Aging adversely affects the cigarette smoke-induced glutathione adaptive response in the lung.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Cigarette smoke (CS) is the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, accounting for more than 90% of cases. The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is much higher in the elderly, suggesting an age dependency. A prominent defense against the oxidant burden caused by CS is the glutathione (GSH) adaptive response in the lung epithelial lining fluid (ELF) and tissue. However, as one ages the ability to maintain GSH levels declines.

Objectives

Examine the effect of aging on the GSH adaptive response to CS and resulting lung sensitization to inflammation and oxidation.

Methods

Both young (2 mo old) and aged (8, 13, 19, and 26 mo old) mice were used to study the effects of age on the GSH adaptive response after an acute exposure to CS

SUBMITTER: Gould NS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3001254 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature