Emphysematous Lung Sensitivity to TRAIL-Mediated Apoptosis
Author Information
Author(s): Mathieu C Morissette, Julie Parent, Julie Milot
Primary Institution: Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec (CRIUCPQ)
Hypothesis
The emphysematous lung would be abnormally sensitive to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis due to chronic pulmonary oxidative stress.
Conclusion
The study found that the emphysematous lung is more sensitive to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis, which may contribute to ongoing alveolar destruction after smoking cessation.
Supporting Evidence
- Caspase-3 and -8 were activated in lung explants from emphysematous subjects after TRAIL exposure.
- Oxidative stress was shown to sensitize A549 cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis.
- The presence of TRAIL receptors was higher in the lungs of emphysematous subjects.
Takeaway
People with emphysema have lungs that are more likely to die from a signal called TRAIL, especially because of damage from smoking.
Methodology
A549 cells were treated with TRAIL, cigarette smoke extract, and H2O2, and lung samples from emphysematous and non-emphysematous subjects were exposed to TRAIL ex vivo.
Limitations
The study primarily used A549 cells, which may not fully represent the complexity of human lung responses.
Participant Demographics
Subjects were aged 50-75, with a smoking history greater than 15 pack-years, including both emphysematous and non-emphysematous individuals.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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