Aging in COPD and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Abstract

Pulmonary function declines during normal aging, whereas pulmonary inflammation increases. The net effect of aging is an increased risk for the development of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in susceptible individuals. These diseases accelerate the age-related loss in lung function contributing to disability and premature death. Inasmuch as our population is aging, it is important to mechanistically understand the role of aging on the pathobiology of these lung diseases. Lung aging, with its exposure to external factors over many years should be integrated into the complex profiling of COPD and IPF. The understanding of the role played by aging hallmarks in the pathophysiology of COPD and Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis will be addressed in this chapter. Moreover, future directions and the missing links will be discussed in this chapter.