Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 17, 2025
06:07
Cigarette Smoke Exposure in Mice using a Whole-Body Inhalation System
Published on: October 22, 2020
6.8K
Impact of smoking on the complement system: a narrative review
Ahmed B Alarabi1, Fatima Z Alshbool2, Fadi T Khasawneh1
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, Kingsville, TX, United States.
Frontiers in Immunology
|July 4, 2025
Summary
Smoking significantly harms health by activating the complement system, a key factor in many diseases. Understanding these links is crucial for developing new strategies to combat tobacco use
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Smoking is a leading cause of preventable death and disease worldwide.
- The complement system is a critical part of innate immunity, involved in inflammation and pathogen clearance.
- Dysregulation of the complement system is implicated in various chronic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the intricate relationship between smoking and complement system activation.
- To elucidate how smoking-induced complement dysregulation contributes to disease pathogenesis.
- To identify specific tobacco smoke components that trigger complement activation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing current research on smoking, complement biology, and disease.
- Analysis of studies investigating the effects of tobacco smoke constituents on complement components.
- Examination of epidemiological and mechanistic data linking smoking-related diseases to complement activation.
Main Results:
- Smoking activates multiple pathways of the complement system.
- Components like tobacco glycoprotein (TGP) and particulate matter (PM) are implicated in complement activation.
- Complement system dysregulation exacerbates smoking-related cardiovascular, respiratory, and inflammatory conditions.
Conclusions:
- Smoking-induced complement activation is a significant mechanistic link to numerous diseases.
- Targeting complement pathways could offer novel therapeutic strategies for smoking cessation and related conditions.
- Multifaceted approaches combining public health, education, and mechanistic research are needed to address the global health impact of tobacco use.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Complement System
2.8K
The complement system is a group of approximately 20 plasma proteins that strengthen the body's defenses against infections through opsonization, inflammation, and cell lysis. Opsonization involves coating pathogens with complement proteins, making them more recognizable and facilitating phagocyte engulfment. Certain complement proteins induce inflammation that attracts immune cells to the site of infection. Cell lysis involves the destruction of pathogens through the formation of a...
2.8K
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
3.1K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
3.1K
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
533
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions that progressively worsen over time, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This cluster of diseases collectively leads to a gradual and irreversible decline in lung function over time.
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
533
01:25Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
2.9K
Understanding the variety of primary symptoms and systemic complications that characterize chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is crucial for healthcare professionals.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
2.9K
01:22Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
1.4K
COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
1.4K
01:20Lifestyle Factors and Health
130
Lifestyle factors play a critical role in maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases. Key elements, such as regular physical activity, a nutritious diet, and abstinence from smoking, can significantly enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being while reducing the risk of several life-threatening conditions.
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
130