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Smoking Intensity Increases Diaphragm Muscle Injury: A Clinicopathologic Study
Ricardo Aparecido Baptista Nucci1,2, Alexandre Leopold Busse1,2, Romeu Rodrigues de Souza3,4
1Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-903, Brazil.
Smoking intensity, measured in pack-years, significantly damages the diaphragm muscle (DIAm). Higher smoking pack-years correlate with increased adipocytes, blood vessels, and collagen in the DIAm, indicating injury.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Pathology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Smoking intensity is linked to various health risks, including sarcopenia in the elderly.
- Understanding the impact of smoking pack-years on specific muscles is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the histopathological effects of cigarette smoking pack-years on the diaphragm muscle (DIAm).
Main Methods:
- Postmortem diaphragm samples were analyzed from three groups: never-smokers, <30 pack-years, and >30 pack-years.
- Histopathological examination utilized Picrosirius red and hematoxylin and eosin staining.
Main Results:
- Individuals smoking >30 pack-years exhibited increased adipocytes, vascularity, and collagen deposition in the DIAm.
- Significant histopathological alterations were observed in the diaphragm muscle of heavy smokers.
Conclusions:
- Cumulative cigarette smoking (pack-years) is associated with diaphragm muscle (DIAm) injury.
- Further clinicopathological research is warranted to validate these findings.
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