Impact of cigarette smoking cessation on plasma α-klotho levels

Abstract

Smoking cessation reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and improves clinical outcomes. We studied the effect of smoking cessation on plasma levels of α-klotho, which is an antiaging protein. We treated 28 smokers (male:female = 23:5, 46 ± 12 years) with varenicline (n = 14) or a transdermal nicotine patch (n = 14) as part of a 12-week smoking cessation program (the VN-SEESAW Study). Pulse rate, blood pressure, plasma levels of α-klotho, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-19, FGF-21, hemoglobin (Hb), and expiratory carbon monoxide (CO) concentration were measured before and after the antismoking intervention. Smoking cessation significantly decreased pulse rate, α-klotho, Hb, and CO concentration, but not FGF-19 or FGF-21 in all subjects. On the contrary, body mass index significantly increased after the intervention. Changes in α-klotho levels (values at week 12 - values at week 0) were negatively associated with α-klotho levels at week 0 and positively associated with changes in Hb levels. In addition, the successful smoking cessation group (n = 21) showed significant reductions in pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, α-klotho, Hb, and CO concentration. In conclusion, smoking cessation significantly decreased serum levels of the antiaging molecule α-klotho. Our results are consistent with a previous report that an increase in α-klotho might be a compensatory response to smoking stress.

The Effect of FGF21 and Its Genetic Variants on Food and Drug Cravings, Adipokines and Metabolic Traits

“…Finally, we found a significant positive association of serum FGF21 with smoking, and a negative association with coffee consumption. In contrast to our findings a previously conducted study in smokers revealed no significant effect of smoking stop on FGF21 serum concentrations [ 55 ] and the existing literature regarding the association of genetic variation in FGF21 and smoking is inconsistent. In a study conducted by Frayling et al only a trend was found towards an association of the rs838133 A-allele with being former smoker, whereas no effect at all was observed with being current smoker [ 31 ].…”

No significant association of serum klotho concentration with blood pressure and pulse wave velocity in a Chinese population

“…We measured the serum klotho concentrations, peripheral and central blood pressures, and cfPWV in a much larger population-based sample compared with previous studies, thus, increasing the possibility of identifying any significant associations. However, klotho concentration, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness were highly dependent on age and other cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus, www.nature.com/scientificreports/ cigarette smoking, CKD, and metabolic syndrome [31][32][33][34] . When compared with aging, cigarette smoking, diabetes mellitus, CKD, and other typical cardiovascular risk factors, klotho deficiency may be a relatively weaker risk factor for cardiovascular disease in humans.…”

Systemic biomarkers in electronic cigarette users: implications for noninvasive assessment of vaping-associated pulmonary injuries

“…The levels of growth factors EGF, VEGF, β-NGF, PDGF-AA, SCF, HGF and PIGF were significantly increased in e-cig users compared with normal subjects, suggesting systemic effects of compensatory responses against other pro-inflammatory mediators. However, it is known that cigarette smoke alters the levels of VEGF, TGF-β1 and FGFs [64–66]. This may be due to cigarette smoke-mediated alteration of other mediators directly/indirectly affecting endothelium/monocytes to alter growth factors.…”