Impact of cigarette smoke on the functions of mesenchymal stem cells
Dragica Pavlovic1, Dragana Papic1, Danijela Niciforovic2
1Department of Genetics, Center for Harm Reduction of Biological and Chemical Hazards, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia.
Abstract:
Despite extensive research and increased public awareness regarding the adverse health effects of tobacco, the prevalence of cigarette smoking continues to rise, resulting in millions of annual deaths attributed to its use. Consistently, cigarette smoke contains harmful toxins that adversely affect all organs, tissues, and cells. As regenerative medicine is developing with the successful application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in numerous diseases, it is mandatory to elaborate on the factors that may impair or change the regenerative potential of MSCs. It is well established that cigarette smoke negatively affects the function of MSCs; this impairment has critical implications for regenerative medicine, which emphasizes the need to consider patient smoking history prior to application of MSCs. The review elaborates on primary toxic compounds of cigarette smoke as well as its impact on MSC functions such as proliferation and viability, migratory potential, differentiation, and finally immunomodulation, suggesting avenues for further research.
Insights
Cigarette smoke impairs mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), crucial for regenerative medicine. Understanding these toxic effects is vital before using MSCs in therapies for patients with a smoking history.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cigarette smoking remains a global health crisis, causing millions of deaths annually.
- Harmful toxins in cigarette smoke adversely affect all body organs, tissues, and cells.
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show promise in regenerative medicine for various diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of cigarette smoke on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).
- To highlight the implications of smoking-induced MSC impairment for regenerative medicine.
- To identify key toxic compounds and their effects on MSC functions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating cigarette smoke and MSCs.
- Analysis of the effects of primary cigarette smoke compounds on MSCs.
- Examination of MSC functions including proliferation, migration, differentiation, and immunomodulation.
Main Results:
- Cigarette smoke significantly impairs MSC proliferation, viability, and migratory potential.
- Toxic compounds in smoke alter MSC differentiation capacity and immunomodulatory functions.
- The negative effects of smoking on MSCs have critical implications for regenerative medicine.
Conclusions:
- Patient smoking history must be considered before MSC application in regenerative medicine.
- Further research is needed to understand and potentially mitigate the toxic effects of cigarette smoke on MSCs.
- Addressing smoking-related MSC impairment is crucial for advancing regenerative therapies.


