Evaluation on the sex-specific association between cigarette smoke exposure and inflammation markers - C-reactive protein and white blood cell count.
Dong-Hee KohSangjun ChoiJu-Hyun ParkSang-Gil LeeHwan-Cheol KimInah KimDong-Uk ParkPublished in: Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (2023)
Cigarette smoke exposure is known to increase inflammation and has been thought to increase C-reactive protein (CRP), a significant inflammation marker. However, recent studies have reported conflicting results regarding the dose-dependent association between cigarette smoke exposure and CRP. This study found that the association between smoking and CRP is inconsistent and varies by sex, showing significant exposure-response in men but not in women. Furthermore, the study suggests that white blood cell count is a more consistent marker for cigarette smoke exposure.