Histological study on the effect of nicotine administration on the bone of adult male albino rat and the possible protective role of vitamin E

INTRODUCTION: Cigarette smoking is one of the major problems affecting the health of humans. Many studies have been conducted on different organs of the body, but only a few have been conducted on the effect of cigarette smoking on bone. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant supplement that might alleviate these hazardous effects on bone. AIM: The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of nicotine on bone and whether the addition of vitamin E could protect the bone against nicotine-induced effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five animals were used and divided into three groups comprising 15 animals each. Group I served as the control group. Animals in group II received nicotine. Animals in group III received nicotine in addition to vitamin E. At the end of the experiment the animals were sacrificed and the femur bone specimens were dissected and processed. The specimens were subjected to histological study: H&E and scanning electron microscopy. Evaluation of bone mineral density using energy dispersive X-ray was also carried out. Statistical analysis was carried out for all data recorded. RESULTS: Animals of group II showed thinning out of compact bone and trabeculae of cancellous bone of the proximal end of the femur. An increase in adipocytes in adjacent bone marrow was also detected. Cracking and microfracture of bone were apparent, as well as irregular endosteal pores. There was decrease in calcium content in the bone. Group III showed improvement in the morphology of bone and mineral content. Statistical analysis confirmed these results. CONCLUSION: We concluded that nicotine has hazardous effects on bone, and vitamin E has a protective role against nicotine.