Oxidative-stress markers in blood of lung cancer patients occupationally exposed to carcinogens

The study covered 152 lung cancer patients and 210 controls. The results of the study indicated decreased selenium (Se) concentrations and lowered activity of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase) in the blood of lung cancer patients, as well as significantly increased concentrations of vitamin E in erythrocytes and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the plasma of the study population. Low plasma Se concentrations (< 45.7 microg/L) enhance the estimated risk of lung cancer (odds ratio = 3.047, p < 0.001). A more precise exposure assessment is required to identify the association between lung cancer incidence and occupational exposure to carcinogens.