Biological and Genetic Mechanisms of COPD, Its Diagnosis, Treatment, and Relationship with Lung Cancer

Analyzing the role of genetic variants in microRNAs and its role as a modulator towards Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD) susceptibility in North Indian population

BACKGROUND

miRNAs can target numerous genes, with slight expression changes potentially leading to significant alterations in protein-coding gene expression, affecting various biological processes and possibly worsening conditions like COPD.

OBJECTIVES

This study examines the link between six miRNA SNPs (MIR605, MIR608, MIR3117, MIR149, MIR499, and MIR25) and COPD risk in a North Indian population and the functional impact of these miRNA-SNPs on COPD-related pathological factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To assess genotypes, a case-control study was conducted with 323 COPD cases and 350 hospital controls. Logistic regression determined the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for the SNP-COPD association, with stratified analysis for clinical parameters, symptoms, and risk factors. SNP-SNP interactions were analyzed using combinatorial analysis, MDR, and CART analysis.

RESULTS

MIR25 SNP rs1527423 and MIR608 SNP rs4919510 were significantly associated with COPD risk (OR = 6.38; p < 0.0001 and OR = 1.43, p = 0.02, respectively). rs1527423 remained significant in stratified analysis for age (OR = 6.19; pc = 0.0005), gender (males; OR = 5.93; pc < 0.0001), and smoking status (smokers; OR = 5.02; pc = 0.0006). rs4919510 was associated with COPD risk in patients aged ≥ 65 years (OR = 2.38, pc = 0.0054). MIR605 SNP rs2043556 had a protective effect in non-smokers (OR = 0.142; pc = 0.048). MIR3117 SNP rs4655646 was linked to COPD symptoms. Doublet combinations of each SNP with rs1527423 increased COPD risk. CART analysis identified rs1527423 as a critical factor, with the genotypic combination of 149(M)-3117(M; W)-605(M; W)-608(M; H)-25(W) showing the highest COPD risk (OR = 11; p = 0.0445).

CONCLUSIONS

The study suggests MIR25 SNP rs1527423 as a risk factor for COPD in North Indian populations.

A review of molecular interplay between inflammation and cancer: The role of lncRNAs in pathogenesis and therapeutic potential

The inflammatory microenvironment (IME) has been demonstrated to facilitate the initiation and progression of tumors throughout the inflammatory process. Simultaneously, cancer can initiate or intensify the inflammatory response, thereby promoting tumor progression. This review examines the dual role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the interplay between inflammation and cancer. LncRNA modulate inflammation-induced cancer by influencing the activation of signaling pathways (NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin, mTOR, etc), microRNA (miRNA) sponging, protein interactions, interactions with immune cells, and encoding short peptides. In contrast, lncRNAs also impact cancer-induced inflammatory processes by regulating cytokine expression, mediating tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), modulating intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and facilitating metabolic reprogramming. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of lncRNA and the challenges of clinical translation were explicitly discussed as well. Overall, this review aims to provide a comprehensive and systematic resource for future researchers investigating the impact of lncRNAs on inflammation and cancer.

Association Between Amerindian Ancestry and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in the Chilean Mixed Population

Background/Objectives: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the most common chronic non-communicable diseases in adults. The most critical risk factors are tobacco and air pollution. The familial aggregation of this disease and the fact that only 15-20% of smokers develop COPD demonstrate the existence of an individual susceptibility that would depend on genetic factors. The already-known susceptibility genomic variants explain only about 38% of the heritability of COPD. The present work analyzes the relationship between the percentage of Amerindian genomic ancestry of Chileans with morbidity and mortality of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), adjusting for socioeconomic and environmental variables. Methods: We rely on the estimates of genomic ancestry percentages obtained in the Chilegenomico project in urban Chileans from 39 communes along eight regions of the country from north to south. From the public databases of the Departamento de Estadísticas e Información en Salud (DEIS) of the Chilean Ministry of Health, we obtained mortality rates and hospital discharge rates. We incorporated adjustment variables (communal data) obtained from other public databases. We performed correlation analyses and fitted negative binomial regression models to examine the association between Amerindian ancestries and COPD statistics. Results: A positive and significant association between Mapuche ancestry and hospital discharge and mortality rates for COPD was found in both simple and multiple analyses. In contrast, we found a negative and significant association between the percentage of Aymara genomic ancestry and COPD mortality rates. Conclusions: The levels of Mapuche and Aymara genomic ancestries have different and contrasting significant associations with COPD susceptibility and mortality in the Chilean mixed population.

