Possible mechanisms of emphysema in smokers. In vitro suppression of serum elastase-inhibitory capacity by fresh cigarette smoke and its prevention by antioxidants.
Freshly prepared, aqueous solutions of cigarette smoke suppressed the elastase-inhibitory capacity of human serum. Immunoelectrophoresis of mixtures of aqueous smoke solution, human serum, and pancreatic elastase showed decreased elastase/alpha1-proteinase inhibitor complexes and increased free, active protease. Phenolic antioxidants prevented the suppression of serum elastase-inhibition by cigarette smoke. By contrast, treatment of serum with model oxidants caused a similar suppression of elastase inhibition. These results suggested that emphysema in cigarette smokers might be due, in part, to the local suppression of alpha1-proteinase inhibitor in lung by oxidizing agents present in cigarette smoke.
D003864:Depression, Chemical; D006801:Humans; D006873:Hydroquinones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005779:Immunodiffusion; D007122:Immunoelectrophoresis; D008168:Lung / Q000201:enzymology; D010196:Pancreatic Elastase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D011656:Pulmonary Emphysema / Q000201:enzymology / Q000209:etiology*; D012907:Smoking / Q000150:complications*; D013943:Thymol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
D006873:Hydroquinones; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin; D013943:Thymol; D010196:Pancreatic Elastase