Cigarette Smoking Increases Pregnancy-associated Plasma Protein-A in Men

Abstract

Objective: Elevation of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), a pro-atherosclerotic molecule, has been shown to be an independent risk factor for acute coronary syndrome. Smoking is also an important risk factor for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, the molecular mechanism of this relationship is not clear. In the present study, we aimed to determine the association between smoking and serum PAPP-A levels in men and non-pregnant women. Method: The study population consisted of 112 smokers and 58 age-matched non-smoking healthy subjects as a control group. Blood samples were drawn from the antecubital vein of all subjects and serum PAPP-A levels were measured using an ELISA kit (ultrasensitive ELISA). Results: The serum PAPP-A level was significantly high in male smokers (smokers: 9.11 ng/mL (3.10 ng/mL, 18.55 ng/mL))controls: 7.44 ng/mL (< 0.023 ng/mL, 16.54 ng/mL)p < 0.05)) but not in female smokers (smokers: 4.49 ng/mL (< 0.023 ng/mL, 11.92 ng/mL)controls: 5.95 ng/mL (< 0.023 ng/mL, 15.61 ng/mL)p > 0.05)). In male smokers, the correlations between serum PAPP-A levels and age, body mass index (BMI), duration of smoking (years), and number of cigarettes smoked per day were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Serum PAPP-A levels are higher in male smokers, and this may indicate a higher risk for ACS among men.