Healthy Non-smokers Research Articles

Hypoxic Responses in Periodontal Tissues: Influence of Smoking and Periodontitis.

This study aimed to investigate the hypoxic changes in periodontal tissues resulting from smoking and periodontitis by assessing levels of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF-1α, HIF-2α, HIF-3α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). The study comprised 22 periodontally healthy non-smokers (Group H), 22 periodontally healthy smokers (Group HS), 22 non-smokers with periodontitis (Group P) and 22 smokers with periodontitis (Group PS). Clinical periodontal parameters were documented, and GCF samples were collected and analysed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Significantly elevated levels of HIF-1α, HIF-3α and VEGF were observed in Groups HS, P and PS compared to Group H (p < 0.05). Moreover, higher HIF-2α levels were detected in the Groups HS and P compared to Group H (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were detected between all evaluated hypoxia biomarkers in the Group P (p < 0.05) except HIF-2α and HIF-3α. However, in the PS group, significant correlation appeared only between HIF-1α and HIF-2α (p < 0.05). Our findings indicate that smoking and periodontitis induce comparable hypoxic effects in periodontal tissues, as evidenced by the evaluated biomarkers. Further research is warranted to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying hypoxia in periodontal tissues.

Effect of smoking on meibomian gland among Nepalese population

Purpose of study: To investigate the effects of cigarette smoking on meibomian gland and tear function test. Methods: It was a hospital-based cross-sectional study, which enrolled examined 30 subjects with a smoking history of at least 1 year (study group) alongside 25 healthy non-smokers (control group). Each participant’s symptoms were assessed using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire. A comprehensive ophthalmological evaluation followed, which included the non-invasive tear breakup time (NITBUT) and Schirmer test (with anesthesia). Additionally, we conducted a detailed analysis of the meibomian glands in both the upper and lower eyelids using meibography, employing the advanced Sirius anterior segment analysis system. Results: Participants in the study group averaged a smoking history of 6.94 ± 6.73 pack years. The mean OSDI score was 36.45 ± 10.60 in the study group, compared to 31.41 ± 8.12 in the control group (P = 0.05). For the NITBUT and Schirmer test, the study group recorded values of 9.54 ± 5.89 seconds and 14.77 ± 9.39 mm, respectively, while the control group showed 9.95 ± 6.15 seconds and 19.08 ± 7.08 mm (P = 0.85 and P = 0.03, respectively). Upper lid meibography revealed a 55.40 ± 10.10% gland loss in the study group, significantly higher than the 46.33 ± 14.70% observed in the control group (P = 0.01). However, no statistically significant difference was found in lower lid meibomian gland loss between the groups, with the study group at 54.08 ± 9.71% and the control group at 51.41 ± 17.24% (P = 0.49). Conclusion: Smoking results in meibomian gland damage which may be a risk factor for dry eye. In cases of ocular surface disorders related to chronic smoking, meibomian gland damage should be taken into consideration.

Effect of Smoking on Red Blood Cell Parameters: A Cross-sectional Study in a Divisional City of Bangladesh

