Variation in serum lipid and lipoprotein levels associated with changes in smoking behaviour in non-obese Caucasian males.

A population of healthy male caucasians was analysed with respect to lipid and lipoprotein parameters, according to differences in current and previous smoking patterns. High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and the HDL2 subfraction were significantly higher in non-smokers compared to current smokers. In ex-smokers, the levels of these 2 parameters increased with the length of time since giving up the habit, until levels were no longer distinguishable from non-smokers. A similar increase was observed for weight, although both triglyceride and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels decreased. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels showed no significant variation in any of the comparisons. Lower alcohol consumption in both the ex-smokers, and in the non-smokers may account partially for the changes in triglyceride and VLDL, although the same observation is contrary to the effects observed in both HDL and HDL2.