Serum Cotinine Concentrations Research Articles

Effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids intake on the occurrence of current asthma among children and adolescents exposed to tobacco smoke: NHANES 2007–2018

BackgroundAsthma is an airway inflammatory disease driven by multiple factors with a high incidence in children and adolescents. Environmental tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) and diet are inducing factors for asthma. The potential of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to alleviate asthma symptoms by their anti-inflammatory effects has been explored. However, to date, no studies have explored the effect of dietary PUFAs intake on the asthma in children and adolescents exposed to tobacco smoke.ObjectiveWe aimed to examine the effect of dietary PUFAs intake on the current asthma in children and adolescents exposed to tobacco smoke.MethodsData of this cross-sectional were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2018. Children and adolescents with serum cotinine concentration ≥ 0.05 ng/mL were defined to exposed to tobacco smoke. Dietary PUFAs intake information were obtained from 24 h recall interview. The weighted univariate and multivariate were utilized to explore the effect of PUFAs on the association of asthma and TSE, with adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). These moderating effects were further explored based on the age, gender and body mass index (BMI) and sedentary time.ResultsTotally, 7981 eligible children and adolescents were included, with the mean age of 11.96 ± 0.06 years old. Of whom, 1.024 (12.83%) had current asthma. After adjusted all covariates, we found children and adolescents with TSE had high occurrence of current asthma (AOR = 1.2, 95% CI 1.03–1.63); We also found omega-3 PUFAs intake (P for interaction = 0.010), not omega-6 PUFAs (P for interaction = 0.546), has a moderating effect on the association of TSE and current asthma. Moreover, we further observed that children and adolescents with TSE and low omega-3 PUFAs intake had high occurrence of current asthma (AOR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.19–2.10), while no significant association was found in children and adolescents with high omega-3 PUFAs intake (all P > 0.05). This moderating effect was more prominent in children and adolescents aged ≤ 12 years old (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.06–2.47), girls (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI 1.15–3.98), overweight (AOR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.01–3.47) and sedentary time > 6 h (AOR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.00–3.86).ConclusionWe found dietary omega-3 PUFAs plays a moderating effect on the association of asthma and TSE in children and adolescents, especially in children and adolescents aged ≤ 12 years, girls, overweight or sedentary time > 6 h. This moderating effect suggested higher omega-3 intake has potential benefits in decreasing the occurrence of asthma in children and adolescents who exposed to tobacco smoke.

Association between serum cotinine and total testosterone in adult males based on NHANES 2011–2016

The relationship between smoking and testosterone levels in adult males remains a topic of ongoing debate. Serum cotinine is considered a reliable marker of both smoking intensity and exposure to tobacco smoke. Therefore, we aim to examine the association between serum cotinine levels and total testosterone concentrations in adult males using data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. Our study assessed the relationship between serum cotinine and total testosterone using weighted linear regression models and subgroup analysis. A fully adjusted model with smooth curve fitting was employed to investigate the potential nonlinear association between serum cotinine and total testosterone. Threshold effects were analyzed to identify the inflection point between serum cotinine and total testosterone. Indeed, a total of 7797 participants were included in our study. After adjusting for potential confounding variables, the findings indicate a positive association between serum cotinine levels and total testosterone levels (β: 0.05, 95%CI: 0.02, 0.09). Furthermore, applying smoothed curve fitting analysis and threshold effects, an inflection point was detected at a serum cotinine level of 487 ng/ml. Above this threshold, total testosterone levels declined with increasing serum cotinine levels. In conclusion, the findings of our study suggest a positive association between elevated serum cotinine levels and total testosterone levels in adult men. However, it is essential to note that this association may be reversed at excessively high serum cotinine concentrations.

The link between serum cotinine levels and gallstones prevalence in adults: a cross-sectional analysis using NHANES data (2017-2020).

