The Effects of Cigarette and Waterpipe Smoking on Serum Levels of LH, FSH and Testosterone in Male Rats: A Comparative Study

Introduction: Studies reveal that there is an association between smoking and serum levels of sexal steroid hormones. The main aim of this study was to determine the effects of cigarette or waterpipe smoking on serum level of LH, FSH, and testosterone in male rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, cigarette, and waterpipe smoking groups, each consisting of 10 participants. After 6 weeks, blood samples were collected using cardiac puncture method. Following serum collection, levels of LH, FSH or testosterone were measured by radioimmunoassay method. Data were statistically analyzed and compared between groups using ANOVA. Results: The results indicated that serum FSH level was significantly increased in cigarette smoke and waterpipe smoke receiving rats compared with control ones (P<0.001). Serum levels of testosterone were decreased in cigarette or waterpipe smoke groups in comparison with control animals (P<0.001). Furthermore, Serum level of LH was not significantly changed in waterpipe and cigarette smoke receiving rats. Conclusion: Our finding indicated that there was no significant difference between effects of cigarette and waterpipe smoke on serum testosterone, FSH and LH levls.