Investigation of the relationship between serum levels of cotinine and the renal function in active and passive smokers.

OBJECTIVE

We have investigated the effects of active and passive smoking on renal functions in terms of glomerular filtration rate, microalbuminuria, and β-2 microglobulin excretion.

DESIGN AND METHOD

The volunteers included in this study were classified into three groups as active smokers (n = 24), passive smokers (n = 20), and controls (n = 20). Blood and urine samples were collected from all groups. Serum glucose, urea, creatinine, and cotinine levels in the collected blood samples were measured. Also, microalbumin, β-2 microglobulin, and creatinine levels were measured in the collected urine samples.

RESULTS

Serum cotinine levels were found to be higher in both passive and active smokers when compared with controls ( p < 0.01), whereas urinary microalbumin and creatinine levels were significantly higher in active smokers ( p < 0.01). The urinary microalbumin/creatinine ratio was significantly increased in both active and passive smokers compared with controls.

CONCLUSION

The kidney and the glomerular functions may be affected even by passive smoking. In addition, increased microalbumin/creatinine ratio may be a sign of increased atherosclerosis risk in these persons.