1. Effect of cigarette smoking on cellular blood components and levels of
glutathione
Adnan S. Jaran and Zainab M. kolleh.
Department of Biological Sciences,
Al al-Bayt University, Mafraq – Jordan.
Abstract
The aim of this project is to determine the effect of cigarette smoking on blood cellular
components and levels of glutathione in blood.
One hundred and eighty three blood samples were collected in EDTA blood tubes, from
smokers and divided into three groups (smokers > 20 cig/day, 10 – 20 cig/day and < 10
cig/day), as well as non smokers as a control group.
RBC , WBC and platelets counts were measured, as well as the values of Haemoglobin
(Hb), Haematocrite (Htc), blood indices and levels of total glutathione (GSH) in RBCs.
The results showed that persons who smoked > 20 cig/day had a significant increase in
RBC count (P <0.001) compared to control group, 5.44 + 0.44 X 106
/ml and 5.09 +
0.42 X 106
/ml respectively, also a significant increase in Hb concentration (P <0.001)
compared to control group, 15.88 + 0.89 g/dl and 14.62 + 1.07 g/dl respectively.
Htc. values also increased significantly (P < 0.001) for those who smoked >20 cig/day
compared to non-smokers 46.88% + 2.32 and 43.68 % + 2.67 respectively.
WBC count in smokers of >20 cig/day also showed a significant increase (P <0.05)
compared to control group, 7.7 + 1.92 X 103
/ml and 6.9 + 1.83 X103
/ml respectively,
smoking also affected the deferential WBC counts. Lymphocyte absolute count
increased significantly (P < 0.05) compared to control group, 4.68 + 1.62 X 103
/ml and
4.14 + 1.44 X 103
/ ml. No effect on blood indices and platelet count were observed for
the samples studied.
Levels of GSH were decreased significantly (P < 0.001) in the blood of heavy smokers >
20 cig/day, compared to control group, 1.79 + 0.23 mM/l and 1.98 + 0.15 mM/l
respectively.
The study concluded that smoking more than 20 cig/day, affected both RBC and WBC
counts as well as values of Hb and Htc. Levels of GSH were decreased in the blood of
heavy smokers.