Nanoparticles in induced sputum - a window to airway inflammation among active smokers.

To evaluate the role of nanoparticles (NP) in sputum samples of active smokers as markers of inflammation and disease. 29 active smokers were included (14 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]) and underwent clinical assessment, pulmonary function tests, sputum induction (with NP analysis) and blood sampling. Higher particle and NP concentrations and smaller mean size directly correlated with clinical parameters such as the COPD Assessment Test score and impulse oscillometry results.