Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the hallmarks of aging

Aging is characterized by progressive deterioration of physiological integrity, decline in homeostasis, and degeneration of the tissues that occurs after the reproductive phase of life is complete, leading to impaired function. This deterioration is an important risk factor for chronic lung patholog...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Shweta P Kukrety, Jai D Parekh, Kristina L Bailey
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2018-01-01
Series:Lung India
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.lungindia.com/article.asp?issn=0970-2113;year=2018;volume=35;issue=4;spage=321;epage=327;aulast=Kukrety
Description
Summary:Aging is characterized by progressive deterioration of physiological integrity, decline in homeostasis, and degeneration of the tissues that occurs after the reproductive phase of life is complete, leading to impaired function. This deterioration is an important risk factor for chronic lung pathologies such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a disease that develops gradually. Emphysematous changes in the lung take years to develop after exposure to cigarette smoke; hence, the vast majority of patients are elderly. There has been a dramatic increase in the life expectancy of the general population, resulting in an increased burden of chronic lung diseases. There is growing evidence that molecular mechanisms involved in aging may also play a role in COPD pathogenesis. Recently, the nine hallmarks of aging were identified. In this article, we will review the nine hallmarks of aging and how each hallmark contributes to the pathogenesis of COPD.
ISSN:0970-2113
0974-598X