Effect of nicotine replacement and quitting smoking on circulating adhesion molecule profiles (sICAM-1, sCD44v5, sCD44v6).
BACKGROUND
Soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1; sCD54), sCD44v5 and sCD44v6 are circulating adhesion molecules, with immunomodulatory potential, that have been frequently attributed diagnostic, prognostic and aetiological significance in a number of inflammatory and malignant diseases. We have previously shown that systemic concentrations of these molecules are increased significantly in tobacco smokers, but reduce to within normal levels at 12 months following successful quitting.


METHODS
We have been able to extend these observations by measuring levels before and 4, 8, 22 and 52 weeks after smoking cessation in subjects receiving high-dose nicotine replacement therapy (25 mg of nicotine; n = 34) or placebo patches (n = 34) for 26 weeks. Smoking cessation was confirmed by regular measurement of expired-air CO levels and by plasma cotinine analysis.


RESULTS
Plasma sICAM-1, sCD44v5 and sCD44v6 concentrations all declined rapidly within 4 weeks of smoking cessation (P < 0.001 for all declines). Additionally, no differences were observed between those using nicotine replacement and those who were not for sICAM-1, sCD44v5, or sCD44v6.


CONCLUSIONS
The recovery in smoking-associated adhesion molecule profiles represents an almost immediate beneficial effect of smoking cessation. Nicotine replacement therapy is an effective aid to quitting and does not affect these recoveries. The elevated levels of these important risk factors in smokers (sICAM-1, sCD44v5 and sCD44v6) are linked to noxious element(s) in tobacco smoke other than nicotine or nicotine metabolites.
Palmer
R M
RM
Department of Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry, King's College London, UK. richard.m.palmer@kcl.ac.uk
Stapleton
J A
JA
Sutherland
G
G
Coward
P Y
PY
Wilson
R F
RF
Scott
D A
DA
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D001944:Breath Tests; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000097:blood*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003367:Cotinine / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005731:Ganglionic Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors / Q000097:blood; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009538:Nicotine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D013997:Time Factors
C113800:CD44v5 antigen; C112697:CD44v6 antigen; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D005731:Ganglionic Stimulants; D006023:Glycoproteins; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; D009538:Nicotine; D003367:Cotinine