Assessment of plasma fibrinogen level and lipid profile in Sudanese smokers

Abstract

Background: Cigarette smoking is a leading preventable risk factor for the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Epidemiologic studies in smokers confirm the association between the alteration in lipid profile levels and CVDs risk. Fibrinogen, an acute phase reactant with active involvement in endothelial function, thrombosis and inflammation. It is signified as a systemic marker of carotid atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of fibrinogen and lipid parameters in Sudanese tobacco smokers.

Methods: This case-control study included 55 adult male of a current smoking status; their ages ranged between 18 and 54 years, and 100 non-smokers considered as controls. We evaluated the effect of cigarette smoking on plasma fibrinogen and serum lipid profile. The American Heart Association guidelines and reference ranges were used to identify the smokers with increased risk of coronary heart disease.

Results: Our study revealed an increase in the levels of fibrinogen, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) among smokers than controls, whereas the mean level of and triglycerides did not differ. The levels of highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol HDL-C demonstrated decrement. Further, smokers were classified according to the atherogenic risk index LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, the studied parameters fibrinogen, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were significantly increased in those who have ratio 4.5 and more (p = 0.001, p = 0.018, p = 0.007, respectively). Smokers with atherogenic index ≥ 4.5 were more likely to have ≥ 300 mg/dl fibrinogen level (odds ratio (OR) 3.96, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 1.14– 13.73, p = 0.026). Moreover, the level of the fibrinogen can be predicted by linear regression equation: Fibrinogen level = 19.49 + 79.08 (the ratio of LDL-C ⁄HDL-C), r = 0.37, p = 0.008, 95%CI 21.20–136.95.

Conclusion: Increased fibrinogen, LDL-C, and LDLC/HDL-C ratio may potentiate the development of cardiovascular disease in smokers.

Keywords: fibrinogen, lipid profile, smokers