Background: Several metabolic and biochemical processes, hormone secretion, and the haematological system are all affected by smoking. Numerous studies have found that smoking is associated with higher levels of haemoglobin concentration (Hb%), total red blood cell count (RBC), and red cell distribution width (RDW). Objectives: To study the RBC parameters in healthy male smokers and non-smokers among adults. Methodology: This research was carried out in the Department of Physiology of Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College, from July, 2021 to June, 2022. A total of 200 participants were included with healthy adult smokers and age-matched healthy adult non-smokers. History and physical examinations were used to evaluate each individual. We measured height and weight, and calculated body mass index of the subjects. Calculations were made on cigarette smoking intensity and duration. Blood was collected to determine RBC parameters, such as total RBC count, haemoglobin level, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and red cell distribution width (RDW) by using Sysmex 500i automatic haematology analyzer (Japan). Results: Among the 200 participants, 100 were adult smokers and another 100 age-matched healthy adult non-smokers. The RBC indices were significantly elevated in smokers compared to non-smokers group: mean haemoglobin concentration (g/dl)+ standard deviation (SD) were 14.17 ± 2.13 versus 13.27 ± 1.39 respectively with p&lt;0.001, mean haematocrit (HCT) (percent)+ SD were 41.60 ± 6.88 versus 39.13 ± 5.46 respectively with p=0.005, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (fl) + SD 91.13 ± 8.86 versus 88.33 ± 5.58 respectively with p=0.033, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) (pg) + SD 31.16 ± 3.26 versus 30.05 ± 3.0 respectively with p=0.016 and mean red cell distribution width (RDW) (percent)+ SD 14.74 ± 1.63 versus 14.00 ± 1.57 respectively with p=0.001. However, RBC count (×106/μl) (4.60 ± 0.80 versus 4.46 ± 0.60; p=0.143) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (g/dl) (34.23 ± 2.11 versus 34.11 ± 2.32; p=0.707) did not differ significantly between smoker and non-smoker groups. There was no statistical difference between mild, moderate, and severe smokers, according to the study's variables. Conclusion: MCV, MCH, RDW, haematocrit, and haemoglobin concentration were all significantly higher in smokers. Journal of Monno Medical College December, 2023; 9 (2):41-46

The effect of Hookah Smoking on Levels of Lipid Profiles and Some Heavy Metal Concentrations

The current study aimed to identify the effect of hookah smoking on the health of smokers of this type of smoking, as this phenomenon has spread widely in the recent period among all segments of society, especially among young men and women. Samples for the current study were collected from people who used this type of smoking from the month of December. 2023 until February 2024, with 95 samples⸲, where some physiological variables were measured, which included (blood pressure, lipid profile and heavy metals ) and it was compared with (30) blood samples collected from healthy people and non-smokers. As a control group. The results of the current study showed clear variations in the numbers, values, and concentrations of these variables studied under the current study. ⸲ Blood pressure among those who smoked this type of smoking increased by (52.63%). In terms of lipid profile, most of them showed an increase in their levels in the serum of these smokers, and also according to the type of flavor and the number of flavors. The highest increase in the level of total cholesterol and triglycerides in the serum of these smokers was (209.75) and (250.50), and in the mixed flavor, as for the number of flavors, it was Their highest levels were (241) and (290), respectively, when the number of traces was (more than 7) traces in the serum of hookah smokers. While the level of low-density lipoproteins showed its highest level of (119.95) in the serum of people smoking the mixed flavor in When it reached its highest level, it was (140) and in the serum of people who had a number of ages (more than 7) ⸲ while the level of very low-density lipoproteins showed its highest level, which was (51.70), in the serum of people who smoked the flavor of the mixture, while it reached its highest level. It is (62) and in the serum of people who have a number of ages (more than 7). While concentrations of lead and cadmium showed a bioaccumulation in the blood serum of these people who smoked hookah compared to the control group.provide insights into how effective each model is in identifying vulnerabilities.

Single-cell transcriptomics reveals e-cigarette vapor-induced airway epithelial remodeling and injury

