The Aging Lung: Exploring Multimorbidity Patterns and Their Clinical Implications: A Narrative Review

Aging is a multifaceted biological process characterized by a progressive decline in cellular function and physiological resilience, increasing the risk of multiple chronic conditions. Chronic lung diseases frequently manifest within the aging population and are closely intertwined with systemic dys...

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Main Authors: Ali Albarrati, Nichola S. Gale
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Current Issues in Molecular Biology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1467-3045/47/7/561
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author Ali Albarrati
Nichola S. Gale
author_facet Ali Albarrati
Nichola S. Gale
author_sort Ali Albarrati
collection DOAJ
description Aging is a multifaceted biological process characterized by a progressive decline in cellular function and physiological resilience, increasing the risk of multiple chronic conditions. Chronic lung diseases frequently manifest within the aging population and are closely intertwined with systemic dysfunctions across cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and neurological systems. In this review, we explore the biological mechanisms linking aging, multiple chronic conditions patterns, and chronic lung disease, with a particular focus on inflammaging and cellular aging. We also highlight shared pathological pathways such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the dysregulation of repair processes that underlie both natural aging and the accelerated aging seen in chronic lung disease. Additionally, we discuss the systemic impact of multiple chronic conditions on patient outcomes, including increased frailty, diminished physical capacity, cognitive impairment, and elevated mortality risk. This review advocates for a comprehensive, patient-centered approach that combines early detection, personalized pharmacological therapies targeting inflammatory and senescent pathways, and non-pharmacological interventions such as pulmonary rehabilitation, exercise, and dietary optimization. Emerging therapeutics, including senolytics and anti-inflammatory agents, present promising avenues for mitigating age-related lung decline and managing multiple chronic conditions.
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spelling doaj-art-8ef50da2c91046c1a321fb2bbbe7aeca2025-08-20T03:07:54ZengMDPI AGCurrent Issues in Molecular Biology1467-30371467-30452025-07-0147756110.3390/cimb47070561The Aging Lung: Exploring Multimorbidity Patterns and Their Clinical Implications: A Narrative ReviewAli Albarrati0Nichola S. Gale1School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UKSchool of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UKAging is a multifaceted biological process characterized by a progressive decline in cellular function and physiological resilience, increasing the risk of multiple chronic conditions. Chronic lung diseases frequently manifest within the aging population and are closely intertwined with systemic dysfunctions across cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and neurological systems. In this review, we explore the biological mechanisms linking aging, multiple chronic conditions patterns, and chronic lung disease, with a particular focus on inflammaging and cellular aging. We also highlight shared pathological pathways such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the dysregulation of repair processes that underlie both natural aging and the accelerated aging seen in chronic lung disease. Additionally, we discuss the systemic impact of multiple chronic conditions on patient outcomes, including increased frailty, diminished physical capacity, cognitive impairment, and elevated mortality risk. This review advocates for a comprehensive, patient-centered approach that combines early detection, personalized pharmacological therapies targeting inflammatory and senescent pathways, and non-pharmacological interventions such as pulmonary rehabilitation, exercise, and dietary optimization. Emerging therapeutics, including senolytics and anti-inflammatory agents, present promising avenues for mitigating age-related lung decline and managing multiple chronic conditions.https://www.mdpi.com/1467-3045/47/7/561Agingmultiple chronic conditionschronic diseaselung
spellingShingle Ali Albarrati
Nichola S. Gale
The Aging Lung: Exploring Multimorbidity Patterns and Their Clinical Implications: A Narrative Review
Current Issues in Molecular Biology
Aging
multiple chronic conditions
chronic disease
lung
title The Aging Lung: Exploring Multimorbidity Patterns and Their Clinical Implications: A Narrative Review
title_full The Aging Lung: Exploring Multimorbidity Patterns and Their Clinical Implications: A Narrative Review
title_fullStr The Aging Lung: Exploring Multimorbidity Patterns and Their Clinical Implications: A Narrative Review
title_full_unstemmed The Aging Lung: Exploring Multimorbidity Patterns and Their Clinical Implications: A Narrative Review
title_short The Aging Lung: Exploring Multimorbidity Patterns and Their Clinical Implications: A Narrative Review
title_sort aging lung exploring multimorbidity patterns and their clinical implications a narrative review
topic Aging
multiple chronic conditions
chronic disease
lung
url https://www.mdpi.com/1467-3045/47/7/561
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