Mitochondria and their potential role in acute lung injury (Review)

Acute lung injury (ALI) and its more serious form [acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)] are devastating diseases that lead to high morbidity and mortality rates in patients in intensive care units. ALI is caused by numerous direct or indirect factors, including trauma and sepsis. However, the underlying mechanism associated with the pathophysiological process of ALI has yet to be fully elucidated. As our understanding of mitochondrial biology continuously progresses, mitochondria have been largely considered as biosynthetic, bioenergetic and signaling organelles that have a critical role in the processes of cellular development, proliferation and death, and novel insights into how mitochondrial dysfunction affects the pathogenesis of different diseases have been garnered. According to current research models, functional characteristics of mitochondria are recognized to affect the function of cells and organs in ALI. The aim of the present review is therefore to discuss mitochondria and their role in ALI, and to consider how they may serve as potential therapeutic targets for this disease.