Calcium-Dependent Pulmonary Inflammation and Pharmacological Interventions and Mediators

Shipman, Jeffrey G.; Onyenwoke, Rob U.; Sivaraman, Vijay

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Pulmonary diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acute respiratory disease syndrome (ARDS) are common throughout the world. Tobacco products can potentially lead to lung damage, which in turn contribute to worsening disease outcomes. The same can be said of E-cigarette (E-cig) use, which has recently gained attention due to its possible adverse side effects. Despite this information, little is known about the potential for causality between smoking and E-cig use, and lung damage and worsening disease outcomes. In this review, we focus on a potential inflammatory mechanism, that is, calcium (Ca(2+)) signaling and its importance in many normal biological processes as well as roles it may play in the adverse effects of tobacco and E-cig use. In addition, we discuss possible therapeutic small molecules that may improve pulmonary disease outcomes in the future. ABSTRACT: Pulmonary diseases present a significant burden worldwide and lead to severe morbidity and mortality. Lung inflammation caused by interactions with either viruses, bacteria or fungi is a prominent characteristic of many pulmonary diseases. Tobacco smoke and E-cig use (“vaping”) are considered major risk factors in the development of pulmonary disease as well as worsening disease prognosis. However, at present, relatively little is known about the mechanistic actions by which smoking and vaping may worsen the disease. One theory suggests that long-term vaping leads to Ca(2+) signaling dysregulation. Ca(2+) is an important secondary messenger in signal transduction. Cellular Ca(2+) concentrations are mediated by a complex series of pumps, channels, transporters and exchangers that are responsible for triggering various intracellular processes such as cell death, proliferation and secretion. In this review, we provide a detailed understating of the complex series of components that mediate Ca(2+) signaling and how their dysfunction may result in pulmonary disease. Furthermore, we summarize the recent literature investigating the negative effects of smoking and vaping on pulmonary disease, cell toxicity and Ca(2+) signaling. Finally, we summarize Ca(2+)-mediated pharmacological interventions that could potentially lead to novel treatments for pulmonary diseases.