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Updated: Mar 30, 2026

Development of a Neonatal Piglet Acute Lung Injury Model Recreating the Early Environment of Preterm Infant Lungs
Published on: October 31, 2025
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia - an overview about pathophysiologic concepts.
Sophie Niedermaier1,2, Anne Hilgendorff3,4
1Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich Max-Lebsche-Platz 31, 81377, Munich, Germany. Sophie.Niedermaier@med.uni-muenchen.de.
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants impairs lung development, with lasting adult effects. This review explores BPD
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pulmonology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease in preterm infants.
- It results from impaired pulmonary development with lifelong consequences.
- Key triggers include infection, oxygen toxicity, and mechanical ventilation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiology of BPD.
- To explore the interplay of disease mechanisms.
- To discuss the long-term effects on adult lung aging and repair.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pathophysiologic processes in BPD.
- Analysis of cellular and molecular changes.
- Discussion of growth factor signaling in disease development and repair.
Main Results:
- BPD involves sustained inflammation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and apoptosis.
- Altered growth factor signaling is a key feature.
- These changes impact the pulmonary scaffold and cellular interface.
Conclusions:
- BPD's pathophysiology involves complex interactions affecting lung development.
- Long-term consequences include altered adult lung aging and repair processes.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for managing BPD's lifelong impact.
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