Smokeless Tobacco Chewers Research Articles

Oral health and nicotine dependence in tobacco users visiting a Dental Institution in North India.

The cross-sectional study was intended to evaluate the oral health and nicotine dependence among tobacco users. Fagerstorm Test for Nicotine Dependence estimated nicotine dependence and clinically oral examination was performed in recording the dentition status, oral hygiene, gingivitis and periodontal health. Descriptive statistics was computed using mean, percentage and standard deviation. Association was estimated using Independent T Test. Binary logistic regression and multiple regression analysis was used in inferential statistics. In general, 55.3% had dental caries, followed by 92.6% having gingivitis and 7.4% had clinical attachment loss. Mean DMF was 2.60 (± 3.88) and the subjects mean oral hygiene score was 3.49 (± 1.11). The mean DMF score of tobacco users worsened with increasing age. Current smokers were 1.07 times more predisposed to get dental caries than former smokers and smokeless tobacco chewers had higher odds of 1.060 times to fall susceptible to dental caries than those smoking tobacco. Dependence on tobacco substantially worsened oral hygiene. Tobacco cessation practices shall be effectively enforced to minimize the burden of nicotine dependence.

Evaluation of Nicotine Dependence Among Smokeless Tobacco Users Using the Fagerstrom Nicotine Dependence Scale for Smokeless Tobacco.

The primary aim is to assess the nicotine dependence in a group of smokeless tobacco by using a six-questionFagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence for Smokeless Tobacco (FTND-ST) and to assess the nicotine dependence among three groups, namely Group - 1, who were exclusively pan masala, gutka chewers, Group - 2, who were exclusively Hans users, and Group - 3, who were exclusively betel quid with smokeless tobacco chewers. Only those who use smokeless tobacco in the age groups between 21 to 70 years were randomly selected. The total sample size is 100 patients. The age groups were divided into 21-28, 29-35, 36-42, 43-49, 50-56, 57-63, and 64-70. Informed consent was obtained from the participants of the study. The Hans chewers are predominantly females. Pan masala and gutka chewers are predominantly males. Smokeless tobacco chewers like pan masalawere found to have high mean nicotine dependence Fagerstrom score than Hans and betel quid with smokeless tobacco chewers.

Tobacco chewing and associated factors among a vulnerable youth population in Sri Lanka

BackgroundTobacco in any form kills millions of people every year. Tobacco addiction among youth shows an increasing trend while smokeless type is becoming more common. This study aimed to describe the lifestyle of chewing smokeless tobacco among a group of high-risk youth population in Sri Lanka.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 1431 youths aged between 15 to 24 years residing in urban slums in Colombo Sri Lanka, using a cluster sampling technique combined with probability proportionate to size technique. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Chewing smokeless tobacco was assessed using betel quid chewing and commercially prepared tobacco and areca nut packet chewing. Current chewer was defined as who had the practice of chewing during past 30 days.ResultsThe mean age of the study sample was 17.53 (95% CI: 17.40–17.65). Of the 1431 respondents, 57% were males and 43% were females. The prevalence of current smokeless tobacco chewers was 44.9% and among them 90.8% were males and 9.8% were females. Around 31.3% did not have smokeless tobacco chewing practice (Male-5.9%, Female-64.9%). Among the current smokeless tobacco chewers 21.5% chew both types of smokeless tobacco products and all of them were males. Male gender (OR 17.9; 11.4 -27.9) and ever smoking lifestyle (OR 4.4; 2.9–6.6) were significant determinants of current smokeless tobacco chewing lifestyle.Conclusion and recommendationsThe study shows a high prevalence of smokeless tobacco use by youth aged between 15 to 24 years who were residing in urban slum areas in the district of Colombo, in Sri Lanka, highlighting this target group for early intervention to reduce the uptake and promote the quitting of this practice.

