Indices of oxidative stress in smokers

Background and Objectives: A strong association has been found between smoking and various diseases like cerebrovascular disease, various types of cancer and heart disease. Oxi¬dative stress has been implicated as the cause for all these diseases. The present study aims to evaluate oxidative stress and α1-antitrypsin levels in healthy chronic smokers by estima¬tion of protein oxidation products, namely, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) and protein carbonyls (PCs), and the antioxidants: reduced glutathione (GSH) and albumin and total thiols. Materials and Methods: All the parameters were determined spectrophotometrically. The parameters were determined in 25 male smokers and compared with 25 controls. Results: Statistically significant increases were seen in the levels of AOPP and PC while albumin showed statistically significant decrease. α1 - Antitrypsin levels did not show any statistical difference between the two groups. Conclusion: These findings indicate an increased level of oxidative stress as shown by the increase in protein oxidation products and a decrease in the albumin level. It also suggests increased damage to proteins which could lead to various pathologies observed in smokers. Employing AOPP and PC as measures of oxidative stress, use of various antioxidant vitamins to decrease oxidative stress levels in smokers can be considered.