The Critical Assessment of Oxidative Stress Parameters as Potential Biomarkers of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Impact of smokeless tobacco on psychological and oxidative stress in unemployed indian youth

In India, tobacco (nicotine) addiction among youth has increased, leading to substantial socioeconomic burdens, mortality, and morbidity. While minimal short-term nicotine consumption may have antioxidant effects, chronic exposure results in various adverse health outcomes. This study examines the impact of chronic nicotine consumption on cellular oxidative stress and psychological stress, and their correlation with Homocysteine (Hcy) levels in unemployed tobacco consumers. This case-control study included 156 healthy, educated, unemployed male volunteers aged 20-40 years, divided into nicotine-addicted (n = 80) and non-addicted (n = 76) groups. Psychological stress was assessed using perceived stress scales (PSS) and coping self-efficacy (CSE) scales. Oxidative stress markers, including Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), and Catalase, were measured. Hcy levels were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Nicotine-addicted participants exhibited significantly higher perceived stress (p = 0.0001) and lower coping self-efficacy (p = 0.0001) compared to non-addicted individuals. MDA levels in erythrocytes were significantly increased (p = 0.0006), while SOD (p = 0.0001) and Catalase (p = 0.02) activities were significantly decreased in the addicted group. Nicotine intake influenced Hcy concentrations, with 55% of addicted individuals falling into moderate, 27.5% into intermediate, and 7.5% into severe Hcy categories. Chronic nicotine intake also reflected the hematological parameters (WBCs, RBCs, HGB, and Platelets). Chronic tobacco consumption induces oxidative stress and perceived psychological stress, leading to elevated Hcy levels in nicotine consumers. The study highlights the detrimental effects of nicotine addiction on cellular defensive mechanisms, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address this growing health issue among unemployed Indian youth.

Diagnostic challenge in a 2-year-old boy poisoned with carbon monoxide: A case report

Key Clinical Message

Carbon monoxide poisoning diagnosis is sometimes very difficult and should be considered in the differential diagnosis list of children's consciousness disorders even in summer.

Abstract

Carbon monoxide poisoning is very dangerous, and sometimes, it is difficult to diagnose. Especially, this poisoning may have non-specific manifestations in children and can be confused with other diseases. Here we present a 2-year-old child who suffered a disturbance of consciousness during the summer season. He and his family were travelers who had come to Mashhad from Kerman and were staying in a hotel room, after various investigations. It has been found that he was poisoned with carbon monoxide gas due to the leakage of carbon monoxide gas from the chimney pipe of the engine room related to the hotel's water heating into the room. After receiving oxygen and supportive treatments, he recovered and was discharged with good health. Poisoning with carbon monoxide gas is very dangerous, and the awareness of health and medical personnel in this field is essential.

Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in Oxidative Stress-Related Diseases 2.0/3.0

Oxidative stress is frequently described as the balance between the production of reactive species (including oxygen and nitrogen) in biological systems and the ability of the latter to defend itself through the sophisticated antioxidant machinery [...].