Hydrogen Peroxide Derived from Cigarette Smoke: “Pardon Impossible, to be Sent to Siberia”?

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is one of the most important constituents in the metabolic chain transforming cigarette smoke in the human organism. The present analytical review provides a survey of the state-of-art in the study of H2O2 chemistry and biochemistry (both as a reactive and signaling species) in the context of cigarette smoking, taking into account both endogenous and exogenous (environmental, dietary, etc.) sources of H2O2. Particular attention is given to the methodological problems of monitoring smoke-associated H2O2. Our analysis is of prime interest for understanding the various mechanisms of smoke-induced oxidative stress and for developing rational approaches for diminishing the risk factors for human health associated with cigarette smoking.