Smoking Group Research Articles

Clinicopathological Features of Buccal Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Focus on Patients Who Never Smoke and Never Drink.

Introduction Oral carcinoma has been reported at a substantial proportion in patients who never smoke and never drink. However, the proportion may vary by subsite and ethnicity. Objective We aimed to determine the clinicopathological features of buccal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in a Japanese population. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the records of patients diagnosed with buccal SCC at our institution from September 2002 to November 2015. We reviewed the gender, age, tumor status, treatment, smoking, alcohol drinking, multiple primary cancers, and prognosis of the patients. The overall and cause-specific survival rates were calculated, and the effects of clinicopathological variables were assessed by univariate analysis. Furthermore, the cause of death was evaluated. Results Among the 63 patients (men: 38; women: 25) included in the present study, 29 (46.0%) never smoked or drank. Women were almost 5 years older than men ( p = 0.014). The number of women in the group who never smoked or drank was disproportionately higher than that of those in the smoker or drinker groups ( p < 0.001). In total, 29 patients (46.0%) had 59 multiple primary cancers, including 26 oral cancers. Surgeries and radiotherapy were performed in 57 (90.5%) and 6 (9.5%) cases, respectively. The 5-year overall survival and disease-specific survival rates were 74.6 and 78.8%, respectively. Conclusion Our study confirms that buccal SCC may develop in older adult Japanese patients, especially in women who have never smoked or drank. These patients could be at risk for second primary malignancy.

Association between Stress and Periodontal Health on Obesity in Adults Aged 20-59

Objectives: This study was conducted to analyze the relationship between stress and periodontal health due to adult obesity. Methods: From May 3, 2021, to May 12, 2021, an online survey was conducted targeting adults between 20-59 years in Seoul and Gyeonggi. A total of 270 responses were received and the collected data were tested using the χ²-test with SPSS 24.0. Pearson's correlation analysis was also performed. Results: Obesity was higher in the males than in the females, in the age range of 30-39 years it was higher in the married people, and finally abdominal obesity was higher in the males. Both obesity and abdominal obesity were higher in the group brushing less than twice a day and sleeping less than 5 hours; obesity was also higher in the smoking group (p&lt;0.05). With an increase in age, the periodontal health status was 'unhealthy' in the stressed group and the general health status and oral health status was also 'unhealthy' in this group (p&lt;0.05). The higher the body mass index, the more unhealthy the periodontal condition was perceived to be, and the lower the stress (p&lt;0.001). Conclusions: Obesity is related to stress and oral health, therefore not only stress management but also oral health programs should be applied efficiently in the obesity management process.

Can Vitamin C Improve Proliferation and Viability of Smokers’ Gingival Fibroblasts on Collagen Membranes? An In Vitro Study

Periodontal regeneration using a barrier membrane can be affected by several factors, including patient-related factors (such as smoking habits), surgical techniques, and type of barrier membrane. Smoking exposure has a negative impact on the periodontium due to its direct inhibition of gingival fibroblast function. Vitamin C is widely recognized as an antioxidant that can be used to mitigate the detrimental impact of smoking products on periodontal cells. This study aimed to investigate whether vitamin C could improve the proliferation and viability of gingival fibroblasts extracted from smoking and non-smoking donors and then cultured on non-crosslinked (CopiOs Pericardium) and crosslinked (BioMend) collagen membranes. To address this aim, human gingival fibroblasts were extracted from healthy periodontium of smoker patients (Group 1) and non-smoker patients (Group 2). The cells were cultivated and subsequently subcultured in a growth medium supplemented with the required nutrients. Subsequently, the medium at passage six was supplemented with vitamin C, i.e., at the start of the experiment. An evaluation of cell proliferation and viability was carried out using cell migration assays and AlamarBlue® assays for cells grown on BioMend and CopiOs Pericardium collagen membranes. Assessment of the morphology and attachment of gingival fibroblasts to the experimental collagen membranes was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The viability and proliferation assessments of hGFs from the migration assay were evaluated using AlamarBlue®. The results exhibited significant fluorescent intensity of gingival fibroblasts on both membrane groups (BioMend and CopiOs Pericardium) in the smoker group compared to the non-smoker group (p &lt; 0.05), which was interpreted to be the result of hGF metabolic activity and the exclusion of any cytotoxic effects, particularly from vitamin C addition. Vitamin C positively affected cells from the smoker group with statistically significant results in the BioMend group (Wilcoxon signed-rank test of p value &lt; 0.05; p = 0.028). SEM images revealed the crosslinking pattern of the BioMend membrane and the non-crosslinked natural tissue structure of the CopiOs Pericardium membrane, which did not change regardless of whether the cultured smoker or non-smoker hGFs were treated with vitamin C. Small numbers of attached hGFs in membrane matrices in all samples, mainly in the peripheries, were observed. It can be concluded that the addition of vitamin C to collagen membranes in vitro seems to combat the adverse effects of smoking products on gingival fibroblasts.

