Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 23, 2026
Impact Assessment of Repeated Exposure of Organotypic 3D Bronchial and Nasal Tissue Culture Models to Whole Cigarette Smoke
Published on: February 12, 2015
Novel Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Nigerian Cigarette Smokers
Godwin O Adunmo1, AbdulFatah Ayoade Adesokan2, Olufemi Olumuyiwa Desalu3
1Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
Insights
Cigarette smoking significantly elevates novel cardiovascular risk markers like homocysteine, lipoprotein (a), and C-reactive protein. These elevated levels correlate with smoking intensity and duration, suggesting a role in atherosclerosis development.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular research
- Biomarkers of disease
- Smoking-related health effects
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading global cause of death.
- Conventional CVD risk markers account for less than 50% of CVD cases.
- Few studies have investigated the impact of smoking on novel cardiovascular risk markers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effect of cigarette smoking on novel cardiovascular risk markers.
- Specifically evaluating homocysteine (HCY), lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)), and C-reactive protein (CRP).
Main Methods:
- Study included 140 smokers, 12 ex-smokers, and 84 controls.
- Data collected via questionnaire on smoking habits and clinical history.
- HCY, Lp(a), and CRP levels were measured using specific laboratory assays.
Main Results:
- Smokers showed significantly higher levels of HCY, Lp(a), and CRP compared to controls (P < 0.05).
- These markers correlated positively with daily cigarette consumption and smoking duration.
- Ex-smokers had elevated levels compared to controls, but lower than current smokers.
Conclusions:
- A linear relationship exists between smoking intensity/duration and serum levels of HCY, Lp(a), and CRP.
- These novel markers may elucidate mechanisms by which smoking contributes to atherosclerosis.
- Findings highlight the impact of smoking on emerging cardiovascular risk factors.
Background:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. While the effect of cigarette smoking on conventional markers that account for <50% of CVD s has been well studied, there are only a few studies on the effect of cigarette smoking on novel cardiovascular (CV) risk markers.
Objective:
To evaluate the effect of cigarette smoking on the novel CV markers such as homocysteine (HCY), lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)), and C-reactive protein (CRP).
Materials And Methods:
One hundred and forty smokers, 12 ex-smokers, and 84 controls were recruited for the study. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on their clinical history, daily cigarette consumption, and duration of smoking. The smokers were further grouped according to the amount of cigarette consumption: light (<5 sticks/day), moderate (6-10 sticks/day), and heavy (>10 sticks/day) and duration of smoking: short (5-10 years), medium (11-20 years), and long (>20 years). HCY was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, and Lp(a) and CRP were determined spectrophotometrically.
Results:
HCY, Lp(a), and CRP were significantly elevated in smokers when compared with control (P < 0.05) and they correlated with daily cigarette consumption and duration of smoking. Ex-smokers also exhibited a significant increase in HCY, Lp(a), and CRP level (P < 0.05) when compared with the control, but were significantly lower than the current smokers.
Conclusion:
There is a linear relationship between the intensity and duration of cigarette smoking and serum levels of all three novel risk CV markers. These findings suggest that these markers may be an important mechanism by which smoking promotes atherosclerosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:20Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
01:26Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
01:30Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
01:23Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...