Mechanisms of cigarette smoke effects on human airway smooth muscle

Mark E. Wylam, Venkatachalem Sathish, Sarah Kay VanOosten, Michelle Freeman, David Burkholder, Michael A. Thompson, Christina M. Pabelick, Y. S. Prakash

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cigarette smoke contributes to or exacerbates airway diseases such as asthma and COPD, where airway hyperresponsiveness and airway smooth muscle (ASM) proliferation are key features. While factors such as inflammation contribute to asthma in part by enhancing agonist-induced intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) responses of ASM, the mechanisms by which cigarette smoke affect ASM are still under investigation. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that cigarette smoke enhances the expression and function of Ca2+ regulatory proteins leading to increased store operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) and cell proliferation. Using isolated human ASM (hASM) cells, incubated in the presence and absence cigarette smoke extract (CSE) we determined ([Ca ([Ca+2]i) responses and expression of relevant proteins as well as ASM proliferation, reactive oxidant species (ROS) and cytokine generation. CSE enhanced [Ca [Ca+2]i responses to agonist and SOCE: effects mediated by increased expression of TRPC3, CD38, STIM1, and/or Orai1, evident by attenuation of CSE effects when siRNAs against these proteins were used, particularly Orai1. CSE also increased hASM ROS generation and cytokine secretion. In addition, we found in the airways of patients with long-term smoking history, TRPC3 and CD38 expression were significantly increased compared to life-long never-smokers, supporting the role of these proteins in smoking effects. Finally, CSE enhanced hASM proliferation, an effect confirmed by upregulation of PCNA and Cyclin E. These results support a critical role for Ca2+ regulatory proteins and enhanced SOCE to alter airway structure and function in smoking-related airway disease.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere0128778
JournalPloS one
Volume10
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 15 2015

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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