Gallstones represent a prevalent health issue globally, resulting in significant annual healthcare costs. While tobacco exposure is recognized for its association with numerous diseases, its correlation with gallstones remains contentious. Serum cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine, serves as a widely utilized indicator for assessing tobacco exposure. Crucially, no research has yet examined the association between serum cotinine levels and the gallstones. This study is designed as a cross-sectional analysis, utilizing data from the NHANES public database. The relationship between serum cotinine levels and gallstones was analyzed using multinomial logistic regression models and smooth curve fitting. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests were performed to examine the potential contributions of different populations and covariates to the findings. A total of 5,856 participants were included in this study. After adjusting for relevant covariates, the multiple logistic regression model results indicated that for each unit increase in serum cotinine concentration above 0.29 ng/mL, there was a 29% increase in the prevalence of gallstones. Furthermore, smooth curve fitting analysis revealed a positive correlation between these variables. These findings underscore the impact of tobacco exposure on gallstone prevalence. This study demonstrates a positive correlation between tobacco exposure, as measured by serum cotinine levels, and the prevalence of gallstones, thus adding to the body of existing research on this relationship.

Effect of dietary antioxidant quality score on tobacco smoke exposure and asthma in children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study from the NHANES database

BackgroundAsthma is a common non-communicable disease in children, and airway inflammation is the main pathological change of asthma. Tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) can cause systematic inflammation and oxidative stress, which may further aggravate the progression of asthma. Dietary antioxidants can relieve the inflammation and oxidative stress in human body. This study aims to assess the effect of overall antioxidant capacity of dietary intake, evaluating by dietary antioxidant quality score (DAQS), in the association between TSE and childhood asthma.MethodsData of this cross-sectional study were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2007–2018. DAQS was calculated based on the daily dietary intake of selenium, zinc, magnesium, vitamin A, C and E. TSE was measured by serum cotinine concentration. The weighted univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were employed to evaluate the role of DAQS in the association between TSE and asthma among children and adolescents. Subgroup analysis was conducted to further evaluate the association based on gender.ResultsTotally 11,026 children and adolescents were included, of whom 1,244 (11.28%) had asthma. After adjusted all covariates, TSE was associated with the high odds of childhood asthma (OR = 1.26, 95%CI = 1.05–1.52). Among children exposed to tobacco smoke, those with higher DAQS level (OR = 1.15, 95%CI: 0.88–1.50) had a reduced risk of asthma compared with those children with lower DAQS level (OR = 1.43, 1.08–1.89), especially among girls (OR = 1.42, 95%CI: 0.93–2.17).ConclusionHigh DAQS may have a moderating effect on asthma in children; that is, the higher DAQS, the lower the odds of asthma in children who exposed to tobacco smoke. Our study provides a reference for developing more targeted strategies for prevention and treatment of asthma in children.

Association of electronic-cigarette, number of cigarettes, and marijuana use with high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) among men and women: A cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative sample

BackgroundSmoking is associated with an increased risk of HPV infection. However, the use of e-cigarettes and marijuana, number of cigarettes, and serum cotinine concentrations in relation with HPV (6, 11, 16, 18) and high-risk HPV (16 or 18) infections in underserved and understudied populations remain poorly understood. MethodsData included 687 males and 664 females among whom 489 were White, 375 were Black and 342 were Hispanics from the NHANES 2013–2016 with HPV and high-risk HPV infections. Smoking history included current and past smokers, number of cigarettes, use of e-cigarettes, marijuana, and serum cotinine levels. Weighted multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models were conducted. ResultsHigh-risk HPV infection was associated with current smoking history plus ≥ 20 cigarettes/day (OR=1.92, 95 % CI=1.09, 3.37) in the overall population. E-cigarettes use (5 days) was positively associated with high-risk HPV infection (OR=2.43, 95 % CI=1.13, 5.22) in the overall population, with similar findings with e-cigarette (past 30 days) among women and Whites. ConclusionHigh number of cigarettes, e-cigarette usage and marijuana were associated with HPV and high-risk HPV infections in the overall population. Most of these associations remained significant when stratified by gender and race/ethnicity. Increasing use of e-cigarettes and marijuana in these population warrants further investigation for the prevention of HPV infection and related cancers.

Secondhand Nicotine Absorption From E-Cigarette Vapor vs Tobacco Smoke in Children

ImportanceWith the prevalence of e-cigarette use (vaping) increasing worldwide, there are concerns about children’s exposure to secondhand vapor.ObjectiveTo compare nicotine absorption among children who are (1) exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke only or (2) exposed to secondhand vapor only with (3) those exposed to neither.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThe US Continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is a repeat cross-sectional survey. Participants are interviewed in their homes and, several days after, visit a mobile examination center to provide biological specimens. This study uses data from a nationally representative sample of US households from 2017 to 2020. Participants were children aged 3 to 11 years with serum cotinine levels incompatible with current firsthand nicotine use (ie, <15 μg/L). The final analysis was conducted on January 9, 2024.ExposuresReported exposure to secondhand smoke or vapor indoors in the past 7 days (only secondhand smoke, only secondhand vapor, or neither). Covariates included age, sex, ethnicity, family income, body weight, and height.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was serum cotinine concentration, an objective biomarker of nicotine absorption. Geometric mean cotinine levels and 95% CIs were calculated using log-normal tobit regression, accounting for the complex survey design and weights.ResultsThe mean (SD) age of the 1777 children surveyed was 7.4 (2.6) years, 882 (49.6%) were female, and 531 (29.9%) had family incomes below the poverty level. Nicotine absorption, as indexed by serum cotinine level, was highest among children only exposed to secondhand smoke (0.494 μg/L μg/L; 95% CI, 0.386-0.633 μg/L), followed by those exposed only to secondhand vapor (0.081 μg/L; 95% CI, 0.048-0.137 μg/L), equating to 83.6% (95% CI, 71.5%-90.5%; P < .001) lower nicotine absorption. Among children with no reported secondhand exposure, the geometric mean cotinine level was 0.016 μg/L (95% CI, 0.013-0.021 μg/L), or 96.7% (95% CI, 95.6%-97.6%; P < .001) lower than for those with exposure to secondhand smoke. Results were similar after covariate adjustment.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cross-sectional study of US children, nicotine absorption was much lower in children who were exposed to secondhand vapor vs secondhand smoke, but higher than in those exposed to neither. These findings suggest that switching from smoking to vaping indoors may substantially reduce, but not eliminate, children’s secondhand exposure to nicotine and other noxious substances.

Associations of perfluoroalkyl substances with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: NHANES 2017-2018.

This study investigated the potential effects of perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) in serum on MAFLD, NAFLD, and liver fibrosis. Our sample included 696 participants (≥ 18years) from the 2017-2018 NHANES study with available serum PFASs, covariates, and outcomes. Using the first quartile of PFAS as the reference group, we used weighted binary logistic regression and multiple ordered logistic regression used to analyze the relationship between PFAS and MAFLD, NAFLD, and liver fibrosis and multiple ordinal logistic regression to investigate the relationship between PFAS and MAFLD, NAFLD, and liver fibrosis and calculated the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval for each chemical. Finally, stratified analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed according to gender, age, BMI, and serum cotinine concentration. A total of 696 study subjects were included, including 212 NAFLD patients (weighted 27.03%) and 253 MAFLD patients (weighted 32.65%). The quartile 2 of serum PFOA was positively correlated with MAFLD and NAFLD (MAFLD, OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.05-4.98; NAFLD, OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.03-5.47). PFAS were not significantly associated with liver fibrosis after adjusting for potential confounders in MAFLD and NAFLD. Stratified analysis showed that PFOA was strongly associated with MAFLD, NAFLD, and liver fibrosis in males and obese subjects. In women over 60years old, PFHxS was also correlated with MAFLD, NAFLD, and liver fibrosis. The serum PFOA was positively associated with MAFLD and NAFLD in US adults. After stratified analysis, the serum PFHxS was correlated with MFALD, NAFLD, and liver fibrosis.

