Effect of Tobacco on Lipoprotein Profile: A Comparative study among Smokers and Chewers

It has been proved that tobacco is one of the cholesterol dependent risk factors pathogenically, and in addition with other risk factors it may lead to coronary heart disease. Thus, a strong interaction exists between hypercholesterolemia and tobacco ingesting in the genesis of coronary heart disease. The aim of this study was to study the effect of tobacco smoking and chewing and compare its effect on lipoproteins. 60 subjects were included in the study, and were grouped into 3 three groups, tobacco smokers, tobacco chewers and tobacco non-abusers. Each group comprises 20 participants: selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Proper sampling and sample processing methods were employed to evaluate lipid profile. Total cholesterol and triglycerides levels were increased in smokers in comparison to non-smokers/non-chewers, and the differences were significant p<0.0001. HDL level was decreased in smokers as compared to non-smokers/non-chewers and the difference was statistically significant p<0.0001. Total cholesterol and LDL levels were increased in smokers in comparison to chewers. HDL level was decreased in chewers as compared to chewers. There was no significant association in any of the parameters. Present study observed increased and significant p<0.0001 differences in levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides while, HDL levels were decreased significantly p<0.0001, and also observed there was no significant difference among tobacco smokers and chewers. This may be a new area of interest for future studies.