Hypertension and its risk factors among the Shabar tribe: A community-based cross-sectional study in Odisha, India

In developing countries like India, the increasing trend of hypertension is one of the significant public health problems. In recent times, the Indian tribes are also experiencing a similar trend, which is rarely documented and less emphasized.
 The objectives of the present study are to assess the prevalence of hypertension among the Shabar tribe and to understand the association with some selected biological, behavioural and socio-economic factors. The data were collected from 816 individuals (389 males and 427 females, aged 20 to 60 years) in the Khurda and Cuttack districts of Odisha. Conventional methodologies were used to collect the cross-sectional data of blood pressure and other parameters.
 It was found that 9.2% of the respondents suffered from hypertension (SBP ≥ 140 and DBP ≥ 90 mmHg), and 12.3% had high normal blood pressure (SBP ≥ 130 and DBP ≥ 85 mmHg). The unadjusted odd ratios showed that the proportion of hypertension increased significantly as age increased. High normal blood pressure and hypertension were significantly higher in females and people who belonged to the high-income group and consumed more fat. The Shabar people who suffered from overweight and obesity, took extra salt during meals, smokers, smokeless tobacco chewers, and alcoholics were more vulnerable to hypertension and high blood pressure. Interestingly, the participants who perceived their fatty bodies and engaged in light activities were more likely to be hypertensive than their counterparts.
 Shabar people residing in Odisha state have shown increasing frequencies of hypertension with advancing age. A significant co-occurrence of higher body mass index (BMI), fewer physical activities, increased fat consumption, and changing habits relating behaviour to hypertension may be designated as potential risk factors.

Central Australian Aboriginal women's placental and neonatal outcomes following maternal smokeless tobacco, cigarette or no tobacco use

ObjectiveTo describe the placental characteristics and neonatal outcomes of Central Australian Aboriginal women based on maternal self‐report of tobacco use. MethodsPlacental and neonatal variables were collected from a prospective maternal cohort of 19 smokeless tobacco chewers, 23 smokers and 31 no‐tobacco users. ResultsChewers had the lowest placental weight (460 g) while the no‐tobacco group had the heaviest placental weight (565 g). Chewers and the no‐tobacco group had placental areas of similar size (285 cm2 and 288 cm2, respectively) while the placentas of smokers were at least 13 cm2 smaller (272 cm2). There were two stillbirths in the study and more than one‐third (36%) of neonates (newborns) were admitted to the Special Care Nursery, with the chewers’ neonates having a higher admission rate compared with smokers’ neonates (44% vs. 23%). The cohort mean birthweight (3348 g) was not significantly different between the groups. When stratified for elevated maternal glucose, the chewers’ neonates had the lowest mean birthweight (2906 g) compared to the neonates of the no‐tobacco group (3242 g) and smokers (3398 g). ConclusionsThis research is the first to demonstrate that the maternal use of Australian Nicotiana spp. (pituri) as smokeless tobacco may negatively impact placental and neonatal outcomes. Implications for public healthMaternal smokeless tobacco use is a potential source of placental and foetal nicotine exposure. Maternal antenatal screening should be expanded to capture a broader range of tobacco and nicotine products, and appropriate cessation support is required.

Serum metalloproteinase and urinary cotinine level in smokeless tobacco chewers

Serum metalloproteinase and urinary cotinine level in smokeless tobacco chewers

Identification of candida albicans and nonalbicans candida resistant species in tobacco users and oral squamous cell carcinoma patients: Comparison of HiCrome agar and automated VITEK 2 system.

Introduction:Candida is most common fungal pathogen in the immunocompromised and medically ill patients. Higher prevalence of Candida albicans has been reported in tobacco users and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients which may be due to immunosuppression. Recently, emergence of nonalbicans candida (NAC) species resistant to conventional antifungal treatment has been observed that requires accurate identification of organisms at species level for reduction of progression of suspicious oral lesions toward malignancy.Aims and Objectives:To detect and compare the prevalence of C. albicans and NAC species smokeless tobacco chewers, histopathologically confirmed oral squamous cell carcinoma patients and the normal individuals. Effectiveness of automated Vitek 2 system in comparison to HiCrome agar color media in the identification of the candida species was also evaluated.Methodology:One hundred and fifty patients (90 males, 60 females) aged between 20 and 76 years were divided into three groups: Group I individuals with habit of chewing Gutka, and betel quid/pan masala with or without tobacco, Group II individuals with clinically and histopathologically confirmed oral squamous cell carcinoma and Group III comprised of controls. Salivary samples were cultured on HiCrome agar color media and results were compared with those of Vitek 2 system in the accurate identification of candida species. Data were statistically analyzed and Chi-square test was used to estimate the effectiveness of color and Vitek method in the identification of candida species in all the three groups. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.RESULTS:HiCrome agar color method identified six candida isolates C. albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei and Candida glabrata isolates in all the three groups, with 0.00 unidentified organisms (P = 0.00001) whereas VITEK 2 system identified five isolates of candida; C. albicans, Candida famat, Candida ciferri, Candida gulleri, C. tropicalis, unidentified organisms were observed in 26% of subjects. Further confirmation by supplemental tests indicated the presence of two or three organisms of different species/or subspecies with low reactivity biopattern. Higher incidence of opportunistic infections was seen in Group II OSCC patients (P = 0.00001).Conclusion:The results suggested that there is shift toward NAC species, with higher species diversity in OSCC patients followed by gutka, betel quid/pan masala with or without tobacco users. Conventional agar media culture methods of species identification should be used in conjunction with automated Vitek 2 method for better control of candida-associated oral cancer.

