Genetics and molecular biology in acute lung injury

Acute lung injury (ALI) is marked by compromised gas exchange following macrophage activation, surfactant dysfunction, and epithelial destruction. Activated macrophages release a myriad of cytokines, reactive oxygen and proteolytic enzymes, which in turn disrupt lung endothelium and epithelium. Together, these events lead to the key clinical manifestations, including immune cell infiltration, atelectasis, pulmonary oedema and, finally, respiratory failure