Factor de necrosis tumoral como marcador de inflamación precoz en fumadores sanos

Abstract

Background and objectivesSmoking creates an inflammation that leads to lose of lung function. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a cytokine that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. There is a need to develop methods for an early detection of an impaired lung function in smokers. We aimed to show that smokers have higher levels of TNF-α in serum and exhaled breath condensate (EBC). We also analysed the influence of sex, age and weight on TNF-α, and determined the association between smoking, pulmonary function and TNF-α. Patients and methodsProspective study of smokers and non-smokers without any known disease. Respiratory function tests, EBC and blood samples were performed before smoking cessation. Statistical analysis: SPSS 11.0. ResultsFifty-one patients (60.8% smokers), 56.9% females, mean age 39.88 years old. Smokers initiated at an age of 15.77 years; the mean of cigarettes/day was 21.68. Significant differences in TNF-α serum levels between smokers and non-smokers were observed (P<.043). Differences did not reach significance for EBC. For tobacco consumption data, only age at smoking initiation and serum TNF-α levels had a correlation. A significant relation between TNF-α serum levels and forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity was found. ConclusionsSmokers show higher TNF-α levels in serum. Number of years of smoking has an influence on TNF-α levels. There is a modest corelation between pulmonary function and plasma TNF-α levels, but not for EBC.