Cigarette smoke extract induces cytotoxicity on human nasal epithelial cells.
BACKGROUND
The nasal mucosa is the first area to be exposed to a variety of inhaled toxins. Among various inhaled toxins, cigarette smoke is the most common one and is associated with several nasal and sinus disorders.


METHODS
To evaluate the cytotoxic effects of cigarette smoke, primary human nasal epithelial cells were cultured in various concentrations of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) for various times. Cell viability was evaluated by WST-1 (4-[3-(4-iodophenyl)-2-(4-nitrophenyl)-2H-5-tetrazolio]-1,3-benzene disulfonate) assay. Morphological findings were observed under the light microscope and the electron microscope. Annexin-V stain was used for the detection of apoptosis.


RESULTS
Using the WST-1 assay, CSE reduced cell viability in a time- and concentration-dependant manner. CSE-treated cells showed initial membrane blebbing followed by vesicle formation without apoptotic body formation or cell membrane rupture. Cells were stained with annexin-V but without propidium iodide under a fluorescence microscope. TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUPT nick end labeling) stain was positive in CSE-treated cells.


CONCLUSIONS
CSE induces cytotoxicity on primary human nasal epithelial cells and the morphological findings closely mimic partition apoptosis.
Lan
Ming-Ying
MY
Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
Ho
Ching-yin
CY
Lee
Te-Chang
TC
Yang
An-Hang
AH
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003603:Cytotoxins / Q000633:toxicity*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects*; D012906:Smoke / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014026:Nicotiana
D003603:Cytotoxins; D012906:Smoke