Abstract
We assumed that even in asymptomatic young smokers, with relatively short smoking duration and normal lung function, induced sputum could be found some changes indicative for early inflammatory process.
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate morpho-functional changes in airways of young cigarette smokers.
Method: We enrolled 23±3 years old 12 non-allergic smokers (1.59±0.67 pack-years) and 7 healthy non-smoking volunteers. Lung function measurements, sputum induction (IS) and sputum cell analysis were performed.
Results: Demographic data for both study groups did not differ significantly. Non-smokers and smokers had normal lung function indices. In smokers induced sputum contained statistically significantly (p=0.026) increased relative count of eosinophils 0.923 (0.355-1,753)% compared with non-smokers 0.069 (0.046 - 0.550)%. We also found significant reduction of absolute (r=0.482; p=0.037) and relative (r=0.682; p=0.004) count of bronchial epithelial cells in induced sputum that correlated to number of smoked pack-years. A trend towards statistical significance showed the correlation between smoked pack-years and the relative number of macrophages in induced sputum (r =0.402; p=0.0872). A trend towards statistical significance was also found in correlation between smoked pack-years and diminished FEV1% of predicted (r= - 0.463; p= 0.046).
Conclusion: In this study we showed that even smokers with short duration of the smoking habit have already initial signs of inflammation with eosinophil involvement.
- © 2011 ERS