Influence of tobacco smoking on serum free fatty acid, triglyceride and glucose levels during physical training and post-exertional restitution.

Studies were carried out on 60 healthy men aged 20--24 years, divided into three groups. Group A (30 persons) performed work on bicycle ergometer in three phases: 420 +/- 90 kpm/min during 6 minutes, 840 +/- 180 kpm/min during 6 minutes and 1260 +/- 270 kpm/min during 6 minutes. Group B (20 persons) performed the same work after smoking 4 cigarettes. In group C (10 persons) the tests were carried out after they had smoked 4 cigarettes, without work load. In each group the serum FFA, TG and glucose levels were determined. It was found that just after the termination of physical exertion preceded by tobacco smoking (group B) FFA and TG concentrations decreased and glucose concentration increased more than in the control group (P less than 0.05, P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.001, respectively). During restitution, the FFA and TG concentrations were significantly lower (P less than 0.001) and the glucose level was higher (P less than 0.05) than in the group of non-smokers. After tobacco smoking, FFA concentration increased transiently in group C (P less than 0.001); the TG level did not change whereas the glucose level persistently increased (P less than 0.001). The results indicate the better utilization of FFA during physical exertion after previous tobacco smoking.