Targeting anti-aging protein sirtuin (Sirt) in the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a severe, incurable, age-associated respiratory disorder that has gained significance because of its unknown etiology and lack of therapeutic approaches. IPF causes maximum damage to the alveolar epithelial cells, thereby leading to lung remodeling and initiating epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). The actual molecular mechanisms underlying IPF still remain unclear, and knowledge about these mechanisms would be helpful in its diagnosis. Sirtuins (Sirt) are class of NAD+-dependent proteins, widely known to exert positive and protective effects on age-related diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and so on, and are also involved in regulating IPF. The sirtuin family comprises of seven members (Sirt1 to Sirt7), out of which Sirt1, Sirt3, Sirt6, and Sirt7 exert positive effects on IPF. Sirt1 is associated with aging and inhibits cellular senescence and fibrosis. Sirt1 is well recognized in controlling pulmonary fibrosis and is also considered as a prime positive mediator of EMT. The expressions of Sirt3 protein tend to decline in IPF patients; hence it is known as an anti-fibrotic protein. Sirt6 indeed has been proven to reduce EMT during IPF. Decreased levels of Sirt7 during IPF regulate lung fibroblasts. Hence, active levels of Sirt1, Sirt3, Sirt6, and Sirt7 can be attractive target models to elucidate a novel potential therapeutic approach for IPF. In this prospect, we have discussed the role of Sirtuins in pulmonary fibrosis by exploring the recent research evidence that highlight the role of sirtuins and also describes their protective effects.

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