title: Blood eosinophil and monocyte counts are related to smoking and lung function.
abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of peripheral eosinophil and monocyte blood counts regarding lung function in smokers and non-smokers, and to investigate the influence of smoking on these cell counts. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) measurements and blood samples were collected from 298 non-atopic smokers and 136 never-smokers. Blood samples were repeated in 160 smokers after cessation of smoking (quitters) and 30 continuing smokers, 2, 6, 12 and 26 weeks after smoking cessation. Monocyte (P < 0.05) but not eosinophil blood counts were higher in never-smokers compared to smokers. In never-smokers, blood eosinophil counts and monocyte counts correlated inversely (P < 0.05) and directly (P < 0.01), respectively, with standardized FEV1 residuals (FEVR). In smokers, blood eosinophil (P < 0.05) and monocyte (P < 0.05) counts correlated directly with FEVR independent of smoking history. After smoking cessation, monocyte blood counts (P < 0.05) increased. Both eosinophil and monocyte blood counts showed a greater increase in quitters with decreased lung function (P < 0.05). Former heavy smokers had higher blood eosinophil (P < 0.05) but lower monocyte (P < 0.05) count increase than had former light smokers. These data suggest that smoking influences eosinophil and monocyte blood counts and that this is associated with a small negative effect on lung function. Eosinophil blood counts had an opposite relation to lung function in smokers and non-smokers. Further research should include investigations of relations between smoking and stimulatory factors for recruitment and activity of eosinophils and monocytes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Jensen
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Pedersen
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Narvestadt
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dahl
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004804:Eosinophils; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012907:Smoking / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D014797:Vital Capacity