Assessment of Salivary Catalase, a-Amylase, and Cotinine Levels in Chronic Smokers: A Comparative Study.

INTRODUCTION

One of the common practices observed in many parts of the world is smoking, of which tobacco forms an important constituent which is burned and inhaled. Smoking is known to have potential effect on body's immune system, antioxidants level, and salivary cotinine levels. Hence, we planned the present study to evaluate the impact of cigarette smoke on salivary anti-oxidant levels and cotinine levels in smokers and nonsmokers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study included assessment of salivary parameters of smokers and nonsmokers. A total of 400 subjects were analyzed, of which 200 were active smokers and 200 were nonsmokers. Unstimulated salivary samples were taken and assessment of a-amylase levels was done using biochemical kit and spectrophotometer. Assessment of salivary catalase (CAT) activity was done using Luck method. For the determination of cotinine levels, Bioassay Technology Laboratory kit was used using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. After the assessment of levels of all the salivary parameters, all the data were recorded, compiled, and analyzed.

RESULTS

a-Amylase in smokers and nonsmokers group was found to be 206.25 and 169.85 U/mL respectively. Nonsignificant results were obtained while comparing the salivary a-amylase levels among the two study groups. Nonsignificant results were obtained while comparing the salivary CAT levels among the smokers and nonsmokers group. We observed statistically significant results while comparing mean cotinine levels among smokers group and nonsmokers group.

CONCLUSION

Alteration in cotinine levels occurs in smokers in comparison to nonsmokers.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Smoking can cause harmful effect on the oral mucous membrane by altering salivary defense components.