Evaluating the impact of lifting mandatory smoking cessation prior to elective abdominal wall reconstruction. A single-center experience

IntroductionMany studies identify active smoking as a significant risk factor for postoperative wound and mesh complications in patients undergoing abdominal wall reconstruction surgery. However, our group conducted an analysis using data from the ACHQC database, which revealed similar rates of surgical site infection (SSI) and surgical site occurrence requiring procedural intervention (SSOPI) between active smokers and non-smokers As a result, the Cl eveland Clinic Center for Abdominal Core Health instituted a policy change where active smokers were no longer subject to surgical delay. Our study aims to evaluate the impact of active smoking on the outcomes of these patients. MethodsWe identified active smoking patients who had undergone open, elective, clean ventral hernia repair (VHR) with transversus abdominis release (TAR) and permanent synthetic mesh at Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Propensity matching was performed to create a 1:3 ratio of “current-smokers” and “never-smokers” and compared wound complications and all 30-day morbidity between the two groups. Results106 current-smokers and 304 never-smokers were matched. Demographics were similar between the two groups after matching, with the exception of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (22.1% vs. 13.4%, p ​< ​.001) and body mass index (BMI) (31.1 vs. 32.6, p ​= ​.02). Rates of SSI (12.2% vs. 6.9%, p ​= ​.13), SSO (21.7% vs. 13.2%, p ​= ​.052), SSOPI (11.3% vs. 6.3%, p ​= ​.13), and reoperation (1.9% vs. 3.9%, p ​= ​.53) were not significantly different between active smokers and never-smokers correspondingly. One case (0.3%) of partial mesh excision was observed in the never-smokers group (p ​= ​1). The current-smokers group exhibited a significantly higher incidence of pneumonia compared to the never-smokers group (5.7% vs. 0.7%, p ​= ​.005). ConclusionOur study revealed that operating on active smokers did result in a slight increase in wound morbidity, although it did not reach statistical significance. Additionally, pulmonary complications were higher in the smoking group. Notably, we did not see any mesh infections in the smoking group during early follow up. We believe that this data is important for shared decision making on patients that are actively smoking contemplating elective hernia repair.

The Effects of Maternal Smoking on Thyroid Function: Findings from Routine First-Trimester Sonographic Anomaly Screening.

This study aimed to assess the effect of tobacco exposure on maternal thyroid function and investigate its relationship to subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnant women during the first trimester. A comparison of maternal thyroid function was made on 45 smokers, who composed the study group, and 72 non-smokers, pregnant women, who constituted the control group. After determining smokers by questionnaire, carbon monoxide (CO) levels in the expiratory air of the participants in both groups were measured and recorded, and the smokers' exposure was objectively confirmed. Smoking and non-smoking pregnant women were similar regarding body mass index (BMI). While the TSH and fT4 levels were respectively 1.48 mlU/L and 11.43 pmol/L in pregnant women who smoked, that ratio changed to 1.72 mlU/L and 11.17 pmol/L in the non-smokers' group. But the differences between the groups were not statistically significant (p=0.239, p=0.179). Even though the rate of subclinical hypothyroidism was 8.9% in the smoking group, it was approximately 19.4% in the non-smoker group; the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.187). This study proved that there is no statistically significant difference between maternal serum TSH and fT4 levels and the rate of subclinical hypothyroidism in smokers during pregnancy in the first trimester.

The effect of smoking on 30-day complications following primary repair of Achilles tendon ruptures.

There exists a gap in the knowledge of the impact of smoking on Achilles tendon rupture repair. This study evaluates perioperative and postoperative complications associated with smoking to allow for a more informed evaluation and discussion with the patients when considering the surgical management of Achilles tendon repair in this patient population. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for patients undergoing Achilles tendon rupture repair from 2006 to 2019. Two patient cohorts were defined in this retrospective study: smokers and patients who did not smoke. The various patient demographics, medical comorbidities, and postoperative outcomes were compared using bivariate and multivariate analyses between the smoking and non-smoking groups. Of 4209 patients who underwent Achilles tendon repair, 3662 patients (87%) did not smoke, whereas 547 patients (13%) were smokers. Patients who were smokers were more likely to be younger and have a higher body mass index. Following multivariate analyses, those who smoked had an increased risk of experiencing wound dehiscence (OR 3.57; p = 0.013) and urinary tract infections (OR 1.21; p = 0.033) compared to non-smoking patients. Despite the rate of complications being relatively low in the short-term perioperative period, individuals who smoke should be counseled on the surgical risks they may experience following Achilles tendon repair, including wound dehiscence and urinary tract infections. Discussion preoperatively between the physician and patient who smoke can include ways in which postoperative care will be done to minimize the risk of adverse events, ultimately reducing costs for both the patient and the hospital.