Effect of vitamin C supplementation on hematological parameters in smokeless tobacco chewers

The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of Vitamin C (VC) supplementation on hematological parameters in Smokeless Tobacco (ST) chewers. A total of 338 subjects aged between 31 to 60 years (168 ST chewers and 170 ST non-chewers) participated in the present study. ST chewers were further divided into 3 subgroups with respect to ST chewing duration in years. Subjects of both the groups were examined at the baseline study and after 45 days of supplementation of 1 g of Vitamin C (VC) for hematological parameters. WBC count (p=0.04), granulocytes % (p=0.0007), HCT (p=0.01) and MCV (p=0.04) were significantly increased whereas, monocytes % (p=0.002) and platelet count (p&lt;0.0001) were significantly decreased in ST chewers as compared to controls. After supplementation of VC, WBC count (p&lt;0.001) and granulocytes % (p&lt;0.0001) were significantly decreased and lymphocytes % (p=0.008), monocytes % (p&lt;0.0001), RBC count (p=0.01) and Hb content (p=0.006) were significantly increased in ST chewers as compared to their baseline values. In conclusion, the use of ST had deleterious effects on hematological parameters; however, supplementation of 1 g of VC showed protective effects on hematological parameters.

Estimation of Salivary Malondialdehyde Levels in Smokeless Tobacco Chewers with Chronic Periodontitis-A Cross Sectional Clinico Biochemical Study

Objective: Despite the reported effects of smokeless tobacco (ST) on the periodontium and high prevalence of ST use in rural populations and in males studies on this specific topic are limited. The purpose of this cross-sectional investigation was to measure lipid peroxidation (as an end product of oxidative stress) end product i.e. Malondialdehyde (MDA) in saliva of patients with gingivitis, chronic periodontitis and to assess the influence of smokeless tobacco on Salivary Malondialdehyde (S-MDA). Materials and methods: Total 30 patients with gingivitis, 30 with chronic periodontitis and 30 Smokeless Tobacco Chewers with Chronic Periodontitis and 30 periodontally healthy subjects were included in the study. Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Probing Pocket Depth (PD), and Clinical Attachment Loss (CAL) were recorded followed by stimulated Saliva sample collection. Salivary MDA Levels were assessed by UV Spectrophotometry. Results: There was a statistically significant increase in the salivary MDA levels in gingivitis, chronic periodontitis and in smokeless tobacco chewers with chronic periodontitis when compared with healthy group. Conclusions: Higher salivary MDA levels in gingivitis group, chronic periodontitis, and smokeless tobacco chewers with chronic periodontitis reflects increasedoxygen radical activity during periodontal inflammation.

Effect of vitamin C supplementation on autonomic function tests in smokeless tobacco chewers

According to World Health Organization (WHO) report, tobacco is the single greatest cause of preventable death all over the world. Use of Smokeless Tobacco (ST) increases level of nicotine and autonomic effects throughout the day that are similar to smoking. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of ST on ratio, Sustained Handgrip test (SHG), serum (CTN) level and serum Vitamin C (VC) in ST chewers. Total 338 participants aged years were divided in two groups, ST chewers and ST non chewers (controls). ST chewers were further classified with respect to Smokeless Tobacco Chewing (STC) duration (years), frequency (times/day) and quantity (/ day). Participants were asked to consume 1000 mg of vitamin C for 45 days. ratio, SHG, serum CTN and serum VC levels were measured at the baseline study and after supplementation of VC. ratio (p= 0.006), DBP rise in SHG (p=0.002) and serum VC (p&amp;lt;0.001) levels were significantly decreased however, serum CTN (p&amp;lt;0.001) level was significantly increased in ST chewers as compared to controls. VC supplementation did not show any significant change in ratio and SHG however, serum CTN (p&amp;lt;0.001) level was significantly decreased and serum VC (p&amp;lt;0.001) level was significantly increased in ST chewers as compared to baseline values. Increased STC duration, frequency and quantity did not show any significant change in ratio and DBP rise in SHG in ST chewers. The use of ST is associated with decreased sympathetic activity and serum VC level as well as increased serum CTN level in tobacco chewers as compared to controls.

