The effect of secondhand smoke exposure on markers of elastin degradation.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Tobacco smoke is a major risk factor in the development of COPD. Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure is a known risk factor in asthma, bronchitis, and coronary artery disease. Elastin is a recognized target for injury in COPD, and the amino acids desmosine and isodesmosine (D/I), which are specific for elastin degradation, are elevated in COPD. This study determined whether exposure to SHS affects elastin degradation in asymptomatic individuals.

METHODS:

Two cohorts of asymptomatic individuals without evidence of respiratory or circulatory disease, exposed to SHS, were studied. Both cohorts comprised normal nonsmokers, active smokers, and those exposed to SHS. D/I were measured in plasma and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry by published methods. Plasma cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine, was also measured.

RESULTS:

In each cohort, the levels of D/I in plasma were statistically significantly higher in secondhand-smoke-exposed subjects than in the normal nonexposed subjects. Smokers had the highest levels of D/I but their levels were not statistically significantly higher than those of the secondhand-smoke-exposed. Cotinine levels were elevated in secondhand-smoke-exposed subjects and active smokers but not in most nonsmoking control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS:

Results indicate a tissue matrix effect of degradation of body elastin from SHS exposure and possible lung structure injury, which may result in COPD. Long-term studies of individuals exposed to SHS for the development of COPD are warranted.

• Authors: Natalie Slowik, Shuren Ma, Jiangtao He, Yong Y Lin, Offie P Soldin, Richard A Robbins, Gerard M Turino
• Journal: Chest (Chest) Vol. 140 Issue 4 Pg. 946-953 (Oct 2011) ISSN: 1931-3543 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21415130 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers
• Tobacco Smoke Pollution
• Desmosine
• Nicotine
• Elastin
• Isodesmosine
• Cotinine

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Biomarkers (blood)
• Cohort Studies
• Cotinine (blood)
• Desmosine (blood)
• Elastin (metabolism)
• Female
• Humans
• Isodesmosine (blood)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Nicotine (metabolism)
• Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive (blood, epidemiology)
• Risk Factors
• Smoking (adverse effects)
• Tobacco Smoke Pollution (adverse effects)
• Young Adult