Programmed cell death and acute lung injury

Programmed cell death is a group of cell deaths regulated by specific procedures in response to different physiological or pathological conditions,including apoptosis,oncosis and autophagy.It has been considered as an important underling mechanism in acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome.Investigation of the characteristics and mechanism of different types of programmed cell deaths may provide not only better understanding of the pathogenesis, but also novel therapies for acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome. Key words: Programmed cell death; Acute lung injury