BackgroundIn recent years, e-cigarettes have been used as alternatives among adult smokers. However, the impact of e-cigarette use on human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells remains controversial.MethodsWe collected primary HBE cells of healthy nonsmokers and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) smokers, and analyzed the impact of e- cigarette vapor extract (ECE) or cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on HBE cell differentiation and injury by single-cell RNA sequencing, immunostaining, HE staining, qPCR and ELISA. We obtained serum and sputum from healthy non- smokers, smokers and e-cigarette users, and analyzed cell injury markers and mucin proteins.ResultsECE treatment led to a distinct differentiation program of ciliated cells and unique patterns of their cell–cell communications compared with CSE. ECE treatment caused increased Notch signaling strength in a ciliated cell subpopulation, and HBE cell remodeling and injury including hypoplasia of ciliated cells and club cells, and shorter cilia. ECE-induced hypoplasia of ciliated cells and shorter cilia were ameliorated by the Notch signaling inhibition.ConclusionsThis study reveals distinct characteristics in e-cigarette vapor-induced airway epithelial remodeling, pointing to Notch signaling pathway as a potential targeted intervention for e-cigarette vapor-caused ciliated cell differentiation defects and cilia injury. In addition, a decrease in SCGB1A1 proteins is associated with e- cigarette users, indicating a potential lung injury marker for e-cigarette users.

Integrated multiscale analysis reveals complex gender-specific changes in lymphocytes of smokers

Environmental stressors induce specific physiological responses that can be measured in the blood, notably by morphological changes in lymphocytes. Tobacco being the best-known stress in terms of its impact on health, we studied the physiological properties of peripheral blood lymphocytes in a population of 33 healthy non-smokers and smokers. Proteasome amount, mitochondria energy levels, changes in membrane properties and cell and nuclear size were analyzed to obtain 28 parameters from two fluorescence-based techniques: flow cytometry and cell imaging. The results showed that none of the parameters alone identified gender and smoking status, but that statistical analysis of these parameters, whether or not combined with a third set of data, hematological data, can. Statistical analysis of selected parameters clearly discriminates between male and female samples, as well as smokers and non-smokers. Effects of tobacco smoke pollutants are more pronounced in female smokers than in other groups.

Evaluation and comparison of DNA alkylation and oxidative damage in e-cigarette and heated tobacco users

Objectives This study, aimed to determine and compare DNA damage in e-cigarette and HTP (IQOS) users by assessing DNA-adducts, which are biomarkers of various DNA alkylation and oxidation. Methods For the evaluation of DNA alkylation, N3-Ethyladenine (N3-EtA) and N3-Methyladenine (N3-MeA) adducts were used. DNA oxidation was assessed using, 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine(8-OHdG). The urinary cotinine, N3-MeA, N3-EtA, and 8-OHdG concentrations of the cigarette smokers (n:39), e-cigarette users (n:28), IQOS users (n:20), passive smokers (n:32), and nonsmokers(n:41) who lived Ankara, Turkiye were determined using, liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Results In light of the detected 8-OHdG levels, e-cigarette (3.19 ng/g creatinine) and IQOS (4.38 ng/g creatinine) users had higher oxidative DNA damage than healthy nonsmokers (2.51 ng/g creatinine). Alkylated DNA-adducts were identified in the urine of e-cigarette (N3-MeA: 3.92 ng/g creatinine; N3-EtA: 0.23 ng/g creatinine) and IQOS (N3-MeA: 7.54 ng/g creatinine; N3-EtA: 0.29 ng/g creatinine) users. In the generation of N3-MeA adducts, a significant difference was found between IQOS users and e-cigarette users (p < 0.05). Also, DNA alkylation in flavored e-cigarette users (N3-MeA: 4.51 ng/g creatinine; N3-EtA: 0.27 ng/g creatinine) was higher than in non-flavored e-cigarette users (N3-MeA: 2.27 ng/g creatinine; N3-EtA: 0.06 ng/g creatinine). The highest cotinine levels were found in cigarette smokers (16.1316 ng/g creatinine). No significant difference was found when e-cigarette (1163.02 ng/g creatinine) and IQOS smokers were compared (1088.3 ng/g creatinine). Conclusion People who use e-cigarettes and IQOS may be at higher risk of genotoxicity than those who do not use and are not exposed to any tobacco products. Furthermore, the usage of flavoring additives in e-cigarettes contributed to additional genotoxic damage risks.

Negative impact of face masks in patients with interstitial lung disease: A prospective study.

