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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Smoking and Nicotine Detoxification | Research

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

Authors: Ning Zhu, Jing Zhu, Shanhong Lin, Hang Yu, Chao Cao

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

Smoke 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.

Methods

We 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.

Results

A 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.

Conclusion

The 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.

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Title: Correlation analysis between smoke exposure and serum neurofilament light chain in adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ning Zhu
Jing Zhu
Shanhong Lin
Hang Yu
Chao Cao
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Smoking and Nicotine Detoxification
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-17811-8

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Springer Medicine

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

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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