Smoking, tobacco dependence, and neurometabolites in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex

Cigarette smoking has a major impact on global health and morbidity, and positron emission tomographic research has provided evidence for reduced inflammation in the human brain associated with cigarette smoking. Given the consequences of inflammatory dysfunction for health, the question of whether cigarette smoking affects neuroinflammation warrants further investigation. The goal of this project therefore was to validate and extend evidence of hypoinflammation related to smoking, and to examine the potential contribution of inflammation to clinical features of smoking. Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we measured levels of neurometabolites that are putative neuroinflammatory markers. N-acetyl compounds (N-acetylaspartate + N-acetylaspartylglutamate), glutamate, creatine, choline-compounds (phosphocholine + glycerophosphocholine), and myo-inositol, have all been linked to neuroinflammation, but they have not been examined as such with respect to smoking. We tested whether people who smoke cigarettes have brain levels of these metabolites consistent with decreased neuroinflammation, and whether clinical features of smoking are associated with levels of these metabolites. The dorsal anterior cingulate cortex was chosen as the region-of-interest because of previous evidence linking it to smoking and related states. Fifty-four adults who smoked daily maintained overnight smoking abstinence before testing and were compared with 37 nonsmoking participants. Among the smoking participants, we tested for associations of metabolite levels with tobacco dependence, smoking history, craving, and withdrawal. Levels of N-acetyl compounds and glutamate were higher, whereas levels of creatine and choline compounds were lower in the smoking group as compared with the nonsmoking group. In the smoking group, glutamate and creatine levels correlated negatively with tobacco dependence, and creatine correlated negatively with lifetime smoking, but none of the metabolite levels correlated with craving or withdrawal. The findings indicate a link between smoking and a hypoinflammatory state in the brain, specifically in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex. Smoking may thereby increase vulnerability to infection and brain injury.

Influence of Diabetes Mellitus and Smoking on Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokine Profiles in Gingival Crevicular Fluid.

Smoking and diabetes mellitus have been recognized as significant modifying factors of the evolution of periodontitis, being considered at the moment as descriptive factors in the periodontitis grading system. The purpose of this study was to assess the consequence of smoking, type 2 diabetes, and the combination of these two factors on clinical periodontal parameters, on the levels of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), and also on ratios of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines by using a commercially available kit-based multiplex fluorescent immunoassay. The study was carried out on 124 volunteers (control (C) group = 29, diabetes mellitus (DM) group = 32, smoking (S) group = 31, and S + DM group = 32). Total mean bleeding on probing was significantly lower in the S and S + DM groups, compared to that of the other groups (p < 0.05). Total amounts of TGF-β, MIP-1α, IL-6, IL-2, and IL-17 were significantly increased in the periodontally healthy sites of diabetes patients (p < 0.05), compared to those of the controls. Systemically healthy smoking patients had higher values of GM-CSF, TGF-β, IL-4, TNF-α, IL-5, and IL-7, while diabetic smoking patients showed higher values of IL-4, TGF-β, and MIP-1α. In smoking and systemically healthy patients, IL-23, IL-7, and IL-12 showed increased concentrations, while concentrations of TGF-β, MIP-1α, IL-2, IL-7, IL-12, IL-17, IL-21, and IL-23 were higher in smoking DM patients. In conclusion, in our study, diabetes mellitus induced a general pro-inflammatory state, while smoking mainly stimulated immunosuppression in the periodontal tissues of periodontitis subjects.

Abstract PO-022: Characterizing genetic and molecular differences in head and neck cancer based on history of smoking

