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Serum angiotensin converting enzyme activity in ex-smokers
Summary
Smoking lowers angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity, but quitting smoking can reverse this effect. Serum ACE levels in long-term ex-smokers normalize, suggesting smoking
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Reduced serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity is observed in smokers.
- The reversibility of this ACE activity reduction upon smoking cessation is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether reduced serum ACE activity in smokers is reversible after quitting.
- To compare ACE activity across active smokers, non-smokers, and ex-smokers with varying cessation durations.
Main Methods:
- Serum ACE activity was measured in 107 healthy male volunteers.
- Participants were categorized into four groups: active smokers, non-smokers, ex-smokers (<10 years cessation), and ex-smokers (>10 years cessation).
Main Results:
- Active smokers and ex-smokers (<10 years) exhibited significantly lower ACE activity compared to non-smokers.
- Serum ACE activity in ex-smokers (>10 years) was comparable to that of non-smokers.
- A statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was noted between the low-ACE groups and the normal-ACE groups.
Conclusions:
- Chronic smoking significantly reduces serum ACE activity.
- Cessation of smoking for over 10 years leads to the normalization of serum ACE activity.
- The detrimental effect of smoking on ACE activity appears to be reversible.