Biochemical indicators of oral fluid as markers for assessing the state of antioxidant-prooxidant systems in teenagers and young adults who smoke

Abstract

Diseases of periodontal tissues, despite the developed treatment and prevention complexes, remain an urgent problem not only in modern dentistry but also in medicine in general. Periodontal tissue diseases occur as a result of a number of factors, both local and general. The pathogenesis of periodontal tissue diseases is complex and multilevel, with an important link being the increase in lipid peroxidation, weakening of the antioxidant defense system, as well as disruption of all metabolic processes characteristic of this disease under the influence of various factors, including smoking. Normally, the body’s lipid peroxidation system - the antioxidant defense system is in a state of dynamic equilibrium, functioning on the principle of feedback, supported by a certain organization of plasma and cellular lipids, a dynamic system of phospholipids and cholesterol (determining the lipid level of oxidation of cell membranes), and is a leading indicator of the body’s adaptive capabilities.

Purpose - to study the biochemical parameters of oral fluid as markers for assessing the state of antioxidant and prooxidant systems in adolescent and young adult smokers.

Materials and methods. The biochemical parameters of oral fluid were studied in 114 adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24 years, who were divided into groups: the Group 1 included 26 people who regularly smoke traditional cigarettes; the Group 2 - 22 people who regularly smoke electronic cigarettes (vapes); the Group 3 - 23 people who regularly smoke tobacco heating devices (IQOS); the Group 4 - 43 people without a smoking habit. Biochemical parameters were studied: the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes, dyne conjugants (DCs) and thiobarbituric acid-reactive products (TBA-RPs).

Results. In patients of the Group 1, a decrease in the activity of superoxide dismutase in the oral fluid was found by 1.4 times compared with patients of the Group 4 (p<0.05); in patients of the Group 2 and the Group 3 - by 1.2 times, respectively (p<0.05). In patients of the Group 1, the enzyme activity was significantly reduced - by 2.6 times compared to patients of the Group 4 (p<0.05); in patients of the Group 2 and the Group 3 - by 1.8 times, respectively (p<0.05). In patients of the Group 1, an increase in the number of TBA-RPs was noted by 61% compared with patients of the Group 4; in patients of the Group 2 and the Group 3 - by 48% and 47%, respectively. In addition, the number of DCs in the oral fluid increased in the Group 1, as well as in the Group 2 and the Group 3 - by 29%, 17% and 15%, respectively, compared with the Group 4.

Conclusions. In adolescent and young adult smokers, there is an increase in lipid peroxidation, which is determined by an increase in TBA-RPs and the level of DCs in the oral fluid, and a decrease in antioxidant properties, which is manifested by a decrease in the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes, which can increase the destruction of membranes, disrupt their structural and functional properties, and therefore lead to the development and progression of dental diseases, including periodontal tissue diseases.

The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the participating institution. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies.

No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.