ABSTRACT
To evaluate the relationship between changes of lung function parameters and sputum cytology among smokers with or without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] and non-smoker healthy controls, sixty nine male cases were studied. Thirty two patients were in smokers' group [n=22 COPD, mean age + SD, 41+5 years old, n=10 without COPD, mean age + SD, 61+11 years old] twenty nine in ex-smokers group [n=23 COPD, mean age + SD, 61+11 years old, n=6 without COPD, mean age + SD, 41+5 years old] and eight in non-smokers healthy group [mean age + SD, 40+7 years]. Spirometric measurements FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio were noted and sputum processed and cell counts were performed by a blinded observer. There was a negative correlation FEV1/FVC ratio and increasing age [r=-0.72, p<0.001], same with duration of cigarette smoking [r=-0.66] and also with pack-year cigarette smoking [r=-0.66]. Neutrophil counts were significantly increased in smoker and ex-smoker groups as compared to non-smokers group [p<0.005]. There were significant differences in the number of macrophages, pigmented macrophages, neutrophils, mucus spirals and columnar epithelial cells [p<0.001]. This study concludes that cessation of cigarette smoking could reduce number of inflammatory cells and my improve airway obstruction