The Role of Bioactive Small Molecules in COPD Pathogenesis

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is recognized as a predominant contributor to mortality worldwide, which causes significant burdens to both society and individuals. Given the limited treatment options for COPD, there lies a critical realization: the imperative for expeditious development of novel therapeutic modalities that can effectively alleviate disease progression and enhance the quality of life experienced by COPD patients. Within the intricate field of COPD pathogenesis, an assortment of biologically active small molecules, encompassing small protein molecules and their derivatives, assumes crucial roles through diverse mechanisms. These mechanisms relate to the regulation of redox balance, the inhibition of the release of inflammatory mediators, and the modulation of cellular functions. Therefore, the present article aims to explore and elucidate the distinct roles played by different categories of biologically active small molecules in contributing to the pathogenesis of COPD.

Keywords:

• Bioactive small molecules
• COPD
• pathogenesis

Author contributions

Liao Sha and Yahong Chen contributed to the review design, material collection, anlaysis, interpreation and editing of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work received grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81970037 and No. 82090014).