Smoking tobacco is associated with renal hyperfiltration

Tobacco consumption is a renal risk factor, but the effects on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate the possible impact of using tobacco products (smoking and snus) on eGFR based on creatinine or cystatin C. We used a first cohort with 949 participants and a second cohort with 995 participants; none had pre-existing renal disease. All subjects donated a blood sample and completed a questionnaire, including questions about tobacco use. To assess the effect on eGFR, hierarchical multiple linear regression models were used. Active smoking associated independently with a higher eGFR(creatinine) in all subjects (p < 0.001; beta = 0.11). Further analyses stratified for sex, showed similar findings for men (p < 0.001; beta = 0.14) and for women (p = 0.026; beta = 0.10). eGFR(cystatin C) was significantly associated with active smoking in all subjects (p = 0.040; beta = -0.05), but no association was seen after stratification for sex. Snus did not associate with eGFR. In conclusion, smoking associated significantly with a higher eGFR(creatinine). The mechanism may be renal hyperfiltration of smaller molecules such as creatinine. This is probably caused by substances from smoked tobacco other than nicotine, as no effect was seen for snus.

Automated summary

The study reveals that smoking is associated with a higher eGFR, with gender differences in the effect, while snus does not have an impact on eGFR.