Role of the gut‑lung axis in bronchopulmonary dysplasia: Physiological basis, pathogenesis and immunological modulation (Review)

Abstract

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a severe respiratory condition that affects preterm infants, which is frequently associated with a poor long-term prognosis. The gut‑lung axis is a bidirectional communication pathway mediated by microbial communities and shared immune mechanisms that has emerged as a important area of research. It has been indicated that gut microbiota can influence the progression of various pulmonary diseases, where the gutlung axis can affect the progression of BPD through various mechanisms, such as bacterial translocation, microbial metabolite exchange, inflammatory cytokine spillover and immune cell migration. Although the relationship between the gut‑lung axis and BPD remains under exploration, understanding this interaction may identify early warning markers and novel therapeutic strategies for BPD. The present review summarizes the influence of the gut‑lung axis on BPD, focusing on the bidirectional communication and gut microenvironmental changes during BPD and the possible immunoregulatory mechanisms involved. By elucidating these associations, the present review aims to provide novel insights into the prevention and treatment of BPD.