Face masks increase airway resistance, data on the actual extent of this effect are scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different mask types on clinical parameters during moderate exercise in healthy non-smokers, active smokers and patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) without the need of oxygen therapy. In a prospective observational pilot study participants performed a six-minute walk test without mask, with a surgical mask, a well-fitted FFP2 mask and with a valved FFP3 mask. Respiratory rate, blood pressure, heart rate, blood gas analysis parameters, dyspnoea and six-minute walk distance were measured. Data were analysed in an ANOVA model. 21 healthy participants, 17 active smokers without known pulmonary disease and 15 patients with interstitial lung disease were included. Participants with ILD had a significant lower walking distance, a higher respiratory rate and a lower pO2 when using FFP2 masks, but not with valved FFP3 masks or surgical masks compared to not wearing a mask. For patients with ILD without the need of oxygen therapy wearing an FFP2 mask had a negative impact on pO2, respiratory rate and walking distance in the six-minute walk test. This effect was not seen with valved FFP3 masks or surgical masks.

Psychological and Socio-Religious Effects of Ramadan Fasting Among Healthy Non-Smoker Adults

Psychological and Socio-Religious Effects of Ramadan Fasting Among Healthy Non-Smoker Adults

Extraction and characterization of exosomes from the exhaled breath condensate and sputum of lung cancer patients and vulnerable tobacco consumers—potential noninvasive diagnostic biomarker source

Noninvasive sample sources of exosomes, such as exhaled breath and sputum, which are in close proximity to the tumor microenvironment and may contain biomarkers indicative of lung cancer, are far more permissive than invasive sample sources for biomarker screening. Standardized exosome extraction and characterization approaches for low-volume noninvasive samples are critically needed. We isolated and characterized exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and sputum exosomes from healthy nonsmokers (n = 30), tobacco smokers (n = 30), and lung cancer patients (n = 40) and correlated the findings with invasive sample sources. EBC samples were collected by using commercially available R-Tubes. To collect sputum samples the participants were directed to take deep breaths, hold their breath, and cough in a collection container. Dynamic light scattering, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and transmission electron microscopy were used to evaluate the exosome morphology. Protein isolation, western blotting, exosome quantification via EXOCET, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were performed for molecular characterization. Exosomes were successfully isolated from EBC and sputum samples, and their yields were adequate and sufficiently pure for subsequent downstream processing and characterization. The exosomes were confirmed based on their size, shape, and surface marker expression. Remarkably, cancer exosomes were the largest in size not only in the plasma subgroups, but also in the EBC (p < 0.05) and sputum (p = 0.0036) subgroups, according to our findings. A significant difference in exosome concentrations were observed between the control sub-groups (p < 0.05). Our research confirmed that exosomes can be extracted from noninvasive sources, such as EBC and sputum, to investigate lung cancer diagnostic biomarkers for research, clinical, and early detection in smokers.

Deciphering Alveolo-Capillary Gas Transfer Disturbances in Patients Recovering from COVID-19 Lung Disease.

Impaired lung gas exchange is commonly seen in patients with pulmonary involvement related to SARS-CoV-2 acute infection or post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS). The primary aim of our study was to assess lung gas transfer, measuring the pulmonary diffusion capacity for nitric oxide (DLNO) and carbon monoxide (DLCO) in all COVID-19 patients. Our secondary aim was to decipher the respective roles of perturbed lung membrane conductance (DM) and reduced pulmonary capillary volume (VC) in patients with impaired lung gas exchange. From May to October 2020, we measured DLNO-DLCO in 118 patients during their post-COVID-19 period (4.6 months after infection) to decipher alveolo-capillary gas transfer disturbances. DLNO-DLCO measurement was also performed in 28 healthy non-smokers as controls. Patients were classified into three groups according to the severity (mild, moderate, and severe) of acute COVID-19 infection. Patients with mild COVID-19 had normal lung volumes and airways expiratory flows but impaired pulmonary gas exchange, as shown by the significant decreases in DLNO, DLCO, DM, and VC as compared with controls. VC was significantly impaired and the DLNO/DLCO ratio was increased in patients with moderate (n = 4, 11%) and severe COVID-19 (n = 23, 49%). Abnormal membrane conductance was also seen in all three groups of post-COVID-19 patients. These findings suggest a persistent alveolo-capillary gas transfer defect, implying not only reduced membrane conductance but also abnormal pulmonary vascular capacitance in all PACS patients, even those with a milder form of COVID-19 infection.

