Relationship between smoking and indicators of systemic inflammation in patients with coronary heart disease

Abstract

Aim. To estimate the severity of systemic inflammation in subjects with coronary artery disease (CAD) without bronchopulmonary system comorbidity depending on smoking factor. Materials and methods. The subjects were divided into groups depending on smoking factor. We estimated the following laboratory markers of nonspecific inflammation: interleukine (IL)-12, -1β, tumour necrosis factor-α, matrix metalloproteinase-9, C-reactive protein. The examination of lungs respiratory function included spirometry, body plethysmography and assessment of diffusing lung capacity. Results. 29.9% of the subjects with CAD smoked, 40% reported discontinuation of smoking in their histories. Smoking in CAD subjects without the history of bronchopulmonary system comorbidity was associated with a higher level of inflammatory markers (IL-12, IL-1β, TNF-α, ММР-9 and CRP) than in subjects who ceased to smoke and those who have never smoked. No differences in the levels of inflammatory markers were revealed in subjects who had smoked before and never smoked. Conclusion. Smoking is widespread among CAD subjects. It is associated with a higher level of markers of nonspecific inflammation as compared to subjects who have never smoked before or ceased smoking.