Estimation and Comparison of Urinary Cotinine, Nitrite and Nitrate in Healthy Individuals with and without the Habit of Tobacco

Abstract

Introduction: Among the leading causes of preventable death, tobacco use is a global pandemic. Most cancer deaths in developed countries are caused by tobacco products. Detection of tobacco exposure can be done using nicotine, cotinine, and No2+No3 in the urine of individuals who are exposed to tobacco products.

Aim: To assess tobacco exposure related biomarkers in urine like cotinine, nitrite and nitrate in patients with the habit of tobacco and in controls as well attending the OPD of oral medicine and radiology.

Objectives: Estimation and comparison of urinary cotinine, nitrite and nitrate levels in healthy individuals with the habit of tobacco usage and in individuals without the habit of tobacco usage.

Materials And Methods: The samples were selected from the patients attending the OPD of Oral medicine and radiology department. Individuals between the age group of 20 and 60 and above with a sample size of about 70 individuals were included. These individuals were those who gave a history of smoking and chewing smokeless tobacco. A sample size of 20 individuals without a smoking habit was considered as the control group.

Results: The cotinine levels in smokers and chewers showed increased p value of <0.01. Nitrite and Nitrate showed statistically significant p value of 0.01 for both smoking and chewing than smokers and chewers alone. As the frequency and duration increased the urinary nitrite and nitrate levels also increased which showed statistically significant p value of <0.01.

Conclusion: In conclusion, this study suggests that cotinine, nitrite, and nitrate can be used to determine whether a person has been exposed to tobacco.