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Increased oxidative stress in infants exposed to passive smoking

Ali Aycicek1, Ozcan Erel, Abdurrahim Kocyigit

  • 1Paediatrics Department, Children's Hospital of Sanliurfa, Turkey. ayciceka@hotmail.com

European Journal of Pediatrics
|July 19, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Passive smoking significantly harms infants by lowering their antioxidant defenses and increasing oxidative stress. This study highlights the detrimental effects of secondhand smoke on infant plasma antioxidant and oxidative status.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Environmental Health
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Infant exposure to environmental tobacco smoke is a significant public health concern.
  • Understanding the biochemical impact of passive smoking on infants is crucial for preventative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of passive cigarette smoking on plasma oxidative and antioxidant status in infants.
  • To quantify the changes in specific antioxidant markers and oxidative stress indicators due to secondhand smoke exposure.

Main Methods:

  • Eighty-four infants (6-28 weeks) were categorized into passive smoking (≥5 cigarettes/day for ≥6 weeks) and control groups.
  • Plasma levels of vitamin C, albumin, bilirubin, uric acid, thiol, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured.
  • Plasma total peroxide levels and oxidative stress index (OSI) were determined to assess oxidative status.

Main Results:

  • Infants exposed to passive smoking exhibited significantly lower plasma vitamin C, thiol, TAC 1, and TAC 2 levels compared to controls.
  • Passive smoking was associated with significantly higher plasma total peroxide levels, OSI 1, and OSI 2.
  • These findings indicate a clear imbalance in the oxidative-antioxidative status in infants exposed to passive smoke.

Conclusions:

  • Passive smoking negatively affects the antioxidant defense system in infants.
  • Infants exposed to passive smoke experience significant oxidative stress.
  • These results underscore the importance of protecting infants from secondhand smoke to prevent long-term health issues.

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