Effects of smoking intensity and cessation on inflammatory markers in a large cohort of active smokers.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cigarette smoking has been associated with increases in C-reactive protein (CRP) and leukocyte counts (white blood cell [WBC]); however, the effects of smoking intensity and smoking cessation on inflammatory markers have not been evaluated prospectively in a large, modern cohort of current smokers.

Methods

White blood cell count and high-sensitivity CRP were measured in current smokers enrolled in a randomized, prospective clinical trial of 5 smoking cessation pharmacotherapies. Smoking intensity parameters included cigarettes per day, pack-years, Fagerström Test of Nicotine Dependence score, and carbon monoxide levels. C-reactive protein also was measured after 1 year with assessment of abstinence status.

Results

The 1,504 current smokers (58% female) were

SUBMITTER: Asthana A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2937015 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature