M Rahbani-Nobar, Mh Somi, A Fattahi, N Dolatkhah, M Nourazarian, S J Seyedi-Khoshknab, B Pourasghari, H Dolatkhah,
Volume 4, Issue 2 (10-2010)
Abstract
Abstract Bachground and objectives: Epidemiological studies have shown that using tobacco products is one of the main factors in forming malignancies in various tissues of the body. There is more than 600 μgr nitric oxide radical (NO°) in gas phase in each cigarette with fresh smoke. Hence, oxidation of nitrogen components in tobacco, more than 100 μgr of atmospheric NO°is produced by smoking, would be transferred to the body without any filtration. We studied nitric oxide levels in the gastric juice of smokers and non-smokers patients with active peptic ulcer. Material and Methods: In this study, 43 smoker patients with active peptic ulcer (14 female & 29 male) referred to gastroenterology clinic with mean age of 45.30±13.16 as case group.Forthy-three non-smokers without peptic ulcer (13 female & 30 male) aged 42.67±16.04, 43 smoker without peptic ulcer (16 female & 27 male) with mean age of 44.58±12.07 and 43 non-smoker with active peptic ulcer (20 female & 23 male) with mean age of 45.37±13.39 were selected as control groups of 1, 2 and 3 ,respectively. The level of Nitric oxide in gastric juice was measured by using Greiss colorimetric method. Results: Comparing with control group one and two, meaningful rise is noticed in mean level of nitric oxide case group (p<0.0001). Mean levels of NO in control group 1, 3 and case group are 4.21±1.13, 5.37±2.26, 7.90±2.12 μmol/L, respectively. Nitric oxide level in case group in comparison with control group 2 dose not show Significant difference (p=0.656). Mean levels of NO in control 2 and case groups are 7.45±1.54 and 7.90±2.12 μmol/L, respectively. Conclusion: It can be concluded that cigarette smoking may be one of the cause of increased level of gastric juice nitric oxide. This increase may be due to component in cigarette smoke and tar. These components can cause DNA damage through oxidation-reduction cycle and consequently increase the risk of malignancies in gastric tissues. Key words: Cigarette Smoking, Nitric Oxide, Nitrosative Stress, Active Peptic Ulcer
Saif Karim, Mahdi Zahedi , Zeinab Mohammadi , Nahid Poursharifi , Mehdi Khorami , Mohsen Tatar ,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background: Smoking is recognized as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), yet its influence on blood levels of homocysteine, folic acid, and vitamin B12 is not well understood. This study aimed to explore how smoking affects these biochemical markers in patients with CVD.
Methods: The study included 88 participants diagnosed with CVD, who were categorized into smokers (n=44) and non-smokers (n=44). Serum concentrations of homocysteine, folic acid, and vitamin B12 were assessed using ELISA. Additionally, blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic) and body mass index (BMI) were recorded.
Results: Smokers showed significantly lower levels of folic acid (22.41 ± 5.95 ng/mL) compared to non-smokers (28.05 ± 4.13 ng/mL, p = 0.000). No significant differences were observed in homocysteine (p = 0.958) or vitamin B12 (p = 0.578) levels between the two groups. A negative correlation was found between folic acid and systolic blood pressure in smokers, while no significant associations were noted among folic acid, vitamin B12, and homocysteine.
Conclusion: In patients with CVD, smoking is linked to significantly lower folic acid levels, which may lead to increased systolic blood pressure. These results underscore the need to monitor folic acid levels in smokers who are at risk for cardiovascular issues.
