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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
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Impact Assessment of Repeated Exposure of Organotypic 3D Bronchial and Nasal Tissue Culture Models to Whole Cigarette Smoke
Published on: February 12, 2015
Association between secondhand smoke exposure and ocular microbiome changes in children.
Qihang Sun1, Xiangtian Ling1, Yuzhou Zhang1
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.
Current Research in Microbial Sciences
|June 19, 2026
Summary
Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure significantly alters the ocular surface microbiome (OSM) in children, impacting microbial diversity and immune pathways. Minimizing SHS is crucial for protecting pediatric ocular health.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiome Research
- Environmental Health
Background:
- The ocular surface microbiome (OSM) plays a role in maintaining ocular health.
- Children are vulnerable to environmental exposures, including secondhand smoke (SHS).
- The impact of SHS on the pediatric OSM is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of SHS exposure on the pediatric OSM.
- To explore potential functional consequences of SHS-induced OSM alterations.
Main Methods:
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing of conjunctival swabs from 432 children (111 SHS-exposed, 321 controls).
- Analysis of microbial diversity (alpha and beta diversity) and taxonomic composition.
- Prediction of functional pathways using PICRUSt2.
Main Results:
- SHS-exposed children exhibited altered alpha and beta diversity of the OSM.
- Controls showed enrichment of Lactobacillus and Rubellimicrobium; no taxa were enriched in SHS-exposed children.
- Predicted functional pathways in SHS-exposed children included metabolism and immune signaling (e.g., complement activation, MAPK signaling).
Conclusions:
- SHS exposure is associated with significant changes in pediatric OSM diversity and function.
- These alterations involve pathways related to environmental stress and immune signaling.
- Minimizing SHS exposure is vital for preserving children's ocular health.
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