Abstract Background: Even in the era of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated disease, smoking remains an important cause of head and neck cancer (HNC). As genomic data emerges, it is important to examine whether there are molecular and genetic differences in HNC based on the history of smoking. Objective: This study aimed to characterize the genetic and molecular differences in a sample of patients with HNC based on smoking history. Methods: We used data from the Cancer Genome Atlas via cBioPortal for cancer genomics, and selected patients with a confirmed diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, independent of HPV status. Smoking history was defined as non-smokers (never smokers, n = 122) vs. smokers (current and previous history of smoking, n = 393). The genetic and molecular differences of interest were single nucleotide variation, copy number alteration, DNA methylation, mRNA expression and protein. Due to multiple testing, we report false discovery rate (FDR), with statistically significant FDR rate = 0.05. Results: The patients who were mainly White (85.8%), male (73.6%), diagnosed with stage IVA-C cancer (54.5%), and had a mean age of 60.8 years. There were significantly different copy number alterations on 10 genes, and the alterations were enriched in smokers (FDR &amp;lt; 0.05). Among these genes, two (FADD and CTTN) were significantly highly methylated in non-smokers (FDR&amp;lt;0.05), and one gene (ANO1) was marginally highly methylated in non-smokers (FDR=0.057). Four genes (PPFIA1, FGF19, CCND1 and LTO1) were highly expressed in mRNA in smokers (FDR&amp;lt; 0.05), while one gene (FADD) was marginally highly expressed in mRNA in smokers (FDR=0.079). FADD DNA methylation was negatively correlated with FADD mRNA expression in both non-smokers (Pearson r= -0.53, p&amp;lt;10−9) and smokers (Pearson r= -0.57, p&amp;lt;10−35). Among smokers, significant lower overall survival rate (p=0.033) among patients with FADD altered (median=35.3 months, CI 25.9-71.2) than those FADD unaltered (median=64.8 months, CI 48.2-89.3). Additionally, the CCND1 gene was highly mRNA expressed in smokers (FDR=0.007), and CCND1 mRNA expression was positively correlated with protein expressed in smokers (Pearson r=0.33, p&amp;lt;10−4) but not in non-smokers. For the CTTN gene, we found a significant high methylation in non-smokers (FDR=0.006) compared to smokers, but no significant difference in mRNA expression between smoking groups (FDR=0.17). Smokers with altered CTTN tended towards worse survival (p=0.069, median=35.8 months, CI 25.9-90.1) than unaltered CTTN ones (median=57.4 months, CI 48.2-88.8), and no difference in non-smokers. Conclusions: We found some significant genetic and molecular differences in HNC based on a history of smoking, especially for genes linked to mRNA overexpression. [which regulates tumor necrosis, apoptosis, and cell cycle] The findings suggest that there may be genetic and molecular differences in patients with HNC based on their history of smoking. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings in a larger study sample. Citation Format: Rong Jiang, Nosayaba Osazuwa-Peters, Tammara L. Watts. Characterizing genetic and molecular differences in head and neck cancer based on history of smoking [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-AHNS Head and Neck Cancer Conference: Innovating through Basic, Clinical, and Translational Research; 2023 Jul 7-8; Montreal, QC, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2023;29(18_Suppl):Abstract nr PO-022.

Effect of cardio-gastric interaction on atrial fibrillation in GERD patients

Objective: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are very common in daily clinical practice. Post-prandial AF episodes have been reported in GERD patients. Although it was reported in previous studies that it was caused by sympathovagal imbalance, there are no studies on cardiac conduction system involvement. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether the risk of developing AF increases in untreated GERD patients with non-invasive electrophysiological tests.&#x0D; Methods: The research was prospectively performed. Endoscopy was performed on the individuals due to reflux complaints. ECG was recorded at 25mm/s and 10 mm/mV amplitude, and 24-hour Holter ECG (three-channel; V1, V2, and V5) was performed. ECG parameters were measured and Holter ECG results were analyzed.&#x0D; Results: A total of 120 individuals, 60 patients and 60 controls, were included. No significant statistically differences existed between groups for hypertension, diabetes, smoking, or dyslipidemia (p&gt;0.05). In terms of heart rate, Pmax, Pmin, QTd, and QTcd, there were no significant differences across the two groups (p&gt;0.05). P-wave dispersion (Pd) was substantially higher in the study group (p=0.014). Comparing the heart rate variabilities of 24-hour Holter ECG recordings across the groups, the standard deviation of R-R intervals (SDNN) was substantially higher in the study group (p

Impact of epicardial adipose tissue on coronary arteries thrombus burden and early outcomes in STEMI patients

