Przegla̧d lekarski
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In pregancy complicated by cigarette smoking prooxidant-antioxidant imbalance may have a pathomorphological and pathophysiological effect in fetus. Efficient enzymatic antioxidant systems are natural factors protecting cells from damaging by free oxygen species. Therefore the aim of the study was to estimate the effect of tobacco smoking during pregnancy on activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and reductase in umbilical cord blood of newborns. ⋯ In erythrocytes of newborns from smoking mothers activity of superoxide dismutase was significantly correlated with concentration of cotinine (r = 0.61; p < 0.01). The similar correlation was not observed in red blood cells of non-smoking ones. Our results indicate that tobacco smoking during pregnancy may have a negative effect on enzymatic antioxidant systems in umbilical cord blood.
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Historical Article
[The history of antitobacco actions in the last 500 years. Part. II. Medical actions].
Tobacco was brought to Europe by Christopher Columbus, who discovered it in Cuba in October, 1492. Spread of tobacco consumption was initiated by the French diplomat Jean Nicot de Villemain, who in 1560 recommended it in the form of powdered tobacco leaves to the French Queen Catherine de Medice to combat her migraine headaches, and introduced the term Nicotiana tobaccum. Tobacco consumption greatly rose after the I World War, and after the II World War it became very common, especially among man. ⋯ In this period, especially in the 19th century dominated moral and religious arguments against tobacco. In the 20th century however, and particularly in its second part, development in medical research was enhanced by civil voluntary actions against advertisement and passive smoking. This lead to the significant limitation of tobacco expansion in Europe, USA and Canada in the end of the 20th century.
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Smoking cigarettes adds to risk of anesthesia and surgery, and also may influence anxiety. However, cigarette abstinence may increase preoperative stress. The study aimed at exploring the relationship between smoking and anxiety in gynaecologic patients in the perioperative period, and also finding out whether the abstinence and history of unsuccessful cessation attempts are connected with an anxiety pattern at that time. ⋯ In smokers with the history of smoking cessation attempts, preoperative state anxiety was higher. Between smokers and non-smokers no differences in postoperative pain and no significant relationship with the anxiety could be found, Conclusions: 1) Perioperative anxiety is comparable in both smoking and non-smoking gynaecologic patients. 2) Cigarette abstinence before surgery is not connected with any significant anxiety differences. Smokers with the history of unsuccessful cessation attempts preoperatively present with higher state anxiety.
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The concentrations of albumin, IgG, transferrin, retinol binding protein (RBP), alpha-1-microglobulin (alpha-1-m) and beta-2-microglobulin (beta-2-m) were determined in urine of 83 males 21 to 60 years old (Mean = 41.2 +/- SD = 10.7) with a history of occupational exposure to metallic mercury vapours from 7 months to 37 years (Mean=16.3 +/- 10.9) and in 30 males without this exposure by using the nephelometry (Behring's antibodies, references and controls). The weighted mean of mercury concentrations in air was from 0.028 to 0.037 mg m(-3). The urinary level of mercury was determined by using the atomic absorption spectrometer Coleman Mercury Analyzer Mas-50, Perkin-Elmer USA, in alpha=253.7nm. ⋯ Values of "r" between mercury urine concentration and albumine (r=0.46), IgG (r=0.46) and transferrin (r=0.42) were highest in group of workers exposed to mercury vapours from 10 to 20 years. Albumin, transferrin and IgG urine concentrations, as well as alpha-1-m and beta-2-m urine concentrations were statistically significantly higher in the group of workers with > 150 microg Hg/dM3 urine concentration. In conclusion, determination of urine proteins, as a markers of early subclinical renal damage may be useful in monitoring occupational exposure to mercury vapours, especially in the group of workers with higher values of urine mercury concentrations.