Can we read a smoking.mat (dataset) in C-language?

The reason i want to read it in C is:

i want to create a mnrfit.c file/function in replacement of mnrfit.m

If it is possible, please tell me how (i have searched, alot but could not find the way)?

Once, i am able to read/load it. I will save the dataset in a linked-list (own-made)