Anti-oxidant enzymes, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and lipid peroxidation in kidney of rats exposed to cigarette smoke.

Glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GSH Px) and catalase (Cat) were determined in the kidneys of rats exposed to cigarette smoke for 3 months. Activity of the brush-border enzyme gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxide levels (LPX) were also estimated in both, kidney homogenates and urine. Activities of GR, Cat, GGT and the levels of GSH were decreased in the kidney. However, the activities of GSH Px and LPX levels were increased. Urinary excretion of GGT, GSH and LPX were also higher. Fall in the activity of GR and rise in the activity of GSH Px, may perturb the reduced glutathione/oxidised glutathione ratio, which in turn could lead to increased LPX seen in chronic cigarette smoke exposure.