The Role of Inflammation in the Pathogenesis of Comorbidity of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Pulmonary Tuberculosis

The comorbid course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary tuberculosis is an important medical and social problem. Both diseases, although having different etiologies, have many overlapping relationships that mutually influence their course and prognosis. The aim of the current review is to discuss the role of different immune mechanisms underlying inflammation in COPD and pulmonary tuberculosis. These mechanisms are known to involve both the innate and adaptive immune system, including various cellular and intercellular interactions. There is growing evidence that immune mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of both COPD and tuberculosis may jointly contribute to the tuberculosis-associated obstructive pulmonary disease (TOPD) phenotype. Several studies have reported prior tuberculosis as a risk factor for COPD. Therefore, the study of the mechanisms that link COPD and tuberculosis is of considerable clinical interest.

MicroRNAs as promising drug delivery target to ameliorate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using nano-carriers: a comprehensive review

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a deteriorating condition triggered by various factors, such as smoking, free radicals, and air pollution. This worsening disease is characterized by narrowing and thickening of airways, painful cough, and dyspnea. In COPD, numerous genes as well as microRNA (miRNA) play a significant role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Many in vivo and in vitro studies suggest that upregulation or suppression of certain miRNAs are effective treatment options for COPD. They have been proven to be more beneficial than the current symptomatic treatments, such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids. MiRNAs play a crucial role in immune cell development and regulate inflammatory responses in various tissues. MiRNA treatment thus allows for precision therapy with improved outcomes. Nanoparticle drug delivery systems such as polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, dendrimers, polymeric micelles, and liposomes are an efficient method to ensure the biodistribution of the miRNAs to the target site. Identification of the right nanoparticle depending on the requirements and compatibility is essential for achieving maximum therapeutic effect. In this review, we offer a thorough comprehension of the pathology and genetics of COPD and the significance of miRNAs concerning various pathologies of the lung, as potential targets for treating the disease. The present review offers the latest insights into the nanoparticle drug delivery systems that can efficiently carry and deliver miRNA or antagomirs to the specific target site and hence help in effective management of COPD.

Promising role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in respiratory disorders, a review

Several studies indicate various pharmacological and therapeutic effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in different disorders. The current review describes the influences of PPARs on respiratory, allergic, and immunologic diseases. Various databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus, were searched regarding the effect of PPARs on respiratory and allergic disorders from 1990 to 2024. The effects of PPARs stimulation on experimental animal models of respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis (PF), and lung infections were shown. Therapeutic potential mediated through PPARs has also been demonstrated in lung cancer, lung infections, and allergic and immunologic disorders. However, few clinical studies showed PPARs mediated therapeutic effects on asthma and COPD. The PPARs-mediated effects on various respiratory disorders were shown through antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and other mechanisms. Therefore, this review indicated possible remedy effects mediated by these receptors in treating respiratory, allergic, and immunologic diseases. Moreover, this mechanistic review paves the way for researchers to consider further experimental and clinical studies.

Development and validation of a novel AI-derived index for predicting COPD medical costs in clinical practice

Background

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major contributor to global morbidity and healthcare costs. Accurately predicting these costs is crucial for resource allocation and patient care. This study developed and validated an AI-driven COPD Medical Cost Prediction Index (MCPI) to forecast healthcare expenses in COPD patients.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 396 COPD patients was conducted, utilizing clinical, demographic, and comorbidity data. Missing data were addressed through advanced imputation techniques to minimize bias. The final predictors included interactions such as Age × BMI, alongside Tumor Presence, Number of Comorbidities, Acute Exacerbation frequency, and the DOSE Index. A Gradient Boosting model was constructed, optimized with Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE), and evaluated using 5-fold cross-validation on an 80/20 train-test split. Model performance was assessed with Mean Squared Error (MSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), and R-squared (R²).

