Figures & data
Figure 1 Loss of cellular homeostasis in emphysema pathogenesis. Exposure to inhaled toxins (such as cigarette smoke) leads to epithelial cell death, inflammation, and extracellular matrix proteolysis. In susceptible individuals, mesenchymal cell survival and reparative functions are impaired by direct effects of inhaled toxic substances, inflammatory mediators, and by the loss of the peri- and extracellular matrix. The result is the loss of structural cells of the alveolar wall and the associated matrix components.
