ABSTRACT
Background: Cotinine is a major metabolite of nicotine and retains for a substantial time in different body fluids. It is considered as a passive smoke exposure marker. Studies on different biochemical markers of tobacco smoke exposure are lacking in Pakistan and serum continine levels in nonsmokers provide a comprehensive measure of passive smoking from all sources in the last two to three days
Objective: To compare the frequency of serum cotinine detection in smokers, passive smokers and never smokers
Methods: Serum cotinine was analyzed on 135 self reported smokers, never smokers and passive smokers by 17-A gas chromatograph with flame ionization detector [FID] equipped with Supelco SPB-5 fused silica capillary column attached with Class GC 10 Software. Association between the qualitative variables [cotinine present/absent] between groups [smoker, never smoker and passive smoker] was taken out using Pearson chi-square test. The mean difference for serum cotinine between the groups [smoker, never smoker and passive smoker] was evaluated by using kruskal wallis test. P-value less than 0.05 was taken as significant
Results: Serum cotinine was detectable in 72.1% of passive smokers which was a significantly higher proportion than smokers and never smokers [p< 0.001]
Conclusion: Cotinine was detectable in the serum of smokers and passive smokers. Passive smoking may contribute to increased serum cotinine levels. Large sample size may be required to establish it as a marker for environmental tobacco smoke exposure marker and for validation of smoking status
ABSTRACT
Oral health disparities have exacerbated since the popularity of chewable tobacco among the general population in Pakistan. Karachi South ranks second in the incidence of oral cancer and this frequency is steadily rising. Several molecular studies have shown a link between the use of chewable tobacco products and oral submucosal fibrosis. Oropharyngeal cancer, is being driven by HPV is now well known around the world. Studies in Pakistan on squamous cell carcinoma and precancerous oral lesions, found a high prevalence of Human Papillomavirus [HPV] in patients with male sex showing significant correlation with HPV infection. This paper highlights the causes and risks of the oral epidemic that is threatening our society
ABSTRACT
To study the passive exposure by cigarette smoke among students and employees of Ziauddin Medical University. The data of passive smoking status was collected by a self administrated questionnaire which was prepared as per WHO guidelines. The eighteen staff members were smokers whose number was significantly higher [P value-0.04] when compared with students and faculty members. The thirteen of faculty members were among the never smoker category and their number was significantly higher [P value-0.004] compared to students and staff members while more students were passive smokers [36] as compared to staff and faculty members. Passive exposure to cigarette smoke is seen more in students as compared to faculty and staff so it is essential to create awareness both in health professionals and common people to prevent them from hazards of passive smoking
ABSTRACT
The studies have been continuously carried out on serum nicotine, cotinine and thiocyanate but Pakistan is still deficient of such studies. Tobacco use is very common in Pakistan and about 34% of men and 12.5% of women use some form of tobacco on a regular basis. In addition to cigarettes, tobacco is smoked in unique local ways, which include "Bidi" [tobacco rolled in dryes] and huqqa [Hubble-Bubble]. Tobacco smoke contains more than 4000 chemicals including 43 that are known to cause cancer. Active smoking can cause respiratory disorders, cardiovascular hazards, cerebral and peripheral vascular diseases and cancers. Passive smoking also increases risk for higher and lower respiratory tract illness, ischemic heart diseases and lung cancer. The hazards of passive smoking have yet to be clearly understood so biochemical measurements of appropriate markers are particularly valuable in assessing exposure to environmental tobacco smoke because individuals may differ in their awareness of the extent and duration of such exposures. Markers of exposure to cigarette smoke include thiocyanate ions, nicotine and cotinine, which is a primary metabolite of nicotine. Nicotine, the most tobacco specific component of cigarette smoke responsible for tobacco addiction and can be measured in both active and passive smokers. At present, cotinine is generally regarded as the best marker for monitoring tobacco exposure in either actively or passively exposed individuals. Thiocyanate is a major metabolic product of hydrocyanic acid. Three fold higher concentration of thiocyanate is found in the sera, urine and saliva of smokers as compared to non-smokers; because of cyanide provided by cigarette smoke