Cigarette smoke inhibits human bronchial epithelial cell repair processes

H. Wang, X. Liu, T. Umino, C. M. Sköld, Y. Zhu, T. Kohyama, J. R. Spurzem, D. J. Romberger, S. I. Rennard

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

139 Scopus citations

Abstract

By interfering with the ability of airway epithelial cells to support repair processes, cigarette smoke could contribute to alterations of airway structures and functions that characterize chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The current study assessed the ability of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) to alter human airway epithelial cell chemotaxis, proliferation, and contraction of three-dimensional collagen gels, a model of extracellular matrix remodeling. The volatile components contained in cigarette smoke, acetaldehyde and acrolein, were able to inhibit all three processes. Nonvolatile components contained within lyophilized CSE also inhibited chemotaxis but displayed no activity in the other two bioassays. CSE also inhibited the ability of airway epithelial cells to release transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and fibronectin. Exogenous fibronectin was unable to restore epithelial cell contraction of collagen gels. Exogenous TGF-β partially restored the ability of airway epithelial cells to contract collagen gels and to produce fibronectin. This supports a role for inhibition of TGF-β release in mediating the inhibitory effects of cigarette smoke. Taken together, the results of the current study suggest that epithelial cells present in the airways of smokers may be altered in their ability to support repair responses, which may contribute to architectural disruptions present in the airways in COPD associated with cigarette smoking.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)772-779
Number of pages8
JournalAmerican journal of respiratory cell and molecular biology
Volume25
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cigarette smoke inhibits human bronchial epithelial cell repair processes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this