Evidence for systemic oxidative stress in tobacco chewers

Abstract

Objective. To evaluate erythrocyte malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR) in tobacco chewers, in view of possible oxidative stress in oral smokeless tobacco. Material and methods. Sixty healthy male tobacco chewers, aged 30.6±4.7 years with a 3 to 10‐year (7.37±2.1) history of tobacco chewing, were included in the study. Thirty‐two healthy male volunteers, aged 26.5±4.8 years, served as controls. All the participants were from the same community and of similar dietary habits. Results. The erythrocyte MDA level and activities of erythrocyte SOD and GR were estimated. There was a significant duration‐ (tobacco chewing) dependent increase in erythrocyte MDA levels along with a significant duration‐ (tobacco chewing) dependent decrease in erythrocyte SOD and GR activity. Conclusion. Oral smokeless tobacco causes a duration‐dependent increase in oxidative stress.

• Glutathione reductase
• malondialdehyde
• superoxide dismutase
• tobacco