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Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Automated Measurement of Pulmonary Emphysema and Small Airway Remodeling in Cigarette Smoke-exposed Mice
Published on: January 16, 2015
[Bronchial and alveolar NO parameters in smokers]
L Barbinova1, A Preisser, X Baur
1Ordinariat und Zentralinstitut für Arbeitsmedizin und Maritime Medizin, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. lioukov@uke.uni-hamburg.de
Smokers have lower fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) due to decreased bronchial nitric oxide (NO). This suggests NO’s role in the development of small airway disease in smokers.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Pulmonary Physiology
- Biomarkers
Context:
- Nitric oxide (NO) plays a role in airway inflammation and physiology.
- Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a non-invasive marker of airway inflammation.
- Smoking affects respiratory health and NO production.
Purpose:
- To investigate differences in fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) parameters between smokers and non-smokers.
- To analyze the relationship between FeNO parameters and lung function in smokers.
- To explore the origin of NO in the airways of smokers.
Summary:
- Smokers exhibited significantly lower FeNO compared to healthy non-smokers.
- Analysis using a two-compartment model revealed decreased bronchial NO concentration in smokers, with no significant change in alveolar NO fraction.
- Smokers showed an abnormal correlation between airway resistance (Caw) and FeNO, suggesting bronchial NO contributes to alveolar NO.
Impact:
- Findings suggest that decreased bronchial NO concentration in smokers may contribute to the pathogenesis of small airways disease.
- The study highlights the potential role of NO in smoking-related respiratory conditions.
- Results provide insights into the altered NO kinetics in the airways of smokers.
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