Effects of Smokeless Tobacco “Maras Powder” Use on Nitric Oxide and Cardiovascular Risk Parameters

Abstract

Background: Smokeless tobacco use is common in various parts of the world. In Turkey a type of smokeless tobacco called “Maras powder” is widely used in southeastern region. Smoking is known to have an adverse effect on nitric oxide and cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there is difference between the effects of Maras powder and cigarette smoking on the cardiovascular risk factors and nitric oxide levels.Methods: In the study, participants were 48 Maras powder users, 50 cigarette smokers and 45 nontobacco user subjects. Blood samples were collected and hematological parameters and lipid parameters were measured. Plasma Nitric oxide level was also detected by using the Griess method.Results: Plasma total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride levels were significantly higher in Maras powder and cigarette smokers group than in the nontobacco user group (p<0.001). Plasma HDL-cholesterol levels were significantly lower in Maras powder and cigarette smokers group than in the nontobacco user group (p<0.001). Plasma Nitric oxide levels were found significantly lower in Maras powder and cigarette smokers group compared to the nontobacco user group (4.9±0.9 µmol/l, 4.8±1 µmol/l, 9.4±3.4 µmol/l, respectively, p<0.001) whereas there was no significant difference between the Maras powder and cigarette smokers group. In multivariate logistic regression model, cigarette smoking (Odds ratio=17.832, p<0.001), Maras powder usage (Odds ratio=12.311, p=0.002) and mean platelet volume (Odds ratio=1.425, p=0.030) remained independently associated with lower Nitric oxide levels.Conclusion: We conclude that Maras powder has similar adverse effects on nitric oxide level and cardiovascular risk parameters and thereby it appears to be harmful as cigarette smoking.

Effects of smokeless tobacco (Maras powder) use on carotid intima media thickness

“…In a similar study, Maras powder use did not affect blood sugar concentrations [7], which is consistent with the present study.…”

“…It has been reported that Maras powder use increases oxidative stress and thus quickens atherosclerosis in addition to its negative effects on many tissues and organ systems [7,8,12–14]. …”

“…In fact, the rate of Maras powder use has been reported to be 4% and 16.8% in 2 studies carried out in our country [5,6]. The way Maras powder is consumed is known to increase oxidative stress and thus quicken the atherosclerotic process [7,8]. …”

Cytological and cytomorphometric characteristics of buccal mucosa cells from smokeless tobacco users

“…28 This suggests that L. buccalis may be involved in the etiology of many diseases seen in ST users, including genotoxic damage, 11 chronic respiratory diseases, 31 attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, 32 atrial conduction abnormalities, 33 and carotid intima media thickness. 34,35 Eribe et al 28 suggested that L. shahii and L. wadei are involved in the pathogenesis of OSCC. Thus, the greater numbers of L.…”

Gender differences in the relationship between serum uric acid and mean platelet volume in a Japanese general population

“…Recent experimental and clinical studies have associated elevated UA levels with endothelial dysfunction and a reduction in nitric oxide (NO) levels [17]. Plasma NO levels were shown to be independently associated with MPV [18]. …”