Liver and thyroid profile in educating smokeless tobacco users and its role in oral health promotion

BACKGROUND: Smokeless tobacco (SLT) usage contributes about 40% of the total tobacco used in India. Among the 28 known carcinogens in SLT, tobacco-specific nitrosamines are considered to be the most potent. This has challenged the metabolic condition leading to a rise in the inflammatory status, hepatic injury, and apoptosis of the liver and thyroid tissues. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the adverse effects of SLT on the liver and thyroid and establish a correlation between them in Jharkhand population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 individuals (50 SLT users and 50 healthy individuals) were selected for the study. A complete history was obtained, and clinical examination was done to evaluate any oral mucosal changes. Venous blood samples were taken to analyze the liver function test and thyroid profile. RESULTS: Significant changes were observed in the liver enzyme levels and thyroid profile in SLT users when compared to healthy controls. All the parameters of liver function test had a positive correlation with the form of SLT, whereas thyroid profile had a negative correlation. CONCLUSION: This study might be helpful in creating awareness on the hazards of using SLT among the Indian population as a despicable substitute to smoking tobacco. It also acts as a diagnostic tool and warning alarm in chronic tobacco users.