Short-term effects of smoking cessation on blood antioxidant parameters and paraoxonase activity in healthy asymptomatic long-term cigarette smokers.

The aim of this study was to compare short-term effects of smoking cessation on blood oxidant/antioxidant status, cholesterol levels, and paraoxonase activity. Sixteen healthy, asymptomatic long-term cigarette smokers (mean age: 35 +/- 9 yr) participated in the study in the smoking cessation program. After and before smoking cessation, subjects were examined for oxidant/antioxidant status, cholesterol level, paraoxonase activity, breath carbon monoxide levels, and blood carboxyhemoglobin values. When compared to previous values, subjects were revealed statistically significant decreases in malondialdehyde and carbon monoxide levels 4 wk after smoking cessation. The ratio of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was found to be increased. Significantly increased to paraoxonase activity was also observed in the blood samples obtained after cigarette cessation period. It was concluded that all these changes observed after smoking cessation might be of importance in the reduction of cardiovascular risk parameters in the smokers.