Assessment of nicotine dependence among tobacco chewers attending dental outpatient department in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Smokeless tobacco is most common form of tobacco addiction. Nicotine dependence plays important role in tobacco addiction. In the present study we try to study sociodemographic factors, type of smokeless tobacco use and its pattern and smokeless tobacco chewers and nicotine dependence among them.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted for six months and responses from 854 smokeless tobacco chewers were collected from dental OPD of Government Medical College and Hospital, Latur, Maharashtra. A structured questionnaire was designed and filled by face to face interview and responses were analysed.Results: Out of 854 study participants more than 50% i.e. 468 (54.80%) were in age group of 25-44 years. Illiterates compromised 27.87% of study participants. Almost one third (31.14%) of study participants started using smokeless tobacco before age of 18 years. Khaini or tobacco mixed with slaked lime is preferred type of smokeless tobacco by most of the smokeless tobacco users. Most common i.e. 51.87% of study participants consumed smokeless tobacco 5-9 times a day. Almost 50% of study participants i.e. 421 (49.30%) spent Rs 100-300 on smokeless tobacco per month. Nicotine dependence is seen in 38.20% of study participants.Conclusions: Smokeless tobacco use is prevalent before age of maturity among teenagers. Nicotine dependence is seen in almost one third of smokeless tobacco users. Determining nicotine dependence is an important step in tackling nicotine dependence.

Estimation of Salivary 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) as a Potential Biomarker in Assessing Progression towards Malignancy: A Case-Control Study.

Objective:Squamous Cell Carcinoma is almost always preceded by potentially malignant disorders in the oral cavity before malignant transformation. Characterization of 8-OHdG from the saliva offers a relatively non-invasive, simple and efficient methodology for monitoring oxidative stress in subjects of Premalignant oral disorders (PMOD) and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC). Hence the aim of the current study is to estimate the levels of salivary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) as a potential DNA Damage Biomarker in OSMF and OSCC patients in comparison to healthy individuals to assess disease progression from potentially malignant oral disorder to frank malignancy. Materials and Methods:The study was conducted among 90 patients [Oral Squamous cell carcinoma (n=30) and Oral Submucous Fibrosis (n=30) and healthy gender and age matched controls (n=30)]. 4ml of unstimulated saliva was collected from each of the subjects and was subjected to Sandwich ELISA for the quantification of salivary 8-OHdG. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA, and p value was set at ≤0.05. Results:The mean age of OSCC patients were 56.8±11.8 years. Smoking was the most prevalent adverse habit among this group (66.6%) followed by Smokeless tobacco chewers (40%). The mean age of OSMF patients was 46.2± 9.8 years. Smokeless tobacco was the most predominant habit among the OSMF patients (83.33%) followed by smoking (33.33%). The mean OHdG levels among the controls was 6.59±1.47 (ng/dl) and almost doubled in patients of OSMF 13.89±1.96(ng/dL) and further raised in OSCC patients 19.96 ± 2.11 (ng/dL). These levels showed a highly significant difference (p <0.0001) in mean on comparison by using one-way ANOVA. Pearson correlation between the groups were also statistically significant (p=0.000). Conclusion:There were significant differences in the concentration of salivary 8-OHdG between healthy controls, OSMF, and OSCC patients. Hence, 8-OHdG can be used as a novel biomarker of DNA damage to assess disease progression.

Do the Renal Function Parameters of Serum and Salivary Urea and Creatinine Alter in Smokeless Tobacco Chewers? A Case&amp;ndash;Control Study

