Exposure to tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) extract and cigarette smoke induces hematological and histopathological alterations in Swiss albino mice

Tobacco smoking is a widely practiced recreational activity and is associated with numerous health risks. Hence, the present study was conducted on Swiss albino mice to assess the impact of an aqueous extract of tobacco and cigarette smoke on behavioral, hematological, and histopathological parameters of the lungs, liver, and kidney. The mice were divided into control, Tobacco nicotiana (TN), and cigarette smoke (CS) groups (n=6). The TN group received aqueous tobacco orally at a dose of 5 ml/kg BW for 21 days, whereas the CS group was exposed to inhalational commercial cigarette smoke for the same duration. On day 22, blood samples and visceral organs were collected to evaluate hematological and histopathological parameters in euthanized mice. The total erythrocyte count was significantly elevated (P<0.05) in both groups. In contrast to the control group, the total leukocyte count was lower in the CS group (P>0.05) than in the TN group, but the hemoglobin showed no significant changes. Lower body weight, aggressive behavior, and weakness were observed in the treated groups. Histopathologically, the lung revealed emphysematous changes, alveolar septal thickening, inflammatory cell infiltration, congestion, and thrombus formation in pulmonary artery. The liver exhibited hepatocyte degeneration with karyomegaly and karyorrhexis, derangement of the hepatic cords and sinusoids, and central vein congestion. Derangement of renal tubules, edema, and glomerular degeneration were observed in the kidney. These observations lead us to postulate that tobacco and cigarette smoke exert detrimental effects on the structure of some vital organs in the body after direct or indirect uptake.