Alterations in duodenal disaccharidases in chronic smokers.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of smoking on activity of intestinal disaccharidases. METHODS: The study was conducted on patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia who were smokers (n=20) or non-smokers (n=20). Smokers were classified according to smoking index into mild, moderate and heavy smokers. Biopsy specimens were taken from the second part of the duodenum at endoscopy and examined histologically, and for disaccharidase (lactase, sucrase, maltase and trehalase) activities. RESULTS: Mean duration of symptoms was more in smokers than in non-smokers. None of the smokers had endoscopic evidence of duodenal inflammation. Lactase and trehalase levels were significantly decreased in smokers. There was no difference in enzyme levels between mild smokers and non-smokers. Decreased lactase, maltase and trehalase activities were observed in moderate smokers compared to mild smokers. Duration of symptoms had no relation to enzyme activities. CONCLUSIONS: Intestinal disaccharidase levels are diminished by smoking.