Alterations in duodenal disaccharidases in chronic smokers.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of smoking on activity of intestinal disaccharidases.


METHODS
The study was conducted on patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia who were smokers (n=20) or non-smokers (n=20). Smokers were classified according to smoking index into mild, moderate and heavy smokers. Biopsy specimens were taken from the second part of the duodenum at endoscopy and examined histologically, and for disaccharidase (lactase, sucrase, maltase and trehalase) activities.


RESULTS
Mean duration of symptoms was more in smokers than in non-smokers. None of the smokers had endoscopic evidence of duodenal inflammation. Lactase and trehalase levels were significantly decreased in smokers. There was no difference in enzyme levels between mild smokers and non-smokers. Decreased lactase, maltase and trehalase activities were observed in moderate smokers compared to mild smokers. Duration of symptoms had no relation to enzyme activities.


CONCLUSIONS
Intestinal disaccharidase levels are diminished by smoking.
Kaura
D
D
Department of Gastroenterology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh.
Bhasin
D K
DK
Rana
S V
SV
Katyal
R
R
Vaiphei
K
K
Singh
K
K
D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004186:Disaccharidases / Q000378:metabolism*; D004386:Duodenum / Q000201:enzymology*; D004415:Dyspepsia / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*
D004186:Disaccharidases