Tag: Exposure

The Effect of Second Hand Smoke Exposure on Markers of Elastin Degradation.

Chest. 2011 Mar 17;

Authors: Slowik N, Ma S, He J, Lin YY, Soldin OP, Robbins RA, Turino GM

ABSTRACT Tobacco smoke is a major risk factor for the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Second-hand smoke exposure is a known risk factor in asthma, bronchitis and coronary artery disease. Elastin is a recognized target for injury in COPD and amino acids desmosine and isodesmosine (D/l), which are specific for elastin degradation are elevated in COPD. This study determined whether exposure to second-hand smoke affects elastin degradation in asymptomatic individuals. Two cohorts of asymptomatic individuals without evidence of respiratory or circulatory disease, exposed to second hand smoke were studied. Both cohorts comprised normal non-smokers, active smokers and second-hand smoke exposed. D/I were measured in plasma. D/I were quantified by HPLC and tandem mass spectrometry by published methods. Plasma cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine, was also measured. In each cohort, the levels of D/l in plasma were statistically significantly higher in second-hand smoke exposed subjects than in the normal non-exposed subjects. Smokers had the highest levels of D/l but their levels were not statistically significantly higher than those of the second-hand smoke exposed. Cotinine levels were elevated in the second-hand smoke exposed subjects and active smokers but not in most non-smoking controls. Results indicate a tissue matrix effect for the first time of degradation of body elastin from second-hand smoke exposure and possible lung structure injury which may result in COPD. Long term studies of individuals exposed to second-hand smoke for the development of COPD are warranted.

PMID: 21415130 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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