Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
14:39
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Remodeling in asthma and COPD--differences and similarities.
1Department Medicine, Division of Respiratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden. magnus.skold@ki.se
The Clinical Respiratory Journal
|May 27, 2010
Summary
Airway remodeling differs in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), impacting large airways, small airways, and lung parenchyma differently. Further research into airway remodeling mechanisms is crucial as current therapies are insufficient.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Respiratory Research
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Asthma and COPD are inflammatory airway diseases diagnosed by airflow limitation.
- Impaired lung function in these conditions is linked to structural airway and lung parenchyma changes.
- These remodeling processes vary between asthma and COPD, with distinct primary affected areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and compare airway remodeling in asthma and COPD.
- To examine remodeling across large airways, small airways, and lung parenchyma.
- To discuss involved inflammatory cells and remodeling markers.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on airway remodeling in asthma and COPD.
- Analysis of structural changes in different airway compartments.
- Identification of inflammatory mediators and remodeling markers.
Main Results:
- Airway remodeling in asthma predominantly affects large airways, but also involves other lung compartments.
- In COPD, remodeling of small airways and lung parenchyma are key to airflow limitation.
- Both asthma and COPD are heterogeneous with overlapping phenotypes.
Conclusions:
- Current anti-inflammatory treatments do not fully restore lung function in COPD and severe asthma.
- Further research into the mechanisms of airway remodeling is essential.
- Understanding these mechanisms may lead to improved therapeutic strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:26COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
Chronic obstructive pulmonary isease (COPD) involves a group of progressive lung disorders characterized by persistent airflow limitation and chronic respiratory symptoms. Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS), encompassing features of both asthma and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a group of progressive lung disorders that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and refractory (non-reversible) asthma. ACOS leads to complex clinical presentations that combine the inflammatory...
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Classification of Asthma