A cross-sectional analysis of candidate biomarkers of biological effect in smokers, never-smokers and ex-smokers.

Biomarkers of biological effect (BOBE) have been proposed as potential tools to assess tobacco product use, toxicity and disease risk. To determine if candidate BOBE can distinguish between smokers, never-smokers and former smokers. Biomarker levels were compared from 143 smokers, 61 never-smokers and 61 ex-smokers. In total, 27 candidate biomarkers were assessed, 14 were significantly different between smokers and never-smokers (p < 0.01) and of these 14 biomarkers, 12 were able to distinguish between smokers and former smokers (p < 0.05), which indicates the potential for reversibility. A total of 12 of 27 BOBE are potentially useful tools for future product assessment.