Identification of apoptosis-associated protein factors distinctly expressed in cigarette smoke condensate-exposed airway bronchial epithelial cells

J Biochem Mol Toxicol. 2020 Mar;34(3):e22444. doi: 10.1002/jbt.22444. Epub 2020 Jan 18.

Abstract

Smoking is associated with an increased risk of respiratory diseases, including lung cancer and asthma. However, the mechanisms or diagnostic markers for smoking-related diseases remain largely unknown. Here we investigated the role of cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) in the regulation of human bronchial epithelial cell (BEAS-2B) behavior. We found that exposure to CSC significantly inhibited BEAS-2B cell viability, impaired cell morphology, induced cell apoptosis, triggered oxidative damage, and promoted inflammatory response, which suggests a deleterious effect of CSC on bronchial epithelial cells. In addition, CSC markedly altered the expression of apoptosis-associated protein factors, including p21, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1, and Fas ligand. In sum, our study identified a panel of novel protein factors that may mediate the actions of CSC on bronchial epithelial cells and have a predictive value for the development and progression of smoking-related diseases, thus providing insights into the development of potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies against these diseases.

Keywords: apoptosis; bronchial epithelial cells; cigarette smoke condensate.

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Bronchi / metabolism*
  • Bronchi / pathology
  • Cell Line
  • Cigarette Smoking / metabolism*
  • Cigarette Smoking / pathology
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Epithelial Cells / pathology
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Humans
  • Oxidative Stress*

Substances

  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins