Study of Biomarkers for Oxidative Stress in Smokers versus Non-Smokers
Study Summary
The University of Chicago and Dr. Vanden Hoek are conducting a research study to measure how the body reacts to cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke contains "oxidants", chemicals that can be very destructive to your body. We currently do not fully understand the effects of oxidants on systems of the body. This research is being done to understand how the body defends itself from oxidants. This is important because cigarette smoke leads to destruction of certain parts of the body like in the lung. When the major parts of the lung are destroyed, it is hard for you to breathe. This is what happens in the disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which usually results after years of smoking. Besides understanding certain effects of cigarette smoke on the body, this study also hopes to gain insight on how oxidants may play a role in other diseases. For example, it has been found that when people are revived from a heart attack, they have abnormally high amounts of oxidants in their body. Figuring out how the body deals with oxidants may help us to counteract their destructive effects. Thus this may assist us in helping heart attack patients live longer or prevent diseases like COPD. Therefore, this cigarette smoking study may give us a glimpse into how the body defends itself against a highly reactive and destructive substance, oxidants.
The study involves one, two-hour visit for non-smokers and two, two-hour visits for smokers. Procedures that will be done include a brief physical examination, blood and urine testing, and questionnaires. Smokers will be required to smoke three cigarettes in 30 minutes on the second visit.
You will receive compensation for participating in this study.
Benefits
If you agree to take part in this study, there will not be direct medical benefit to you. We hope the information learned from this study will aid in our understanding of the effects of smoking on the body.
Participation Details
Initial selection criteria include:
- Must be between the ages of 25 and 45 years
- Have never smoked or currently a smoker
- Must not be pregnant
Study Director: Dr. Terry Vanden Hoek
Department: Emergency Resuscitation Center
For more information contact:
dwalsh@medicine.bsd.uchicago.edu
(773) 702-8828
IRB: #15898A
