Increased exhalation of hydrogen peroxide in healthy subjects following cigarette consumption.
BACKGROUND
Increased hydrogen peroxide has been described in the expired breath condensate (H2O2-E) of several lung conditions, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. This technique has been advocated as being a simple method for documenting airway inflammation.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate H2O2-E in healthy cigarette smokers, and to determine the acute effects of the consumption of one cigarette on H2O2-E levels.


METHODS
Prospective, controlled trial.


METHODS
A pulmonary function laboratory in a University Hospital.


METHODS
Two groups of healthy volunteers: individuals who had never smoked (NS; n=10; 4 men; age = 30.6 +/- 6.2 years) and current cigarette smokers (S; n=12; 7 men; age = 38.7 +/- 9.8). None of the volunteers had respiratory symptoms and all showed normal spirometric tests.


METHODS
Expired air was collected from all volunteers through a face mask and a plastic collecting system leading into a flask with dry ice and pure ethanol. Samples from the group S were collected twice, before and half an hour after the combustion of one cigarette.


METHODS
Expired hydrogen peroxide using the Gallati and Pracht method.


RESULTS
The S and NS groups showed comparable levels of H2O2-E at basal conditions [NS = 0.74 microM (DP 0.24) vs. S = 0.75 microM (DP 0.31)]. The smokers showed a significant increase in H2O2-E levels half an hour after the consumption of only one cigarette [0.75 microM (DP 0.31) vs. 0. 95 microM (DP 0.22)].


CONCLUSIONS
The present results are consistent with the concept that smokers increase oxidative stress with elevated production of reactive oxygen species, contributing to the development of smoking-related disorders.
Guatura
S B
SB
Pulmonary Division, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Martinez
J A
JA
Santos Bueno
P C
PC
Santos
M L
ML
D000328:Adult; D001944:Breath Tests; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016877:Oxidants / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013147:Spirometry
D016877:Oxidants; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide