Tobacco Smoking in Relation to the Phenotype of Alpha-1-Antitrypsin and Serum Vitamin C Concentration

Purpose: To investigate the effects of tobacco smoking on serum alpha-1-antitrypsin (AT) concentrations in relation to the Pi types of AT (MM and non-MM phenotypes) and vitamin C concentrations in the serum of Thai smokers and non-smokers. Design: Cross-sectional study of smokers and non-smokers in a military unit in Bangkok, Thailand. Materials and Methods: 123 male smokers and 66 male non-smokers were randomly selected from a military unit in Bangkok. Venous blood was analysed by rocket immunoelectrophoresis for AT concentrations. AT phenotype and vitamin C status were determined by iso-electrofocusing (IEF) and spectro-photometric methods. Co-variance analysis was used to determine whether smoking directly influences AT levels. Results: There were statistically significantly higher levels of serum AT and thiocyanate concentrations in smokers than in non-smokers. The thiocyanate level correlated with the duration and quantity of cigarette smoking. However, vitamin C, an antioxidant, was found with stati...