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Cigarette Smoke Exposure in Mice using a Whole-Body Inhalation System
Published on: October 22, 2020
Elevated red blood cell distribution width in healthy smokers.
Ertuğrul Kurtoğlu1, Erdal Aktürk, Hasan Korkmaz
1Department of Cardiology, Elazığ Training and Research Hospital, Elazığ, Turkey. erkurtoglu@hotmail.com
Summary
Elevated red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is linked to cigarette smoking. This finding suggests RDW may serve as a marker for inflammatory activity in smokers, highlighting a potential health risk associated with smoking.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Pulmonology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is recognized as a predictor of morbidity and mortality in certain cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions.
- The impact of smoking on RDW in otherwise healthy individuals requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) levels in healthy smokers.
- To explore the association between smoking habits and RDW values.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 220 current smokers and 230 matched non-smokers.
- Analysis of complete blood count, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and lipid profiles.
- Quantification of smoking exposure using pack-years.
Main Results:
- Smokers exhibited significantly higher mean RDW compared to non-smokers (13.9±1.2 vs. 13.1±0.8, p<0.0001).
- Elevated leukocyte count, mean platelet volume, and hs-CRP levels were observed in smokers.
- Positive correlations were found between RDW and both daily cigarette consumption and smoking duration.
Conclusions:
- Cigarette smoking is associated with elevated RDW.
- RDW may function as a valuable indicator of inflammatory processes in smokers.
