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Comparative Analysis of Heavy Metal Exposure and Liver Enzyme Levels in Hookah and Cigarette Smokers

Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Tobacco consumption, including cigarettes and hookah, remains a major global health concern. This study investigates the impact of cigarette and hookah smoking on liver function and the levels of heavy metals in serum among smokers compared to non-smokers. This project was executed from October 2024 to February 2025 in the Kurdistan area. This time was used to assess the impact of cigarette and hookah smoking on the deposition of heavy metals in blood and liver parameters of smokers compared to nonsmokers. The study involved 200 participants, comprising 80 non-smokers and 120 smokers (60 cigarette and 60 hookah users) aged between 18-70 years. Blood samples were collected, and serum levels of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT), bilirubin, albumin, were analyzed using a fully automated biochemical analyzer (Mindray BS 240) and trace elements (Ni, Fe, Hg, As, Pb, Cd) were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The findings revealed that hookah and cigarette smokers exhibited significantly higher levels of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT) and heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Cd) compared to non-smokers. Conversely, ALP and albumin levels were significantly lower among smokers. Notably, the levels of Ni showed no significant differences between groups. The study highlights the heightened exposure to toxic heavy metals and liver dysfunction associated with tobacco use, with hookah smoking posing comparable or even greater risks than cigarette smoking. These results underscore the need for increased awareness and regulatory measures to mitigate the health risks of both cigarette and hookah smoking.
DOI: 10.63841/iue24510
Language: English
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4415548451
FWCI:
Cites: 7
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Related to: 10