Relation Between Exposure to Tobacco Smoke Assessed by Serum Cotinine Concentration and Questionnaire Method, and Serum Renalase Concentration—the Importance of the Coexistence of Arterial Hypertension and Other Cardiovascular Diseases

Exposure to tobacco smoke (ETS) is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Renalase is a protein that may play a role in the pathogenesis of CVD. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between ETS and serum renalase concentration. A group of 109 patients was recruited for this study (49.7 ± 14.7 years). In accordance with the questionnaire, patients were divided into the following subgroups: subgroup A– declaring themselves active smokers (n = 36), subgroup B– declaring themselves non-smokers and exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (n = 35), subgroup C– declaring themselves non-smokers and not exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (n = 38). The same patients were divided based on cotinine concentration into the following subgroups: subgroup D– active smokers (n = 42), subgroup E– non-smokers exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (n = 66), and subgroup F– non-smokers not exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (n = 1). Serum cotinine concentration and serum renalase concentration were measured using ELISA tests. Serum renalase concentration was statistically significantly higher in subgroup C than in subgroups A and B and in subgroup E and F than in D. There was a negative correlation between serum cotinine concentration and serum renalase concentration (r = −0.41, p < 0.05). Regression analysis showed that higher BMI, higher diastolic blood pressure, coronary artery disease and higher serum cotinine concentration are independent risk factors of lower serum renalase concentration. The questionnaire method of assessing exposure to tobacco smoke was characterized by high sensitivity, but only moderate specificity, especially in terms of assessing environmental exposure to tobacco smoke. In summary, the study showed an independent relationship between exposure to tobacco smoke and lower serum renalase concentration.

Early life exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke and eating behaviors at age 12 years

BackgroundPrenatal or early childhood secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) exposure increases obesity risk. However, the potential mechanisms underlying this association are unclear, but obesogenic eating behaviors are one pathway that components of SHS could perturb. Our aim was to assess associations of prenatal and early childhood SHS exposure with adolescent eating behaviors.MethodsData came from a prospective pregnancy and birth cohort (N = 207, Cincinnati, OH). With multiple informant models, we estimated associations of prenatal (mean of 16 and 26 weeks of gestation maternal serum cotinine concentrations) and early childhood cotinine (average concentration across ages 12, 24, 36, and 48 months) with eating behaviors at age 12 years (Child Eating Behaviors Questionnaire). We tested whether associations differed by exposure periods and adolescent’s sex. Models adjusted for maternal and child covariates.ResultsWe found no statistically significant associations between cotinine measures and adolescent’s eating behaviors. Yet, in females, prenatal cotinine was associated with greater food responsiveness (β: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.38) and lower satiety responsiveness (β: -0.14; 95% CI: -0.26, -0.02); in males, prenatal and postnatal cotinine was related to lower food responsiveness (prenatal: β: -0.25; 95% CI: -0.04, -0.06; postnatal: β: -0.36; 95% CI: -0.06, -0.11). No significant effect modification by sex or exposure window was found for other eating behaviors.ConclusionPrenatal and early childhood SHS exposures were not related to adolescent’s eating behavior in this cohort; however, biological sex may modify these associations.

Association between secondhand smoke exposure and serum sex hormone concentrations among US female adults: a cross-sectional analysis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2013–2016

ObjectiveTo estimate the association between secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure and serum sex hormone concentrations in female adults (never smokers and former smokers).DesignCross-sectional analysis.SettingUS National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2013–2016.Outcome...

Correlation analysis between smoke exposure and serum neurofilament light chain in adults: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundSmoke exposure is a prevalent and well-documented risk factor for various diseases across different organ systems. Serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) has emerged as a promising biomarker for a multitude of nervous system disorders. However, there is a notable paucity of research exploring the associations between smoke exposure and sNfL levels.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cross-sectional data spanning the years 2013 to 2014. Serum cotinine levels were classified into the following three groups: < 0.05, 0.05–2.99, and ≥ 3 ng/ml. Multiple linear regression models were employed to assess the relationships between serum cotinine levels and sNfL levels. Additionally, we utilized restricted cubic spline analyses to elucidate the potential nonlinear relationship between serum cotinine and sNfL levels.ResultsA total of 2053 participants were included in our present research. Among these individuals, the mean age was 47.04 ± 15.32 years, and males accounted for 48.2% of the total study population. After adjusting the full model, serum cotinine was positively correlated with sNfl in the second group (β = 0.08, 95%CI 0.01–0.15) and in the highest concentration of serum cotinine (β = 0.10, 95%CI 0.01–0.19) compared to the group with the lowest serum cotinine concentrations. Current smokers, in comparison to non-smokers, exhibited a trend toward elevated sNfL levels (β = 0.07, 95%CI 0.01–0.13). Furthermore, subgroup analyses revealed interactions between serum cotinine levels and different age groups (P for interaction = 0.001) and gender stratification (P for interaction = 0.015) on sNfL levels.ConclusionThe study suggested that serum cotinine was significantly and positively associated with sNfl levels in adult participants. Furthermore, current smokers tend to exhibit elevated sNfL levels. This research sheds light on the potential implications of smoke exposure on neurological function impairment and underscores the importance of further exploration in this area.

