Effect of 1-year smoking cessation on airway inflammation in COPD and asymptomatic smokers
BWM Willemse, NHT ten Hacken… - European …, 2005 - Eur Respiratory Soc
BWM Willemse, NHT ten Hacken, B Rutgers, IGAT Lesman-Leegte, DS Postma, W Timens
European Respiratory Journal, 2005•Eur Respiratory SocSmoking cessation is the only treatment in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) effective in slowing down disease progression. Its effect on airway
inflammation in COPD is unknown, although cross-sectional studies suggest ongoing
inflammation in ex-smokers. In order to elucidate the effect of smoking cessation on airway
inflammation, 28 smokers with COPD (mean age: 55 yrs; forced expiratory volume in one
second: 71% predicted) and 25 asymptomatic smokers with normal lung function (aged 50 …
disease (COPD) effective in slowing down disease progression. Its effect on airway
inflammation in COPD is unknown, although cross-sectional studies suggest ongoing
inflammation in ex-smokers. In order to elucidate the effect of smoking cessation on airway
inflammation, 28 smokers with COPD (mean age: 55 yrs; forced expiratory volume in one
second: 71% predicted) and 25 asymptomatic smokers with normal lung function (aged 50 …
Smoking cessation is the only treatment in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) effective in slowing down disease progression. Its effect on airway inflammation in COPD is unknown, although cross-sectional studies suggest ongoing inflammation in ex-smokers.
In order to elucidate the effect of smoking cessation on airway inflammation, 28 smokers with COPD (mean age: 55 yrs; forced expiratory volume in one second: 71% predicted) and 25 asymptomatic smokers with normal lung function (aged 50 yrs) were included in a 1-yr smoking cessation programme. Effects of smoking cessation on airway inflammation were investigated in bronchial biopsies (baseline, 12 months) and sputum samples (baseline, 2, 6 and 12 months).
In the 12 candidates with COPD who successfully ceased smoking, airway inflammation persisted in bronchial biopsies, while the number of sputum neutrophils, lymphocytes, interleukin (IL)-8 and eosinophilic-cationic-protein levels significantly increased at 12 months. In the 16 asymptomatic smokers who successfully quitted, inflammation significantly reduced (i.e. number of sputum macrophages, percentage of eosinophils and IL-8 levels) or did not change.
The current authors suggest that the observed persistent airway inflammation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is related to repair of tissue damage in the airways. It remains to be elucidated whether this reflects a beneficial or detrimental effect.
European Respiratory Society