LAUSR

Background Inhalants are linked with numerous adverse health effects. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) could be one of the contributing factors. Literature suggests that intentional toluene inhalation causes a decrease in antioxidants and formation of ROS inducing oxidative stress. The present study evaluated the effect of oxidative stress among adolescent inhalant users seeking treatment at a tertiary care centre of India. Methods The study included individuals exposed to toluene (Group I) and healthy individuals with no history of drug use (Group II). Five ml of blood and thirty ml of urine was collected from each patient, meeting the inclusion criteria. Urinary Hippuric acid and serum concentrations of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Protein Carbonyls (PC), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanine (8-OHdG) Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity and Total Antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured using Gas liquid chromatography, spectrophotometry and ELISA techniques. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 22.0. Results A total of 134 male subjects (toluene exposed, n = 67 and unexposed, n = 67) were included. Mean Age for Group I and Group II were 14.8±2.12 and 14.7±2.02 years respectively. Mean hippuric acid concentration (mg/ml) in group I and II was found to be 1.6±1.8 and 0.3±0.3 (p Conclusion This indicates that toluene abuse is linked to oxidative stress. There is a need to create awareness among adolescent inhalant users about the adverse health effects of toluene use. Further studies with larger sample size are needed to clarify the biological significance of oxidative stress among inhalant users. Supported by National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, AIIMS, New Delhi and University Grants Commission, Government of India.