A study on the correlation between smoking and non-enzymatic antioxidant factors of the saliva of healthy smokers and non-smokers

Abstract

Objective: Smoking is among the most destructive habit which has numerous effects on the body. The chemical competent of cigarettes destroy the anti-oxidant content of the saliva. In this study, the concentration of albumin and uric acid of smokers was measured based on the frequency of smoking. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 26 heavy smokers, 27 moderate smokers and 29 non-smokers between the ages of 25 to 40 were selected. The subjects did not suffer from any systemic or periodontal conditions. Unstimulated saliva was collected by spitting. The amount of albumin was measured by Bromocresol Green, and the amount of uric acid was measured by the uricase method. The selected method of analysis, using SPSS software, was One-Way ANOVA. Results: Mean albumin content of saliva was 10.22 ± 2.10 mg/dl in non-smokers and 23.88 ± 8.93 mg/dl in heavy smokers. Both uric acid and albumin content was significant in heavy smokers and non-smokers (P=0.001). Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study, saliva concentrations of both Albumin and Uric Acid change based on the frequency of smoking. Decrease of saliva albumin and an increase of uric acid is an indicator of the unhealthy effects of smoking on the body.

KEYWORDS
Uric Acid; Albumin; Saliva; Cigarette Smoking; Oxidative stress.