Association Between Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in the General U.S. Adult Nonsmoker Population.

Smoking is a cause of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but the dose-response relationship between secondhand smoke exposure (SHS) and NAFLD is unclear. This study sought to determine the relationship between SHS and NAFLD risk among adult nonsmokers in the United States. Data from 7412 adult nonsmokers aged ≥20 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2007 and 2016 were used in this study. SHS was defined as a nonsmoker with a serum cotinine concentration of 0.05-10.00 ng/mL. NAFLD was identified using the U.S. fatty liver index (USFLI), hepatic steatosis index (HSI), and fatty liver index (FLI). Weighted multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models were applied to evaluate the relationship between SHS and NAFLD risk. The participants had a weighted mean age of 49.2 years, and 55.5% were female. SHS was associated with NAFLD (odds ratio [OR] 1.22; 95% confidence interval CI: 1.05 to 1.42), showing a linear dose-response relationship (natural log of cotinine level: OR 1.10, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.17). Sensitivity analyses using different NAFLD definitions (HSI: OR 1.21, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.46; FLI: OR 1.26, 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.49), excluding participants taking hepatotoxic drugs, and propensity score-adjusted analysis yielded similar results. The association between SHS and NAFLD was consistent in analyses stratified by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Among this nationally representative sample of U.S. adults, SHS had a linear dose-response relationship with the risk of NAFLD, suggesting that measures to lower SHS might lower NAFLD risk. This study assessed the association between secondhand smoke exposure and the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using data from 7412 adult nonsmokers aged 20 years or older who participated in the United States NHANES between 2007 and 2016. Secondhand smoke exposure was measured using serum cotinine levels. Three different noninvasive indexes were used to measure NAFLD. Secondhand smoke exposure was associated with an increased risk of NAFLD, with a linear dose-response relationship. The results of sensitivity analyses and subgroup analyses were consistent.

Association between secondhand smoke exposure and severe headaches or migraine in never-smoking adults.

The study aimed to examine the relationship between secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure and severe headaches or migraine in never-smoking adults verified by serum cotinine. Current evidence about the association between self-reported SHS exposure and headaches or migraine is limited and contradictory. An important issue lies in the lack of actual SHS exposure assessment through biomarkers. We conducted a cross-sectional study on 4560 never-smoking adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 1999-2004. The SHS exposure was evaluated by measuring serum cotinine concentrations. The information regarding severe headaches or migraine was based on self-reporting. The overall prevalence rate of severe headaches or migraine was 20% (919/4560). After adjusting for relevant covariates, we found that heavy SHS exposure (serum cotinine at 1 to 10 ng/mL) was positively associated with severe headaches or migraine (OR: 2.02, 95% CI [1.19, 3.43]); however, no significant association was found between low SHS exposure (serum cotinine at 0.05 to 0.99 ng/mL) and severe headaches or migraine (OR: 1.15, 95% CI [0.91, 1.47]). Restricted cubic spline analysis showed that the natural logarithm of serum cotinine had a linear relationship with severe headaches or migraine (p = 0.335 for nonlinearity). Stratified analysis indicated that individuals with a BMI of <25 (p < 0.001 for interaction) and sedentary activity (p = 0.016 for interaction) modified the relationship between SHS exposure and severe headaches and migraine. Even after altering the definition of SHS exposure, excluding drugs that might affect the metabolism of serum cotinine, and multiple imputation, our sensitivity analysis results remained stable. The study demonstrated that heavy SHS exposure (serum cotinine at 1 to 10 ng/mL) had a significant positive association with severe headaches or migraine in never-smoking adults. Prospective studies are necessary to verify this relationship in the future.

