Geoepidemiology of COPD and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Progress in improving patient outcomes and advancing therapeutics in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is hampered by phenotypic heterogeneity and variable responsiveness to clinical interventions that are not fully explained by currently held disease paradigms for COPD and IPF. Although these chronic lung diseases differ in their geoepidemiology and immunopathogenesis, emerging evidence suggest that organ-specific autoimmunity may underlie subphenotypes of COPD and IPF. In particular, the links to tobacco smoking, diet, gender, and environment are explored in this review. We also highlight potential mechanisms that could guide future investigations in both laboratory and clinical settings. A paradigm shift is needed in how we think about COPD and IPF, based on geoepidemiology and a broader understanding of disease pathogenesis that may ultimately lead to new therapies and improved patient outcomes.
Zeki
Amir A
AA
Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
Schivo
Michael
M
Chan
Andrew L
AL
Hardin
Kimberly A
KA
Kenyon
Nicholas J
NJ
Albertson
Timothy E
TE
Rosenquist
Grace L
GL
Louie
Samuel
S
D015551:Autoimmunity; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004032:Diet; D006801:Humans; D054990:Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D015994:Incidence; D009928:Organ Specificity; D015995:Prevalence; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects