Effect of active cigarettes smoking, water-pipe smoking and snuff (naffa) inhalation on BMI, lipid profile, and plasma glucose. A case control study of Libyan males

Abstract

Objectives: Tobacco use in all its forms represents a very well-known preventable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Alteration of plasma lipids levels is one of the mechanisms by which it causes CVD. In addition, there are controversial reports linking tobacco use with diabetes. This case-control study is aiming to investigate the interrelationship between tobacco use and BMI, lipid profile, and plasma glucose in Libyans residing in Tripoli region.

Methods: The study was conducted on 200 healthy male subjects, including, 50 non-smokers aged 40.98±8.07, 50 cigarette smokers aged 41.32±7.39, 50 water-pipe users aged 42.04±7.39, and 50 snuff inhalers aged 39.36±7.00. BMI was estimated as (kg/m²), lipid profile and fasting plasma glucose were estimated in triplicate by enzymatic colorimetric method and expressed as (mg/dL).

Results: Our results showed that BMI is significantly higher in tobacco users than non-smokers (P 0.0001). Total cholesterol and triacylglycerols are significantly higher in tobacco users (P 0.0001). HDL is significantly higher in non- smokers (P 0.0001). LDL not affected by tobacco use (P 0.32). Fasting plasma glucose significantly higher in tobacco users (P 0.0001).

Conclusions: In conclusion, tobacco use affects the BMI, lipid profile, and glucose which are components of the metabolic syndrome in the Libyan males population.

Keywords: Dyslipidemia, CVD, Tobacco, Total cholesterol, Triacylglycerols, LDL, HDL