Impact of Smoking on Hematologic and Biochemical Predictors of Coronary Artery Disease in Iraqi Male Population

Background: Smoking is a well-known risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) and other cardiovascular conditions, including coronary heart disease (CHD). Blood cell components and biomarkers such as white blood cells (WBCs), haemoglobin (Hb), fibrinogen, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), D-dimer, and ferritin have been implicated in the pathogenesis of CAD. This study aimed to identify key predictors of CAD in smokers by assessing these hematologic and biochemical parameters. Methods: This study included male smokers with hypertension, excluding those with diabetes or dyslipidaemia, and compared them to a control group of healthy nonsmokers. Parameters assessed included complete blood count (CBC) and blood-based biomarkers (hs-CRP, D-dimer, fibrinogen, and ferritin). The predictive value of the fibrinogen-to-D-dimer ratio was also analyzed. Statistical analysis was conducted using GraphPad Prism 9.5.0 with a 95% confidence level. Results: Significant differences were observed between smokers and nonsmokers in WBC count, Hb level, and packed cell volume (PCV). Smokers exhibited higher levels of hs-CRP, fibrinogen, D-dimer, and ferritin. However, the fibrinogen-to-D-dimer ratio was not a significant predictor of CAD. Conclusion: The study found that elevated WBC count, Hb level, PCV, and biomarkers (hs-CRP, D-dimer, fibrinogen, ferritin) are strong predictors of CAD in smokers. These findings suggest the potential for developing a predictive panel for CAD risk in smokers, though the study's small sample size is a limitation.

Evaluation of Plasma Fibrinogen Level, Platelet Count &amp; Lipid Profile as Predictors of Cardiovascular Disease among Bangladeshi Healthy Male Smokers

Background: Smoking represents a substantial global health challenge, correlating with heightened rates of mortality and morbidity, notably including the onset of cancer. Within tobacco smoke are carcinogenic substances capable of perturbing cellular mechanisms and immune responses, thereby potentially influencing coagulation metrics and lipid profiles. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the plasma fibrinogen level, platelet count &amp; lipid profile as predictors of cardiovascular disease among Bangladeshi healthy male smokers. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at the Department of Physiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College (SSMC) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019. Seventy male participants aged 20 to 40 years were enrolled, comprising 35 healthy non-smokers (Group A) and 35 male smokers (Group B). Smokers were further categorized into two groups based on pack year (5-15 pack year for B1 &amp; &gt;15 pack year for B2). Coagulation parameters including plasma fibrinogen and platelet count and lipid profile were assessed. Results: The study comprised 70 subjects, evenly divided into Group A and Group B, with comparable mean ages of 33.17 ± 2.91 years and 34.11 ± 3.18 years, respectively, and similar mean body mass index (BMI) values of 24.36 ± 2.28 kg/m2 and 24.68 ± 2.33 kg/m2. Plasma fibrinogen levels were significantly higher in Group B (315.55 ± 67.79 mg/dL) compared to Group A (222.49 ± 23.03 mg/dL), as were platelet counts (285.14 ± 34.33 x109/L in Group B vs. 235.20 ± 46.83 x109/L in Group A). Further stratification of Group B revealed higher fibrinogen levels in both subgroups, B1 and B2, compared to Group A, with B2 exhibiting the highest fibrinogen levels. Platelet counts followed a similar trend, with both B1 and B2 having significantly higher counts than Group A. Plasma fibrinogen level was positively correlated with pack-years of smoking, while platelet counts showed a positive but statistically non-significant correlation. Smokers exhibited elevated total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, along with decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels compared to non-smokers. Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between pack-years of smoking and TC, TG, and LDL levels, while HDL levels exhibited a significant negative correlation. These findings underscore the complex interplay between smoking, coagulation parameters, and lipid profiles, emphasizing the multifaceted impact of smoking on cardiovascular health. Conclusion: In conclusion, the study highlights the intricate relationship between smoking, coagulation parameters, and lipid profiles in a cohort of 70 subjects. Smokers exhibited elevated plasma fibrinogen levels and platelet counts compared to non-smokers, with a significant positive correlation observed between pack-years of smoking and these coagulation parameters. Additionally, smokers demonstrated higher levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein, alongside lower levels of high-density lipoprotein, indicative of dyslipidemic state in the direction of increased risk for coronary artery disease. Furthermore, the discovered alterations in plasma fibrinogen, platelet, and lipid profiles serve as early predictors of cardiovascular disease, advocating for proactive management strategies in individuals with a smoking history.

