Multi-omics biomarkers of endothelial dysregulation preceding chronic lung allograft dysfunction: A prospective cohort study

The study examined biomarkers that could predict chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) in lung transplant patients. Researchers analyzed airway samples from 56 CLAD-free patients and compared them with samples from 13 patients who developed CLAD. In the first 6 months post-transplant, healthy patients showed decreased microbial diversity and increased abundance of certain bacteria and fungi, accompanied by immune system activation. In patients who developed CLAD, elevated levels of specific lipids and activation of genes related to vascular dysfunction and immune cell infiltration were detected before CLAD onset. Researchers identified specific molecules and genes as potential biomarkers preceding CLAD development. However, the study has a small sample size and its findings are considered associative, not causal.