A COMPARISON OF THE LEVELS OF SERUM HOMOCYSTEINE AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO SERUM VITAMIN B12 IN HEALTHY ADULTS OF SMOKERS AND NON SMOKERS IN UDAIPUR CITY

Smoking is related to an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Cigarette smoking has been related to higher levels of homocysteine in the blood. Both have been associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Smokers also have lower levels of vitamin B12, which affects homocysteine levels by serving as a cofactor or co substrate (folate) for the enzymes that regulate the metabolism of homocysteine. Objectives: The objective of this study is the comparison of the levels of homocysteine and their relationship to Vitamin B12 in healthy adults of Smokers and Non Smokers. Methodology: Total 300 patients were included in this study. The patients ranging within age 20-40 years, were further categorized according to use of tobacco smoking. Group A- This group consist of tobacco smoker patients between ages 20- 40 years. (n=150). Group B-This group consist of tobacco non-smoker patients between ages 20-40 years. (n=150). 10 ml blood was drawn through vein puncture. From all collected blood samples serum Vitamin B12 and Homocysteine levels measured. All collected data were analysed statistically to calculate p value to see the difference of significance. Results: The Mean concentration of S.homocysteine(µmol/L) in smoker group was 27.32±17.41 and 6.66±3.09 in control group and the difference among them found to be highly significant. Vitamin B12(pg/ml) was 288.7±108.6 in smokers & 459.8±165.7 in non smokers .Mean Vitamin B12 level is found lower in smokers as compared to non -smokers and it is found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results, we came to the conclusion that smoking raises homocysteine levels and decreases vitamin B12 levels, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in long-term smokers.