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Clinical Trial
. 2000 Jul 6;118(4):93-8.
doi: 10.1590/s1516-31802000000400004.

Increased exhalation of hydrogen peroxide in healthy subjects following cigarette consumption

S B Guatura  1 , J A Martinez, P C Santos Bueno, M L Santos
Affiliations
Clinical Trial

Increased exhalation of hydrogen peroxide in healthy subjects following cigarette consumption

S B Guatura et al. Sao Paulo Med J. .

Abstract
in English, Portuguese

Context: 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.

Type of study: Prospective, controlled trial.

Setting: A pulmonary function laboratory in a University Hospital.

Participants: 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.

Intervention: 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.

Main measurements: 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)].

Conclusion: 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.

CONTEXTO:: Elevações do peróxido de hidrogênio exalado (H2O2-E) tem sido descritas em diversas doenças pulmonares tais como a síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo, doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica e asma. Essa técnica tem sido preconizada como um método simples capaz de refletir inflamação ao nível das vias aéreas.

OBJETIVO:: Avaliaros níveis de H2O2-E em indivíduos normais e determinar os efeitos agudos do consumo de um cigarro sobre seus valores.

TIPO DE ESTUDO:: Ensaio clínico, prospectivo, controlado.

LOCAL:: Laboratório de função pulmonar de um Hospital Universitário.

PARTICIPANTES:: Dois grupos de voluntários sadios: indivíduos que nunca fumaram [NS; n = 10; 4 homens; idade = 30,6 anos (DP 6,2)] e indivíduos fumantes atuais [S; n = 12; 7 homens; idade = 38,7 anos (DP 9,8)]. Todos os voluntários não apresentavam sintomas respiratórios e exibiam testes espirométricos dentro da normalidade.

INTERVENÇÃO:: Ar expirado foi coletado de todos os voluntários utilizando-se uma máscara facial e um sistema colocado em um frasco com gelo seco e etanol absoluto. Amostras do grupo S foram coletadas duas vezes, antes e meia hora após o consumo de um cigarro.

VARIÁVEIS ESTUDADAS:: Peróxido de hidrogênio expirado utilizando-se o método de Gallati e Pracht.

RESULTADOS:: Ambos os grupos mostraram níveis comparáveis de H2O2-E em condições basais [NS = 0,74 µM (DP 0,24) vs. S = 0,75 µM (DP 0,31)]. Os fumantes mostraram um aumento significante dos níveis de H2O2-E meia hora após o consumo de apenas um cigarro [0,75 µM (DP 0,31) vs. 0,95 µM (DP 0,22)].

CONCLUSÃO:: Os resultados obtidos estão de acordo com o conceito de que o consumo de cigarros aumenta o estresse oxidativo com produção elevada de espécies reativas do oxigênio (ROS) contribuindo para o desenvolvimento de doenças relacionadas ao tabagismo.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: Not declared

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. H2O2-E levels for the group S and NS in basal conditions.
Figure 2
Figure 2. H2O2-E levels for the group S before (B) and after (A) patients had smoked one cigarette.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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