Circulating concentrations of C-reactive protein and total sialic acid in tobacco smokers remain unchanged following one year of validated smoking cessation.
BACKGROUND
Elevated plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and total sialic acid (TSA) have been associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Additionally, levels of both CRP and TSA have been reported to be significantly elevated in smokers. However, it is not clear if the raised TSA and CRP levels noted in smokers are directly attributable to the smoking experience, or if they may be elevated due to a secondary mechanism(s), such as smoking-induced tissue inflammation.


METHODS
We measured the plasma concentration of CRP and TSA in a group of smokers at baseline and following one year of validated smoking cessation (n = 30) and in a control group of tobacco users who continued to smoke over the year (n = 30).


RESULTS
The baseline concentration of TSA and CRP was 67.2 mg dL(-1) and 1.91 mg L(-1), respectively (n = 60). No significant dose-dependent relationship was noted between baseline CRP or TSA concentration and either plasma cotinine, expired-air CO or daily cigarette consumption. There was no difference in the mean change in CRP level in the quitters over one year (- 0.2 mg L(-1)) compared to the continuing smokers (+ 0.5 mg L(-1)), P = 0.80, or in the change in concentration of TSA in the quitters (- 2.7 mg dL(-1)) compared to the continuing smokers (+ 0.4 mg dL(-1)), P = 0.26.


CONCLUSIONS
As the circulating concentrations of both CRP and TSA remain unchanged following one year of smoking cessation, these results would suggest that the elevated levels noted in smokers are not directly attributable to tobacco use and are more likely to be elevated due to a secondary process that is yet to be established.
Crook
M A
MA
Department of Chemical Pathology, Dental Clinical Research, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, UK.
Scott
D A
DA
Stapleton
J A
JA
Palmer
R M
RM
Wilson
R F
RF
Sutherland
G
G
D000328:Adult; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019158:N-Acetylneuraminic Acid / Q000097:blood*; D012907:Smoking / Q000097:blood*; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D013997:Time Factors
D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D019158:N-Acetylneuraminic Acid