Comparison of Total Antioxidant Capacity and Vitamin C in smokers and non-smokers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate salivary antioxidant`s levels in smokers in comparison to non-smokers. Few studies have shown the role of oxidative stresses in smokers. Decreased antioxidant`s level can be one of the etiologic factors of oral Mucosal lesions. With consideration of the importance of saliva and it`s defense system such as antioxidants and minerals in creation of different disease and destructive effects of cigarette smoking and lack of researches about this topic, we have assessed the effect of cigarette`s smoking on saliva`s antioxidants.Method and Materials: In this descriptive analytical study that was done in Tabriz, 5 ml unstimulated saliva by spitting method from 50 smokers and 50 healthy nonsmokers was collected. Then the levels of salivary antioxidants in smokers and non-smokers were assessed separately. These antioxidants are as follows: total antioxidant, Vit.C. Data was analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistical methods and SPSS.16 software.Results: Average total antioxidant capacity in smokers' saliva was 1.87 ± 0.49 mol/dL and the mean vitamin C was 1.60±0.30 mg/dl. Average total antioxidant capacity in smokers' saliva was4.10±0.73 mo/dL and the mean vitamin was 1.22±0.22 mg/dl. T-test showed that this difference was statistically significant.Conclusion: Total antioxidant capacity and vitamin C in smokers' saliva was less than non- smokers' saliva.