The thioredoxin and glutaredoxin systems in smoking cessation and the possible relation to postoperative wound complications 

Abstract

 Background. Smoking cessation prior to surgery has proven to be an effective means of reducing wound complications. The underlying mechanisms are poorly characterized. The present study is the first to investigate how short-term smoking cessation affects the thioredoxin and glutaredoxin systems.

Methods: A total of 21 daily smokers scheduled for surgery were enrolled and randomized to smoking cessation intervention or control group. The main outcome measure was changes in plasma levels of thioredoxin (Trx) and glutaredoxin (Grx) following smoking cessation. Secondary outcomes were changes in plasma levels of TNF-a, IL-1b, and IL-6.

Results: Glutaredoxin levels in plasma increased after smoking cessation. The mean Grx difference between sample 2 and sample 1 among abstainers was 11.4 ng/mL; among smokers it was 0.6 ng/mL (P = 0.05). Among those with a postoperative complication there was a slight decrease (-0.9 ng/mL in mean) in glutaredoxin, which was not statistically significant (P = 0.27). A change in thioredoxin levels in plasma after smoking cessation was not evident. Changes in cytokine levels before and after smoking cessation were not significant.

Conclusion: Short-term smoking cessation seems to increase plasma levels of Grx. The Trx system seems to be more robust against smoking toxicity. Fewer wound complications occurred in the smoking cessation group and glutaredoxin might be involved in the underlying mechanism .