A comprehensive assessment of smokeless tobacco (Shammah) extract: unraveling the effects on hematological parameters, antioxidant defense mechanisms, and organ health in rats

Shammah, also known as smokeless tobacco, is a form of tobacco product consumed without combustion, commonly used in various cultures, particularly in the Middle East and parts of Africa. The experiment was conducted in four groups control male and female, also treated male and female. The administration of Shammah extract induced significant hematological, biochemical, and histopathological changes in both female and male rats. Treated females showed a decrease in total leukocyte count (TLC) to 9900, while treated males increased to 14,525. Lymphocyte percentage decreased by 9.5% in females and 6.02% in males, with neutrophil counts rising by 24.6% and 20.5%, respectively. Eosinophil levels surged by 240% in females and 50.3% in males. Hemoglobin levels decreased by 12.4–13.1% in females, while males showed a non-significant increase to 15.68. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased to 1.57 in females (57% increase) and 1.93 in males (70.8% increase). Antioxidant enzymes decreased, with superoxide dismutase (SOD) at 3.53 (116.2% decrease) in females and 3.90 (45.8% decrease) in males. Kidney function assessments revealed elevated urea levels of 36.35 (84.8% increase) in females and 43.17 (131.2% increase) in males, alongside creatinine levels of 1.28 (75.3% increase) in females and 1.56 (90.2% increase) in males. Histopathological examinations showed untreated livers with a typical structure, while treated livers exhibited infiltrative cell aggregations, venous congestion, hemorrhage, and edema. Treated kidneys showed severe glomerular atrophy and degeneration. Spleens from treated groups had blending of white and red pulp, while brains displayed hemorrhage and distorted neurons in males, and ghost neurons in females. Treated testes exhibited dilated blood vessels, edema, and reduced spermatogenesis, while treated ovaries showed cyst formation and vacuolar degeneration. These findings indicate significant oxidative stress and organ damage associated with Shammah extract exposure.