Smoking tends to decrease glutathione and increase malondialdehyde levels in medical students
Abstract: Smoking is the act
of introducing toxic substances into the body. Cigarette smoke contains
chemicals that may cause several disorders, including cardiovascular disease,
cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Toxic substances in
cigarette smoke have the potential to increase free radicals, malondialdehyde
(MDA) levels and to decrease endogenous antioxidant (glutathione/GSH) levels.
This study aims to determine the relationship of smoking with plasma GSH and
MDA levels in medical students.
This study was analytical observational with cross-sectional approach.
The study was conducted from April to December 2015. The subjects in this study
were medical students, consisting of 20 smokers and 20 nonsmokers. Plasma GSH
and MDA levels were determined biochemically using Sigma GSH Assay Kit and
Sigma MDA Assay Kit. Data was analyzed using the independent t test.
The results showed that there was no significant difference between mean
GSH in smokers (1.74 ± 0.91 mmol/L) and nonsmokers (2.42 ± 1.19 µmol/L)
(p=0.441). Mean smokers MDA level of 2.06 ± 1.39 nmol/mL was not significantly
different compared with mean nonsmokers MDA level (1.32 ± 0.90 nmol/mL)
(p=0.092).
Smoking tends to decrease plasma GSH levels and increase plasma MDA
levels in medical students. Smoking history could be evidence of oxidative
stress and an impaired oxidant defense system. In particular, young smokers
should quit promptly before health problems arise, so as to have the optimal
benefits of cessation.
Author: Safyudin, Subandrate
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg160069