Effects of cigarette smoking on the serum concentration of lung surfactant protein A (SP-A)

We have tested the hypothesis that serum surfactant protein A (SP-A) production may be affected by cigarette smoke exposure, and that alterations in serum levels may reflect smoking habits. A total of 52 subjects were divided into the following two groups: active smokers (Group A; n = 23); and nonsmokers (Group B; n = 29). The assessment of smoking habit was determined by self-report, carbon monoxide concentration in expired air, and cotinine concentration in urine. Serum SP-A was compared in both groups and was found to be higher in Group A (active smokers) (p < 0.002). We conclude that surfactant protein A levels are increased in the serum of smokers. However, it was found that this is not a sensitive discriminating factor to separate smokers from nonsmokers.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				J. M. Fernandez-Real, B. Chico, M. Shiratori, Y. Nara, H. Takahashi, and W. Ricart Circulating Surfactant Protein A (SP-A), a Marker of Lung Injury, Is Associated With Insulin Resistance Diabetes Care, May 1, 2008; 31(5): 958 - 963. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				L. G. Vazquez de Lara, T. M. Umstead, S. E. Davis, and D. S. Phelps Surfactant protein A increases matrix metalloproteinase-9 production by THP-1 cells Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol, October 1, 2003; 285(4): L899 - L906. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C. G. De Pasquale, A. D. Bersten, I. R. Doyle, P. E. Aylward, and L. F. Arnolda Infarct-induced chronic heart failure increases bidirectional protein movement across the alveolocapillary barrier Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, June 1, 2003; 284(6): H2136 - H2145. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. Robin, P. Dong, C. Hermans, A. Bernard, A.D. Bersten, and I.R. Doyle Serum levels of CC16, SP-A and SP-B reflect tobacco-smoke exposure in asymptomatic subjects Eur. Respir. J., November 1, 2002; 20(5): 1152 - 1161. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C. HERMANS and A. BERNARD Lung Epithelium-specific Proteins . Characteristics and Potential Applications as Markers Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med., February 1, 1999; 159(2): 646 - 678. [Full Text]