Potential role of serum copeptin among smoker T2DM patients with emphasis to ACE I/D gene polymorphism predicting DN

Diabetic nephropathy represents one of the main long-term complications in T2DM patients. Cigarette smoking represents one of modifiable renal risk factors to kidney damage due to lead (Pb) exposure in these patients. Our goal is to investigate serum copeptin and Kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and urinary lead (UPb) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients even smokers and non-smokers groups and compared to corresponding health controls and assess its associations with Angiotensin-Converting enzyme Insertion/Deletion polymorphism [ACE (I/D)] polymorphism in diabetic nephropathy progression in those patients. In present study, 106 T2DM patients and 102 healthy control individuals were enrolled. Serum glucose, copeptin, KIM-1, total cholesterol (TChol), triglycerides (TG), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and UPb levels and ACE (I/D) polymorphisms were assessed in both groups. Results mentioned to significant variations in all parameters compared to in T2DM group compared to control group. Serum copeptin and UPb demonstrated significant difference in diabetic smokers (DS) and diabetic non-smokers (DNS) groups while KIM-1 exhibited significant change between DNS and healthy control non-smokers (CNS) groups. Positive relation was recorded between serum glucose and KIM-1 while negative one was found between serum copeptin and TChol. D allele was associated with significant variation in most parameters in T2DM, especially insertion/deletion (ID) polymorphism. ROC curve analysis (AUC) for serum copeptin was 0.8, p < 0.044 and for Kim-1 was 0.54, p = 0.13 while for uPb was 0.71, p < 0.033. Serum copeptin and UPb might be a prognostic biomarker for renal function decline in smoker T2DM patients while KIM-1 was potent marker in non-smoker T2DM with association with D allele of ACE I/D gene polymorphism.

Evaluation of Salivary Biomarkers and Spirometry for Diagnosing COPD in Non-Smokers and Smokers of Polish Origin.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent respiratory condition with global implications. Accurate and timely diagnosis is critical; however, traditional diagnostic methods (based on spirometry) show limitations, prompting the search for predictive biomarkers and modern diagnostic techniques. This study explored the validation of COPD-related biomarkers (C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, neutrophil elastase, and alpha-1 antitrypsin) in saliva. A diverse cohort, including healthy non-smokers, healthy smokers, and COPD patients of Polish origin, underwent spirometry and marker analysis. The data correlated with clinical factors, revealing noteworthy relations. Firstly, salivary biomarker levels were compared with serum concentrations, demonstrating notable positive or negative correlations, depending on the factor. Further analysis within healthy individuals revealed associations between biomarker levels, spirometry, and clinical characteristics such as age, sex, and BMI. Next, COPD patients exhibited an enhanced concentration of biomarkers compared to healthy groups. Finally, the study introduced a breathing assessment survey, unveiling significant associations between self-perceived breathing and spirometric and tested parameters. Outcomes emphasized the relevance of subjective experiences in COPD research. In conclusion, this research underscored the potential of salivary biomarkers as diagnostic tools for COPD, offering a non-invasive and accessible alternative to traditional methods. The findings paved the way for improved modern diagnostic approaches.