Results

On the training set, the model achieved an MSE of 0.049, MAE of 0.159, MAPE of 3.41 %, and R² of 0.703. On the test set, performance metrics included an MSE of 0.122, MAE of 0.258, MAPE of 5.49 %, and R² of 0.365. Tumor Presence, Age, and BMI were identified as key predictors of cost variability.

Conclusions

The MCPI demonstrates strong potential for predicting healthcare costs in COPD patients and enables targeted interventions for high-risk individuals. Future research should focus on validation with multicenter datasets and the inclusion of additional socioeconomic variables to enhance model generalizability and precision.

Crosstalk between ROS-inflammatory gene expression axis in the progression of lung disorders

A significant number of deaths and disabilities worldwide are brought on by inflammatory lung diseases. Many inflammatory lung disorders, including chronic respiratory emphysema, resistant asthma, resistance to steroids, and coronavirus-infected lung infections, have severe variants for which there are no viable treatments; as a result, new treatment alternatives are needed. Here, we emphasize how oxidative imbalance contributes to the emergence of provocative lung problems that are challenging to treat. Endogenic antioxidant systems are not enough to avert free radical-mediated damage due to the induced overproduction of ROS. Pro-inflammatory mediators are then produced due to intracellular signaling events, which can harm the tissue and worsen the inflammatory response. Overproduction of ROS causes oxidative stress, which causes lung damage and various disease conditions. Invasive microorganisms or hazardous substances that are inhaled repeatedly can cause an excessive amount of ROS to be produced. By starting signal transduction pathways, increased ROS generation during inflammation may cause recurrent DNA damage and apoptosis and activate proto-oncogenes. This review provides information about new targets for conducting research in related domains or target factors to prevent, control, or treat such inflammatory oxidative stress-induced inflammatory lung disorders.

Low-carbohydrate diet score and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a machine learning analysis of NHANES data

Background

Recent research has identified the Low-Carbohydrate Diet (LCD) score as a novel biomarker, with studies showing that LCDs can reduce carbon dioxide retention, potentially improving lung function. While the link between the LCD score and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been explored, its relevance in the US population remains uncertain. This study aims to explore the association between the LCD score and the likelihood of COPD prevalence in this population.

Methods

Data from 16,030 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collected between 2007 and 2023 were analyzed to examine the relationship between LCD score and COPD. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to reduce baseline bias. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were applied, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression was used to explore possible nonlinear relationships. Subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the robustness of the results. Additionally, we employed eight machine learning methods-Boost Tree, Decision Tree, Logistic Regression, MLP, Naive Bayes, KNN, Random Forest, and SVM RBF-to build predictive models and evaluate their performance. Based on the best-performing model, we further examined variable importance and model accuracy.

Results

Upon controlling for variables, the LCD score demonstrated a strong correlation with the odds of COPD prevalence. In compared to the lowest quartile, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for the high quartile were 0.77 (95% CI: 0.63, 0.95), 0.74 (95% CI: 0.59, 0.93), and 0.61 (95% CI: 0.48, 0.78). RCS analysis demonstrated a linear inverse relationship between the LCD score and the odds of COPD prevalence. Furthermore, the random forest model exhibited robust predictive efficacy, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 71.6%.

Conclusion

Our study of American adults indicates that adherence to the LCD may be linked to lower odds of COPD prevalence. These findings underscore the important role of the LCD score as a tool for enhancing COPD prevention efforts within the general population. Nonetheless, additional prospective cohort studies are required to assess and validate these results.

Identifying biomarkers of endoplasmic reticulum stress and analyzing immune cell infiltration in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using machine learning

Background

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is a crucial factor in the progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the key genes associated with COPD and immune cell infiltration remain to be elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to identify biomarkers pertinent to the diagnosis of ERS in COPD and delve deeper into the association between pivotal genes and their possible interactions with immune cells.

