RESUMEN
Objective: To examine whether oxidative stress markers were correlated with adhesion molecules [sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sP-selectin] derived from endothelial/platelet activation in a group of smokers as well as to study the influence of smoking index on the above mentioned markers
Subjects and Methods: Plasma levels of sICAM-1 , sVCAM-l , sP-selectin, 8-isoprostane [8-IP] and protein carbonyl content were assessed by ELISA technique and colorimetric method. Antioxidant status, assessed by measuring the glutathione [GSH], and vitamin C levels in 38 smokers and 20 nonsmokers serving as control. Smokers were divided into three groups: mild, moderate and heavy smokers according to smoking index
Results: Smokers showed significant higher levels of sICAM-1 , sVCAM-1 , sP-sclectin, 8-IP and protein cathonyl content and this increase was directly proportional to the degree of smoking. Smokers showed also significantly lower levels of GSH and vitamin C than nonsmokers. In comparing groups of smokers to each other, significant decreased levels were observed in GSH, vitamin C in the following order heavy > moderate > mild smokers. A positive correlation was detected between the circulating adhesion molecules [sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 , sP-sclectm.] and oxidative stress markers; 8-IP [r[2] =0.927, 0.919 and 0.969 respectively] and protein carbonyl [r[2] = 0.924, 0.923 and 0.845 respectively] in plasma of smokers
Conclusion: Adhesion molecules [sICAM-1 , sVCAM-1 , sP-selectin ] increase in smokers may be a secondary response to inflammation and oxidative stress. Smoking: stimulate the release of adhesion molecules by creating oxidative stress through decrease of the antioxidant status including both vascuiar and systemic complications in smokers