Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 10, 2026

Automated Measurement of Pulmonary Emphysema and Small Airway Remodeling in Cigarette Smoke-exposed Mice
Published on: January 16, 2015
Dietary Zeaxanthin Attenuates Cigarette Smoke-Induced COPD by Suppressing ERK-Driven Apoptosis
Ziyi Liu1, Qinshi Liang2, Yifan Liu1
1Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.; Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.; Clinical Medical Research Center for Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China.; Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China.
Background:
Dietary zeaxanthin's role in COPD remains underexplored.
Methods:
A multi-dimensional approach integrating NHANES epidemiological data, multi-omics analyses (network pharmacology, transcriptomics, molecular docking), and experimental validation in a CSE-induced mouse model and HBE cells.
Results:
NHANES analysis revealed an inverse association between zeaxanthin intake and COPD risk. Multi-omics identified MAPK1 (ERK2) as a core target, with molecular docking predicting favorable zeaxanthin-MAPK1/MAPK3 interactions. Zeaxanthin alleviated emphysema, improved lung function, and reduced apoptosis/inflammation in vivo, and protected HBE cells in vitro. Mechanistically, it dose-dependently inhibited ERK phosphorylation and downstream cleaved caspase-3 activation. PMA-mediated reactivation of ERK partially reversed the anti-apoptotic effect of zeaxanthin.
Conclusion:
Dietary zeaxanthin protects against COPD by suppressing the ERK-mediated apoptotic pathway, supporting its potential as a nutritional intervention.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
