Particle size, penetration rate and effects of smoke and smokeless tobacco products - an invitro analysis

Utilization of tobacco products is a global epidemic that causes a health threat among the adolescents and adults of the world. If the current pattern perpetuates, it is estimated to cause 10 million deaths each year by 2020. According to the 2009-2010 survey by Global Adult Tobacco Survey, 53.5% of Indians use tobacco products (66.2% of men and 40% of women). Cancers of the lip and oral cavity are highly frequent in Southern Asia (eg: India and Sri Lanka) and it is also the leading cause of cancer death among men in India and Sri Lanka. Aim and objectives: The aim of the study is to evaluate the particle size, and assess the penetration rate in egg shell membrane and proliferation rate using cell lines among 4 commercially available tobacco products. Materials and methods: A total of 4 tobacco product samples namely Gutka, Khaini, Beedi and Cigarette was used to analyse the particle size using High resolution Scanning electron microscopy, the penetration rate on egg shell membrane using Spectroflurometry and proliferative rate using ELISA on cell lines respectively. Results: Khaini revealed the smallest particle size and highest penetration and proliferation rate compared to Gutka, Beedi and Cigarette. Conclusion: Current evidence shows that individuals who consume Khaini are at high risk to develop potentially malignant disorders and oral squamous cell carcinoma when compared to Gutka, Beedi and Cigarette (in the order of occurrence).