Saliva of patients with Type 1 diabetes: effect of smoking on activity of lysosomal exoglycosidases

Abstract

The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of smoking on the activity of N-acetyl-beta-hexosaminidase (HEX), its isoenzymes A (HEX-A) and B (HEX-B) and beta-galactosidase (GAL), in the saliva of patients with Type 1 diabetes. In the supernatant HEX and its isoenzymes A and B, and beta-galactosidase were determined by the method of Chatteriee et al in modification of Zwierz et al (mKat kg(-1) of protein). Protein was determined by the Lowry et al method (mg ml(-1)). The results presented here suggest that diabetes and smoking modify activity of HEX and its isoenzymes, but only combination of diabetes and smoking give a significant increase in the specific activity of HEX and its isoenzymes. Type 1 diabetes slightly changes the composition of saliva. Smoking cigarettes significantly modifies the composition and properties of saliva in healthy individuals and patients with Type 1 diabetes.