Effect of passive smoking on blood lymphocyte apoptosis in children.
BACKGROUND
Passive smoking is a well-known risk factor for both recurrent respiratory infections and disturbed lipid profile. Whether passive smoking problems are related to altered lymphocyte survival and its relation to altered lipid profile are the points of concern in this work.


METHODS
Urinary cotinine and creatinine levels as well as lipid profile and flow cytometric assessment of apoptosis of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were assessed in 26 children with history of indoor exposure to cigarette smokers in comparison with 14 matched children with no such history.


RESULTS
Lipid profile showed significantly higher mean levels of triglycerides, cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and significantly lower mean levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in passive smoking children compared to nonpassive-smoking ones. Furthermore, cotinine parameters were positively correlated with triglycerides and LDL and negatively correlated with HDL. Early apoptosis of PBL was significantly higher in exposed vs nonexposed ones.


CONCLUSIONS
Passive smoking in children could be a risk factor for enhanced lymphocytic apoptosis. It is possible that altered lipid profile may play a role in the increased risk. The impact of this lymphocytic derangement on increased frequency of infections is noticeable.
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. moshodhod@yahoo.com
Moustafa A
MA
El-Hodhod
Ahmed M
AM
Hamdy
Manal B
MB
Ahmed
Soha R
SR
Youssef
Shaimaa M H
SM
Aly
D000293:Adolescent; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D050356:Lipid Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D012306:Risk; D012307:Risk Factors; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects*
D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution