Increased numbers of tryptase-positive mast cells in the healthy and sun-protected skin of tobacco smokers.
BACKGROUND
Tobacco smoking may cause skin aging through mast cell proteinases.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the numbers of mast cells showing tryptase and chymase in the healthy-looking skin of smokers and non-smokers.


METHODS
The study subjects consisted of 80 males, 42 of whom were smokers and 38 non-smokers. A skin biopsy from the medial arm was processed for immunohistochemical staining of tryptase and chymase, as well as chymase inhibitors alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha-1-PI) and alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (alpha-1-AC).


RESULTS
The number of tryptase(+) mast cells was significantly higher in the smoker group (84 ± 32 cells/mm(2)) than in the non-smoker group (70 ± 32 cells/mm(2)) (p = 0.044). Likewise, the number of chymase(+) mast cells was higher in the smoker group (89 ± 20 vs. 80 ± 22 cells/mm(2)), though statistical significance was not reached (p = 0.07). No significant difference was observed in alpha-1-PI(+) and alpha-1-AC(+) cells.


CONCLUSIONS
Especially tryptase, but probably also chymase, may have an influence on the skin of smokers, such as wrinkling and aging.
Department of Dermatology, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.
Antti
A
Kaukinen
Anina
A
Fitzgibbon
Aarne
A
Oikarinen
Lauri
L
Hinkkanen
Marjut
M
Viinikanoja
Ilkka T
IT
Harvima
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D053818:Chymases / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000201:enzymology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology*; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000502:physiology; D012907:Smoking / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013472:Sunlight; D053802:Tryptases / Q000032:analysis*
D053818:Chymases; D053802:Tryptases