Methods

We selected the genetic data of 189 samples from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, including 91 control and 98 COPD samples. First, we identified the differentially expressed genes between patients with COPD and controls and then screened the ERS genes associated with COPD. Second, 22 core ERS genes associated with COPD were screened using the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression model and Support Vector Machine Recursive Feature Elimination (SVM-RFE), and the predictive effects of the screened core genes in COPD were evaluated. Third, we explored immune cell infiltration associated with COPD and conducted an in-depth analysis to explore the possible connections between the identified key genes and their related immune cells.

Results

A total of 66 differentially expressed endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes (DE-ERGs) were identified in this study, among which 12 were upregulated and 54 were downregulated. The 22 key genes screened were as follows: AGR3, BCHE, CBY1, CHRM3, CYP1B1, DCSTAMP, DDHD1, DMPK, EDEM3, EDN1, FKBP10, HSPA2, KPNA2, LGALS3, MAOB, MMP9, MPO, MTTP, PIK3CA, PTGIS, PURA, and TMCC1. Their expression was significantly different between COPD and healthy samples, and the difference between the groups was significant. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that CBY1 (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.800), BCHE (AUC = 0.773), EDEM3 (AUC = 0.768), FKBP10 (AUC = 0.760), MAOB (AUC = 0.736), and MMP9 (AUC = 0.729) showed a strong ability to distinguish COPD samples from normal samples. Immune cell infiltration results associated with the three key genes were also obtained.

Conclusion

The insights of our study have the potential to present new evidence for exploring emerging diagnostic signs of COPD while also contributing to a better understanding of its developmental mechanisms.

The Influence of the Gut Microbiota on Host Health: A Focus on the Gut-Lung Axis and Therapeutic Approaches

The human gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem harboring thousands of microbial strains that play a crucial role in maintaining the overall well-being of its host. The composition of the gut microbiota varies with age from infancy to adulthood and is influenced by dietary habits, environment, and genetic disposition. Recent advances in culture-independent techniques and nucleic acid sequencing have improved our understanding of the diversity of the gut microbiota. The microbial species present in the gut release short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which have anti-inflammatory properties. The gut microbiota also plays a substantial role in modulating the host's immune system, promoting immune tolerance, and maintaining homeostasis. The impact of the gut microbiota on the health of the host is quite evident, as gut dysbiosis has been linked to various diseases, including metabolic disorders, autoimmune diseases, allergies, and inflammatory bowel diseases. The gut microbiota has bidirectional communication with the respiratory system, creating the gut-lung axis, which has been associated with different respiratory diseases. Therapeutic approaches targeting the gut microbiota, such as probiotics, prebiotics, dietary interventions, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), aim to restore microbial balance and promote the growth of beneficial strains in the gut. Nonetheless, gaining knowledge of the complex interactions between the gut microbiota and the host is necessary to develop personalized medicine approaches and microbiota-based therapies for various conditions. This review summarizes studies related to the gut-lung axis with particular emphasis on the role of the microbiota. Future research directions are also discussed.

Pulmonary and Systemic Immune Profiles Following Lung Volume Reduction Surgery and Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Treatment in Emphysema

Emphysema in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by progressive inflammation. Preclinical studies suggest that lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) and mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) treatment dampen inflammation. We investigated the effects of bone marrow-derived MSC (BM-MSC) and LVRS on circulating and pulmonary immune cell profiles in emphysema patients using mass cytometry. Blood and resected lung tissue were collected at the first LVRS (L1). Following 6-10 weeks of recovery, patients received a placebo or intravenous administration of 2 × 106 cells/kg bodyweight BM-MSC (n = 5 and n = 9, resp.) in week 3 and 4 before the second LVRS (L2), where blood and lung tissue were collected. Irrespective of BM-MSC or placebo treatment, proportions of circulating lymphocytes including central memory CD4 regulatory, effector memory CD8 and γδ T cells were higher, whereas myeloid cell percentages were lower in L2 compared to L1. In resected lung tissue, proportions of Treg (p = 0.0067) and anti-inflammatory CD163- macrophages (p = 0.0001) were increased in L2 compared to L1, while proportions of pro-inflammatory CD163+ macrophages were decreased (p = 0.0004). There were no effects of BM-MSC treatment on immune profiles in emphysema patients. However, we observed alterations in the circulating and pulmonary immune cells upon LVRS, suggesting the induction of anti-inflammatory responses potentially needed for repair processes.

