The role and mechanism of gut-lung axis mediated bidirectional communication in the occurrence and development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The current studies have shown that the occurrence and development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are closely related to the changes in gut health and its microenvironment, and even some gut diseases have significant clinical correlation with COPD. The dysbiosis of gut microbiota observed in COPD patients also suggests a potential bidirectional interaction between the gut and lung. Communication between the gut and lung may occur through circulating inflammatory cells, gut microbial metabolites, and circulating inflammatory mediators, but the mechanism of bidirectional communication between the gut and lung in COPD is still under study. Therefore, more research is still needed in this area. In this review, we summarize recent clinical studies and animal models on the role of the gut-lung axis in the occurrence and development of COPD and its mechanisms, so as to provide ideas for further research in this field. In addition, we also summarized the negative effects of COPD medication on gut microbiota and the gut microbiota risk factors for COPD and proposed the potential prevention and treatment strategies.