Type of research: basic Duration from: 01/01/91. to 12/31/96. Papers on project (total): 0
Institution name: Medicinski fakultet, Zagreb (108)
Communication
Summary: From 1991-1993 we have investigated biochemial
modifications in human placentas and blood plasma from nonsmoker and
smokergroups.We have examined level of proteins,thiocyanate and ascor- bic
acid in blood plasma and homogenate of women placenta.In mitochondrial and
ribosomal fraction of human placenta we have determined proteins,cytochrome
P-450 and enzymes rhodanese and cytochrome c oxidase.Smoking increased
thiocyanate and ascorbic acid level in women plasma and placentas.Strong
smokers had hig- her activity of cytochrome P-450 than nonsmokers in
placental mitochondria and ribosomes.At the same time strong smokers hada
less activity of enzymes rhodanese and cytochrome c oxidase. These results
show that smoking altered biochemical function of human placenta.
Keywords: Placenta,smoking,mitochondria,ribosomes,blood plasma,ascorbicacid,thiocyanate,cytochrome P-450,cytochrome c oxidase,rhodanese.
Research goals: It is known that smoking has harnful efect on human
health.Smo- king is very strong risk for developmet many cancers,artherio-
sclerosis and perinatal mortality.Our results show that humanplacenta is
very important organ for detoxication many compounds from tobacco smoke.We
have found that smoking in placenta increa- sed level of cytochrome P-450
which was a principal enzymatic system in organisam for detoxication of
xenobiotics in our environment. Free oxygen radicals are important
components for development many infetious and degenerative diseases.We
wish to determine activity of free oxygen radicals in the patients with
kidney damage and neurological insult. NADPH oxidatiom may become simple
test for detection of free radicals in biological samples. Other information about the project.