Histological and biochemical effects of cigarette smoke on lungs

Abstract

In this study, rats were made to inhale cigarette smoke in a specifically prepared container for different periods. The lung tissue samples of the subjects were examined by light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Malonaldehyde, one of the free oxygen radicals was determined in lungs and plasma. The catalase activity level of erythrocyte and arginase levels were determined. Three groups were formed. The rats in the Ist and IInd groups were made to inhale cigarette smoke for 30 and 60 minutes a day for a total period of 3 months. Control group, the rats in the IIIrd group (controls) were made to inhale clean air during the same periods. An increase in the number of macrophages was observed in the pulmonary tissue of the exposed groups. Especially in the group that inhaled the smoke for long periods, the number of macrophages and the inclusion bodies contained in them increased. These differences could easily be observed in TEM studies. In the light microscopy and SEM observations, it arouse attention that the alveolar macrophages occurred as sets and their activation increased. Depending on the length of the exposure to cigarette smoke, an increase in the number of macrophages was observed. Statistically significant increases were determined in the malonaldehyde levels of pulmonary tissue and plasma when compared to the control group. Besides significant increases were found in the catalase activity levels of erythrocytes in the experimental groups.

Subacute effect of cigarette smoke exposure in rats

“…PM administration decreased their levels slightly in heart and markedly in lung and brain tissues. Elevated MDA and PC levels in CS group were compatible with the results of previous studies (Altuntas et al, 2002;Baskaran et al, 1999;Luchese et al, 2007;Ozan et al, 2001;Panda et al, 2001; Valenca et al, 2008). These results demonstrated that PM can decrease the toxicity of CS-mediated free radicals and sustained normal cell integrity.…”

The protective effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) against liver damage induced by cigarette smoke inhalation in rats

“…In these studies, cigarette exposure was shown to be associated with elevated MDA levels in pulmonary as well as testicular tissues. 32,33 The results of the study conducted by Husain et al 34 and the findings of our study have parallelisms. Indeed, Husain et al similarly report that cigarette exposure causes an increase in hepatic MDA levels.…”