Five Markers Capable to Identify Passive Smoking Exposure Associated with Endothelial Dysfunction in Healthy Individuals

By the analysis of our previous studies, functional and biochemical markers related to ETS exposure are discussed. 18 healthy never smokers, 12 men (67%), 6 women (33%), 21 to 55 years old (mean:34+/-9 ys.) underwent twice - in a smoking free environment and in the same environment polluted by 35 ppm carbon monoxide from cigarette smoking- brachial artery ultrasonography, exercise stress testing, heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) monitoring, carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) dosage. In ETS exposure compared with no exposure, flow-mediated dilation mean value (FMD), assessed by ultrasonography, was 6.8+/-7.8% versus 12.6+/- 7.8%, significantly impaired; mean HR was 89+-4 beats/minute-for 2h duration- versus 77+/-4 beats/minute; systolic BP was 134+/-17 mmHg versus 124+/-21 mmHg; diastolic BP was 79+/-4 mmHg vs 76+/-5 mmHg, with no change. Bicycle exercise stress testing showed a significantly increase in mean time to recovery baseline parameters, 19.04+/-4 minutes versus 8.5 +/-4 minutes (P less than 0.01),and mean COHb was 1.7+/-0.4% vs 0.8+/- 0.4 (P less than 0.01). From the results observed, five markers of ETS exposure could be identified and, then, discussed:1. Impaired FMD, effect of endothelial dysfunction, 2. Transient increase in systolic BP; 3. HR increase; 4.Diminished tolerance to exercise; 5. Increased COHb blood concentrations.