Effects of cigarette smoke, nicotine and cotinine on red blood cell hemolysis and their -SH capacity

BACKGROUND:

Smoking is a leading cause of premature death. Red blood cell (RBC) membrane lipids are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids; therefore, the effect of oxygen on RBC membranes is more prominent than on other body tissues. The attachment of peroxidants to RBC membranes can result in hemolysis.

OBJECTIVES:

The present study was conducted to assess the sensitivity of RBCs to 2,2′-azo-bis-(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride in smokers and nonsmokers. The effect of cigarette smoke, nicotine (1 μg/mL, 1.5 μg/mL and 2.5 μg/mL) and cotinine (1.25 μg/mL, 2.5 μg/mL and 5 μg/mL) on RBC hemolysis was also examined.

RESULTS:

RBC hemolysis in smokers was 21.6% higher than in non-smokers (P<0.05). Cigarette smoke increased 2,2′-azo-bis-(2-amidino-propane) dihydrochloride-induced RBC hemolysis by 281.7%. Nicotine inhibited RBC hemolysis by 36.7% at the highest concentration used, but increased RBC hemolysis at the lower concentrations. Cotinine caused a 13.8% increase in RBC membrane peroxidation at the highest concentration used and its effects were dose-dependent. At their highest concentrations, nicotine and cotinine decreased -SH groups by 50%.

CONCLUSIONS:

The present study confirms the results from previous studies of the oxidative and destructive effects of cigarette smoke, which are detrimental to the health of both active and passive smokers.