Association between M1 and M2 macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and tobacco smoking in patients with sarcoidosis

Abstract

We did not observe any association between tobacco smoking and macrophage polarization in patients with sarcoidosis. However, our study revealed 2 populations of CD40- and CD163-positive cells, which may indicate that macrophages are involved in granuloma formation and provide direction for future research.