Prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia: Finally, something that works

Due to a lack of understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) still remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the premature infant, and there is no effective preventive and/or therapeutic intervention. We have taken a basic biologic approach to elucidate the pathophysiology of BPD and have discovered that disruption of the alveolar Parathyroid Hormone-related Protein (PTHrP) signaling is centrally involved in this process. Further, stabilization of this signaling pathway by using exogenous PTHrP agonists can prevent and/or rescue the molecular injuries caused by insults that lead to BPD. Based upon years of work in this field, here I provide a novel and innovative molecular approach, i.e., exogenous treatment with PTHrP pathway agonists to prevent and/or treat BPD. However, to avoid any later surprises, it is important to emphasize that before translating it into human trials, this approach needs further testing and refinement in animal models.