Time-dependent Changes of Atherosclerotic LDL Complexes after Smoking Cessation

Aim: The α1-antitrypsin – low-density lipoprotein complex (AT-LDL) and serum amyloid A-LDL complex (SAA-LDL) are oxidatively modified LDL complexes that promote atherosclerosis. The serum levels of AT-LDL and SAA-LDL are suggested to be increased by obesity and smoking. We have previously demonstrated that larger weight gain after smoking cessation (SC) perturbs a decrease in the serum level of AT-LDL at 3 months after SC. However, changes of these atherosclerotic makers >3 months after SC are unknown. This study investigated post-SC time-dependent changes in two atherogenic lipoproteins, AT-LDL and SAA-LDL, and in the extent of abdominal obesity. Methods: In 50 outpatients who had continued SC for 1 year, we measured serum AT-LDL and SAA-LDL levels by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before SC, and at 3 months and 1 year after SC. Results: Both body mass index and waist circumstance significantly increased from pre-SC to 3 months after SC and from 3 months after SC to 1 year after SC. Although the serum levels of AT-LDL and SAA-LDL were unchanged from pre-SC to 3 months after SC, these levels decreased significantly from 3 months after SC to 1 year after SC. Conclusions: The extent of abdominal obesity and levels of two atherogenic lipoproteins time-dependently change after SC. Although abdominal obesity progressively worsened after SC, the beneficial effect of non-smoking overcomes the potential vascular risks by cessation-associated obesity at 1 year after SC.