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Plasma 3-nitrotyrosine in cigarette smokers
S Petruzzelli1, R Puntoni, P Mimotti
1Cardiopulmonary Department, University of Pisa, Italy.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|December 31, 1997
Summary
Cigarette smoking significantly reduces plasma antioxidant capacity and increases oxidative stress markers like 3-nitrotyrosine (NTYR). A new sensitive method can monitor these oxidative reactions in smokers, aiding research into smoking-related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Peroxynitrite is linked to oxidative damage and DNA injury in inflamed tissues.
- Nitration of tyrosine residues produces 3-nitrotyrosine (NTYR), a potential marker for NO-dependent oxidative stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a highly sensitive method for detecting 3-nitrotyrosine (NTYR) in human plasma.
- To assess NTYR levels and antioxidant capacity in cigarette smokers compared to non-smokers.
Main Methods:
- Developed a sequential HPLC/gas chromatography-thermal energy analysis (GC-TEA) technique for NTYR detection.
- Measured plasma nicotine, cotinine, and expired CO in smokers.
- Assessed total plasma Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) using a radical donor system.
Main Results:
- NTYR was detectable in 11 out of 20 smokers and 2 out of 18 non-smokers.
- Plasma TEAC was significantly lower in smokers (0.43 mM) than in non-smokers (1.42 mM).
- A strong negative correlation was observed between plasma TEAC and NTYR levels in smokers.
Conclusions:
- The developed HPLC/GC-TEA method is sensitive for quantifying plasma NTYR.
- Smoking is associated with reduced antioxidant capacity and increased oxidative stress markers.
- This assay can be valuable for molecular epidemiology studies of smoking-related inflammatory and neoplastic disorders.