Lung microbiome, gut-lung axis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Purpose of review: To review recent data on the microbiome of the lungs and how it changes with the evolution of COPD. To explore initial data with respect to COPD and the gut-lung axis. An expanded understanding of the pathogenesis of COPD may lead to new therapeutic targets.

Recent findings: Intermittent pulmonary seeding is essential to health. The lung inflammation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) appears to change the lung milieu such that there is a shift in the microbiome of the lung as COPD progresses. Current data contain internal contradictions, but viewed in to suggest that the lung microbiome participates in the ongoing process of inflammation and destruction (in contrast to the role of the 'healthy lung' microbiome). Gut and lung 'communicate' and share some functions. COPD is associated with increased intestinal permeability (a dysfunction associated with inflammation). COPD has an impact upon the gastrointestinal microbiome. The gastrointestinal tract may, thus play a role in the progression of COPD.

Summary: Lung injury/inflammation alters the milieu of the lung and favors an evolving microbiome, which reflects and probably participates in the processes of inflammation and injury. There is some evidence that the gastrointestinal tract participates in that inflammatory process.