Abstract Aim Evaluation the relationship between the epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EAT), the coronary arteries thrombus burden and the early major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients presented with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Method The study was prospective and included patients (n = 80) who were referred to the cardiology department in Alexandria University Hospitals with STEMI between the 1st of March 2021 and the last day of August 2022. Patient clinical, laboratory, angiographic and echocardiographic data were described. Patients were put under observation to detect the occurrence of any major adverse cardiovascular events either in hospital or during a period of 30 days follow up. Special concerns for measuring EAT as an echo free space between the myocardium and visceral epicardial and measured perpendicular to the free wall of the right ventricle in parasternal long and short axis views at end diastole and angiographic assessment of thrombus burden was scored as follows: 0 (no thrombus), 1 (possible thrombus), 2 (definite thrombus &amp;lt; 0.5× reference vessel diameter), 3 (definite thrombus 0.5–2× reference vessel diameter), 4 (definite thrombus &amp;gt;2× reference vessel diameter), and 5 (complete vessel occlusion). According to thrombus grade the patients were grouped as low thrombus burden (grades 0–3) and high thrombus burden (grades 4 and 5). Results 25 subjects were in the low thrombus burden group and 55 in the high thrombus burden group. There were no differences in the two groups for age, sex, smoking and drug addiction status, family history of coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-C and HDL-C, The mean Wall motion score and Wall motion score index. The means levels of high sensitivity troponin I and Creatine Kinase MB are measured higher in the low thrombus burden group with statistically significant difference (P = 0.025) and (P = 0.032). Balloon predilation was statistically significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.006). Thrombus’ aspiration, balloon post dilation of the culprit vessel, GpIIb/IIIa inhibitors, and one stent only were insignificant difference between the two groups. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was undergone to determine the cutoff value of EAT to predict the presence of high thrombus burden setting a significance level at P &amp;lt; 0.05. The thickness of 2.48 mm for EAT has 74.55% sensitivity and 72.0% specificity for prediction of the high thrombus burden. The predictors of the high thrombus burden were analyzed by univariate analysis shows EAT, the waist circumference, Wight, the body mass index, and balloon predilation were found as an independent predictors of high thrombus burden. The multivariate analysis shows EAT and balloon predilation were found as an independent predictors of high thrombus burden. The overall MACE at 30 day follows up has statistically insignificant difference between low and high thrombus burden groups. There was statistically insignificant difference between patients with or without MACE according to epicardial adipose tissue thickness. Conclusion EAT was an independent predictor of coronary thrombus burden in STEMI patients. Additional Content An author video to accompany this abstract is available on https://academic.oup.com/eurheartjsupp. Please click on the arrow next to ‘More Content’ and then click on ‘Author videos’.

Is the reduced risk of post-operative nausea and vomiting in low flow anesthesia applications associated with pre-operative neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio values?

Background/Aim: Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are defined as nausea and/or vomiting occurring within the first 24 h after surgery and are often observed in the first 2 h after surgery. Only a few previous studies on the use of low fresh gas flow that reduces inhaler agent consumption in laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients at high risk of PONV have been published. Our study aimed to determine the incidence of PONV in the first 30 min and again at 24 h in cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in which we applied low fresh gas flow (1 L/min). In addition, we wanted to predict whether the pre-operative neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ≥2 is a risk factor for PONV in our patients to whom we applied low fresh gas flow. Methods: For our prospective cohort study, 80 cases between the ages of 18 and 65, had American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores of I and II, and who had been scheduled to undergo elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included in the study. The NLR limit (calculated by dividing the neutrophil count obtained from the complete blood count before surgery by the lymphocyte count) calculated in the pre-operative period after a patient’s informed consent was obtained was accepted as 2 [5]. Patients were classified into two groups: (1) NLR-I with NLR &lt;2 and (2) NLR-II with NLR ≥2. Premedication was not used in either group. Results: A total of 80 patients were included in the study. They were divided into two groups for classification purposes: (1) NLR-I (n=40) and (2) NLR-II (n=40). The characteristics of the patients in both groups, such as gender distribution, ASA scores, smoking status, mean age, and body mass index (BMI) values, were not different. Sevoflurane consumption in the groups was similar (P=0.169). The time required to complete surgery was longer in the NLR-II group (P=0.025). Nausea/vomiting and antiemetic use were similar in the NLR-I and NLR-II groups in which low fresh gas flow was applied in the first 30 min and 24 h (P=0.500). Although nausea/vomiting was more common in the female and non-smoking group in the first 30 min and 24 h, it was not statistically significantly different from males and smoking groups (P=0.325). However, nausea/vomiting was more common and significantly different in the ASA II versus the ASA I group (P=0.046). The time required to complete surgery was longer, and sevoflurane consumption was higher in patients with nausea and vomiting (P=0.001). Conclusions: Pre-operative NLR as classified by the two groups was not associated with an increase in the risk of PONV in patients to whom we applied low fresh gas flow. A decrease in sevoflurane consumption due to low fresh gas flow may lead to a reduction in the risk of PONV in at-risk patients.

Impact of Heated Tobacco Products, E-Cigarettes, and Combustible Cigarettes on Small Airways and Arterial Stiffness.

