Cigarette smoking as an acute threat for the cardiovascular system

ABSTRACT

Cigarette smoking is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease as well as hyperlipidemia. Lecithin Cholesterol acyl transferase [LCAT] activity represented a key factor in the esterification of serum cholesterol and reverse cholesterol transport. Leptin, the protein product of the ob gene, seems to regulate body fat stores. The present study was carried out to evaluate changes in the circulating levels of leptin, LCAT activity, insulin, glucose, cotinine and lipid profile [total cholesterol TC, triglycerides TG, HDLC, LDL-C], free fatty acids [FFA5] and apolipoprotiens [Apo Al and Apo B] in healthy smokers [n=48] and non smokers [n=32] group. The results showed remarkable increase in the levels of LDL-C, FFAs, cotinine, leptin [p<.000], TC[P<0.01] and glucose [p<0.05] in healthy smokers than non smokers group. However, the activity of LCAT and levels of HDL-C and Apo Al, were significantly reduced [p<.000] in smokers subjects than non smokers group. Present results showed, the significant increase in levels of leptin, FFAs, LDL-C and the significant decrease in HDL-C and LCAT activity during cigarette smoking which may implicate high risk for further vascular complications