Factor de necrosis tumoral como marcador de inflamación precoz en fumadores sanos / Tumor necrosis factor as an early marker of inflammation in healthy smokers

Fundamento y objetivo: El tabaco produce una inflamación que conduce a pérdida de función pulmonar. El tumoral necrosis factor α (TNF-α, «factor de necrosis tumoral α») es una citocina implicada en la patogenia de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. Necesitamos desarrollar métodos que permitan detectar precozmente a los fumadores en riesgo de pérdida de función pulmonar. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron: demostrar que los fumadores tienen valores más elevados de TNF-α en suero y condensado de aire exhalado (CAE); valorar la influencia de sexo, edad y peso en dichos valores; conocer la relación entre consumo de tabaco y función pulmonar con los valores de TNF-α. Pacientes y método: Grupo estudio y control sin patología. Realización de espirometría con test broncodilatador, recogida de CAE y extracción sanguínea previa al abandono del tabaco. Análisis estadístico con SPSS 11.0. Resultados: Se incluyeron 51 pacientes (60,8% fumadores), un 56,9% mujeres, con una edad media de 39,88 años. Los fumadores tenían un consumo medio de 21,68 cigarrillos/día y una edad media de inicio de 15,77 años. Los fumadores tenían valores significativamente más elevados de TNF-α en suero (p<0,043); los valores en CAE no mostraban diferencias. De los parámetros de consumo de tabaco, solo la edad de inicio y el TNF-α plasmático guardaban correlación. De la función pulmonar, solo la capacidad vital forzada y el volumen espirado durante el primer segundo guardaban relación con el TNF-α plasmático. Conclusiones: Los fumadores tienen valores más elevados de TNF-α en suero. La cuantía de años de consumo de tabaco influye en los valores de TNF-α plasmáticos. Existe una discreta relación de la función pulmonar con los valores de TNF-α en suero. Los valores de TNF en CAE no muestran diferencias ni correlaciones significativas (AU)

Background and objectives: Smoking 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 methods: Prospective 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. Results: Fifty-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. Conclusions: Smokers 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 (AU)

[Tumor necrosis factor as an early marker of inflammation in healthy smokers]. / Factor de necrosis tumoral como marcador de inflamación precoz en fumadores sanos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Smoking 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 METHODS: Prospective 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. RESULTS: Fifty-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. CONCLUSIONS: Smokers show higher TNF-α levels in serum. Number of years of smoking has an influence on TNF-α levels. There is a modest correlation between pulmonary function and plasma TNF-α levels, but not for EBC.