Acute smoke-induced endothelial dysfunction is more prolonged in smokers than in non-smokers.
BACKGROUND
The aim of the study was to compare acute endothelial dysfunction caused by smoking one cigarette between smokers and non-smokers.


METHODS
Thirty volunteers, 15 smokers and 15 non-smokers, were asked to smoke the same type of cigarette and endothelial function was assessed by FMD (flow mediated dilatation) at fast, 30, 60 and 90 min post-smoking.


RESULTS
Overall response of FMD after smoking was significantly different between smokers and non-smokers (p=0.011). Endothelial dysfunction after smoking remained significant for 1-h in smokers (p=0.002), but only for 30 min in non-smokers (p=<0.001). FMD 1-h after smoking was significantly higher in non-smokers than in smokers (p=0.002).


CONCLUSIONS
Smokers seem to have sustained and more intensive unfavourable effects in endothelial function than non-smokers after smoking one cigarette. It is possible that long-term smoking diminishes the capacity of endothelium to counterbalance external factors that cause endothelial dysfunction.
Karatzi
Kalliopi
K
Papamichael
Christos
C
Karatzis
Emmanouil
E
Papaioannou
Theodore G
TG
Stamatelopoulos
Kimon
K
Zakopoulos
Nikolaos A
NA
Zampelas
Antonis
A
Lekakis
John
J
D000328:Adult; D001916:Brachial Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology; D012907:Smoking / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000502:physiology*