# The Influence of the Main Components of Tobacco Smoke, E-Cigarettes, and Air Pollutants on the Development of Glomerulonephritis

**Authors:** Magdalena Dzięgiel, Marek Misiak, Aleksandra Maciejowska, Katarzyna A. Lisowska

PMC · DOI: 10.3390/jcm15052043 · 2026-03-07

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how harmful substances in tobacco smoke, e-cigarettes, and air pollution contribute to kidney disease called glomerulonephritis.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of how environmental pollutants trigger kidney inflammation and suggests future research directions.

## Key findings

- Substances like formaldehyde and heavy metals in tobacco and e-cigarette smoke contribute to oxidative stress and immune dysregulation.
- Particulate matter from air pollution is linked to endothelial dysfunction and progression of glomerulonephritis.
- Understanding these environmental factors is essential for developing preventive strategies and public health interventions.

## Abstract

The influence of gaseous components of tobacco smoke, e-cigarettes, and air pollutants on the development of glomerulonephritis has been the subject of numerous studies in recent years. Glomerulonephritis (GN) often leads to progressive kidney damage and chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is a global health problem. Genetic and autoimmune factors have been shown to contribute to their development. Yet, increasing attention is being given to environmental and lifestyle-related risk factors. This paper summarizes how specific substances found in tobacco smoke, e-cigarette smoke, and air pollutants contribute to the development and progression of GN. Particular emphasis is placed on substances such as formaldehyde, heavy metals, and particulate matter, which have been shown to trigger oxidative stress, immune dysregulation, and endothelial dysfunction. A clear understanding of the contributions of those agents to kidney inflammation is crucial for developing preventive strategies and improving public health awareness. We also highlight gaps in current research and suggest directions for future investigation. Understanding consequences of cigarette smoking should be promoted to encourage people to reduce their exposure to cigarette smoke, which could prevent many diseases.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** formaldehyde (PubChem CID 712)
- **Diseases:** glomerulonephritis (MONDO:0002462), chronic kidney disease (MONDO:0005300)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** GN (MESH:D005921), kidney damage (MESH:D007674), endothelial dysfunction (MESH:D014652), CKD (MESH:D051436), immune dysregulation (OMIM:614878), autoimmune (MESH:D001327)
- **Chemicals:** Tobacco Smoke (-), formaldehyde (MESH:D005557)

## Figures

2 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12986066/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12986066