Background: Free radicals found in cigarette smoke can harm all tissues and cellular structures in the human body. Passive smoking increases free radical production, leads to the depletion of antioxidants and increases oxidative stress which causes lipid peroxidation. Many studies have been conducted to determine the effects of passive smoking on antioxidant enzymes and lipid levels in adults, but pediatric studies on this topic are few. In our study, we compared the levels of antioxidants, oxidants, total and LDL cholesterol in children exposed to passive cigarette smoking with a healthy control group that was not exposed to passive smoking. Methods: A total of 41 children (4-17 years of age, 24 girls and 17 boys) exposed to passive smoking and 18 healthy girls and 12 healthy boys were included in this study. Secondhand smoking was confirmed via measurement of the cotinine/creatinine ratio. Various sociodemographic characteristics of patients were recorded. The levels of catalase, thiol, myeloperoxidase were measured to determine the antioxidant and oxidant levels in children, while the levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were measured to determine the alterations in lipid profile. Results: The groups were similar in regard to demographic characteristics. Myeloperoxidase levels were significantly higher in the passive cigarette smoking group compared to the non-exposure group; however, catalase and thiol levels were similar. In regard to lipid profile, the levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were also similar in those with and without exposure to passive smoking. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the effects of passive smoking initially influence oxidants (MPO), but not antioxidants (thiol and catalase). However, it is apparent that passive smoking adversely affects oxidative balance in children and this may lead to the development of various diseases which could cause significant morbidity and mortality.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.