Reduction of the elastase inhibitory capacity of alpha 1-antitrypsin by peroxides in cigarette smoke: an analysis of brands and filters

Journal Article · Thu Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1982 · Am. Rev. Respir. Dis.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6711832

Cohen, A B; James, H L

A procedure for measuring the oxidant content of aqueous condensates of tobacco cigarette smoke is described. The procedure was used in conjunction with analysis of the ability of the smoke solutions to inactivate the elastase inhibitory capacity (EIC) of alpha 1-antitrypsin. The ability of the smoke of a brand to inactivate alpha 1-antitrypsin correlates well with the known tar and nicotine and with the amount of oxidants as measured using o-dianisidine. Filters were found to remove about 73% of the oxidants from smoke. Smoke from a commercial nontobacco cigarette was also found to contain a significant amount of oxidants and to also destroy alpha 1-antitrypsin. Catalase and superoxide dismutase reduce the effect of solutions containing smoke on the EIC of alpha 1-antitrypsin, suggesting that peroxides and superoxide anions in smoke contribute to the oxidant capacity of the smoke. The extent of apparent oxidation by a given quantity of smoke condensate increases for as long as an hour from the time the condensate is collected. The addition of hydrogen peroxide to the smoke solution increases both its oxidant content and its ability to inactivate alpha 1-antitrypsin. These data suggest that occurrence of hydrogen peroxide caused by secretion from macrophages found in the small airways of smokers may contribute to a locally damaging environment for alpha 1-antitrypsin in the presence of cigarette smoke that could promote the development of centrilobular emphysema.

• Research Organization: Department of Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
• OSTI ID: 6711832
• Journal Information: Am. Rev. Respir. Dis.; (United States), Vol. 126:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
EMPHYSEMA
PATHOLOGY
TOBACCO SMOKES
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOCHEMICAL REACTION KINETICS
ELASTICITY
ENZYME ACTIVITY
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
MACROPHAGES
OXIDIZERS
SYNERGISM
AEROSOLS
ANIMAL CELLS
COLLOIDS
CONNECTIVE TISSUE CELLS
DISEASES
DISPERSIONS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
KINETICS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PEROXIDES
PHAGOCYTES
REACTION KINETICS
RESIDUES
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DISEASES
SMOKES
SOLS
SOMATIC CELLS
TENSILE PROPERTIES
560306* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Man- (-1987)
550200 - Biochemistry
551000 - Physiological Systems
550900 - Pathology