Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and DNA methylation: an in-depth analysis from the perspective of epigenetics

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive interstitial lung disease characterized by abnormal lung tissue repair and fibrosis of unknown cause. Its pathogenesis is complex and involves multiple factors such as genetics, environment, and epigenetics. In recent years, DNA methylation, as an important epigenetic modification, has gradually attracted attention for its role in the occurrence and development of IPF. This review systematically analyzes the current research status, mechanism of action, and future application prospects of DNA methylation in IPF from the perspective of epigenetics, aiming to provide a new theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of IPF.