Non-Coding RNA Regulates Pyroptosis in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of death globally. It is characterized by irreversible airway obstruction and alveolar abnormalities. The pathogenesis of COPD is complex, involving multiple cell types in lung tissue and multifactorial processes, including cellular inflammatory responses. In recent years, pyroptosis-a novel form of cell death-has been closely linked to the development of COPD. Pyroptosis is defined by cell membrane rupture and the release of pro-inflammatory cellular contents. Importantly, the mechanisms of pyroptosis vary among different cell types in COPD. Non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), play a crucial role in modulating pyroptosis in COPD. These molecules can directly modulate pyroptosis or indirectly influence it through the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. This article reviews the current research progress on the expression patterns and pathological roles of miRNAs, circRNAs, lncRNAs, and ceRNAs in different cell types of COPD. These studies provide a new perspective for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying COPD and offer a scientific basis for developing novel prevention, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies. Looking ahead, future research will focus on leveraging individual differences in non-coding RNAs to develop personalized COPD treatment strategies. This approach has the potential to enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce adverse reactions, ultimately improving patient outcomes.