COPD patients' lung cells accumulate more soot-like carbon

A new study reveals that lung cells in COPD patients accumulate significantly more soot-like carbon deposits than those of smokers without the disease. This accumulation may worsen lung function. Researchers found alveolar macrophages in COPD patients contained over three times more carbon than those of smokers. These cells, which protect the lungs, grew larger and produced more inflammation-causing proteins when exposed to carbon. The study suggests that the increased carbon accumulation in COPD patients is not solely due to smoking. Further research is needed to understand the cause and impact of this carbon buildup.