Umami Altering Salivary Proteome: A Study across a Sensitivity Spectrum on Subjects.

This study delved into the relationship between umami taste sensitivity (UTS) and variations in the salivary proteome among 12 healthy nonsmokers utilizing 4D data-independent acquisition-based proteomics. By assessing UTS through monosodium l-glutamate (MSG) detection thresholds, we discovered notable differences: individuals with high UTS detected umami at significantly lower MSG concentrations (0.20 ± 0.12 mM) compared to their low UTS counterparts (2.51 ± 1.21 mM). Both groups showed an upregulation of the S100A1 protein under MSG stimulation, indicating a potent biochemical response to umami stimuli. The high UTS group exhibited enhanced metabolic pathways including those for amino acid, lipid, and organic acid biosynthesis, essential for maintaining taste receptor functionality and enhancing signal transduction. This group also demonstrated increased activity in cytochrome P450 enzymes and ribonucleoprotein complexes, suggesting a readiness to manage metabolic challenges and optimize umami perception. In contrast, the low UTS group showed adaptive mechanisms, possibly through modulation of receptor availability and function, with an upregulation of structural and ribosomal proteins that may support taste receptor production and turnover. These findings suggest that varying biological mechanisms underpin differences in umami perception, which could significantly influence dietary preferences and nutritional outcomes, highlighting the intricate interplay of genetic, physiological, and metabolic factors in taste sensitivity.

Effect of Cigarette Smoking on Selected Coagulation Parameters in Apparently Healthy Male Smokers

Background: Smoking is a significant global health concern associated with increased mortality and morbidity, including cancer development. Tobacco smoke contains carcinogens that can disrupt cellular processes and immune function, potentially affecting coagulation parameters. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of smoking on selected coagulation parameters in apparently healthy male smokers compared to non-smokers. Method: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at the Department of Physiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College (SSMC) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019. Seventy male participants aged 20 to 40 years were enrolled, comprising 35 healthy non-smokers (Group A) and 35 male smokers (Group B). Smokers (Group B) were further categorized into two groups based on pack-years of smoking (group B1 and group B2). Coagulation parameters including prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), bleeding time (BT), and clotting time (CT) were assessed. Results: In this study, age and BMI were almost similar between groups A (healthy non-smokers) and B (smokers), with mean (± SD) ages of 33.17 ± 2.91 and 34.11 ± 3.18 years, and mean (± SD) BMI values of 24.36 ± 2.28 and 24.68 ± 2.33 kg/m2, respectively. There was no statistically significant disparity between the two groups, indicating successful age and BMI matching. Smokers (group B) exhibited significantly lower mean (± SD) prothrombin time (PT) values (11.56 ± 0.87 seconds) compared to non-smokers (13.07 ± 0.77 seconds), with a statistically significant difference (p &lt; 0.001). Similarly, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was significantly decreased in smokers (28.42 ± 2.00 seconds) compared to non-smokers (31.50 ± 1.00 seconds) (p &lt; 0.001). Bleeding time (BT) and clotting time (CT) were also significantly reduced in smokers (2.40 ± 0.24 minutes and 5.35 ± 0.29 minutes, respectively) compared to non-smokers (3.48 ± 0.36 minutes .....

