Reactive oxygen species formation in peripheral blood neutrophils in different types of smokers.

The present study was envisaged to assess the state of oxidative metabolism of neutrophils, recovered from smokers (cigarette, beedi, hookah and mixed products) and non-smokers. Superoxide anion (O2.-) production was significantly higher in neutrophils from all groups of smokers (P < 0.001). Total leukocyte count (TLC) was significantly more in symptomatic subjects among the cigarette, hookah and mixed smokers (P < 0.05). Total neutrophil count (TNC) was significantly higher in symptomatic than asymptomatic subjects of hookah and mixed smoking groups (P < 0.05). In the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in tobacco smokers, the role of leukocytosis, increased neutrophil sequestration into the lung, increased neutrophil toxic oxygen species including superoxide release in the lung may cause direct injury to lung tissues.