The impact of the type of smoked cigarettes on the concentration of reactive nitrogen species in the blood samples of physicians with surgical and non-surgical specialization

Little is known about how occupational stress in relation to smoking tobacco products affects the body and what negative health effects may be observed. This prospective study was performed to determine potential differences in RNS, nitrites and nitrates among smokers of different types of tobacco products, including conventional cigarettes (CSs), electronic cigarettes (ECs) and tobacco heating products (THPs), and was carried out by physicians with surgical and non-surgical specializations. Significantly higher total RNS, nitrites and nitrates concentrations were observed in CS smokers, EC smokers and THP smokers than in non-smokers (p < 0.05). In addition, there was a significantly higher RNS level in THP smokers than in CS smokers (p < 0.05), but not in relation with smoking duration and nicotine dependence. There was a significantly higher total RNS, nitrites and nitrates concentrations in physicians with surgical specialization who smoked CS (p < 0.001) and EC (p = 0.003) than in non-surgical physicians. Cigarette smoking, including alternative tobacco products, by enhanced generation of RNS may contribute to an increased risk of nitrosative stress-induced negative health consequences. Occupational stress may affect the initiation, progression, intensity, and willingness to cease smoking. Therefore, a better understanding of these associations is crucial for designing effective programs for stress control and smoking cessation.