PhD defence Sophie Maria Louisa Neuen

Keywords: Chronic Lung Disease, Preterm birth, Perinatal Complications, Stem Cell Therapy

"Lifelong impact of prematurity-associated lung disease: Developmental pathogenesis and the effects of stem cell therapy from birth to adulthood"

This research investigated how adverse events around preterm birth contribute to prematurity-associated lung disease (PLD), a chronic condition that can lead to long-term respiratory problems. Using an unique sheep model, I examined how inflammation during pregnancy disrupts normal lung development and amplifies the harmful effects of other complications. The findings demonstrate that these early-life events cause lasting changes in lung structure and function, influencing respiratory health throughout life. The research also showed that PLD is a complex condition with different disease patterns, highlighting the need for new treatment approaches. Therefore, the therapeutic potential of stem cell therapy (MAPC) was evaluated. MAPC treatment reduced inflammation, supported lung development, and improved respiratory health early in life. Effects of MAPC therapy were depended on the timing and frequency of treatment. Collectively, these findings improve the understanding of how PLD develops, support risk stratification of vulnerable infants, and represent a significant step toward targeted therapies to improve respiratory health outcomes for children born preterm.

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