Korean J Biol Psychiatry.  2011 May;18(2):90-94.

Effects of Smoking Cessation on Plasma Levels of Leptin, Ghrelin, Glucagon-Like Peptide 1, and Nerve Growth Factor

• Lee HM
• Won WY
• Kim DJ

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
It is well-known that tobacco smoking is related to various disease entities including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and neoplasms. The prohibition of smoking is important for the protection of these health problems. Regarding leptin, ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), and nerve growth factor (NGF) levels, correlations with the smoking are suggested but the reports on the effects after smoking cessation are not sufficient. METHOD: The changes of plasma levels of leptin, ghrelin, GLP-1, and NGF levels were analyzed after quitting smoking in Korean adults. Eleven participants succeeding in quitting smoking among 37 male smokers were included in the final analysis. The plasma levels of NGF, leptin, ghrelin, and GLP-1 were measured before and after 8-weeks period of smoking cessation.
RESULTS
The plasma level of leptin increased after 4 weeks of smoking cessation. In addition, the plasma level of NGF increased after 8 weeks of smoking cessation (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Our results suggested that smoking cessation induces increases in leptin and the NGF level after smoking cessation. Many toxic materials including nicotine in the cigarette may be related to these changes of plasma level of leptin and NGF, playing a key role in neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity.

Keyword

Smoking cessation; Nicotine; Tobacco; Nerve growth factor; NGF

MeSH Terms

Adult
Cardiovascular Diseases
Ghrelin
Glucagon-Like Peptide 1
Humans
Inflammation
Leptin
Male
Nerve Growth Factor
Neurogenesis
Nicotine
Plasma
Plastics
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
Smoke
Smoking
Smoking Cessation
Tobacco
Tobacco Products
Ghrelin
Glucagon-Like Peptide 1
Leptin
Nerve Growth Factor
Nicotine
Plastics
Smoke