biostudies-literatureNalesnik MNational Institute of Environmental Health SciencesNCATS NIH HHSNIEHS NIH HHSNCI NIH HHSkfaf150https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12844565biostudies-literatureUnknown209(1)Wildfires have surged in frequency and severity, and in 2022, they contributed to nearly 30% of the fine inhalable particulate matter (PM2.5) in the United States. Health effects from wildfire-induced wood smoke (WS) exposure include worsened pre-existing lung diseases and lung function, increased emergency room visits, and increased risk of premature death. Evidence suggests that males and females have unique responses to air pollutants, but sex-specific responses to WS remain understudied. To evaluate whether males and females differentially respond to WS, we analyzed induced sputum samples in humans following a controlled chamber exposure to WS. A total of 79 participants were exposed to 500 µg/m3 of WS for 2 h with intermittent exercise, and a subset of participants' samples were analyToxicological sciences : an official journal of the Society of ToxicologyExploratory analysis of the impact of sex on sputum proteomic response to inhaled wood smoke in humans.PMC12844565K01 ES032837UM1 TR004406K01ES032837P30 CA016086T32 ES007126R01 ES025124T32ES007126R01ES025124Hickman EMills ACJaspers IRager JEPayton ANalesnik MMordant ALAlexis NERebuli MEAlmond MHerring LPeden DBfalseExploratory analysis of the impact of sex on sputum proteomic response to inhaled wood smoke in humans.Wildfires have surged in frequency and severity, and in 2022, they contributed to nearly 30% of the fine inhalable particulate matter (PM2.5) in the United States. Health effects from wildfire-induced wood smoke (WS) exposure include worsened pre-existing lung diseases and lung function, increased emergency room visits, and increased risk of premature death. Evidence suggests that males and females have unique responses to air pollutants, but sex-specific responses to WS remain understudied. To evaluate whether males and females differentially respond to WS, we analyzed induced sputum samples in humans following a controlled chamber exposure to WS. A total of 79 participants were exposed to 500 µg/m3 of WS for 2 h with intermittent exercise, and a subset of participants' samples were analy2026-01-01T00:00:00Z2026 Jan2026-07-14T21:28:46.042Z2026-06-25T03:07:33.356ZS-EPMC128445654113465610.1093/toxsci/kfaf150