Pulmonary Emphysema: Current Understanding of Disease Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Approaches

Pulmonary emphysema, the main component of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a chronic lung inflammatory disease characterized by the loss of lung elasticity and impaired gas exchange due in large part to the destruction of alveolar walls. Cigarette smoking represents the most frequent etiologic factor, but other factors involving environmental pollution and respiratory infections contribute to disease pathogenesis and worsening. In this review, we provide a review about emphysema covering risk factors; underlying mechanisms of disease pathogenesis; experimental models that mimic, as closely as possible, human disease features; and available therapeutics. Lastly, exploratory therapeutic approaches aimed at improving patient health through evidence-based and personalized medicine are presented as well.