Tobacco.org

Cigarette smoke worsens lung inflammation and impairs resolution of influenza infection in mice 

Cigarette smoke has both pro- inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Both active and passive cigarette smoke exposure are linked to an increased incidence and severity of respiratory virus infections, but underlying mechanisms are not well defined.

We hypothesized, based on prior gene expression profiling studies, that upregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators by short term smoke exposure would be protective against a subsequent influenza infection. . . .

Conclusion: Smoke induced inflammation does not protect against influenza infection. In most respects, smoke exposure worsened the host response to influenza.

This animal model may be useful in studying how smoke worsens respiratory viral infections.

Jump to full article »