English

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption has multiple effects on the thyroid gland. Ingestion of alcohol produces striking of metabolic imbalance in the liver, it leads to formation of reactive oxygen species, cigarette smoke is known to stimulate the alveolar macrophages to release excessive amount of free radicals which causes pathogenicity. Our study was designed to assess the thyroid status in smoking & alcoholism, also oxidant and antioxidant status in smokers and alcoholics. MATERIALS & METHODS: The study was conducted in50 smokers & alcoholics, they smoke 10-15 cigarettes per day and all are having history of alcohol intake from past 10-15years, as well as 25 healthy non-smoker volunteers served as controls. All the subjects are attended to O.P.D and admitted in medicine department P.E.S. Medical College & Hospital, Kuppam, A.P. The study was done by assessing thyroid profile (FreeT3,FreeT4,TSH) by ELISA method and oxidative stress parameters protein carbonylation, reduced glutathione were studied in RBC by colorimetric method. RESULTS: There is slightly elevated levels of TSH compared with controls (p=0.005). Free T3 levels slightly lowered compared with controls (p=0.001). Free T4 levels are normal in range for smokers and alcoholics. Reduced glutathione levels are decreased slightly compared with controls (P=0.076). Protein carbonylation is increased compared with controls (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The above findings suggest that there is fall in thyroid action due to alcoholic liver damage, Antioxidants levels are decreased and oxidant levels are increased due to oxidative damage.