Biological effect of cigarette smoking in endothelial dysfunction: Study of biomarkers of endothelial function, oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipids

Aims: Tobacco use is involved in endothelial dysfunction, a key marker of cardiovascular diseases. The contribution of tobacco use in their development is assessed by endothelial dysfunction-related biomarkers in smokers and non-smokers. Methods: 138 smokers and 83 non-smokers were recruited. Parameters reflecting the endothelial function, lipid profile and oxidative and inflammatory status, were quantified. Data were used to determine their ability to differentiate smokers and non-smokers. Results: Elevation of inflammation and oxidative stress as well as alteration of endothelial function and lipids profile in smokers were observed. Two biomarkers combinations, including one implying only routine parameters, were identified and allowed to correctly classify >84% of cases. Conclusions: Oxidative status, inflammatory status, and lipids profile were shown altered in smokers, leading to endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction-related biomarkers were assessed in terms of their ability to discriminate smokers from non-smokers. The possibility of discrimination based only on classic parameters of blood test appeared conceivable.