Highlights from the 11th Bronchitis International Symposium: "Heterogeneity of Lung Disease in a Changing Environment," Groningen, The Netherlands, 2024.

This meeting report provides an overview of the highlights of the Bronchitis XI international symposium, held in June 2024 in Groningen, The Netherlands. The theme of this year's symposium was "heterogeneity of lung disease in a changing environment," and the symposium contained five different sessions focused on (i) heterogeneity of chronic lung disease, (ii) environmental changes with impact on lung disease, (iii) the aging lung, (iv) bronchitis, and (v) innovative therapy. The highlights from each of these sessions will be discussed separately, providing an overview of latest studies, new data, and enthralling discussions.

A 3D Epithelial-Mesenchymal Co-Culture Model of the Airway Wall Using Native Lung Extracellular Matrix.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease characterized by ongoing inflammation, impaired tissue repair, and aberrant interplay between airway epithelium and fibroblasts, resulting in an altered extracellular matrix (ECM) composition. The ECM is the three-dimensional (3D) scaffold that provides mechanical support and biochemical signals to cells, now recognized not only as a consequence but as a potential driver of disease progression. To elucidate how the ECM influences pathophysiological changes occurring in COPD, in vitro models are needed that incorporate the ECM.

Associations of co-exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and lead (Pb) with IGF1 methylation in peripheral blood of preschool children from an e-waste recycling area.

Background: Childhood exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) or lead (Pb) is associated with epigenetic modifications. However, the effects of their co-exposures on IGF1 (Insulin-like growth factor 1) methylation and the potential role in child physical growth are unclear.

Methods: From our previous children study (N = 238, ages of 3-6), 75 children with higher total concentrations of urinary ten hydroxyl PAH metabolites (∑OH-PAHs) from an e-waste recycling area, Guiyu, and 75 with lower ∑OH-PAHs from Haojiang (reference area) were included.

Altered Extracellular Vesicle-Derived Protein and microRNA Signatures in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid from Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease for which there is no cure. Accumulating research results suggest a role for extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the pathogenesis of COPD. This study aimed to uncover the involvement of EVs and their molecular cargo in the progression of COPD by identification of EV-associated protein and microRNA (miRNA) profiles.

Alterations of gut microbiota and its metabolomics in children with 6PPDQ, PBDE, PCB, and metal(loid) exposure.

The composition and metabolites of the gut microbiota can be altered by environmental pollutants. However, the effect of co-exposure to multiple pollutants on the human gut microbiota has not been sufficiently studied. In this study, gut microorganisms and their metabolites were compared between 33 children from Guiyu, an e-waste dismantling and recycling area, and 34 children from Haojiang, a healthy environment.