What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to investigate the role of non-smoking-related inflammatory pathways in vascular remodeling associated with COPD.

May 20, 2026

B76-11 From Airways to Arteries: Unraveling Inflammatory Pathways in COPD Associated Vascular Remodeling

Key Points

This study aims to investigate the role of non-smoking-related inflammatory pathways in vascular remodeling associated with COPD.
Female C57BL/6 mice were sensitized with house dust mite extract and challenged intranasally for six weeks.
Lung inflammation and vascular remodeling were assessed using bronchoalveolar lavage, histology, and echocardiography.
Proteomic analysis identified dysregulation of endothelial markers and other inflammatory signs.
HDM exposure increased neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.
Vascular remodeling features included increased wall thickness and α-SMA expression, indicating significant structural alterations.
HIF-1α levels were significantly upregulated, linking hypoxia to inflammation and vascular changes.

Abstract

Abstract Background Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive, incurable condition marked by irreversible airflow limitation and systemic inflammation. Cardiovascular comorbidities, particularly pulmonary hypertension (PH), exacerbate disease severity. While cigarette smoke is a well-known trigger, non-smoking-related inflammatory pathways remain underexplored. This study investigates vascular remodeling in a murine model of inflammation induced by chronic exposure to House Dust Mite Farinae (HDM). Methods Female C57BL/6 mice were sensitized with HDM in Freund’s Complete Adjuvant and challenged intranasally with HDM for six weeks. Lung inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, and vascular remodeling were assessed using bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), histology, immunofluorescence, echocardiography, gene expression, proteomics, and pulmonary function tests (FlexiVent system). Results HDM exposure induced a mixed inflammatory response, with elevated neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes in BALF. Mucus hyperproduction (increase of MUC5AC/MUC5B) and impaired lung function (reduced FEV0.1/FVC) were observed. Vascular remodeling was evidenced by increased wall thickness, α-SMA expression, and collagen deposition. Proteomic analysis revealed dysregulation of endothelial markers and protease/antiprotease imbalance. HIF-1α was significantly upregulated in lung tissue and correlated with vascular and epithelial remodeling. Conclusion Chronic HDM exposure in mice recapitulates key features of COPD and PH, including inflammation-driven airway and vascular remodeling. HIF-1α emerges as a central regulator, linking hypoxia to structural changes. This model offers insights into non-smoking COPD endotypes and highlights HIF-1α as a potential therapeutic target. This abstract is funded by: Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA

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