Molecular Approaches to Treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Current Perspectives and Future Directions.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a clinical syndrome that presents as airflow limitation with poor reversibility accompanied by dynamic hyperinflation of the lung. It is a complex disease with chronic inflammatory airway changes caused by exposure to noxious particles or gases, such as cigarette smoke. The disease involves persistent inflammation and oxidative stress, perpetuated by frequent exacerbations.

PGC-1α activation to enhance macrophage immune function in mycobacterial infections.

Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) are a heterogeneous group of environmental microorganisms with distinct human pathogenesis. Their incidence and prevalence are rising worldwide, due in part to elevated antimicrobial resistance which complicates treatment and potential successful outcomes. Although information exists on the clinical significance of NTMs, little is known about host immune response to infection.

Bacterial Infections in Patients Living with HIV.

Pneumonia, as well as other types of acute and chronic lung injuries, remain the leading causes of death in individuals living with HIV. Individuals with HIV who are on antiretroviral therapy continue to have a greater risk for pneumonia, including bacterial and mycobacterial infections. Alveolar macrophages and lung epithelial cells constitute the first line of host defense against invading pathogens.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Bacterial Infections.

Mitochondria are critical in numerous cellular processes, including energy generation. Bacterial pathogens target host cell mitochondria through various mechanisms to disturb the host response and improve bacterial survival. We review recent advances in the understanding of how bacteria cause mitochondrial dysfunction through perturbations in mitochondrial cell-death pathways, energy production, mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondrial quality control, DNA repair, and the mitochondrial unfolded protein response.

Plasma Sphingomyelin Disturbances: Unveiling Its Dual Role as a Crucial Immunopathological Factor and a Severity Prognostic Biomarker in COVID-19.

SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers distinct patterns of disease development characterized by significant alterations in host regulatory responses. Severe cases exhibit profound lung inflammation and systemic repercussions. Remarkably, critically ill patients display a "lipid storm", influencing the inflammatory process and tissue damage.