Association of tobacco smoke exposure with metabolic profile from childhood to early adulthood: the Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project.

To investigate the associations between passive tobacco smoke exposure and daily smoking with a comprehensive metabolic profile, measured repeatedly from childhood to adulthood. Study cohort was derived from the Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project (STRIP). Smoking status was obtained by questionnaire, while serum cotinine concentrations were measured using gas chromatography. Metabolic measures were quantified by nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics at 9 (n = 539), 11 (n = 536), 13 (n = 525), 15 (n = 488), 17 (n = 455), and 19 (n = 409) years. Association of passive tobacco smoke exposure with metabolic profile compared participants who reported less-than-weekly smoking and had serum cotinine concentration <1 ng/mL (no exposure) with those whose cotinine concentration was ≥10 ng/mL (passive tobacco smoke exposure). Associations of daily smoking with metabolic profile in adolescence were analysed by comparing participants reporting daily smoking with those reporting no tobacco use and having serum cotinine concentrations <1 ng/mL. Passive tobacco smoke exposure was directly associated with the serum ratio of monounsaturated fatty acids to total fatty acids [β = 0.34 standard deviation (SD), (0.17-0.51), P < 0.0001] and inversely associated with the serum ratios of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Exposure to passive tobacco smoke was directly associated with very-low-density lipoprotein particle size [β = 0.28 SD, (0.12-0.45), P = 0.001] and inversely associated with HDL particle size {β = -0.21 SD, [-0.34 to -0.07], P = 0.003}. Daily smokers exhibited a similar metabolic profile to those exposed to passive tobacco smoke. These results persisted after adjusting for body mass index, STRIP study group allocation, dietary target score, pubertal status, and parental socio-economic status. Both passive and active tobacco smoke exposures during childhood and adolescence are detrimentally associated with circulating metabolic measures indicative of increased cardio-metabolic risk.

Cotinine concentrations in maternal serum and amniotic fluid during pregnancy and risk of testicular germ cell cancer in the offspring: A prospective nested case-control study.

Maternal smoking in pregnancy may increase the risk of testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC) in offspring, but current evidence remains inconclusive. We performed a nested case-control study using cotinine measurements in maternal serum and amniotic fluid as a biomarker for tobacco exposure during pregnancy. A total of 654 males with maternal serum (n = 359, ncases/controls = 71/288) and/or amniotic fluid (n = 295, ncases/controls = 66/229) samples were included. Data on TGCC diagnoses and relevant covariates were derived from nationwide Danish health registries. Cotinine was quantified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. An adapted cox regression model estimated the risk of TGCC considering active and inactive tobacco use defined according to cotinine concentrations of <, ≥15 ng/ml. Overall, the concentrations of cotinine were comparable in maternal serum and amniotic fluid (medianserum/amniotic fluid : 2.1/2.6 ng/ml). A strong statistically significant correlation was detected in 14 paired samples (Spearman rho: 0.85). Based on maternal serum cotinine concentrations, exposure to active tobacco use was not associated with risk of TGCC in offspring (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.51; 1.52). Similarly, based on amniotic fluid cotinine concentrations, exposure to active tobacco use was not associated with risk of TGCC (HR 1.11, 95% CI 0.64; 1.95). However, different risks were observed for seminomas and nonseminomas in both matrices, but none were statistically significant. Our findings did not provide convincing evidence supporting that exposure to tobacco during pregnancy is associated with TGCC.

Associations between smoke exposure and kidney stones: results from the NHANES (2007-2018) and Mendelian randomization analysis.