Smoking cessation is difficult but maintaining smoke-free without nicotine replacement therapy is even harder. During the last few years, several different alternative products, including heated tobacco products (HTP), have been introduced to the market. In this study, we investigated the acute effects of IQOSTM and gloTM (two HTP) consumption on small airway function and arterial stiffness in a head-to-head design, comparing them to combustible cigarettes, nicotine-free e-cigarettes and a sham smoking group. Seventeen healthy occasional smokers were included in a single-center, five-arm, crossover study. The parameters of small airway function and hemodynamics were collected at several time points before and after consumption using Mobil-O-Graph™ (I.E.M., Stolberg, Germany) and TremoFlo® c-100 (THORASYS Thoracic Medical Systems Inc., Montreal, QC, Canada). Small airway obstruction and resistance were both significantly increased after the consumption of cigarettes and substitute products. All products containing nicotine led to similar significant increases in blood pressure and arterial stiffness. Hemodynamic parameters were also increased after the consumption of e-cigarettes without nicotine, but compared to nicotine-containing products, the increase was shorter and weaker. We conclude that, although it has yet to be determined why, HTP have acute harmful effects on small airway function, possibly even exceeding the effects of combustible cigarettes. Like other nicotine-containing products, HTP leads to a nicotine-related acute increase in arterial stiffness and cardiovascular stress, similar to combustible cigarettes, which associates these products with an increased cardiovascular risk.

Evaluation of peripapillary choroidal vascularity index in young smokers

Purpose: This retrospective study aimed to compare the peripapillary choroidal vascularity index (CVI) between young smokers who smoked less than 5 packs/year and non-smokers. Methods: The study included 52 smokers and 67 non-smokers, and comprehensive eye examinations were performed on all participants. Axial lengths (AL) were measured, and peripapillary enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) images were obtained and evaluated using the Open Source ImageJ software. The CVI, total choroidal area (TCA), luminal area (LA), stromal area (SA), and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) quadrants were compared between the two groups. Results: The mean age of the smokers was 23.76 ± 1.84 years, and for non-smokers, it was 23.98 ± 2.18 years. The mean peripapillary CVI for smokers was 0.65 ± 0.08, and for non-smokers, it was 0.67 ± 0.03. No statistically significant difference in CVI was observed between the two groups. However, statistically significant differences were found in the temporal inferior (TI), temporal superior (TS), nasal inferior (NI), and nasal superior (NS) quadrants of the RNFL between the two groups (p < 0.05). There was no correlation between the number of packs/year and CVI values in the smoking group (r = 0.031, p = 0.826). Conclusion: The study revealed no significant difference in CVI among young smokers who smoked less than 5 packs/year compared to non-smokers. However, there was a statistically significant decrease in the TI, TS, NI, and NS quadrants of the RNFL in early-age smokers.

Interactions between Polygenetic Variants and Lifestyle Factors in Hypothyroidism: A Hospital-Based Cohort Study.

Hypothyroidism is a prevalent endocrine disorder and is associated with a variety of metabolic disturbances. This study aimed to investigate the polygenic variants associated with hypothyroidism risk and the interaction of polygenic risk scores (PRS) with dietary patterns in influencing disease risk in 56,664 participants aged >40 in a hospital-based cohort. The participants were classified as having hypothyroidism (n = 870) diagnosed by a physician and no hypothyroidism (n = 55,794). Genetic variants associated with hypothyroidism were identified using a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Genetic variants interacting with each other were selected using a generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis, and the PRS generated was evaluated for interaction with lifestyle parameters. Coffee, alcohol, meat intake, and a Korean balanced diet were inversely associated with hypothyroidism risk, as were selenium, copper, and manganese intakes. White blood cell (WBC) counts and serum alkaline phosphatase and triglyceride concentrations were positively associated with hypothyroidism risk, as were osteoporosis and thyroid cancer. The GMDR analysis generated a three-single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) model comprising dual oxidase-1 (DUOX1)_rs1648314; thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR)_rs75664963; and major histocompatibility complex, class-II, DQ Alpha-1 (HLA-DQA1)_rs17426593. The PRS derived from the three- and seven-SNP models were associated with a 2.11- and 2.32-fold increase in hypothyroidism risk, respectively. Furthermore, the PRS from the three-SNP model showed interactions with WBC counts, wherein the positive association with hypothyroidism risk was more pronounced in participants with low WBC counts than those with high WBC counts (≥4 × 109 /L). Dietary patterns, such as the plant-based diet (PBD) and the Western-style diet (WSD), along with smoking status, exhibited interactions with the PRS, influencing hypothyroidism risk. In participants with a high PRS, those in the high-PBD, low-WSD, and smoker groups had a higher proportion of hypothyroidism than those in the low-PBD, high-WSD, and non-smoker groups. In conclusion, genetic variants related to immunity and thyroid hormone secretion were linked to hypothyroidism risk, and their PRS interacted with PBD and WSD intake and smoking status. These results contribute to a better understanding of hypothyroidism and its prevention strategies for precision medicine intervention.

