Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 17, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
21.2K
Hallmarks of the ageing lung
Silke Meiners1, Oliver Eickelberg2, Melanie Königshoff2
1Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC), University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University and Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL) silke.meiners@helmholtz-muenchen.de.
The European Respiratory Journal
|February 7, 2015
Summary
Ageing drives chronic lung diseases like COPD and lung cancer. This review explores the nine hallmarks of ageing and proposes a new hallmark: extracellular matrix dysregulation, crucial in lung disease pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Gerontology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Ageing is the primary risk factor for chronic lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
- While disease prevalence increases with age, incidence peaks vary across the lifespan, indicating distinct ageing effects on disease onset and pathogenesis.
- The nine established hallmarks of ageing represent key cell-autonomous and non-autonomous pathways implicated in the ageing process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence linking each of the nine hallmarks of ageing to the pathogenesis of COPD, lung cancer, and IPF.
- To propose an additional hallmark of ageing: "dysregulation of the extracellular matrix" (ECM).
- To highlight the role of ECM dysregulation as a critical modifier of cellular ageing processes and a key feature in chronic lung diseases.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of ageing hallmarks and their association with COPD, lung cancer, and IPF.
- Analysis of existing research on cell-autonomous and non-autonomous ageing pathways.
- Synthesis of evidence to support the proposed additional hallmark of ECM dysregulation.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports the involvement of multiple established hallmarks of ageing in the pathogenesis of COPD, lung cancer, and IPF.
- Dysregulation of the extracellular matrix emerges as a significant factor, influencing cellular functions and disease progression.
- The proposed additional hallmark, ECM dysregulation, integrates various cellular changes and environmental factors contributing to lung disease.
Conclusions:
- The nine hallmarks of ageing are relevant to the development of major chronic lung diseases.
- Dysregulation of the extracellular matrix is a critical, proposed tenth hallmark of ageing, significantly impacting lung disease pathogenesis.
- Understanding these ageing hallmarks, including ECM changes, is crucial for developing targeted therapies for age-related chronic lung diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
2
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...
2
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
4.2K
Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
4.2K
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
5.3K
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
5.3K
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
2
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.
2
01:19Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations
2
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is a long-term condition marked by persistent and only partially reversible airflow limitation. It involves two overlapping conditions—chronic bronchitis and emphysema—which often co-appear but differ in dominant symptoms and underlying mechanisms.Chronic Bronchitis FeaturesChronic bronchitis presents with a persistent productive cough and thick, sometimes purulent mucus due to airway inflammation, enlarged mucus glands, and goblet...
2
01:10Atelectasis II: Pathophysiology
2
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...
2