Abstract
Background: Evidence on the association of leptin and adiponectin and smoking is limited and discordant. Leptin up-regulates the expression of several pro-inflammatory cytokines and is increased upon weight gain. Adiponectin has been shown to possess insulin sensitizing, anti -inflammatory and anti-atherogenic properties and is increased upon weight reduction.
Objectives: To assess the effects of smoking cessation on serum leptin and adiponectin levels.
Methods: We compared subjects who successfully quit smoking with healthy non-smokers. Serum leptin and adiponectin levels, serum CRP and BMI were evaluated at baseline and at 3, 6 months after smoking cessation.
Results: 32 subjects had quitted smoking at 3 months and 29 subjects at 6 months.Samples' leptin increased significantly from baseline to three months (mean change 3.76 ng/ml [95% CI 0.89, 6.64], p =0.012) and then decreased significantly from three to six months (mean change -4,29ng/ml [95% CI -7.34, -6.64], p=0.078). Samples' adiponectin increased significantly from baseline to three months (mean change 2.34 [95% CI -0.05, 4.73], p=0.05).BMI was significantly increased (mean change 2.03kg/m² [95% CI 1.60, 2.46], p <0.05), while CRP decreased significantly from baseline to 6 months (mean change -0.68 mg/dl [95% CI -1.06, - 0.30], p=0.001).
Conclusions: Smoking quitters' leptin levels appear to increase 3 months after smoking cessation and then decrease from 3 to 6 months of abstinence from smoking. Adiponectin levels increase during the first trimester of smoking cessation. The decrease in CRP levels indicates that the low grade inflammation observed in smokers is gradually restored. Weight gain may attenuate the beneficial effects of smoking cessation.
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