Volume 6, number 1
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Haematobiochemical Changes in Cigarette Smokers

N. M. Igboh1, D. Onwubiko1, E. N. Agomuo2, I. Onyesom3, C. C. Okaraonye4 and U. E. Uzuegbu4

1College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba Nigeria.

2Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences. Imo State University, Owerri Nigeria.

3Department of Medical Biochemistry, Delta State University, Abraka Nigeria.

4Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Abia State Uniersity, Uturu Nigeria.

Corresponding Author E-mail: drngomi @ yahoo.co.uk

ABSTRACT: Some injurious effects of cigarette smoking have been reported. It is therefore the aim of this study to look at the effects of cigarette smoking on haematological and some serum liver enzyme activities. Twenty males; aged 26 - 35 years, who smoked 10 - 15 sticks of cigarette a day for more than five years were studied. Ten apparently healthy and age-matched, non-smokers were included as control. Blood samples were taken for the analysis of haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) and white blood cell counts (WBC). Also assayed were serum enzymes, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Cholesterol level was also determined. As compared with healthy non-smokers, cigarette smokers, exhibited significant decrease in Hb and PCV (P<0.05). Also observed was a decline in the number of WBC in chronic smokers. Results also showed a significant increase in the activity of AST in chronic smokers (P<0.05). Although, the activity of ALT was low (P<0.05) in chronic smokers, there was a significant increase in the activity of ALP (P <0.05) in these individuals. Serum total cholesterol level was high (P<0.05) in chronic smokers. These results support the previous suggestions that chronic cigarette smoking may increase the risk of anaemia, weak immune system and susceptibility to infections. In addition, experimental evidence indicate a measure of hepatic dysfunction and increased vulnerability to atherosclerosis among cigarette smokers.

KEYWORDS: Asparate transaminase; alanine transaminase; alkaline phosphatase; cholesterol; anaemia

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Igboh N. M, Onwubiko D, Agomuo E. N, Onyesom I, Okaraonye C. C, Uzuegbu U. E. Haematobiochemical Changes in Cigarette Smokers. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2008;6(1)
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Igboh N. M, Onwubiko D, Agomuo E. N, Onyesom I, Okaraonye C. C, Uzuegbu U. E. Haematobiochemical Changes in Cigarette Smokers. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2008;6(1). Available from: https://www.biotech-asia.org/?p=8129

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