Aldehyde-induced protein modifications in human plasma: protection by glutathione and dihydrolipoic acid

Exposure of human plasma to gas phase cigarette smoke (CS) produces a depletion of ascorbic acid, peroxidation of lipids (Frei et al. Biochem J 1991; 277: 133-8), and protein modification (as measured by protein carbonyl accumulation and loss of sulfhydryl groups) (Reznick et al. Biochem J 1992; 286: 607-11). CS contains both saturated and unsaturated aldehydes. The contribution of these aldehydes to the damaging effects of CS on human plasma was investigated. Aldehydes present in CS did not cause a depletion of plasma antioxidants such as ascorbic acid or alpha-tocopherol and did not induce plasma lipid peroxidation. Aldehydes decreased plasma protein sulfhydryl concentrations but increased protein carbonyls. The thiols glutathione and dihydrolipoic acid had a significant effect in reducing aldehyde-induced protein modifications.