Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026
08:58
Development of a Neonatal Piglet Acute Lung Injury Model Recreating the Early Environment of Preterm Infant Lungs
Published on: October 31, 2025
882
Altered lung development in bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Alice Hadchouel1, Marie-Laure Franco-Montoya, Christophe Delacourt
1INSERM, U955, IMRB, Equipe 04, Créteil, France; AP-HP, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, service de Pneumologie Pédiatrique, Centre de Référence pour les Maladies Respiratoires Rares de l'Enfant, Paris, France; Université Paris-Descartes, Paris, France.
Summary
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a complex lung disease in premature infants. This review explores the molecular pathways and genetic factors contributing to impaired alveolar growth in BPD.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the primary respiratory complication in extremely premature infants.
- Its complex pathophysiology involves host-environment interactions and genetic influences.
- BPD's clinical and histological features have evolved with improved neonatal care and the management of more immature infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the key molecular pathways involved in the development of Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).
- To highlight the role of genetic factors and evolving understanding of BPD pathogenesis.
- To discuss insights gained from animal models, genetic studies, and functional respiratory assessments.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on molecular pathways in BPD.
- Analysis of genetic approaches and their contribution to understanding BPD.
- Inclusion of data from animal models and long-term respiratory functional studies.
Main Results:
- Impaired alveolar growth is a consistent and key feature of BPD, particularly in newer forms.
- Molecular pathways are increasingly identified as crucial in BPD genesis.
- Genetic factors significantly influence the complex pathophysiology of BPD.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the molecular basis of BPD is critical for developing targeted therapies.
- Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in BPD development.
- Continued research integrating molecular, genetic, and functional data is essential for advancing BPD care.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
40
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...
40
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
5.0K
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
5.0K
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
48
Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.
48
01:10Atelectasis II: Pathophysiology
40
Atelectasis develops when alveoli lose their air and collapse inward. Because lung tissue is naturally elastic, these air sacs shrink rather than remaining open. Collapsed alveoli are no longer ventilated, reducing their role in gas exchange. Blood flow may continue in these regions, creating a ventilation–perfusion mismatch. Clinical findings include decreased breath sounds, dullness to percussion, reduced chest expansion, and decreased tactile fremitus as sound transmission through...
40
01:17Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
5.2K
In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...
5.2K
01:05Breathing
50.6K
The process of breathing, inhaling and exhaling, involves the coordinated movement of the chest wall, the lungs, and the muscles that move them. Two muscle groups with important roles in breathing are the diaphragm, located directly below the lungs, and the intercostal muscles, which lie between the ribs. When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and creating more room for the lungs to expand. When the intercostal muscles contract, the ribs...
50.6K