Association between tobacco smoke and serum nitric oxide metabolites concentration

Introduction: Cigarette smoking affects nitric oxide production. The aim of this study was to determine associations between tobacco smoke and serum nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) concentration. Methods: Serum NOx concentration was measured by the Griess method in 230 nonsmokers, 238 active, 196 passive and 29 waterpipe smokers. Subjects were selected from participants of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study and blood samples were taken 12-14 h after overnight fasting. Mean NOx values were compared between groups by analysis of variance and p values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Serum NOx concentration was significantly higher in smokers (28.2±1.0 μmol/l) compared to passive (25.8±1.0 μmol/l) and nonsmokers (25.3±1.0 μmol/l) (p<0.05), while no significant difference was found in the level of NOx between passive and waterpipe smokers (29.0 ±1.1 μmol/l) compared to nonsmokers. Conclusion: Serum NOx concentration is increased in active smokers, which may be involved in the development of vascular diseases.