Erythrocyte lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in cigarette smokers.

The present study has analysed the relationship between lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in erythrocytes from 30 adult male cigarette smokers and an equal number of age and sex-matched normal subjects. Erythrocyte lipid peroxidation was markedly increased. The enzymic antioxidants were decreased in erythrocytes of cigarette smokers. The present study highlights the occurrence of lipid peroxidation and possible breakdown of antioxidant status in cigarette smoking.