Effects of Cigarette Smoking On Lipid Peroxidation and Serum Antioxidant Vitamins

Abstract

Cigarette smoke contains many oxidants capable of generating reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species. These species play a key role in oxidative stress, leading to the development and progression of many disorders, including hypertension, cancer, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. This study estimated the levels of serum antioxidant vitamins and Malondialdehyde (MDA) as evidence of lipid peroxidation. Healthy male smokers aged 15-35years from Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto community who consume at least five sticks of cigarette/day were recruited for the study. Serum Antioxidant vitamins (A, C, and E) and MDA were estimated using standard methods and compared to aged matched control (non-smokers) group. The levels of antioxidant vitamins were found to be significantly lower in smokers than non-smoker P<0.05. On the other hand, MDA concentration was found to be significantly higher in smokers than non-smokers P<0.05. Interestingly, the number of cigarettes consumed/day determines antioxidants depletion, as well as MDA build up. Based on the results obtained, it was concluded that cigarette smoke depletes the concentration of serum antioxidants required to scavenge excess free radicals, consequently increasing the rate of lipid peroxidation.