Can the lungs regenerate?
The lungs are directly connected to the outside world through breathing. This makes them susceptible to harmful environmental influences. Cigarette smoke and exhaust fumes can take their toll on the sensitive tissue. But infections with bacteria or viruses also leave their mark on the lungs in the form of damaged or destroyed lung cells.
What helps the lungs to regenerate?
To find answers to this, it is first necessary to understand: How do lungs regenerate?
Researchers have discovered that stem cells play an essential role in lung regeneration. These are cells in their original state, so to speak. They can multiply indefinitely, transform into all kinds of differentiated cells as needed, and thus replace defective cells.
However, in the case of permanent damage, for example due to many years of heavy smoking, the renewal process no longer functions properly. The lung tissue is then incorrectly remodeled. This can result in diseases such as COPD or pulmonary fibrosis.
Starting point: signaling pathway blockade
This showed, for example, that certain signaling pathways that control tissue remodeling are disturbed in pulmonary fibrosis. Scientists see this as a starting point for new forms of treatment. Tests have shown that blocking the Wnt signaling pathway may be helpful in pulmonary fibrosis.
Starting point: artificial stem cells
Another starting point are so-called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells). These are artificially generated stem cells:
The artificially generated stem cells can also be modeled for individual patients. For this purpose, scientists use cells from the respective patient for reprogramming.
Prompt regeneration aid: Stop smoking
Every person can also do something themselves to help their lungs regenerate. This includes, above all, inhaling as few harmful substances as possible so as not to disturb the sensitive regeneration process.
How long does the lung need to recover?
How long the lungs need to regenerate after damage varies from individual to individual. The amount of time depends, for example, on age and lifestyle habits.
Therefore, those who stop smoking can effectively support the regeneration of their lungs and accelerate the recovery of lung function.
Conclusion
Overall, the lungs need more time to regenerate than many other organs. However, contrary to earlier widespread opinion, it is certainly capable of healing itself. New research findings and therapeutic approaches, as well as our own measures – above all, stopping smoking – can help it to do so.
