Unravelling the role of nanomedicine in attenuating inflammation, oxidative stress and cellular ageing in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a chronic lung disease which causes obstruction and inflammation in the airways or other parts of the lung. It is often associated with structural changes in the lung due to persistent inflammation caused by prolong exposure to cigarette smoke. Other factors such as oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and cellular senescence also play a major role in the progression of the disease. Chronic inflammation is responsible for cell cycle dysfunction. Cellular senescence is associated in the pathogenesis of COPD, which can accelerate the lung aging process. Cellular senescence can elevate the level inflammatory mediators, which can comprise lung function and structure. This review explores various pathologic mechanisms which are involved in the progression of COPD. It also explores the application of nanostructure-based drug delivery systems such as solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, nanoemulsions, dendrimers and other miscellaneous nanostructures in overcoming challenges associated with current conventional treatments for COPD. This review explores recent advancements in the field of nanostructures-based drug delivery systems for COPD treatment.