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.

A Retrospective Study to Evaluate Biopsies of Oral and Maxillofacial Lesions.

BACKGROUND: The clinical manifestations of these lesions comprises pain, paresthesia, swelling, drainage, tooth loss, root resorption, and facial deformity. Alteration in oral and maxillofacial (OMF) tissues of the lesions may cause esthetically and functionally unfavourable effects in patients. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of odontogenic cysts, tumors, and other lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patient's records of histopathological reports from the archives of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology were obtained and reviewed over a period of 2 years, and therefore, the lesions were classified into four groups. In cases of recurrent lesions, only the primary diagnosis was considered. The research protocol was approved by the ethical committee of the institution. RESULTS: About 56.4% of males had ameloblastoma, 54.9% of females had cementoma. 59.4% females had giant cell granuloma, 87.5% females had pyogenic granuloma, 77.2% females had osteoma, 65.1% of the female population were belongs to the benign fibro-osseous lesions and 50.2% of females were from fibrous dysplasia in group 3. About 58.8% females had squamous cell carcinoma in group 4. CONCLUSION: To adequately determine the prevalence and incidence rate of OMF lesions, biopsies performed by other specialists such as otolaryngologists and plastic surgeons in OMF regions should also be evaluated.