The use of fiberoptic bronchoscope to perform BAL and the analysis of cells and proteins in the recovered fluid has received wide attention as an investigative tool since its introduction. This study aimed at studying the biochemical changes of bronchoalveolar lavage in smokers. 49 males were studied, they were classified into four groups: Group I: symptomless cigarette smokers (n = 21), group II: symptomless goza smokers (a = 8), group Ill: symptomless mixed and goza smokers (n = 8) and group IV, control healthy non-smokers (n =12).
For all subjects, estimation of immunoglobulins A and G and carcinoembryonic antigen were done both in serum and BAL fluid BAL yield was significantly diminished in smokers than in non smokers. BAL fluid of smokers showed increased neutrophil percentage of total cells and increased IgG level and IgG/Albumin ratio, while albumin level significantly decreased.
CEA/Albumin ratio in BAL was increased significantly in goza smokers than in non smokers. So we conclude that smoking definitely affects BAL components in a way that alters lung defences, predispose to frequent respiratory infections. Increased BAL CEA levels might serve a useful indicator for future airways diseases in smokers.
In recent years, Several tumor products, including hormones, fetal proteins and enzymes have been evaluated in order to contribute to diagnosis, staging and treatmentof lung cancer (Concannon et al., 1974, Pawels and Van der straeten, 1975.)
The most widely studied is CEA, Since first described (Gold and freedman, 1965) have been shown to be moderately sensitive (Vincent et al, 1975), disease-extent related (Concannon et al, 1978) and possibly useful in monitoring response to therapy
)Vincent et al, 1975.)
Serum CEA was found to be higher in smokers than in never smokers while the
concentration of CEA in sputum samples were about 100 times greater than the concentration found in the serum (Stockley et al, 1986.)
Arab J Lab. Med.1994; Vol.20 (1).
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