Redox Dysregulation in Tobacco Consumers: Impact on Antioxidant Capacity, Liver Function, And Lipid Profile

Abstract

Background: Tobacco consumption is a major source of oxidative stress due to increased production of free radicals, which may adversely affect antioxidant status, lipid metabolism, liver enzymes, and anthropometric indices.

Objective: To evaluate total antioxidant capacity and its association with anthropometric measures, and liver enzymes in tobacco users compared with healthy controls.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 40 Indian tobacco consumers and 40 healthy volunteers. Waist and hip circumferences were measured, and Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. Biochemical parameters including lipid profile, liver enzymes, and total antioxidant capacity were assessed.

Results: Tobacco users and healthy volunteers showed a significant association with anthropometric indices, particularly waist and hip circumferences, whereas BMI was not significantly associated. Lipid profile parameters such as total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, LDL-C, and VLDL-C were significantly different between the two groups, while HDL-C showed no significant association. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) differed significantly using parametric analysis, whereas aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assessed by the FRAP assay showed strong associations using non-parametric tests.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that tobacco usage is associated with adverse changes in antioxidant status, lipid profile, liver enzymes, and central adiposity. Antioxidant depletion in tobacco users may increase susceptibility to oxidative damage, contributing to accelerated aging and morbidity.