholinergic system in the pathogenesis of COPD, and the inhaled pharmacological agents that target it. In addition to its role as a neurotransmitter, acetylcholine regulates diverse aspects of COPD pathogenesis including bronchoconstriction, airway remodeling, mucus secretion and inflammation. Inhaled antimuscarinic drugs are a key component of therapy for COPD, as monotherapy or in combination with inhaled β2 agonists or corticosteroids. We review the evidence supporting the use of current anticholinergic agents in COPD and preview novel drugs targeting the cholinergic system and agents from other classes in clinical development, such as phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies targeting inflammatory mediators. Full article
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14 pages, 985 KiB  
Review
Practical Recommendations for a Selection of Inhaled Corticosteroids in COPD: A Composite ICO Chart
by Keiji Oishi, Kazuto Matsunaga, Tasuku Yamamoto, Kazuki Matsuda, Yoriyuki Murata and Tsunahiko Hirano
Biomolecules 2023, 13(2), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13020213 - 22 Jan 2023
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Abstract
The use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) for the maintenance of bronchodilator treatment in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is controversial. While some patients achieve clinical benefits, such as fewer exacerbations and improved symptoms, others do not, and some experience undesired side [...] Read more.
The use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) for the maintenance of bronchodilator treatment in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is controversial. While some patients achieve clinical benefits, such as fewer exacerbations and improved symptoms, others do not, and some experience undesired side effects, such as pneumonia. Thus, we reviewed the evidence related to predictors of ICS therapy treatment response in patients with COPD. The first priority clinical markers when considering the efficacy of ICS are type 2 inflammatory biomarkers, followed by a history of suspected asthma and recurrent exacerbations. It is also necessary to consider any potential infection risk associated with ICS, and several risk factors for pneumonia when using ICS have been clarified in recent years. In this article, based on the evidence supporting the selection of ICS for COPD, we propose an ICS composite that can be added to the COPD (ICO) chart for use in clinical practice. The chart divided the type 2 biomarkers into three ranges and provided recommendations (recommend, consider, and against) by combining the history of suspected asthma, history of exacerbations, and risk of infection. Full article
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