Rapid Communication: URINARY THIOETHER EXCRETION AND ERYTHROCYTE GLUTATHIONE S -TRANSFERASE ACTIVITIES IN SMOKERS AND PATIENTS WITH SQUAMOUS-CELL LARYNGEAL CANCER

Abstract

Various biomarkers exist for assessment of exposure to cigarette smoke. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the urinary thioethers (UT) and erythrocyte glutathione S -transferase (GST) enzyme activities can be used as a biomarker or indicator of a higher risk of laryngeal cancer among smokers. In the present study, the concentration of UT and erythrocyte GST activities were measured in a sample of 84 subjects: controls, smokers, and smokers with squamous-cell carcinoma of the larynx (SLC). For this study, cases were restricted to men, since the number of women was not sufficient for statistical comparisons. Smoking significantly increased UT levels without a marked change in GST activity. However, in SLC smoking patients both UT levels and GST activity were significantly elevated. The use of nonspecific UT levels with GST activity determination seems to be a reliable indicator for the presence of laryngeal cancer in smokers.