Related Experiment Videos
Renal impairment in chronic cigarette smokers
G Gambaro1, F Verlato, A Budakovic
1Institute of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Padua, Italy.
Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : JASN
|April 29, 1998
Summary
Chronic cigarette smoking impairs renal function, significantly reducing renal plasma flow and increasing endothelin-1 levels. These findings suggest smoking has detrimental effects on kidney health.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for vascular disease.
- The specific impact of smoking on renal function, independent of other risk factors, requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of chronic cigarette smoking on renal function.
- To assess renal plasma flow, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and plasma endothelin-1 concentrations in smokers versus non-smokers.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study comparing 30 smokers with 24 age- and sex-matched non-smoking controls.
- Renal function assessed using radionuclide studies, including MAG3 clearance for renal plasma flow and GFR.
- Plasma endothelin-1 concentrations were measured.
Main Results:
- Smokers exhibited significantly reduced renal plasma flow (MAG3 clearance) compared to controls (199.20 vs. 256.54 ml/min per 1.73 m2, P < 0.001).
- Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) remained normal in smokers.
- Elevated plasma endothelin-1 concentrations were observed in smokers (25.01 vs. 21.56 pmol/L, P < 0.001).
- Former smokers showed similar, albeit milder, renal function abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- Chronic cigarette smoking leads to renal functional impairment, characterized by reduced renal plasma flow and elevated endothelin-1.
- These findings indicate a detrimental effect of smoking on kidney function.
- The study highlights the importance of smoking cessation for renal health preservation.