Role of the pulmonary epithelium and inflammatory signals in acute lung injury

AM Manicone - Expert review of clinical immunology, 2009 - Taylor & Francis
AM Manicone
Expert review of clinical immunology, 2009Taylor & Francis
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a clinical disease marked by respiratory failure due to disruption of
the epithelial and endothelial barrier, flooding of the alveolar compartment with protein-rich
fluid and recruitment of neutrophils into the alveolar space. ALI affects approximately
200,000 patients annually in the USA and results in approximately 75,000 deaths. It is
associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation, intensive medical care, high morbidity
and mortality, and rising healthcare costs. Owing to its impact on public health, great strides …
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a clinical disease marked by respiratory failure due to disruption of the epithelial and endothelial barrier, flooding of the alveolar compartment with protein-rich fluid and recruitment of neutrophils into the alveolar space. ALI affects approximately 200,000 patients annually in the USA and results in approximately 75,000 deaths. It is associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation, intensive medical care, high morbidity and mortality, and rising healthcare costs. Owing to its impact on public health, great strides have been made towards understanding the pathobiology of ALI to affect outcome. This review will focus on the role of the epithelial cell in the pathogenesis and resolution of ALI and the role of various inflammatory mediators in ALI.
Taylor & Francis Online