Differences in the elastic work of breathing of the pulmonary parenchyma in patients with bronchial asthma and COPD

To determine and compare the work of breathing to overcome elastic resistance (Ael) in patients with bronchial asthma (BA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with similar changes in the elastic properties of the parenchyma in the same settings of ventilation disorders (grade 1). Differences in the manifestations of similar changes in the elastic properties of the lungs in patients with BA and COPD were evaluated. To identify differences, a comparative study was conducted on Аel overcome in BA patients with positive bronchodilator (with salbutamol) and bronchoconstrictor (with methacholine) tests, with reduced and preserved bronchial conductance (groups 1 and 2, respectively), and in COPD patients with negative bronchodilator and bronchoconstrictor tests (group 3). All study patients showed a grade 1 lung ventilation disorder (a decrease in the one-second forced expiratory volume by 15-35%). The results were compared with each other and with the control group (group 4, healthy non-smokers). All study patients were comparable by age and sex. The respiration mechanics was studied using simultaneous registration of spirogram and transpulmonary pressure, and the parameters of bronchial conductance and ventilation were determined using body plethysmopressography using the Jager software and hardware system. In COPD patients, Ael was significantly increased (p>0.05), whereas in both BA groups, it was unchanged. Increased elastic work of breathing in patients with COPD may be associated with the involvement of certain types of contractile elements, which are preserved in patients with BA at the initial stages of the disease.

Transdermal Nicotine Patch Increases the Number and Function of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Young Healthy Nonsmokers without Adverse Hemodynamic Effects.

Transdermal nicotine patches (TNPs), administering nicotine into the bloodstream through skin, have been widely used as nicotine replacement therapy, and exposure to nicotine can be detected by measurement of plasma cotinine concentration. In animal studies, nicotine treatment could increase the number of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), but the effect of TNPs on circulating EPCs and their activity in humans remained unclear. This study aimed to explore the influence of TNPs on circulating EPCs with surface markers of CD34, CD133, and/or KDR, and colony-forming function plus migration activity of early EPCs derived from cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells before and after TNP treatments in young healthy nonsmokers. In parallel, pulse wave analysis (PWA) was applied to evaluate the vascular effect of TNP treatments. Twenty-one participants (25.8 ± 3.6 years old, 10 males) used TNP (nicotine: 4.2 mg/day) for 7 consecutive days. During the treatment, the CD34+ EPCs progressively increased in number. In addition, the number of EPCs positive for CD34/KDR, CD133, and CD34/CD133 were also increased on day 7 of the treatment. Furthermore, the early EPC colony-forming function and migration activity were increased with the plasma cotinine level positively correlating with change in colony-forming unit number. PWA analyses on day 7, compared with pretreatment, did not show significant change except diastolic pressure time index, which was prolonged and implied potential vascular benefit. In conclusion, 7-day TNP treatments could be a practical strategy to enhance angiogenesis of circulating EPCs to alleviate tissue ischemia without any hemodynamic concern.

Resting-state functional connectivity and structural differences between smokers and healthy non-smokers

Previous studies have shown an association between cigarette use and altered resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) in many large-scale networks, sometimes complemented by measures of cortical atrophy. In this study, we aimed to further explore the neural differences between smokers and healthy non-smokers through the integration of functional and structural analyses. Imaging data of fifty-two smokers and forty-five non-smokers were analyzed through an independent component analysis for group differences in rsFC. Smokers showed lower rsFC within the dorsal attention network (DAN) in the left superior and middle frontal gyrus and left superior division of the lateral occipital cortex compared to non-smokers; moreover, cigarette use was found to be associated with reduced grey matter volume in the left superior and middle frontal gyrus and right orbitofrontal cortex, partly overlapping with functional findings. Within smokers, daily cigarette consumption was positively associated with increased rsFC within the cerebellar network and the default mode network and decreased rsFC within the visual network and the salience network, while carbon monoxide level showed a positive association with increased rsFC within the sensorimotor network. Our results suggest that smoking negatively impacts rsFC within the DAN and that changes within this network might serve as a circuit-based biomarker for structural deficits.