A Comparative Histological Study of Effects of Shisha and Cigarettes on Trachea of Mice

ABSTRACT

To determine the comparative histological effects of Shish a and cigarettes on trachea of experimental animals. It was an analytical experimental randomized control trial. The study was carried out in the department of Anatomy, Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi, in collaboration with National Institute of Health [NIH], Islamabad. The duration of the study was 6 months. 40 adult male BALB/c mice were used and divided into 3 groups. Control group C was kept in a chamber in fresh air. Group 55 was exposed to Shisha smoke and Group CS was exposed to equivalent quantity of nicotine by burning cigarettes. All mice were dissected after 8 weeks and tissues of trachea were examined microscopically and results were compared in experimental groups. The trachea was examined for three parameters. There was marked mucus cell hyperplasia and submucosal gland hypertrophy in group SS and the difference between group 55 and CS was statistically significant [pbasement membrane in both groups showed marked thickening. Shisha smoking is not a safe alternative to cigarette smoking. It contains higher level of toxicants in its smoke that cause a much higher disruptions at tissue level as compared to cigarette smoke