Influence of cigarette smoking on blood and salivary super oxide dismutase levels among smokers and non‐smokers

Abstract

To determine the influence of smoking on the blood and salivary superoxide dismutase levels among smokers, and to demonstrate the significance in alterations in the levels of superoxide dismutase in association with patient age, periodontal disease status, and duration and smoking frequency. Sixty healthy male patients (aged 20-60 years) constituted the target population. Blood and saliva samples were collected, and the periodontal index was measured using a Community Periodontal Index probe. Blood and salivary superoxide dismutase levels were calculated with the reagents prepared, and values were measured in a UV spectrophotometer. There was a significant decrease in mean superoxide dismutase levels with an increase in age and smoking duration and frequency (0.23-0.05 U/mL). There was a range of 0.31-0.06 U/mL variation in the mean superoxide dismutase levels as the periodontal disease condition deteriorated. There was a significant reduction in the superoxide dismutase levels in the blood and saliva of smokers with increased duration and frequency of smoking, and as the periodontal disease condition worsened. Thus, this study emphasizes the importance of saliva as an easy, non-invasive procedure in the diagnosis of patients who are more prone to precancerous lesions and conditions, and its importance in patient education and motivation programs for smoking cessation.