Short-term effects of smoking cessation on blood antioxidant parameters and paraoxonase activity in healthy asymptomatic long-term cigarette smokers.

The aim of this study was to compare short-term effects of smoking cessation on blood oxidant/antioxidant status, cholesterol levels, and paraoxonase activity. Sixteen healthy, asymptomatic long-term cigarette smokers (mean age: 35 +/- 9 yr) participated in the study in the smoking cessation program. After and before smoking cessation, subjects were examined for oxidant/antioxidant status, cholesterol level, paraoxonase activity, breath carbon monoxide levels, and blood carboxyhemoglobin values.