Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) can be used to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease. Previous studies have demonstrated the relationship between cigarette smoking and high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) elevation. However, the effects of smoking cessation on hs-CRP have not been evaluated in Korean male adults. Methods: Based on the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 2015-2016, self-reported former smokers were selected. Participants with laboratory test results suggesting acute inflammation or any history of conditions that could elevate CRP levels were excluded. The frequency of hs-CRP elevation was compared between groups with various past smoking behaviors and duration of smoking cessation. Results: The total number of selected participants was 1,243. Participants with larger cumulative smoking amount (P=0.026) or shorter duration of smoking cessation (P=0.024) tended to have significantly higher frequency of hs-CRP elevation. By logistic regression analysis, larger cumulative smoking amount have shown higher probability of hs-CRP elevation than smaller amount, but with no statistical significance. Long-term (>10 years) and mid-term (5-10 years) cessation have shown lower probability of hs-CRP elevation than short-term (<5 years), with statistical significance only between short-term and long-term cessation (odds ratio 0.64; 95% confidence interval 0.41-0.98, P=0.038). Conclusion: Among past smokers in Korean male adults, the frequency of hs-CRP level elevation tended to be higher with larger cumulative smoking amount or shorter duration of smoking cessation. The risk of hs-CRP elevation was significantly lower with long-term smoking cessation than short-term cessation.
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