Smoking and the antioxidant ascorbic acid: plasma, leukocyte, and cervicovaginal cell concentrations in normal healthy women

Article Abstract:

Cigarette smoking appears to be a risk factor for cancer of the cervix, independent of sexual habits or socioeconomic status. Whether this is due to components of tobacco smoke that cause or enhance abnormal cell changes, or other causes, is unclear. A mechanism by which smoking may lead to cancerous changes in cervical cells may be alteration in the levels of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and beta-carotene, two anti-oxidant (protective against cell damage) compounds obtained from the diet. The levels of ascorbic acid in blood, leukocytes (white blood cells), and cervical cells in 16 smokers and 30 non-smokers were evaluated. Vitamin C levels were lower in blood and in cervical cells but higher in leukocytes in smokers. Smokers had significantly more exfoliation, or shedding, of cervical cells. Breakfast habits, oral contraceptive use, and menstrual cycle timing were not related to the observed differences. Ascorbic acid, which may enhance immune function, is apparently preferentially accumulated in leukocytes and cervical cells, tissues that may have a higher exposure to damage by free radical compounds (a type of molecule linked to tissue damage). The study suggests that diminished vitamin C levels in cervical cells of smokers may leave the tissue susceptible to damage. Further research of the relation of this to cancer development is needed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Antioxidants, Antioxidants (Nutrients), Vitamin C

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Effects of smoking and oral contraception on plasma beta-carotene levels in healthy women

Article Abstract:

Beta-carotene is a substance converted into vitamin A in the body. It has been suggested recently that reduced beta-carotene may accelerate the growth of some tumors. Cigarette smoking is known to lower the amount of beta-carotene in the blood. In addition, oral contraceptives can alter the amount of circulating vitamins and minerals, causing an increase in retinol, a form of vitamin A. The effects of smoking and oral contraceptive use on beta-carotene levels were investigated in 149 healthy women. Of the 88 who used birth control pills, 21 smoked cigarettes. Of the 61 not using oral contraceptives, 18 were smokers. Relatively low levels of beta carotene and relatively high levels of retinol were found in the group using oral contraceptives but not in users of other types of contraception. Lower levels of beta carotene were also found in the group who smoked and did not use oral contraceptives. Smoking and use of oral contraceptives had a combined effect in lowering the amount of beta carotene. Reduced beta carotene levels have been found in patients diagnosed with cervical dysplasia, abnormal cells of the cervix, and in patients with cervical cancer. Further studies are needed to determine whether these reductions are diet-related or the result of smoking and oral contraceptive use.

Oral contraceptives, Vitamin A, Beta carotene

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Alpha-tocopherol and apha-tocopheryl quinone levels in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer

Article Abstract:

A study is conducted to determine the levels of alpha-tocopherol and apha-tocopheryl quinone, the oxidized product of alpha-tocopherol, in plasma and red blood cells that are obtained from control subjects and patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer.

Science & research, Risk factors, Epithelial cells, Quinone, Quinones

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