Systemic Inflammatory and Genotoxic Effects of Shisha Smoking:A Case Control Study in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Shisha smoking is linked to oxidative stress and vascular inflammation, which are vital factors in the pathophysiology and advancement of respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, as well as cancer.

Objective: This study evaluated and compared systemic inflammatory biomarkers and DNA damage markers between shisha, cigarette, dual, and second-hand shisha smokers and non-smokers.

Methods: A case-control study approach was employed involving 150 individuals aged between 16 and 35 years. Participants were divided into five categories: shisha smokers (n=30), cigarette smokers (n=30), dual (both) smokers (n=30), secondhand shisha smokers (n=30), and nonsmokers (n=30). Venous blood samples were obtained and assessed for systemic inflammatory and DNA damage biomarkers using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data analysis was done with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), with the significance level set at p < 0.05.

Results: Compared with the non-smokers, the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), 8-nitroguanine (8-NO₂-Gua), and malondialdehyde were higher (p<0.05) in shisha smokers, cigarette smokers, and both smokers and secondhand smokers. Serum IL-6, CRP, 8NO₂-Gua, 4-HNE, and MDA levels were slightly higher in shisha smokers than cigarette smokers. Both smokers exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.05) levels of IL-6, CRP, 8NO₂-Gua, and MDA than exclusive shisha or cigarette smokers.

Conclusion: The study found that shisha and cigarette smokers had higher levels of indicators of systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. It also confirmed that smoking cigarettes and shisha concurrently is more harmful than smoking either shisha or cigarettes alone.