Assessing the relationship between Tooth Heavy Metal Deposition and Periodontal Disease in Smokers and Non-Smokers

Objective: Heavy metals threaten life by accumulating in the body via various sources as water,air and foods. Smoking is one of the important factors that causes this problem. Despite there is an abundant number of studies showing the detrimental effects of smoking on periodontal health, the mechanisms that cause these harmful effects is not clearly known yet. The main aim of our study is to discover whether heavy metal deposition on the tooth surface is related to the disease-causing potential of smoking. Materials and Method: Total of 80 individuals consist of 43 women and 37 men were included in this study. The participants were divided into 4 groups of 20 individuals each according to the results from clinical examination and anamnesis. Plaque index, gingival index, pocket depth, bleeding on probing and clinical attachment level were recorded clinically. The teeth indicated for extraction were collected. Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr and Fe depositions on teeth were measured by ICP-OES device. Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Student T, Mann Whitney U, One way ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis, Ki-Kare, Pearson, and Spearman tests were performed for the statistical analysis. Results: Smoking increases the accumulation of heavy metals such as Cd, Ni, Cr, and Pb. The Pb level was higher in both the smoking group and the periodontitis group, compared with the control group. Fe levels were found high in the non-smoking healthy group. Cr and Fe levels were found higher in women while Cd level was higher in men. Positive correlations were found between Pb and plaque index, gingival index, pocket depth and bleeding on probing; and also between Ni and plaque index. ( p=0.000, p=0.009, p=0.025, p=0.011, p=0.019) Conclusion: In conclusion, our study explored the connection between heavy metal deposition on tooth surfaces and the disease-causing potential of smoking. Smoking has been identified as a significant factor in the increased accumulation of heavy metals, including Cd, Ni, Cr, and Pb. The higher Pb levels seen in both the smoking and periodontitis groups, compared to the control group, suggest a potential link between Pb accumulation and periodontal health. Additionally, differences based on gender were observed, with women showing higher Cr and Fe levels, while Cd levels were more elevated in men. The positive correlations between Pb and various periodontal indices, along with the correlation between Ni and plaque index, shed light on the potential influence of heavy metal deposition on periodontal health. While our findings enhance our understanding of the interplay between smoking, heavy metal deposition, and oral health, further research is needed to fully comprehend the underlying mechanisms. Such insights could lead to interventions aimed at minimizing the adverse effects of heavy metal accumulation on oral health.

Differences in serum cytokine levels distinguish between clinically noninvasive lung adenocarcinoma and invasive lung adenocarcinoma: A cross-sectional study.

Lung cancer incidence and mortality remain high and are now the leading cause of cancer-related death. Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the main histological subtypes of lung cancer. Previous studies have shown the role of inflammation in the development of lung cancer, but the relationship between cytokines and LUAD is still unclear. To further differentiate and explore the association of cytokines with the risk of non-invasive and invasive LUAD, we studied and assessed serum cytokine levels in patients with two types of LUAD. A cohort study of 90 non-invasive LUAD and 90 invasive LUAD was retrospectively included, and the clinical characteristics were recorded in detail. The differences in the levels of 12 serum cytokines (IFN-α, IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-12P70, IL-17A, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) between the two groups of patients with LUAD were analyzed and evaluated. And we evaluated the clinical value of cytokine differential diagnosis of invasive LUAD based on receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves. The mean age of the patients was 56.6 years, and the proportions of males and females were 38.9% and 61.1%, respectively. IFN-α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-8 were significantly increased in patients with invasive LUAD compared with the non-invasive LUAD group. Further research found that smoking is an important factor, with changes in the four cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α being significantly higher in the smoking group of patients with invasive LUAD. It can be seen from the area under the curve that IL-1β and IL-2 have a significant differential diagnosis. We observed differences in preoperative serum cytokine levels between patients with invasive and non-invasive LUAD, which may serve as potential serum biomarkers for clinical differential diagnosis and disease progression assessment.

The impact of smoking status on clopidogrel responsiveness in patients with coronary artery disease who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention

Background: Previous studies have pointed out the disproportionate action of clopidogrel in inhibiting platelet aggregation due to smoking more than ten cigarettes per a day. This study was designed to examine whether smoking enhances clopidogrel responsiveness in patients who are clinically diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD), following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: A total of 324 IHD participants were enrolled in a case-control study. Platelet function test was performed to all participants two hours before PCI procedure to measure clopidogrel response. Participants were then categorized into a non-responder group (case group n = 111) and responder group (control group n = 213). Each group was subdivided into a smoker group and a non-smoker group. All participants received clopidogrel loading dose equivalent to 600 mg and scheduled for elective PCI. Participants’ age, gender, family history of chronic illnesses was recorded in this study. Results: Smoking participants displayed a significant higher level of hemoglobin as compared to the non-smoking participants among the responder and the non-responder study groups (14.6±0.55 vs. 13.12±0.38, P &lt; 0.029; 14.3±0.31 versus 12.96±0.39, P &lt; 0.033) but lower AUC level (17±9 vs. 45±6, P &lt; 0.005; 62±3 vs. 95±7, P &lt; 0.008). Additionally, smoking intensity enhanced clopidogrel responsiveness by odd’s ratio 0.4213 at 95% C.I. (0.259 - 0.684), P &lt; 0.0002. Conclusions: Current smokers had a good response to clopidogrel therapy which exerted a beneficial effect when undergoing PCI as compared to non-smokers. The marked difference in AUC between smokers and non-smokers could be related to the variance in hemoglobin level. The smokers’ paradox needs further justification to confirm this concept.

