Tumor necrosis factor alpha in smokers and non-smokers

Previous investigations have described a positive association between smoking and systemic inflammation. To compare serum Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) between smoker and non-smoker men, fifteen healthy adult smoker and the same number non-smoker men matched for age and body mass index participated in this study by accessible sampling. To determine difference in serum TNF-α between two group, their blood samples were collected an overnight fast. Independent sample T-test was used to compare the serum levels of TNF-α between smoker and non smoker subjects. There was not significant difference in serum TNF-α between smoker and non-smoker groups. These data do not support the inflammatory property of smoking. Further studies are needed to clarify possible mechanisms by which smoking affect systemic inflammation by TNF-α or other cytokines