A fulvic acid-like substance participates in the pro-inflammatory effects of cigarette smoke and wood smoke particles

We tested the postulate that 1) a fulvic acid (FA)-like substance is included in cigarette smoke and wood smoke particles and 2) exposure of respiratory epithelial cells to this substance results in a disruption of iron homeostasis associated with both a cell deficiency of the metal and inflammatory response. It was concluded that 1) FA-like substance is included in cigarette smoke and wood smoke particle and 2) respiratory epithelial cell exposure to this substance results in a disruption of iron homeostasis associated with both a cell deficiency of the metal and inflammatory response.