Correlation Between the Carotid Artery Intima Media Thickness and Gamma Glutamyl Transferase Level in Maras Powder Users

Abstract

Objective: In this study, we evaluated carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT), an early marker of atherosclerosis in smokers and Maras powder users, and serum gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels, which is a marker of oxidative damage. Methods: The study included 27 men who do not smoke but use maras powder, 32 men who smoke but do not use maras powder and 30 men who neither smoke nor use Maras powder as the control group. Serum levels of GGT and lipid profiles were measured and the results were compared between the groups. CIMT was measured by Doppler ultrasonography. Results: Mean CIMT was found as 0.79±0.09 mm, 0.74±0.08 mm and 0.55±0.08 mm in Maras powder, smoking and control groups; respectively. The difference among the groups was statistically significant (p