Evaluation of probable specific immunotoxic effects of cigarette smoking in smokers

Tobacco smoking is one of the most potent and prevalent addictive habits, influencing the behavior of human beings for over four centuries. It is not surprising that immunological studies on the effect of cigarette smoking on the human immune system are rather rare. This cross-sectional, parallel group study was performed at the King Khaled Hospital between May and November 2010. Thirty current smokers (16 males and 14 females), aged 18–41 years were included. The level of IFN-γ, IgG and IgM in serum along with the T-lymphocyte subset (CD4+, CD8+ and CD16+) percentage was assessed. Systemic exposure to nicotine was assessed by a radioimmunoassay (RIA) with a double antibody for cotinine. The results revealed a decrease in the total leukocyte count, decrease in the CD4+ levels with a significant decrease of CD4+/CD8+ ratio along with a decrease in natural killer CD16+ level of both groups of cigarette smokers and a significant decrease in the IgG level and increase in the IFN-γ level. The findings suggest that CD4+, CD8+, CD16+, IgG, IgM and IFN-γ are sensitive to the cumulative chronic effect of smoking because they can affect both innate and adaptive immunity and may serve as a potential immuno-biomarker for active smoking. The current review underlines the importance of smoking prevention and eradication not only for its ordinary disorders but also for its autoimmune disorders as well.