Exploring Molecular Mechanisms and Biomarkers in COPD: An Overview of Current Advancements and Perspectives

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) plays a significant role in global morbidity and mortality rates, typified by progressive airflow restriction and lingering respiratory symptoms. Recent explorations in molecular biology have illuminated the complex mechanisms underpinning COPD pathogenesis, providing critical insights into disease progression, exacerbations, and potential therapeutic interventions. This review delivers a thorough examination of the latest progress in molecular research related to COPD, involving fundamental molecular pathways, biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and cutting-edge technologies. Key areas of focus include the roles of inflammation, oxidative stress, and protease-antiprotease imbalances, alongside genetic and epigenetic factors contributing to COPD susceptibility and heterogeneity. Additionally, advancements in omics technologies-such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics-offer new avenues for comprehensive molecular profiling, aiding in the discovery of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Comprehending the molecular foundation of COPD carries substantial potential for the creation of tailored treatment strategies and the enhancement of patient outcomes. By integrating molecular insights into clinical practice, there is a promising pathway towards personalized medicine approaches that can improve the diagnosis, treatment, and overall management of COPD, ultimately reducing its global burden.

Evaluation of Salivary Biomarkers and Spirometry for Diagnosing COPD in Non-Smokers and Smokers of Polish Origin

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent respiratory condition with global implications. Accurate and timely diagnosis is critical; however, traditional diagnostic methods (based on spirometry) show limitations, prompting the search for predictive biomarkers and modern diagnostic techniques. This study explored the validation of COPD-related biomarkers (C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, neutrophil elastase, and alpha-1 antitrypsin) in saliva. A diverse cohort, including healthy non-smokers, healthy smokers, and COPD patients of Polish origin, underwent spirometry and marker analysis. The data correlated with clinical factors, revealing noteworthy relations. Firstly, salivary biomarker levels were compared with serum concentrations, demonstrating notable positive or negative correlations, depending on the factor. Further analysis within healthy individuals revealed associations between biomarker levels, spirometry, and clinical characteristics such as age, sex, and BMI. Next, COPD patients exhibited an enhanced concentration of biomarkers compared to healthy groups. Finally, the study introduced a breathing assessment survey, unveiling significant associations between self-perceived breathing and spirometric and tested parameters. Outcomes emphasized the relevance of subjective experiences in COPD research. In conclusion, this research underscored the potential of salivary biomarkers as diagnostic tools for COPD, offering a non-invasive and accessible alternative to traditional methods. The findings paved the way for improved modern diagnostic approaches.

Applications and advancements of nanoparticle-based drug delivery in alleviating lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Lung cancer (LC) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Cigarette smoking is among the main aetiologic factors for both ailments. These diseases share common pathogenetic mechanisms including inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue remodelling. Current therapeutic approaches are limited by low efficacy and adverse effects. Consequentially, LC has a 5-year survival of < 20%, while COPD is incurable, underlining the necessity for innovative treatment strategies. Two promising emerging classes of therapy against these diseases include plant-derived molecules (phytoceuticals) and nucleic acid-based therapies. The clinical application of both is limited by issues including poor solubility, poor permeability, and, in the case of nucleic acids, susceptibility to enzymatic degradation, large size, and electrostatic charge density. Nanoparticle-based advanced drug delivery systems are currently being explored as flexible systems allowing to overcome these limitations. In this review, an updated summary of the most recent studies using nanoparticle-based advanced drug delivery systems to improve the delivery of nucleic acids and phytoceuticals for the treatment of LC and COPD is provided. This review highlights the enormous relevance of these delivery systems as tools that are set to facilitate the clinical application of novel categories of therapeutics with poor pharmacokinetic properties.

