A single and short exposure to heated tobacco vapor or cigarette smoke affects macrophage activation and polarization

Author(s)

Scharf, Pablo ; Sandri, Silvana ; Borges, Pamela Pacassa ; de Oliveira, Tiago Franco ; Farsky, Sandra Helena Poliselli

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Toxicology; v. 506, p. 5-pg., 2024-06-14.

Abstract

The toxicity of heated tobacco products (HTP) on the immune cells remains unclear. Here, U937 -differentiated macrophages were exposed to a single and short-term exposure (30 minutes) of HTP vapor or cigarette smoke (CS) in an air -liquid interface (ALI) system to evaluate the effects on macrophages' early activation and polarization. In our system, HTP released lower amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), but higher nicotine levels than CS into the cell culture supernatant. Both tobacco products triggered the expression of the alpha-7 nicotinic receptor (alpha 7 nAChR) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. When challenged with a bacterial product, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), cells exposed to HTP or CS failed to respond properly and enhance ROS production upon LPS stimuli. Furthermore, both tobacco products also impaired bacterial phagocytosis and the exposures triggered higher IL-1 beta secretion. The alpha 7 nAChR antagonist treatment rescued the effects caused only by HTP exposure. The CS -exposed group switched macrophage to the pro -inflammatory M1, while HTP polarized to the suppressive M2 profile. Associated, data highlight that HTP and CS exposures similarly activate macrophages; nonetheless, the alpha 7 nAChR pathway is only involved in HTP actions, and the distinct subsequent polarization caused by HTP or CS may influence the outcome of host defense. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/14368-3 - EFFECTS OF THE EXPOSURE TO TOBACCO PRODUCTS ON CD4 + T LYMPHOCYTES INVOLVED IN THE GENESIS OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
• Grantee: Pablo Rhansan dos Santos Scharf
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 19/19573-7 - Effects of the hot not burn tobacco exposure on Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Grantee: Sandra Helena Poliselli Farsky
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 22/11779-8 - Toxic mechanisms of tobacco products under neutrophil production and mobilized in normal conditions and in rheumatoid arthritis
• Grantee: Pâmela Pacassa Borges
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate