A Comparative Assessment of Liver Function and Coagulation Profiles Among Active and Passive Smokers in Kanpur City

Abstract

Tobacco smoke exposure, both active and passive, has been implicated in various systemic effects, including hepatic dysfunction and altered coagulation. However, limited data exist on the comparative biochemical impact of active versus passive smoking, particularly in urban Indian settings like Kanpur. To assess and compare liver function tests, coagulation parameters between active and passive smokers. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 200 participants aged 20–40 years in Kanpur City, with 100 active smokers and 100 passive smokers. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for liver enzymes and coagulation parameters (PT, aPTT, fibrinogen). Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. Active smokers had significantly elevated ALT (48.6 ± 10.2 U/L), AST (52.1 ± 11.5 U/L), and GGT (65.3 ± 13.2 U/L) levels compared to passive smokers. Coagulation profiles showed a hypercoagulable state in active smokers with shorter PT (11.2 ± 0.9 s) and elevated fibrinogen (420.4 ± 45.3 mg/dL). Passive smokers also showed mild but significant abnormalities across most parameters. All differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Both active and passive smoking are associated with biochemical alterations affecting liver function and coagulation. While the changes are more severe in active smokers, passive smokers are not exempt from risk. These findings emphasize the need for broader screening, education, and public health interventions to address the risks of second-hand smoke exposure. These alterations represent early biological events that contribute to carcinogenesis, highlighting both active and passive smoking as preventable cancer risk factors.