Toxicology letters
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Cigarette smoke represents the major risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cigarette smoke extracts (CSE) alter TLR4 expression and activation in bronchial epithelial cells. Carbocysteine, an anti-oxidant and mucolytic agent, is effective in reducing the severity and the rate of exacerbations in COPD patients. ⋯ CSE increased: (1) TLR4, LPS binding and p21 expression; (2) IL-8 mRNA and IL-8 release due to IL-1 stimulation; (3) neutrophil migration. Carbocysteine in CSE stimulated bronchial epithelial cells, reduced: (1) TLR4, LPS binding and p21; (2) IL-8 mRNA and IL-8 release due to IL-1 stimulation; (3) neutrophil chemotactic migration. In conclusion, the present study provides compelling evidences that carbocysteine may contribute to control the inflammatory and senescence processes present in smokers.