Neutrophils and Emerging Targets for Treatment in COPD
Neutrophils and Emerging Targets for Treatment in COPD
This review has discussed the role of neutrophils and their products in COPD. As has become clear, they mainly play a role in the emphysematous and possibly in the bronchiolitis aspects of this disease, though the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis remain to be elucidated. COPD is indeed a very complex disease, even when only the effects of neutrophils are represented. In reality, of course, the disease is far more complex with endothelial, pulmonary and other leukocytes also playing a role. Novel treatment strategies in COPD could be targeted at neutrophils, however there is no convincing evidence that neutrophil inflammation is the only cause and reason for COPD. As a consequence, limitations of the treatment strategies in COPD do occur.
Discussion: Pathogenesis of COPD
This review has discussed the role of neutrophils and their products in COPD. As has become clear, they mainly play a role in the emphysematous and possibly in the bronchiolitis aspects of this disease, though the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis remain to be elucidated. COPD is indeed a very complex disease, even when only the effects of neutrophils are represented. In reality, of course, the disease is far more complex with endothelial, pulmonary and other leukocytes also playing a role. Novel treatment strategies in COPD could be targeted at neutrophils, however there is no convincing evidence that neutrophil inflammation is the only cause and reason for COPD. As a consequence, limitations of the treatment strategies in COPD do occur.
Source...