EFFECT OF NICOTINE ON ANTIOXIDANT DEFENSE-MECHANISMS IN RATS FED A HIGH-FAT DIET

Nicotine, a major component of cigarette smoke, plays an important rol e in the development of cardiovascular disease and lung cancer in smok ers. Lipid peroxidation is a process associated with the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and the level of lipid peroxides is increased in sm okers. In rats fed a high-fat diet, the tissue concentration of lipid peroxides was found to be increased. On nicotine administration along with a high-fat diet an additive effect was observed in lipid peroxida tion and free radical scavengers. The activities of scavenging enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase were found t o be decreased, while the glutathione concentration and activity of gl utathione peroxidase were enhanced.