It is currently controversial whether smoke exposure is associated with the risk of kidney stones. Herein, publicly available databases were combined to explore relationships with the risk of nephrolithiasis in terms of smoking status and serum cotinine concentrations. First, we conducted an observational study using data from 2007 to 2018, based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. Univariate analysis, multivariate logistic regression, trend testing, restricted cubic spline (RCS), and multiple imputation (MI) were the main analytical methods of our study. Then, A Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed to explore the causal relationship between serum cotinine and nephrolithiasis. Genetic instruments for serum cotinine and pooled data for kidney stones were derived from publicly available large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Inverse-variance weighting (IVW) was the primary method for our MR analysis. A total of 34,657 and 31,352 participants were included in the observational study based on smoking status and serum cotinine concentrations, respectively. Under full adjustment of covariates, current smokers had an increased risk of kidney stones compared to non-smokers [OR = 1.17 (1.04-1.31), P = 0.009, P for trend = 0.010]. Compared with serum cotinine of <0.05 ng/ml, serum cotinine levels of 0.05-2.99 ng/ml [OR = 1.15 (1.03-1.29), P = 0.013] and ≥3.00 ng/ml [OR = 1.22 (1.10-1.37), P < 0.001] were observed to have a higher risk of nephrolithiasis (P for trend < 0.001). In addition, a non-linear relationship between log2-transformed serum cotinine and the risk of nephrolithiasis was found (P for non-linearity = 0.028). Similar results were found when serum cotinine (log2 transformation) was used as a continuous variable [OR = 1.02 (1.01-1.03), P < 0.001] or complete data was used to analyze after MI. In the MR analysis, genetically predicted high serum cotinine was causally related to the high risk of nephrolithiasis [IVW: OR = 1.09 (1.00-1.19), P = 0.044]. Current smoking and high serum cotinine concentrations may be associated with an increased risk of kidney stones. Further research is needed to validate this relationship and explore its underlying mechanisms.

Evaluation of serum cotinine, total protein, thiocyanate, neuron specific enolase and uric acid levels of cigarette smokers in calabar metropolis, nigeria: a cross sectional study

Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals with deleterious health effects leading to oxidative stress and neuronal damage. This study investigated the levels of serum cotinine (COT), thiocyanate (thioc), uric acid (UA), neuron specific enolase (NSE), and the association between these variables in cigarette smokers. This cross sectional study enrolled 60 cigarette smokers and 45 non-smokers as participants. Serum thiocyanate and UA were estimated by colorimetric methods. Serum cotinine and NSE were determined by ELISA methods. Height and weight were measured and BMI computed. Data were analyzed using Student’s t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation at P&lt;0.05. Serum cotinine, thioc and NSE concentrations were significantly higher while BMI and UA levels were significantly lower (P&lt;0.05) in smokers than in the controls. Age was not significantly different between the two groups (P&gt;0.05). Age, COT, UA, thioc and NSE vary significantly (P&lt;0.05) between the light, moderate and heavy cigarette smokers. From the least significant difference post hoc analyses, the mean age and UA level of light smoker were significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) compared with the moderate smokers, while COT level of moderate smokers was significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) compared with light smokers. Neuron specific enolase level of moderate cigarette smokers was higher (P&gt;0.05) compared with the light smokers. The mean age of light smokers was significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) compared with the heavy smokers, while the COT, thioc and NSE levels of light smokers were significantly lower (P&lt;0.05) compared with the heavy smokers. Serum UA, thioc and NSE levels of moderate smokers were significantly lower (P&lt;0.05), than those of the heavy smokers. Significant negative correlations were observed between age and COT (r = -0.554, P&lt;0.001), age and thioc (r = -0.421, P= 0.001), age and NSE (r = -0.346, P=0.001), age against smoking pack years (r = -0.623, P&lt;0.001) respectively. Significant positive correlations were observed between serum thioc and NSE (r = 0.324, P=0.012), COT against smoking pack years (r = 0.399, P=0.002), and NSE against smoking pack years (r = 0.311, P=0.015), correspondingly. This study has shown that high levels of cotinine and thiocyanate are associated with increased levels of neuron specific enolase, smoking pack years and decreased uric acid in smokers.

Tobacco Smoke Exposure in Pregnant Dogs: Maternal and Newborn Cotinine Levels: A Pilot Study.