Wound healing rates in COPD patients undergoing traditional pulmonary rehabilitation versus tailored Wound-Centric interventions

This comparative cross-sectional study, conducted at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, aimed to evaluate the efficacy of tailored wound-centric interventions (TWCI) versus traditional pulmonary rehabilitation (TPR) in enhancing wound healing in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Enrolling 340 patients with confirmed COPD, the study randomly assigned participants to either the TWCI or TPR group for a 12-week programme. The primary outcome measured was the rate of wound healing, with secondary outcomes including changes in pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and quality of life (QoL) scores. The TWCI group received a customized programme integrating standard pulmonary rehabilitation with specific wound care strategies, such as enhanced oxygen therapy, nutritional supplementation, and infection control measures. In contrast, the TPR group underwent a conventional pulmonary rehabilitation programme without targeted wound care interventions. Wound healing rates, PFTs, and QoL scores were assessed at the end of the intervention and 3 months post-intervention. The TWCI group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in wound healing rates compared with the TPR group. The TWCI group had a 15% higher rate of reduction in wound size, a 10% rise in complete healing rates, and a 20% drop in infection rates (p < 0.05). Specifically, TWCI group exhibited higher rates of wound size reduction, complete healing, and decreased infection rates. Additionally, long-term pulmonary function and overall quality of life improvements were more pronounced in the tailored group, underscoring the benefits of a personalized approach to managing COPD and wound care. The study concluded that integrating wound-specific care strategies with pulmonary rehabilitation significantly enhances health outcomes in COPD patients with wounds. These findings supported the adoption of customized, multidisciplinary care plans, suggesting that tailored interventions can offer a comprehensive solution to the complex needs of COPD patients, potentially redefining best practices in chronic disease management.

Effectiveness of Immunotherapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients with a Diagnosis of COPD: Is This a Hidden Prognosticator for Survival and a Risk Factor for Immune-Related Adverse Events?

The interplay between the immune system and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is complex and multifaceted. In COPD, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress can lead to immune dysfunction that can exacerbate lung damage, further worsening the respiratory symptoms. In NSCLC, immune cells can recognise and attack the cancer cells, which, however, can evade or suppress the immune response by various mechanisms, such as expressing immune checkpoint proteins or secreting immunosuppressive cytokines, thus creating an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment that promotes cancer progression and metastasis. The interaction between COPD and NSCLC further complicates the immune response. In patients with both diseases, COPD can impair the immune response against cancer cells by reducing or suppressing the activity of immune cells, or altering their cytokine profile. Moreover, anti-cancer treatments can also affect the immune system and worsen COPD symptoms by causing lung inflammation and fibrosis. Immunotherapy itself can also cause immune-related adverse events that could worsen the respiratory symptoms in patients with COPD-compromised lungs. In the present review, we tried to understand the interplay between the two pathologies and how the efficacy of immunotherapy in NSCLC patients with COPD is affected in these patients.

The genomic landscape of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Insights from nutrigenomics

Chronic obstructivе pulmonary disеasе (COPD), a rеspiratory disеasе, is influenced by a combination of gеnеtic and еnvironmеntal factors. Thе fiеld of nutrigеnomics, which studiеs thе intеrplay bеtwееn diеt and gеnеs, provides valuable insights into thе gеnomic landscapе of COPD and its implications for production and managеmеnt. This rеviеw providеs a comprеhеnsivе ovеrviеw of thе gеnеtic aspеcts of COPD and thе rolе of nutrigеnomics in advancing our undеrstanding of thе undеrlying mеchanisms. Through studies of gеnomе-widе associations, researchers have identified gеnеtic factors that contribute to suscеptibility to COPD. Thеsе gеnеs arе associatеd with oxidativе strеss, inflammation, and antioxidant dеfеnsе mеchanisms. Nutrigеnomics rеsеarch is currеntly invеstigating how diеtary componеnts interact with gеnеtic variations to modulatе thе dеvеlopmеnt of COPD. Antioxidants, omеga-3 fatty acids and vitamin D havе dеmonstratеd potеntial bеnеfits in rеducing inflammation, improving lung function, and minimizing еxacеrbations in patients with COPD. Therefore, there are sеvеral challеngеs that must be added to the nutrigеnomic rеsеarch. The challenges include thе nееd for largеr clinical trials, adding hеtеrogеnеity and validating biomarkеrs. In the tеrms of futurе dirеctions, prеcision nutrition, gеnе-basеd thеrapiеs, biomarkеr dеvеlopmеnt, intеgration of multi-omics data, systеms biology analysis, longitudinal studiеs, and public hеalth implications arе important arеas to еxplorе. Pеrsonalizеd nutritional intеrvеntions based on an individual's gеnеtic profilе hold grеat promisе for optimizing COPD managеmеnt. In conclusion, nutrigеnomics provides valuable insights into the gеnomic landscapе of COPD and its intеraction with the disease. This knowlеdgе can guidе thе dеvеlopmеnt of pеrsonalizеd diеtary stratеgiеs and gеnе-basеd thеrapiеs for thе prеvеntion and managеmеnt of COPD. Howеvеr, morе rеsеarch is nееdеd to validatе thеsе findings, dеvеlop еffеctivе intеrvеntions, and implеmеnt thеm еffеctivеly in clinical practicе to improvе thе quality of lifе for pеoplе with COPD.

