We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
ERS International Congress 2022: highlights from the Basic and Translational Science Assembly
AI summary Read the abstract
This review highlights key findings from the 2022 European Respiratory Society Congress on how climate change, air pollution, microplastics, and early-life events affect respiratory health, alongside advances in the Human Lung Cell Atlas, cell death pathways in lung disease, and novel asthma therapies.
In this review, the Basic and Translational Science Assembly of the European Respiratory Society provides an overview of the 2022 International Congress highlights. We discuss the consequences of respiratory events from birth until old age regarding climate change related alterations in air quality due to pollution caused by increased ozone, pollen, wildfires and fuel combustion as well as the increasing presence of microplastic and microfibres. Early life events such as the effect of hyperoxia in the context of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and crucial effects of the intrauterine environment in the context of pre-eclampsia were discussed. The Human Lung Cell Atlas (HLCA) was put forward as a new point of reference for healthy human lungs. The combination of single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial data in the HLCA has enabled the discovery of new cell types/states and niches, and served as a platform that facilitates further investigation of mechanistic perturbations. The role of cell death modalities in regulating the onset and progression of chronic lung diseases and its potential as a therapeutic target was also discussed. Translational studies identified novel therapeutic targets and immunoregulatory mechanisms in asthma. Lastly, it was highlighted that the choice of regenerative therapy depends on disease severity, ranging from transplantation to cell therapies and regenerative pharmacology.
More Papers Like This
Inhaled Microplastics as Emerging Respiratory Toxicants: From Cellular Mechanisms to Global Health Policy
AI summary Read the abstract
This review pulls together a decade of research on tiny plastic particles floating in the air we breathe, finding that once inhaled, they can trigger inflammation, cell damage, and immune disruption deep in the lungs, effects linked to conditions like asthma, COPD, and even lung cancer. The risk may be even greater since these particles often carry other harmful substances like heavy metals along for the ride. That said, scientists still lack standardized ways to measure this exposure, so more consistent research is needed before we fully understand how worried we should be, but it's a good reason to pay attention to air quality and plastic pollution in daily life.
Pathophysiological effects of inhaled airborne microplastics on the respiratory epithelial barrier: A review
AI summary Read the abstract
Tiny plastic particles floating in the air we breathe may be doing more damage to our lungs than we realized. This review of existing research found that when these microplastics land in our airways, they can trigger cell stress, inflammation, and damage to the protective lining of our lungs—potentially making respiratory problems worse over time. While scientists still need more long-term studies to fully understand the risks, this research is an early warning sign that the plastic pollution in our air isn't just an environmental issue—it could be a health issue too.
Respiratory Health Impacts from Natural Disasters and Other Extreme Weather Events: The Role of Environmental Stressors on Asthma and Allergies
AI summary Read the abstract
This review looked at how natural disasters and extreme weather events, including wildfires, floods, and heat waves, are worsening respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies. Researchers found that these events release environmental stressors including microplastics and PFAS chemicals that can trigger lung inflammation and immune disruption. The study suggests that as extreme weather becomes more frequent, understanding these exposure pathways is increasingly important for protecting respiratory health.
Environment and lung health in a rapidly changing world
AI summary Read the abstract
This editorial highlights the major environmental challenges affecting respiratory health in the 21st century, including climate change and plastic pollution. The authors note that microplastics and nanoplastics in the air represent an emerging concern for lung health that requires urgent research attention. The piece calls for broader action to address environmental threats to respiratory health, particularly for vulnerable and underserved populations.
Allergy and immunotoxicology in preventive and clinical medicine from theory to practice: Environmental factors in bronchial asthma
AI summary Read the abstract
This review applies an exposome framework to bronchial asthma, identifying living-environment pollutants including microplastics, air pollution, tobacco smoke, climate change, and dietary changes as contributors to asthma pathogenesis and exacerbation.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.