The Pulmonary Surfactant: Impact of Tobacco Smoke and Related Compounds on Surfactant and Lung Development

摘要: Cigarette smoking, one of the most pervasive habits in society, presents many well established health risks. While lung cancer is probably common and documented disease associated with tobacco exposure, it becoming clear from recent research that other diseases are causally related to smoking. Whether direct smoking or inhaling environmental smoke (ETS), termed secondhand smoke, cells respiratory tissues lining pulmonary surfactant first body be directly exposed thousands toxic chemicals tobacco. Considering vast surface area extreme attenuation blood-air barrier, not surprising this organ primary route for just but contaminants. Recent has shown surfactant, a complex mixture phospholipids proteins, site defense against particulates gas components smoke. However, what effect on surfactant. Most studies have demonstrated reduces bronchoalveolar lavage phospholipid levels. Some also appear detergent-like while others alter cycling secretion. Ultimately these effects reflected changes dynamics system and, clinically mechanics. Similarly, exposure developing fetal through maternal results postnatal alterations mechanics higher incidents wheezing coughing. Direct nicotine induces suggestive stress. Furthermore, identification nicotinic receptors airways corresponding increases airway connective tissue support possible involvement asthma development. Finally, at level alveoli lung, colocalization surfactant-specific protein alveolar role metabolism. Further needed determine mechanistic its function importantly, system.