Assessment of Prostate Specific Antigen and Some Inflammatory Markers in Male Military Cigarette Smokers and Alcohol Users Attending Military Hospital Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Prostate surrounds the urethra, the tube responsible for conveying urine out of the body, and produces a thick, whitish fluid that combines with sperm to form semen in male. Despite extensive global research on prostate disorders, there remains a significant gap in understanding how lifestyle factors such as cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption influence prostate health, particularly in specific populations. Aim: The study aims to assess the levels of prostate specific antigen and some inflammatory markers in male military cigarette smokers and alcohol users attending Military Hospital Abuja, Nigeria. Study design, Place and Duration of Study: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Army Command and Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) Hospital, Asokoro, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria, between February and September 2024. Methodology: This study randomly recruited 160 male military personnel aged between 25 to 64 years, who were cigarette smokers, alcohol consumers, individuals who both smoked and consumed alcohol, and non-exposed controls, with exposure status determined based on self-reported history of cigarette use and alcohol intake. Blood samples were collected by venipuncture and used for analysis. Serum tPSA, fPSA, CRP, and IL-6 levels were estimated quantitatively using immunofluorescence immunochromatographic methods, while serum GGT levels were estimated using colorimetric method. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 25. and results were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. Results: Results obtained from this study revealed significant increases in tPSA and GGT, levels among smokers when compared with non-smokers. Among alcohol users, tPSA, GGT, IL-6, were significantly elevated. In the group that both smoked and consumed alcohol, tPSA, free PSA levels were significantly elevated. Analysis based on age revealed that among smokers, tPSA level varied significantly with age, while among alcohol users, only tPSA showed significant age-related variation. Cigarette smokers with 21–40 years of exposure had significantly higher tPSA levels compared to those with 0–20 years of use; among alcohol users, both tPSA and GGT varied significantly with duration. Conclusion: These findings emphasize the potential health risks of smoking and alcohol use on prostate and systemic health in a vulnerable, physically active population.