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State-of-the-Art Molecular Mechanisms of Pulmonary Pathology

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 January 2024) | Viewed by 4706

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Respiratory diseases have a significant impact on the population, with COPD being a disabling and ultimately fatal condition. Lung cancer has a high mortality rate. Many of these conditions are linked to smoking. Interestingly, the COVID-19 mortality and severity rates are higher among smokers than they are among non-smokers.

Molecular biology technologies enable early diagnoses and improved therapies. Within the context of personalized medicine, omics approaches enable better predictions, treatments, and patient involvement. We aim to provide a comprehensive insight into state-of-the-art research activities regarding the molecular mechanisms of the pathogenesis and treatment of pulmonary diseases. We welcome all kinds of articles, including contributions about original investigations in the field, as well as reviews. The topics of interest covered include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Asthma;
  • Bronchiectasis;
  • COPD and COPD rehabilitation;
  • COVID-19;
  • Cystic fibrosis;
  • Genomics, including DNA damage and repair;
  • Lung cancer and lung cancer biomarkers;
  • Lung microbiota;
  • Pneumonia;
  • Pulmonary fibrosis;
  • Pulmonology;
  • Respiratory diseases;
  • Tobacco and nicotine.

Dr. Patrizia Russo
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 2910 KiB  
Article
Levels of Lysozyme and SLPI in Bronchoalveolar Lavage: Exploring Their Role in Interstitial Lung Disease
by Rubén Osuna-Gómez, Maria Mulet, Silvia Barril, Elisabet Cantó, Paloma Millan-Billi, Ana Pardessus, David de la Rosa-Carrillo, Diego Castillo and Silvia Vidal
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(8), 4297; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25084297 - 12 Apr 2024
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Abstract
Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are characterized by inflammation or fibrosis of the pulmonary parenchyma. Despite the involvement of immune cells and soluble mediators in pulmonary fibrosis, the influence of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) remains underexplored. These effector molecules display a range of activities, which [...] Read more.
Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are characterized by inflammation or fibrosis of the pulmonary parenchyma. Despite the involvement of immune cells and soluble mediators in pulmonary fibrosis, the influence of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) remains underexplored. These effector molecules display a range of activities, which include immunomodulation and wound repair. Here, we investigate the role of AMPs in the development of fibrosis in ILD. We compare the concentration of different AMPs and different cytokines in 46 fibrotic (F-ILD) and 17 non-fibrotic (NF-ILD) patients by ELISA and using peripheral blood mononuclear cells from in vitro stimulation in the presence of lysozyme or secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) from 10 healthy donors. We observed that bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) levels of AMPs were decreased in F-ILD patients (lysozyme: p < 0.001; SLPI: p < 0.001; LL-37: p < 0.001; lactoferrin: p = 0.47) and were negatively correlated with levels of TGF-β (lysozyme: p = 0.02; SLPI: p < 0.001) and IL-17 (lysozyme: p < 0.001; SLPI: p < 0.001). We observed that lysozyme increased the percentage of CD86+ macrophages (p < 0.001) and the production of TNF-α (p < 0.001). We showed that lysozyme and SLPI were associated with clinical parameters (lysozyme: p < 0.001; SLPI: p < 0.001) and disease progression (lysozyme: p < 0.001; SLPI: p = 0.01). These results suggest that AMPs may play an important role in the anti-fibrotic response, regulating the effect of pro-fibrotic cytokines. In addition, levels of lysozyme in BAL may be a potential biomarker to predict the progression in F-ILD patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Molecular Mechanisms of Pulmonary Pathology)
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Review

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16 pages, 1413 KiB  
Review
ADAM33′s Role in Asthma Pathogenesis: An Overview
by Jakub Sleziak, Antoni Gawor, Marta Błażejewska, Katarzyna Antosz and Krzysztof Gomułka
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(4), 2318; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25042318 - 15 Feb 2024
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Abstract
Asthma is a complex chronic respiratory disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, and obstruction. Many genes have been identified as associated with asthma but none with such substantial significance as the ADAM33 gene due to its role in airway remodeling and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. [...] Read more.
Asthma is a complex chronic respiratory disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, and obstruction. Many genes have been identified as associated with asthma but none with such substantial significance as the ADAM33 gene due to its role in airway remodeling and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the genetic and functional aspects of ADAM33 in asthma pathogenesis. We highlight its genetic variants associated with asthma susceptibility and severity, as well as the functional effects of ADAM33 on airway remodeling, smooth muscle cell proliferation, and its interplay with environmental factors. Additionally, we discuss the potential clinical implications of ADAM33 as a therapeutic target for asthma management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Molecular Mechanisms of Pulmonary Pathology)
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20 pages, 1163 KiB  
Review
Nicotine: From Discovery to Biological Effects
by Luigi Sansone, Francesca Milani, Riccardo Fabrizi, Manuel Belli, Mario Cristina, Vincenzo Zagà, Antonio de Iure, Luca Cicconi, Stefano Bonassi and Patrizia Russo
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(19), 14570; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241914570 - 26 Sep 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3294
Abstract
Nicotine, the primary psychoactive agent in tobacco leaves, has led to the widespread use of tobacco, with over one billion smokers globally. This article provides a historical overview of tobacco and discusses tobacco dependence, as well as the biological effects induced by nicotine [...] Read more.
Nicotine, the primary psychoactive agent in tobacco leaves, has led to the widespread use of tobacco, with over one billion smokers globally. This article provides a historical overview of tobacco and discusses tobacco dependence, as well as the biological effects induced by nicotine on mammalian cells. Nicotine induces various biological effects, such as neoangiogenesis, cell division, and proliferation, and it affects neural and non-neural cells through specific pathways downstream of nicotinic receptors (nAChRs). Specific effects mediated by α7 nAChRs are highlighted. Nicotine is highly addictive and hazardous. Public health initiatives should prioritize combating smoking and its associated risks. Understanding nicotine’s complex biological effects is essential for comprehensive research and informed health policies. While potential links between nicotine and COVID-19 severity warrant further investigation, smoking remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Effective public health strategies are vital to promote healthier lifestyles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Molecular Mechanisms of Pulmonary Pathology)
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