394 The Association of Serum High-Sensitive C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) and Lipid Profile in Assessing Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among Filipino Conventional Cigarette Smokers and Heated Tobacco Product (HTP) Users in Metro Manila, Philippines

Introduction/Objective Tobacco combustion from cigarette smoking induces inflammation and oxidative stress, causing heightened risk of cardiovascular diseases, giving rise to smoking alternatives such as Heated Tobacco Products (HTP). HTPs heat tobacco at lower temperatures than conventional cigarettes, creating non-chemical-containing smoke. The study aims to assess and compare hs-CRP levels and lipid profiles among Conventional Cigarette Smokers (CCS), Switchers, and Never-Smokers (NS). Methods/Case Report The serum samples were collected after categorization into Conventional Cigarette Smokers (CCS), Switchers, and Never-Smokers (NS). Serum hs-CRP and lipid levels of 15 participants were quantitatively determined by latex-enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay (LETIA) using latex particles sensitized with anti-CRP antibodies and colorimetric methods, respectively. Results Results showed that the mean hs-CRP of CCS is significantly higher than the Switchers (p = 0.022), while there was no significant difference between the Switchers and NS (p = 0.389). Additionally, the mean total cholesterol of CCS (p = 0.015) and Switchers (p = 0.032) is significantly higher than the NS, while the total cholesterol of CCS and Switchers did not differ (p = 0.910). Other lipid profiles showed no significant differences between the three groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion These findings suggest that Switchers pose significantly lower CVD risk than CCS.