Smoke Signals: Unraveling the Link between Cigarette Smoking and Serum Liver Markers

Introduction: Cigarette smoking is a major cause of global mortality and morbidity. It exposes the body to many harmful substances, such as cytotoxic, carcinogenic and free radicals, that can damage various organs. This study aims to investigate the effects of different levels of tobacco exposure on liver tissue, by measuring some serum biochemical markers of liver function.

Materials and Methods: The project conducted at T.N.M.C Mumbai from January to December 2021 involved 60 male participants (18–35 years old), divided into smokers (30) and non-smokers (30). Smokers had varying smoking durations (1-5 years). Excluded participants with diseases affecting liver enzymes. Groups were age-matched for analysis. Smokers defined as those smoking >20 cigarettes daily for >1 month. Collected 5.0 ml venous blood, processed in heparinized tubes, and centrifuged for plasma separation. Enzymes SGOT, SGPT, ALP, Total Bilirubin, Direct Bilirubin were measured, and statistical analysis revealed significant differences.

Results: In the study, age comparison between smokers and non-smokers showed no significant difference (p = 0.71). However, smokers exhibited significantly higher mean serum concentrations of SGOT and SGPT compared to non-smokers (p = 0.002 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Smokers also had elevated levels of ALP and total bilirubin with mean differences of 16.3 IU/L and 0.392 mg/dl, supported by 95% confidence intervals (6.72, 26.18) and (0.28, 0.504) and p values of 0.003 and 0.0004, respectively. No significant difference was observed in direct bilirubin levels (mean difference: 0.084 mg/dl, 95% CI: 0.065, 0.103, p = 0.191)

Conclusion: In summary, the study suggests a correlation between smoking and elevated serum levels of liver enzymes and damage markers, indicating a potential adverse impact on liver function and increased susceptibility to liver diseases.