Comparison of Effects of Smoking and Smokeless Tobacco “Maras Powder” Use on Humoral Immune System Parameters

• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hindawi Limited 2006-01-01
• Series: Mediators of Inflammation
• Online Access: http://www.hindawi.com/GetArticle.aspx?doi=10.1155/MI/2006/85019

<p><emph>Background.</emph> The aim of this study is to assess the impacts of &#8220;<emph>Maras powder</emph>&#8221; and cigarette smoking on the parameters of the humoral immune system. <emph>Material and Methods.</emph> One hundred seventy seven subjects were included in the study. The IgA, IgG, IgM, C3 and C4 levels were detected via nephelometric method. <emph>Results</emph>. In 1.4 % of the control group IgM levels were below normal where it was 10.8 % and 18.6 % in Maras powder group and in cigarette smoking group respectively. The IgM levels of both groups were significantly lower compared to the control group (P<.05). Nonetheless, the IgE levels of Maras powder group and smoking group were found to be remarkably higher compared to the control group (P<.01). <emph>Conclusion.</emph> Effects of <emph>Maras powder</emph> on humoral immune response were found to be similar to that of smoking.</p>