[Effect of smoking on lipoprotein metabolism]

Recent aspects concerning effects of smoking on lipoprotein metabolism are presented as well as their harmful effects on blood vessels. It has been proved that smoking stimulates oxidation of LDL particles, producing a significant increase of triglycerides and a decrease of HDL-cholesterol, mostly due to HDL, subfraction diminution.

Changes of other lipid and lipoprotein parameters are not significant and may even not be found in certain investigations. They are independent of age, body mass, physical activity, alcohol consumption and hormonal status in women; however, they are affected by inappropriate diet. A complete and very fast reversibility of changes after smoking cessation is significant and is important while taking blood for laboratory analyses and interpretation of results. Concerning atherosclerosis, increased oxidation in LDL particles is of great significance. It is established that in vitro exposition of LDL particles to the cigarette smoke induces their increased oxidation and in smokers an increased antibody level of oxidased LDL particles is found.

A number of arguments speak in favor to the opinion that the unique mechanism by which smoking affects lipoprotein metabolism is its connection to the insulin resistance phenomenon.