From the Research
Relationship Between Smoking and Renal Cysts
- There is evidence to suggest that smoking is associated with an increased risk of renal disease, including chronic kidney disease (CKD) 1, 2, 3.
- Studies have shown that smoking can lead to a decrease in renal function, as measured by glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 2, 3.
- The mechanisms underlying the adverse renal effects of smoking are not fully understood, but may involve the activation of non-neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and the generation of reactive oxygen species 3.
- Nicotine, a major component of cigarette smoke, has been shown to increase the severity of renal injury in animal models and to induce transitory increases in blood pressure accompanied by reductions in glomerular filtration rate and effective renal plasma flow in humans 3.
Relationship Between Smoking and Hepatic Cysts
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest a relationship between smoking and the development of hepatic cysts.
- However, smoking has been shown to be a risk factor for a range of other health problems, including liver disease 4, 5.
Smoking Cessation and Renal Health
- Quitting smoking has been shown to reduce the risk of renal disease and to improve renal function 1, 2, 5.
- A study found that subclinical kidney damage associated with smoking can be reversed if patients stop smoking 5.
- The use of biomarkers such as Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, Kidney injury molecule-1, N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase, transferrin, and ganglioside-activating protein GM2 can be a preventive measure in the development of chronic kidney disease associated with smoking 5.