ABSTRACT Aim To evaluate and correlate the salivary urea and creatinine levels to the serum levels in smokeless tobacco (SLT) chewers. Materials and methods The present study included 60 subjects, 30 SLT chewers, and 30 controls aged between 20 years and 60 years. Serum and salivary urea and creatinine levels were estimated using Berthelot-urease method enzymatic colorimetric method and modified Jaffe's method, respectively. Results The mean salivary urea, mean serum, and salivary creatinine levels were higher in SLT chewers (33.77 ± 15.04, 0.76 ± 0.17, and 0.17 ± 0.07 mg/dL, respectively) than controls (32.3 ± 14.73, 0.67 ± 0.15, and 0.13 ± 0.05 mg/dL, respectively). Although serum and salivary urea showed a strongly positive correlation (r = 0.654, p &lt; 0.001**) among SLT chewers and controls, no correlation was noted for serum and salivary creatinine (r = 0.098, p = 0.606). Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis revealed better sensitivity and specificity of serum and salivary creatinine than for urea among both SLT chewers and controls. Conclusion Salivary urea, serum, and salivary creatinine levels were higher among SLT chewers than controls showing that SLT can be nephrotoxic. Clinical significance Smokeless tobacco chewers can be assessed for early renal damage caused by the tobacco products using salivary parameters of urea and creatinine so that they can be counseled for the risk of renal diseases and referred appropriately. How to cite this article Basavarajappa S, Shahira. Do the Renal Function Parameters of Serum and Salivary Urea and Creatinine Alter in Smokeless Tobacco Chewers? A Case–Control Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2020;21(11):1222–1228.

Correlation between cotinine urinary levels & cardiovascular autonomic function tests among smokeless tobacco chewers: A cross-sectional study.

Background & objectives:Cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death worldwide is responsible for over 17 million deaths globally, of which 10 per cent deaths have been expected due to consumption of tobacco. The association between CVD and chewing of tobacco is limited and remains arguable. The aim of this study was to find out the correlation between urinary cotinine level and cardiovascular autonomic function tests of tobacco chewers.Methods:In the present study, 600 participants, 300 smokeless tobacco chewers (STC) and 300 non-tobacco chewers (NTC), between 18 and 65 yr were selected. Various parameters such as anthropometric, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), autonomic function tests and urinary cotinine levels were measured.Results:Significant difference (P<0.001) was noted in STC and NTC for anthropometric parameters, SBP, DBP and urinary cotinine levels. Sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic function test showed significant difference on comparison in STC and NTC groups, except in Valsalva ratio. Correlations with urinary cotinine levels were significant for sympathetic autonomic functions, SBP fall (r=0.138, P=0.016), DBP rise (r=−0.141, P≤0.014); parasympathetic autonomic function, heart rate (HR) response to standing (r=−0.208, P≤0.003), deep breathing (r=−0.473, P≤0.001) and Valsalva ratio (r=−0.396, P≤0.0001).Interpretation & conclusions:Correlation between urinary cotinine levels and autonomic function tests elucidates the linkage involving autonomic nervous system damage which can be considered as an important associated relationship for early diagnosis of CVD health risk factors among smokeless tobacco (ST) users.

Association between Urinary Cotinine Levels and Buccal Mucosal Micronuclei Cells of Smokeless Tobacco Chewers Attending a Tertiary Care District Hospital

Association between Urinary Cotinine Levels and Buccal Mucosal Micronuclei Cells of Smokeless Tobacco Chewers Attending a Tertiary Care District Hospital

Prevalence of Dental Caries among Smoking and Smokeless Tobacco Users Attending Dental Hospital in Eastern Region of Uttar Pradesh.

Introduction:The relationship of tobacco use to dental caries is still unclear. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between smoking and smokeless tobacco usage and prevalence of dental caries and its pattern in the Varanasi population.Materials and Methods:In this study, 472 elderly dentate and consenting individuals were included. Individuals were examined with the aid of mouth mirror, No. 23 explorer, and cotton rolls. The age of the study group ranged from 16 years to 75 years. Individuals were categorized as smoking tobacco users, smokeless tobacco users, and the combination of these two. Frequency and dosage of tobacco usage was recorded. Dental caries was measured using decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index. Oral hygiene practices such as mode, material, and frequency of brushing were also recorded. Data were assessed using SPSS 17.0 using Chi-square, t-test, ANOVA test, and binary regression.Results:Caries rate was similar in both males and females (2.57 and 2.70), and the difference was not statistically significant. Caries was higher in individuals with habits when compared to those who were not having habits. There was no statistically significant association between individuals who were smokers, using smokeless tobacco, frequency, mode, and material of brushing with caries pattern. Among smokers, DMFT increased with frequency and duration of smoking, and it was statistically significant; however, in smokeless tobacco users, this was not the case. There was a positive correlation with DMFT and frequency of smoking.Conclusion:The study has shown that tobacco habit is a risk factor for increased caries activity, and it is higher in smokers as compared to smokeless tobacco chewers.

