Evaluation of total antioxidant status, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde in apparently healthy active tobacco smokers in Nnewi Metropolis, South-East, Nigeria

Abstract

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Daily cigarette consumption and duration of smoking were obtained through a semi-structured questionnaire. Information on other risk factors like alcohol consumption were also obtained using the same tool. A total of 120 subjects were used; 60 tests subjects and 60 control subjects. The test group were subdivided into 3 groups based on duration of smoking (1- 5 years, 6 -10 years, 11 years and above). Daily cigarette consumption/number of sticks smoked was also used to subdivide the test group into 3 groups (1 – 5 sticks/day, 6 – 10 sticks/day, 11 and above sticks/day). Total antioxidant status (1148.0660 ± 171.97974 µmol/L) and Superoxide Dismutase activity (8.5360 ± 3.98112IU/L) were significantly reduced in current cigarette smokers compared with control (1310.4080 ± 230.85928µmol/L, 12.6640 ± 2.26849IU/L respectively, p<0.05). This outcome correlated with duration of smoking (TAC = <0.001 SOD =<0.001) but not with the rate of cigarettes smoking. Furthermore, MDA levels (1.6620 ± .72868µg/L) were significantly elevated in current cigarette smokers compared with control group (nonsmokers) (1.2660 ± .28400µg/L, p<0.05) and correlated with duration of smoking (<0.001) which maybe suggestive of lipid peroxidation. These findings may indicate that smoking cigarette no matter the quantity depletes the antioxidant pool of the body exposing the body to effects of reactive oxygen species and other free radicals. Furthermore, the increase in the index of lipid peroxidation (MDA) could be suggestive of cell/DNA damage.