Abstract

Objective: This study was carried out to compare the effects of oxidative stress in Maras powder users with tobacco users.

Material and Method: Twenty one men using MP but not tobacco (Group 1), 27 men using tobacco alone(Group 2) and 24 men using neither as a control group (Group 3) were included in the study. The blood samples were separated into sera and then total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant level (TOL) were checked by the method developed by Erel and oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated.

Results: The mean values of TAC in group 1, 2 and 3 were 1.35±0.18, 1.48±0.11 and 1.57±0.17, respectively. The level of TAC was detected as lower in group 1 than group 2 and 3 (p<0.05). The levels of TOL in group 1, 2 and 3 were 9.73±2.68, 11.21±3.54 and 8.83±1.28, respectively. There was no significant difference between group 1 and 2 according to TOL (p>0.05). The calculated mean values of OSI were significantly higher in group 1 and 2 than in group 3 (respectively 7.44±2.84, 7.62±2.61, 5.67±0.99) (p<0.05), but there was no significant difference for the mean values of OSI between group 1 and 2 (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Maras powder was found to have the same influence as tobacco in increasing oxidative stress responsible for the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases. The community should be informed that Maras powder, known to be harmless or less harmful than tobacco among tobacco users, is as dangerous as tobacco. (Tur Toraks Der 2011; 12: 94-9)