Effect of vitamin C supplementation on serum Cotinine, MDA and vitamin C levels in smokeless Tobacco chewers

Smokeless tobacco is a commonly used drug in the world. Tobacco use in any form is a rising crisis for the population in developing countries. Tobacco contributes significantly to oxidative stress induced morbidity and mortality. The study was aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin C supplementation on serum cotinine, malondialdehyde (MDA) and serum vitamin C level in smokeless tobacco (ST) chewers. In addition, the study was aimed to evaluate the effect of duration of tobacco chewing on above-said parameters. A total number of 338 healthy participants of aged between 31 to 60 years were classified into two groups comprising of tobacco chewers and tobacco non-chewers. Tobacco chewers group further divided into three subgroups with respect to tobacco chewing duration. Participants were asked to take 1000 mg of vitamin C daily for 45 days. Serum cotinine, MDA and serum vitamin C were measured in all the participants before and after supplementation of vitamin C. Serum cotinine (p&lt;0.001) and MDA (p&lt;0.001) were significantly increased whereas serum vitamin C level (p&lt;0.001) was significantly decreased in smokeless tobacco chewers as than to controls. However, serum cotinine (p&lt;0.001) and MDA (p&lt;0.001) were significantly decreased whereas vitamin C (p&lt;0.001) level was significantly increased in both the groups after supplementation of vitamin C as compared to before. It was observed that the changes become more prominent with increased smokeless tobacco consumption duration. Daily intake of vitamin C may be beneficial to restore the oxidant-antioxidant balance in tobacco chewers.

Association between Urinary Cotinine Levels and Buccal Mucosal Micronuclei Cells of Smokeless Tobacco Chewers Attending a Tertiary Care District Hospital

Association between Urinary Cotinine Levels and Buccal Mucosal Micronuclei Cells of Smokeless Tobacco Chewers Attending a Tertiary Care District Hospital

Pathway based prognostic gene expression profile of buccal and gingivo-buccal oral squamous cell carcinoma in smokeless tobacco chewers.

The objective was to study comprehensive mRNA expression profiles of buccal mucosa oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC-BM) and gingivo-buccal OSCC (OSCC-GB) in smokeless tobacco chewers to understand the biological behavior of OSCC at these specific sites and identify diagnostic and prognostic markers. High throughput RNA sequencing transcriptome of fresh buccal mucosa (4 samples) and gingivo-buccal (4 samples) OSCC with normal oral mucosa (3 samples) was performed on Illumina NextSeq500 paired end sequencing with 75x2bp. In the comparison between OSCC and normal, there were 402 differentially expressed genes (DEGs); between OSCC-BM and normal, there were 467 DEGs; and between OSCC-GB and normal oral tissue, there were 608 DEGs. Pathway-based analysis of gene expression was done. The inflammation mediated by chemokine and cytokine signaling pathway had the maximum gene hits. FZD2 and its interactions with the cadherins have a role in invasion and metastasis. immunosurveillance is evident in OSCC-GB with the downregulation of CADM1.

Assessment of periodontal status in smokeless tobacco chewers and nonchewers among industrial workers in North Bengaluru

Introduction: More than one-third of the tobacco consumed in India is of smokeless form. While the smokeless tobacco (ST) products have been strongly associated with oral cancer, the association between ST and periodontal disease is less clear. The present study was conducted on industrial workers because in premises, there is a ban on smoking tobacco and hence workers tend to consume more of ST products. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess periodontal status in ST chewers and nonchewers among industrial workers in North Bengaluru. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 800 industrial workers (400 ST chewers and 400 nonchewers) of North Bengaluru. Information regarding ST habits was obtained using the Global Adult Tobacco Survey questionnaire, followed by clinical examination to assess periodontal status using the community periodontal index and attachment loss. The comparison between chewers and nonchewers was done using Pearson's Chi-square test. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the difference of periodontal status and loss of attachment (LOA) between chewers and nonchewers. Results: ST chewing habit was observed the maximum (46.5%) among age group 25–44 years. Most of male chewers had habit of chewing gutkha followed by khaini, and majority of the female chewers were using khaini followed by betel nut quid. A significantly higher prevalence of bleeding on probing and calculus was found among nonchewers. ST chewers had 2.06 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.55–2.75) times more risk of developing periodontal pockets and 2.23 (95% CI: 1.68–2.98) times more risk of having LOA when compared with nonchewers. Conclusions: ST has deleterious effects on the periodontium. Hence, it is one of the important risk factors for periodontal disease.