Estimation of serum superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels in tobacco chewers and smokers: A comparative study

Introduction: Habitual tobacco use is known to cause various health hazards by initiating oxidative stress through the release of free radicals. The free radicals induce cellular damage that is reflected through alterations in antioxidant enzymes levels like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) within circulating erythrocytes. Therefore, it is important to estimate the erythrocytic SOD and GPx levels to assess tobacco induced oxidative stress. Aim: The aim of the present study is to assess the effect of tobacco chewing and smoking on serum antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels. Materials and Methods: The present study comprised of 4 study groups including healthy control (n=25), tobacco smokers (n=25), tobacco chewers (n=25) and combination habit group (n=25). The case subjects were further sub-divided depending upon the frequency of habits i.e. > 10 times/day and <10> 10 years and <10> Result: Mean erythrocytic SOD levels were significantly decreased in cases compared to control group whereas mean erythrocytic GPx level was significantly increased in cases compared to controls. When SOD and GPx were compared for the frequency and duration of habits, GPx levels were significantly increased among smokers who smoked <10smokes> Conclusions: The present study confirmed the relationship between antioxidative enzymes activity, oxidative stress and tobacco. Frequency and duration of tobacco consumption were shown to alter antioxidant enzymes levels. Therefore, estimation of these enzyme levels will help in early intervention of tobacco habit by patient education and motivation and can minimize the risk of tobacco induced lesions.