Original Research Article Circulating Lipid Peroxide and Antioxidant Status in Cigarette Smokers:

Background: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of some diseases such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and atherosclerosis. Smoking may enhance oxidative stress not only through the production of reactive oxygen radicals in smoke but also through weakening of the antioxidant defense systems. Aim: The present study was conducted to determine the effect of cigarette smoking on changes in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in cigarette smokers. Materials & Methods: The study population consisted of 150 male subjects divided into two groups; 88 smokers and age- and sex-matched non-smokers 62 subjects were selected. Biochemical parameters such as lipid peroxidation thiobarbituric acid reactive substances malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidants (superoxide dismutase (SOD),catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E were measured by colorimetric methods. Results: Enhanced lipid peroxidation with concomitant depletion of antioxidants was observed smokers as compared to non-smokers. In addition, the activities of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were more significantly altered in smokers than nonsmokers. Conclusion: These findings may suggest that, smokers have evidence of oxidative stress and an impaired oxidant defense system. Alterations observed in smokers that increased oxidative stress can represent a risk factor for the development of chronic disease in earlier future