Age-related oxidative stress modulation by smoking habit and obesity.

Objective: To evaluate whether obesity and smoking habit may accelerate the age-related increase of oxidative stress. Methods: The Oxidative-INDEX, a score reflecting both oxidative and antioxidant counterparts, was estimated in 179 subjects (50 males, aged 16-79 years). Results: Oxidative stress results were elevated in obese and smoker subjects. Adjusted logistic regression analysis indicated obesity and smoking as independent variables for elevated Oxidative-INDEX (odds ratio=4.8 and 3.1, respectively). Oxidative-INDEX steadily rises at a mean rate of 5.3% (0.017 AU) per year in the overall population, showing twice and three times higher annual rate increase in smokers and obese subjects. Conclusion: Our results suggest the pro-ageing effects of cigarette smoking and obesity by a more rapid and sharp elevation of the oxidative stress status.