Nanoparticles in induced sputum - a window to airway inflammation among active smokers.

What is this article about? Identifying markers of lung inflammation and diseases could offer early diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we questioned whether nanoparticles in the sputum of active smokers correlate with lung inflammation and disease. What were the results? We found that higher nanoparticle concentration in the sputum and lower mean nanoparticle size correlated with different clinical parameters and inflammatory markers. What do the results mean? This proof-of-concept study suggests that nanoparticle analysis in the sputum of active smokers has potential as a marker that correlates with lung inflammation and disease. Our results should encourage additional research in this field to better understand the role of nanoparticles in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of active smokers.