Human in situ cytokine and leukocyte responses to acute smoking

This study examined immune/inflammatory parameters following an acute tobacco smoking episode in smokers with varying smoking histories. Twenty-eight male habitual smokers were categorized according to smoking history, e.g. younger smoker (YSM) or middle-aged smoker (MSM). Participants were matched for fitness and smoking habits and following baseline testing, undertook a smoking protocol involving consumption of two cigarettes within 15 min. Venous blood was collected pre- and immediately, 1 h, and 4 h post-protocol to permit analyses of circulating levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, IL-1ra, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), C-reactive protein (CRP), and leukocytes. No baseline differences were observed between groups for IL-1ra, IL-1β, or leukocytes. MCP-1 and IL-6 levels were significantly (p