The Effects of Smoking on Plasma Viscosity and Related Biochemical Parameters

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of smoking, which is known as a risk factor for thromboembolism and circulatory disorders, on plasma viscosity and the other hemorheologic factors determining the microcirculation in healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: After their acceptance sixty apparently healthy individuals attending our outpatient clinic between June 2010 and June 2011 were enrolled in this descriptive type of investigation. The study groups were classified as smokers, non-smokers, and ex-smokers according to smoking habits. After taking medical history of the volunteers; physical examination, chest radiography, pulmonary function tests were carried out. After 8 hours of fasting, blood samples were taken to determine the hemogram, sedimentation rate, cholesterol, triglyceride, protein and plasma viscosity levels. Plasma viscosity leves were measured by Brookfield LVDV II viscometer. Results: Plasma viscosity values were found in the smokers, ex-smokers, and the non-smokers to be 1.29 +/- 0.26 cP, 1.33 +/- 0.25 cP, 1.31 +/- 0.24 cP respectively. The average value in all participants being 1.31 +/- 0.25 cP. Although these levels did not differ between the groups, the intensity of smoking (estimated in packs per year) was found to show a positive relationship with serum total protein and albumin levels; and a negative relationship with the total cholesterol, triglyceride and high density lipoprotein levels (p<0.05). In this study, fibrinogen was found to be the single parameter affecting the plasma viscosity levels; and there was a positive correlation between fibrinogen levels and the varriables of age, weight and body mass index (p<0.05). Conclusion: A statistically significant relationship was not demonstrated in this study between smoking intensity and plasma viscosity levels. But smoking may affect some of the other hemorheologic factors.