Is Corticalization in Radiographs Related to a Higher Risk of Bone Loss around Dental Implants in Smoking Patients? A 5-Year Observation of Radiograph Bone-Texture Changes.

Currently, the topic of dental implants is widely researched. However, still compromising are the factors that can affect implant loss as a consequence of marginal bone loss. One of the factors is smoking, which has a devastating effect on human health and bone structure. Oral health and jaw condition are also negatively affected by smoking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the peri-implant jawbone corticalization phenomenon in tobacco smokers. A total of 2196 samples from 768 patients with an implant in the neck area were checked, and texture features were analyzed. The corticalization phenomenon was investigated. All analyses were performed in MaZda Software. The influence of corticalization was investigated as a factor on bone structure near the implant neck. The statistical analysis included a feature distribution evaluation, mean (t-test) or median (W-test) comparison, analysis of regression and one-way analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis test as no normal distribution or between-group variance was indicated for the significant differences in the investigated groups. Detected differences or relationships were assumed to be statistically significant when p < 0.05. The research revealed that MBL was correlated with smoking after 5 years (0.42 mm ± 1.32 mm 0 mm ± 1.25 mm), the Corticalization Index was higher in the smoker group on the day of surgery, and it became higher after 5y of observation (185.98 ± 90.8 and 243.17 ± 155.47). The implant-loss frequency was higher in the group of smokers, too, compared to non-smokers (6.74% and 2.87%). The higher the torque value during the implant placement, the higher the Corticalization Phenomenon Index. The research revealed a correlation between smoking and changes in bone structure in radio textures near the implants. The corticalization phenomenon is important, may be detected immediately after implant placement and may be one of the indicators of the implant success rate.

Ethnicity-specific association between TERT rs2736100 (A > C) polymorphism and lung cancer risk: a comprehensive meta-analysis

The rs2736100 (A > C) polymorphism of the second intron of Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) has been confirmed to be closely associated with the risk of Lung cancer (LC), but there is still no unified conclusion on the results of its association with LC. This study included Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and case–control studies reported so far on this association between TERT rs2736100 polymorphism and LC to clarify such a correlation with LC and the differences in it between different ethnicities and different types of LC. Relevant literatures published before May 7, 2022 on ‘TERT rs2736100 polymorphism and LC susceptibility’ in PubMed, EMbase, CENTRAL, MEDLINE databases were searched through the Internet, and data were extracted. Statistical analysis of data was performed in Revman5.3 software, including drawing forest diagrams, drawing funnel diagrams and so on. Sensitivity and publication bias analysis were performed in Stata 12.0 software. The C allele of TERT rs2736100 was associated with the risk of LC (Overall population: [OR] = 1.21, 95%CI [1.17, 1.25]; Caucasians: [OR] = 1.11, 95%CI [1.06, 1.17]; Asians: [OR] = 1.26, 95%CI [1.21, 1.30]), and Asians had a higher risk of LC than Caucasians (C vs. A: Caucasians: [OR] = 1.11 /Asians: [OR]) = 1.26). The other gene models also showed similar results. The results of stratified analysis of LC patients showed that the C allele was associated with the risk of Non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), and the risk of NSCLC and LUAD in Asians was higher than that in Caucasians. The C allele was associated with the risk of Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) and Small cell lung carcinoma(SCLC) in Asians but not in Caucasians. NSCLC patients ([OR] = 1.27) had a stronger correlation than SCLC patients ([OR] = 1.03), and LUAD patients ([OR] = 1.32) had a stronger correlation than LUSC patients ([OR] = 1.09).In addition, the C allele of TERT rs2736100 was associated with the risk of LC, NSCLC and LUAD in both smoking groups and non-smoking groups, and the risk of LC in non-smokers of different ethnic groups was higher than that in smokers. In the Asians, non-smoking women were more at risk of developing LUAD. The C allele of TERT rs2736100 is a risk factor for LC, NSCLC, and LUAD in different ethnic groups, and the Asian population is at a more common risk. The C allele is a risk factor for LUSC and SCLC in Asians but not in Caucasians. And smoking is not the most critical factor that causes variation in TERT rs2736100 to increase the risk of most LC (NSCLC, LUAD). Therefore, LC is a multi-etiological disease caused by a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors.