Evaluation of the effects of cigarette smoke exposure on ovarian function in female cats.

This study aimed to determine the effects of passive cigarette smoke exposure on ovarian function in cats. The study material consisted of 40 female tabby cats. The cats were divided into two groups: a control group (Group 1, n = 20), not exposed to cigarette smoke, and a smoking group (Group 2, n = 20), exposed to environmental cigarette smoke. Estrogen levels and right intraovarian artery peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), resistive index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), and mean flow velocity (A) were measured in all cats during estrus. Ovariohysterectomy was performed on all cats, and the number of follicles in their ovaries was counted. Preoperative cotinine and Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were also measured. Cotinine levels were found to be significantly higher in the smoking group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). In contrast, AMH and estrogen levels were found to be significantly lower in the smoking group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Doppler parameters PI and RI were higher in the smoking group, while PSV, EDV, and A were lower (P < 0.001). Follicle counts were significantly lower in the smoking group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was found between cotinine and PI and RI, and a significant negative correlation was found between cotinine and AMH, estrogen, PSV, EDV, A, and all follicle types (P < 0.01). In conclusion, exposure to cigarette smoke in cats can negatively impact ovarian function and ovarian reserve by causing a decrease in intraovarian blood flow, AMH levels, and ovarian follicle reserve.