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Does short-term smoking cessation reduce plasma total homocysteine concentrations?
1Department of Preventive Cardiology, Ullevål Hospital, Oslo, Norway. serena.tonstad@ulleval.no
Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation
|December 13, 2002
Summary
Smoking cessation for 10-11 weeks did not significantly lower plasma total homocysteine levels in men and women. This finding suggests that quitting smoking alone may not be sufficient to reduce homocysteine, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Public Health
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Elevated plasma total homocysteine and cigarette smoking are known risk factors for occlusive cardiovascular disease.
- Understanding the impact of smoking cessation on homocysteine levels is crucial for cardiovascular risk management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether smoking cessation for 10-11 weeks influences plasma total homocysteine concentrations.
- To assess these effects in individuals with and without established cardiovascular disease.
Main Methods:
- A study involving men and women with and without cardiovascular disease.
- Comparison of plasma total homocysteine and HDL cholesterol levels between smoking quitters and persistent smokers.
- Analysis of baseline homocysteine levels in relation to smoking cessation outcomes.
Main Results:
- Smoking quitters showed statistically significant higher HDL cholesterol concentrations compared to those who continued smoking.
- No significant differences in plasma total homocysteine concentrations were observed between quitters and non-quitters.
- No differences were found even when analyzing subjects with high baseline homocysteine levels.
Conclusions:
- Smoking cessation for a mean of 10-11 weeks did not lead to a significant reduction in plasma total homocysteine concentrations.
- While smoking cessation positively impacts HDL cholesterol, it may not be sufficient to lower homocysteine levels on its own.
