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Updated: Feb 5, 2026

Comparing the Effects of Electronic Cigarette Vapor and Cigarette Smoke in a Novel In Vivo Exposure System
Published on: May 24, 2017
Impact of cigarette smoking cessation on plasma α-klotho levels
Yoko Kamizono1, Yuhei Shiga, Yasunori Suematsu
1International University of Health and Welfare Department of Cardiology Clinical Research and Ethics Center, Fukuoka University School of Medicine Fukuoka University School of Nursing Clinical Research Assist Center Division of Rehabilitation, Fukuoka University Hospital Department of Molecular Cardiovascular Therapeutics, Fukuoka University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan.
Abstract:
Smoking cessation reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and improves clinical outcomes. We studied the effect of smoking cessation on plasma levels of α-klotho, which is an antiaging protein. We treated 28 smokers (male:female = 23:5, 46 ± 12 years) with varenicline (n = 14) or a transdermal nicotine patch (n = 14) as part of a 12-week smoking cessation program (the VN-SEESAW Study). Pulse rate, blood pressure, plasma levels of α-klotho, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-19, FGF-21, hemoglobin (Hb), and expiratory carbon monoxide (CO) concentration were measured before and after the antismoking intervention. Smoking cessation significantly decreased pulse rate, α-klotho, Hb, and CO concentration, but not FGF-19 or FGF-21 in all subjects. On the contrary, body mass index significantly increased after the intervention. Changes in α-klotho levels (values at week 12 - values at week 0) were negatively associated with α-klotho levels at week 0 and positively associated with changes in Hb levels. In addition, the successful smoking cessation group (n = 21) showed significant reductions in pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, α-klotho, Hb, and CO concentration. In conclusion, smoking cessation significantly decreased serum levels of the antiaging molecule α-klotho. Our results are consistent with a previous report that an increase in α-klotho might be a compensatory response to smoking stress.
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