Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 8, 2026
06:07
Cigarette Smoke Exposure in Mice using a Whole-Body Inhalation System
Published on: October 22, 2020
7.8K
Elevated GDF-15 contributes to pulmonary inflammation upon cigarette smoke exposure
F M Verhamme1, L J M Seys1, E G De Smet1
1Laboratory for Translational Research in Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
Mucosal Immunology
|February 2, 2017
Summary
Growth Differentiation Factor (GDF)-15, elevated in smokers and COPD patients, promotes lung inflammation. GDF-15 deficiency reduced inflammation in mice exposed to cigarette smoke, suggesting a key role in COPD pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Pathology
Background:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathogenesis mechanisms remain incompletely understood.
- Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-β superfamily signaling pathways, crucial for lung development, may play a role in COPD.
- Growth Differentiation Factor (GDF)-15, a TGF-β superfamily member, is implicated in inflammation, mucus secretion, and cachexia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Growth Differentiation Factor (GDF)-15 in the pathogenesis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
- To analyze pulmonary GDF-15 expression in smokers, COPD patients, and in response to cigarette smoke (CS) exposure.
- To determine if GDF-15 contributes to CS-induced pulmonary inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of pulmonary GDF-15 expression in human sputum and lung tissue from smokers and COPD patients.
- In vitro studies using cigarette smoke (CS)-exposed primary human bronchial epithelial cells (pHBECs).
- In vivo studies using GDF-15 knockout (KO) and control mice exposed to air or CS, evaluating pulmonary inflammation.
Main Results:
- GDF-15 levels were significantly higher in sputum supernatant and lung tissue of COPD patients and smokers compared to never-smokers.
- CS exposure increased GDF-15 expression and secretion in pHBECs and elevated GDF-15 levels in mouse lungs.
- GDF-15 deficiency attenuated CS-induced pulmonary inflammation in mice.
Conclusions:
- Increased GDF-15 expression in the lungs of smokers and COPD patients contributes to cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary inflammation.
- GDF-15 emerges as a potential therapeutic target for mitigating inflammation in COPD.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
4.9K
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
4.9K
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
4.0K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-lasting respiratory condition requiring continuous attention and care. It is a progressive lung disease that leads to breathing challenges due to airflow obstruction. It manifests as persistent respiratory symptoms and restricted airflow resulting from abnormalities in the airways and alveoli, usually due to long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases. COPD mainly consists of two primary conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
4.0K
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
2.0K
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions that progressively worsen over time, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This cluster of diseases collectively leads to a gradual and irreversible decline in lung function over time.
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
2.0K