Variations in Hematological and Inflammatory Parameters among Smokers and Non-smokers in Benin City
Résumé
Background: Cigarette smoking is a well-established risk factor for systemic inflammation and hematological alterations, even in early stages of exposure. Increasing prevalence of smoking, particularly among young adults and urban populations, understanding its effects on inflammatory and hematological markers is crucial for public health interventions. Aim: This study aims to bridge the knowledge gap by examining the impact of smoking on CRP, albumin, and FBC among smokers in Benin City, thereby contributing to a better understanding of the systemic effects of tobacco use in this population. Methods: This Cross-sectional study evaluated the hematological and inflammatory effects of cigarette smoking in healthy male adults by comparing the variations in C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin and haematological indices in smokers and non-smokers. A total of 166 male participants were enrolled and grouped into smokers (n = 83) and non-smokers (n = 83), with comparable age distributions. Fasting venous blood samples were collected and analyzed for serum C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, full blood count, and derived indices such as platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Results: The analysis revealed a significant increase in inflammatory markers among smokers, with CRP levels markedly elevated (22.48 ± 8.53 vs. 3.86 ± 1.08; p = 0.001), while albumin also increased (46.64 ± 3.79 vs. 36.22 ± 5.73; p = 0.001). Red blood cell indices such as haemoglobin (15.96 ± 3.88 vs. 13.34 ± 2.09; p = 0.005), haematocrit (53.67 ± 7.40 vs. 42.96 ± 4.61; p = 0.001), Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (89.58 ± 5.13 vs. 79.00 ± 6.24; p = 0.008), and RDW-SD (Red cell distribution width-standard deviation) (54.72 ± 6.87 vs. 47.85 ± 5.79; p = 0.001) were significantly higher in smokers than in non-smokers. Conversely, PLT (platelet) (155.72 ± 17.76 vs. 264.20 ± 29.35; p = 0.001) and PLR (39.43 ± 8.64 vs. 81.55 ± 6.98; p = 0.001) were significantly lower. No significant differences were observed in total white blood cell count (WBC) red blood cell count (RBC), Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), and NLR (p > 0.05). Correlation analysis among smokers revealed strong positive relationships between RBC and HGB (r = 0.933; p = 0.001), and PLT and Plateletcrit (PCT) (r = 0.965; p = 0.001), while negative correlations were observed between CRP and PLR (r = –0.548; p = 0.005) and Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and RDW-SD (r = –0.794; p = 0.001), indicating systemic dysregulation. Conclusion: The results suggest that even in early exposure, cigarette smoking significantly alters hematological and inflammatory markers, with a potential predisposition to future cardiovascular and immune-related complications. Routine hematological profiling may serve as an early indicator of smoking-related stress and reinforce the need for early cessation and preventive interventions.