| abstract: Objectives: Saliva contains alkaline phosphatase (ALP)—a key intracellular enzyme related to
destructive processes and cellular damage—and has buffering capacity (BC) against acids due to the presence
of bicarbonate and phosphate ions. Smoking may have deleterious effects on the oral environment due to pH
changes which can affect ALP activity. This study aimed to evaluate the salivary pH, BC and ALP activity of male
smokers and healthy non-smokers. Methods: This retrospective cohort study took place between August 2012
and December 2013. A total of 251 healthy male non-smokers and 259 male smokers from Hamadan, Iran, were
selected. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected from each participant and pH and BC were determined using a
pH meter. Salivary enzymes were measured by spectrophotometric assay. Results: Mean salivary pH (7.42 ± 0.48
and 7.52 ± 0.43, respectively; P = 0.018) and BC (3.41 ± 0.54 and 4.17 ± 0.71; P = 0.001) was significantly lower
in smokers compared to non-smokers. Mean ALP levels were 49.58 ± 23.33 IU/L among smokers and 55.11 ±
27.85 IU/L among non-smokers (P = 0.015). Conclusion: Significantly lower pH, BC and ALP levels were observed
among smokers in comparison to a healthy control group. These salivary alterations could potentially be utilised as
biochemical markers for the evaluation of oral tissue function and side-effects among smokers. Further longitudinal
studies are recommended to evaluate the effects of smoking on salivary components. |