Smoking cessation reduces systemic inflammation and circulating endothelin-1.

Introduction:
This text is a scientific report on a study that examines the effects of a smoking cessation program on circulating concentrations of ET-1, TNF-α, and IL-6 in smokers. The study also explores the relationship between circulating cotinine and ET-1. The report provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of smoking cessation on cardiovascular health.

Key Points:

* The study enrolled 35 volunteers, of whom 31 completed the program and had sufficient plasma for analysis.
* Participants were prescribed either Varenicline or a nicotine patch and attended weekly in-person counseling sessions for 8 weeks.
* Serum cotinine, plasma ET-1, TNF-α, and IL-6 were analyzed at baseline, end of treatment (EOT), and 12-months (12M) following the cessation program.
* Compared to baseline, serum cotinine and ET-1 were significantly reduced at EOT and 12M, while TNF-α was significantly reduced at EOT and 12M.
* IL-6 tended to decrease from baseline at EOT and the decrease was sustained at 12M.
* A significant correlation was found between concentrations of cotinine and circulating ET-1, with the change in cotinine at 12M associated with the change in ET-1.
* The reduction in circulating cotinine over time was associated with the reduction in plasma ET-1.

Main Message:
The study provides evidence that a 12-week smoking cessation program can significantly reduce circulating concentrations of ET-1, TNF-α, and IL-6 in smokers. The reduction in circulating cotinine over time was associated with the reduction in plasma ET-1, suggesting that reductions in CVD risk associated with smoking cessation may in part, be due to the decrease in circulating ET-1. These findings support the positive effects of smoking cessation on overall cardiovascular health and the potential benefits of smoking cessation programs on cardiovascular health.

Derella CC, Tingen MS, Blanks A, et al. Smoking cessation reduces systemic inflammation and circulating endothelin-1. Scientific reports. 2021;11(1):24122. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-03476-5