Urban air and tobacco smoke as conditions that increase the risk of oxidative stress and respiratory response in youth.

BACKGROUND: Air pollution and tobacco smoke can induce negative effects on the human health and often leads to the formation of oxidative stress. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to clarify the role of the urbanization degree and of passive exposure to tobacco smoke in the formation of oxidative stress. Thus, a group of non-smoking adolescents was recruited among those who live and attend school in areas with three different population densities. To each subject a spot of urine was collected to quantify 15-F2t isoprostane as a marker of oxidative stress and cotinine as a marker of passive exposure to tobacco smoke. Furthermore, respiratory functionality was also measured. RESULTS: Multiple linear regression analysis results showed a direct correlation (p<0.0001) of 15-F2t isoprostane with both the urbanization and passive smoke. Lung function parameters proved significantly lower for the subjects living in the most populous city of Torino. CONCLUSION: This remarks the negative effect that urbanization has on the respiratory conditions. Lastly, lung functionality presented a low inverse correlation with 15-F2t isoprostane, suggesting an independent mechanism than that of the urban factor.