Effects of smoking cessation using varenicline on the serum concentrations of oxidized high-density lipoprotein: Comparison with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol

Abstract

Background The oxidized high-density lipoprotein (oxHDL) is a possible marker for cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated the effects of smoking cessation with varenicline (a partial agonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors) on the levels of oxHDL in the serum of subjects compared with those of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Methods Data of 99 nicotine-dependent adult subjects who visited the smoking cessation outpatient services at International University of Health and Welfare Shioya Hospital were reviewed. Each subject was treated with varenicline titrated up to 1.0 mg twice daily for 12 weeks. Serum levels of oxHDL and HDL-C were repeatedly measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and enzymatic method, respectively. Results The serum levels of oxHDL were significantly decreased from 163.2 ± 96.6 to 148.3 ± 80.7 U/mL (p = 0.034, n = 99). This effect was more prominent when the data of subjects in whom the treatment was objectively unsuccessful (exhaled carbon monoxide at 3 months ≥ 10 ppm) were omitted (from 166.6 ± 98.4 to 147.4 ± 80.6 U/mL; p = 0.0063, n = 93). In contrast, the serum levels of HDL-C were significantly increased (p = 0.0044, n = 99). There was a close relationship between the baseline levels of oxHDL and HDL-C (R = 0.45, p < 0.0001, n = 99). Changes in the levels of oxHDL were closely associated with changes in the levels of exhaled carbon monoxide in subjects in whom smoking cessation with varenicline was very effective (decrease in exhaled carbon monoxide by ≥ 15 ppm after treatment with varenicline; R = 0.42, p = 0.0052, n = 43). Conclusions Although there was a close relationship between the baseline serum concentrations of oxHDL and HDL-C, smoking cessation decreased oxHDL and increased HDL-C. This effect on oxHDL may be associated with the effectiveness of smoking cessation.

Hyperlipidemia Prevention and Management Utilizing Lifestyle Changes

“…30 Smoking has been shown to not only decrease HDL but to also create oxidized HDL (oxHDL), a pathogenic form of HDL without protective antilipidemic properties. 30,31 In a research study conducted from May 2015 to July 2020, participants who smoked were offered aid in smoking cessation using varenicline (Chantix). 31 Serum levels of oxHDL and HDL were evaluated at baseline and at 3 months after initiation of treatment.…”

“…30,31 In a research study conducted from May 2015 to July 2020, participants who smoked were offered aid in smoking cessation using varenicline (Chantix). 31 Serum levels of oxHDL and HDL were evaluated at baseline and at 3 months after initiation of treatment. Participants were given 84 days of treatment with varenicline (Chantix), with a target quit date on day 7 after initiation of medication.…”

“…After 3 months of smoking cessation, participants (N = 99) were found to have a statistically significant decrease in oxHDL ( P = .03) and a statistically significant increase in HDL ( P = .004) These results showed significant improvements to lipids in a short period of cessation. A cohort study of 120 clients was conducted from April to December 2021 examining results of respiratory function and lipids following a smoking cessation program 32 . Study results showed a statistically significant decrease in TC ( P < .001) and increase in HDL ( P < .02) after only one month of cessation.…”