Impact of cigarette smoke on the functions of mesenchymal stem cells

Despite extensive research and increased public awareness regarding the adverse health effects of tobacco, the prevalence of cigarette smoking continues to rise, resulting in millions of annual deaths attributed to its use. Consistently, cigarette smoke contains harmful toxins that adversely affect all organs, tissues, and cells. As regenerative medicine is developing with the successful application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in numerous diseases, it is mandatory to elaborate on the factors that may impair or change the regenerative potential of MSCs. It is well established that cigarette smoke negatively affects the function of MSCs; this impairment has critical implications for regenerative medicine, which emphasizes the need to consider patient smoking history prior to application of MSCs. The review elaborates on primary toxic compounds of cigarette smoke as well as its impact on MSC functions such as proliferation and viability, migratory potential, differentiation, and finally immunomodulation, suggesting avenues for further research.