Abstract
Aims
Smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and inflammation plays a key
role in the process of atherosclerosis. We therefore study the role of smoking and
smoking cessation on the levels of inflammatory markers, C-reactive protein (CRP)
and white blood cell (WBC) count, in older Chinese men.
Methods
This cross-sectional analysis included 2999 men aged 50–85 years who received a medical
check-up including measurement of fasting plasma vascular risk factors. Information
on smoking status, socioeconomic and lifestyle factors was collected by standardized
interview.
Results
After adjustment for potential confounders, both CRP and WBC increased linearly across
never, former and current smokers (both p < 0.01). The odds ratios of elevated CRP and WBC (upper tertiles) were also increased
across never, former and current smokers (both p < 0.01). Dose–response relationships were observed among current smokers. Compared to
current smokers, the odds ratios of elevated CRP and WBC and means of CRP and WBC
declined with longer duration of smoking cessation (all p < 0.01).
Conclusions
Smoking is associated with increased CRP and WBC levels, and smoking cessation is
associated with the reduction of the increase, confirming the benefits of quitting.
Inflammation may be a potential mechanism by which smoking promotes atherosclerotic
disease.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 11, 2008
Accepted:
June 18,
2008
Received in revised form:
June 4,
2008
Received:
January 31,
2008
Identification
Copyright
© 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
