EFFECTS OF VITAMIN C SUPPLEMENTATION ON OXIDATIVE DNA DAMAGE AND OXIDATIVE STRESS MARKERS IN NARGHILE SMOKERS AND NON-SMOKERS

Abstract

Narghile (Hookah) smoking is increasingly popular among young adults and is associated with exposure to toxicants that contribute to oxidative stress, DNA damage, and Cellular dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Narghile smoking on Oxidative stress and DNA damage levels in Narghile smokers compared with nonsmokers. It provides valuable insights into the antioxidant and/or prooxidant effects of Ascorbic acid. The study objective was to evaluate: 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, malondialdehyde, Vitamin C concentration, and Total antioxidant capacity, which were measured before and after one month of daily vitamin C supplementation (500 mg/day) in Narghile. The Biomarkers were measured using a standardized spectrophotometric microplate reader, an ELISA technique, and a manual Thiobarbituric acid assay for Malondialdehyde assessment. Ninety-seven healthy adult males and females were randomly recruited from Duhok city. This study used a cross-sectional design for comparison and a quasi-experimental component to examine the effect of vitamin C in Narghile smokers.  Statistical analysis included independent t-tests. Serum biomarker levels of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine and malondialdehyde were significantly higher in Narghile smokers than in non smokers (p < 0.0001). After vitamin C supplementation, malondialdehyde levels significantly decreased among smokers (p < 0.0001), whereas 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine levels markedly increased (p < 0.0001), indicating enhanced oxidative DNA damage. Total antioxidant capacity increased slightly, and serum vitamin C concentrations remained lower in smokers than in non-smokers throughout the study. Findings suggest that although vitamin C reduces lipid peroxidation, it paradoxically increases oxidative DNA damage in smokers, potentially due to a pro-oxidant effect mediated by smoke-related metal ions.