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Gene expression in the oropharynx of children exposed to secondhand smoke

Samuel T Ostrower1, Tova C Fischer, Richard V Smith

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, USA.

The Laryngoscope
|November 18, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Secondhand smoke exposure alters gene expression in children's oropharyngeal mucosa. This pilot study reveals significant changes in genes related to cancer and cell growth, potentially impacting future health.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure is a significant environmental risk factor for pediatric health.
  • Oropharyngeal mucosa is a primary site of contact with inhaled environmental toxins.
  • Gene expression alterations in response to SHS may indicate early molecular changes associated with disease development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare gene expression profiles in the oropharyngeal mucosa of children with and without SHS exposure.
  • To identify specific genes and molecular pathways affected by SHS in children.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective case-control study involving 41 children (2-6 years old) undergoing tonsillectomy.
  • Assessment of SHS exposure using a validated parental questionnaire.
  • Genome-wide gene expression analysis using microarrays on oropharyngeal mucosal samples.

Main Results:

  • 318 cDNA clones significantly distinguished between SHS-exposed (ex+) and unexposed (ex-) children (P < .01).
  • 180 genes were overexpressed and 138 underexpressed in the ex+ group.
  • Affected genes were enriched in pathways including cancer, cell cycle, and cell growth/proliferation.

Conclusions:

  • SHS exposure induces significant gene expression changes in the oropharyngeal mucosa of children.
  • These molecular alterations may have long-term implications for disease development.
  • This pilot study provides evidence supporting the link between SHS and early molecular changes in children's respiratory tract.
Abstract

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