Active and passive smoking in pregnant women is associated with perinatal morbidity and mortality risk, including abortion, preterm birth, low birthweight, and malformations. No data are available on intrauterine exposure to smoking during pregnancy in dogs. This study aimed to fill this gap by exploring the detectability and quantity of cotinine, the major metabolite of nicotine, in maternal (serum and hair) and newborn (amniotic fluid and hair) biospecimens collected at birth in dogs. For this purpose, twelve pregnant bitches, six exposed to the owner's smoke and six unexposed, were enrolled. A further six non-pregnant bitches exposed to passive smoke were included to investigate the role of pregnancy status on cotinine uptake. Exposed dogs, dams, and puppies had greater cotinine concentrations than unexposed ones. Although without statistical significance, serum and hair cotinine concentrations were higher in pregnant compared to non-pregnant bitches, suggesting a different sensitivity to tobacco smoke exposure during gestation. The present results provide evidence for cotinine transplacental passage in the dog. It is conceivable that fragile patients such as pregnant, lactating, and neonate dogs may be more susceptible to the harmful effects of second-hand smoke exposure. Owners should be sensitized to the risk of smoke exposure for their pets.

Pre- and postnatal exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke and cardiometabolic risk at 12 years: Periods of susceptibility

BackgroundTo identify periods of heightened susceptibility to the association of secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) exposure with cardiometabolic (CM) risk at age 12 years. MethodsWe used data from 212 adolescents from the HOME Study, a prospective pregnancy and birth cohort in Cincinnati, OH. Using multiple informant models, we estimated associations of maternal serum cotinine (mean of concentrations at 16 and 26 weeks of pregnancy) and children's serum cotinine concentrations (mean of concentrations at ages 1, 2, 3, and 4 years) with a CM risk summary score constructed of five risk components measured at age 12 years. We determined if these associations differed for pre- and postnatal exposure periods, and adolescent's sex. ResultsWe found some evidence that the cotinine-outcome associations differed by exposure period and sex. Postnatal, but not prenatal, cotinine was associated with higher CM risk scores and individual CM risk component values (interaction p-values = 0.04 to 0.35). Each 10-fold increase in postnatal cotinine was associated with 0.57 (95% CI: 0.32, 1.45), 0.09 (95% CI: 0.13, 0.31), 0.14 (−0.08, 0.35), 0.07 (95% CI: 0.34, 0.48), and 0.11 (95% CI: 0.04, 0.27) higher CM risk, HOMA-IR, TG to HDL-C ratio, leptin to adiponectin ratio, and visceral fat area. Postnatal cotinine was associated with higher visceral fat area among females but not males (sex × period × cotinine interaction p-value = 0.01). ConclusionsSerum cotinine concentrations during the postnatal period had greater influence on adolescent's CM risk compared to the prenatal period, and these associations may be sex-specific. This study reinforces the need for ongoing public health interventions to minimize children's exposure to SHS.

Smoke Exposure Reduces the Protective Effect of Physical Activity on Hypertension: Evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2018.

The joint effects between smoke exposure (SE) and physical activity (PA) on hypertension are still unclear, and the effect of SE is still debated. To explore associations and joint effects of SE and PA on hypertension, the data of 14,456 selected participants from the NHANES (2013-2018) were used for analyses. SE status was divided by serum cotinine concentrations. Moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) and insufficient or no PA (INPA) were divided by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Hypertension was assessed by blood pressure and questionnaires. Survey logistic multivariable regression models were conducted for data analyses. In fully adjusted models, hypertension risk among SE participants increased (OR = 1.175, 95% CI: 1.036-1.332), especially those who were <40 years or female. However, the risk among MVPA participants decreased (OR = 0.747, 95% CI: 0.663-0.841), especially those who were ≥40 years. Additionally, the OR for MVPA participants without SE when compared with INPA ones without SE was 0.740 (95% CI: 0.654-0.837), especially those who were <60 years. However, the OR for MVPA participants with SE was 0.880 (95% CI: 0.747-1.037). For INPA participants, we did not observe significant ORs for SE compared with non-SE participants (p > 0.150). In conclusion, SE increased the risk of hypertension and MVPA reduced it, but SE could reduce such protective effect.