The Associations Between Serum Vitamins and Carotenoids with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Results from the NHANES

Purpose

Vitamins and carotenoids are essential in preventing and treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study investigated the associations between serum vitamins, carotenoids, and COPD in adults aged ≥ 40 years in the United States.

Methods

We selected 3487 participants aged ≥40 from the NHANES (2017-2018) and used demographic analysis, sensitivity tests, and different weighted multivariate regression models to investigate the relationship between serum vitamins, carotenoids, and COPD.

Results

Subjects in the highest tertile of serum vitamin C, vitamin E (α-tocopherol), α-carotene, trans-β-carotene, and cis-β-carotene had a 50%, 35%, 51%, 54%, and 51% lower risk of COPD than those in the lowest tertile (P for trend: P=0.0005, <0.0001, 0.0054, 0.0066, and 0.0049). Unfortunately, no significant correlation was found for serum vitamin D levels.

Conclusion

Our analysis of nationally representative data from 3487 participants showed that serum levels of vitamin C, vitamin E (α-tocopherol), α-carotene, and β-carotene were negatively associated with the incidence of COPD in adults over 40 years of age in the US The findings highlighted the importance of antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids in respiratory health, while the data showed no significant correlation between vitamin D (25-OHD) and the incidence of COPD.

Respiratory Tract Oncobiome in Lung Carcinogenesis: Where Are We Now?

The importance of microbiota in developing and treating diseases, including lung cancer (LC), is becoming increasingly recognized. Studies have shown differences in microorganism populations in the upper and lower respiratory tracts of patients with lung cancer compared to healthy individuals, indicating a link between dysbiosis and lung cancer. However, it is not only important to identify "which bacteria are present" but also to understand "how" they affect lung carcinogenesis. The interactions between the host and lung microbiota are complex, and our knowledge of this relationship is limited. This review presents research findings on the bacterial lung microbiota and discusses the mechanisms by which lung-dwelling microorganisms may directly or indirectly contribute to the development of lung cancer. These mechanisms include influences on the host immune system regulation and the local immune microenvironment, the regulation of oncogenic signaling pathways in epithelial cells (causing cell cycle disorders, mutagenesis, and DNA damage), and lastly, the MAMPs-mediated path involving the effects of bacteriocins, TLRs signaling induction, and TNF release. A better understanding of lung microbiota's role in lung tumor pathology could lead to identifying new diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers and developing personalized therapeutic management for lung cancer patients.

The Lung Microbiome in COPD and Lung Cancer: Exploring the Potential of Metal-Based Drugs

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer 17 are two of the most prevalent and debilitating respiratory diseases worldwide, both associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. As major global health concerns, they impose a substantial burden on patients, healthcare systems, and society at large. Despite their distinct aetiologies, lung cancer and COPD share common risk factors, clinical features, and pathological pathways, which have spurred increasing research interest in their co-occurrence. One area of particular interest is the role of the lung microbiome in the development and progression of these diseases, including the transition from COPD to lung cancer. Exploring novel therapeutic strategies, such as metal-based drugs, offers a potential avenue for targeting the microbiome in these diseases to improve patient outcomes. This review aims to provide an overview of the current understanding of the lung microbiome, with a particular emphasis on COPD and lung cancer, and to discuss the potential of metal-based drugs as a therapeutic strategy for these conditions, specifically concerning targeting the microbiome.