Plasma Leptin Concentrations After Cessation Of Cigarette Smoking

Abstract

Cessation of smoking often induces hyperphagia and weight gain associated with decreased energy expenditure. Plasma leptin levels and adipose tissue mRNA correlate with mass of adipose tissue, and represent important signals for registration of total body energy status. In this study 19 smokers (13 male, 6 female) referring to the smoking cessation clinic were randomly assigned to control group (n:6), nicotine patch group (n:6), nicotine patch+fluoxetine group (n:7). Plasma leptin levels and, body mass indices (BMI) were determined before and 3, 6 weeks after cessation of smoking. A significant increase in BMI (p: 0.01) and in plasma leptin (p: 0.02) were observed in the 3^rd and 6^th weeks compared to basal levels. The univariate analysis of variance which explained 66.6% variance (p: 0.007) in body weight between 0 and 3 weeks, has indicated nicotine patch+ fluoxetine therapy, the difference in leptin levels, and difference in exhaled carbon monoxide levels as the significant contributors. The difference in body weight, study groups, and age at time of starting smoking were the significant contributors to 55.4% variance (p: 0.027) in leptin levels between 0 and 3 weeks. Plasma leptin increased together with body weight and nicotine patch+fluoxetine theraphy vs. controls. Plasma leptin concentrations have increased after cessation of cigarette smoking in vivo. Fluoxetine has an enhancing effect on leptin alongside inhibiting weight gain. We conclude that fluoxetine treatment might independently increase leptin levels.