Comparison of salivary PH, buffering capacity and alkaline phosphatase in smokers and healthy non-smokers

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

Can aspirin protect or at least attenuate gentamicin ototoxicity in humans?

To investigate and prove that Aspirin as an antioxidant protects, or at least attenuates Gentamicin ototoxicity in humans. A prospective, randomized, double-blind trial was conducted in 60 patients that completed all requirements. This study was conducted in the Department of Otolaryngology and Orthopedics, Besat Hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran, between December 2007 and November 2008. The patients were divided into 2 groups, the experimental and the control groups that were similar with respect to gender, age, and weight. The treatment group received 1.5 g/day [500 mg every 8 hours] Aspirin, and the control group received placebo similar to the other group. Comparison of the pure tone audiometry [PTA] at 1000 Hertz [Hz] [p=0.03], 2000 Hz [p=0.003], 4000 Hz [p=0.001], and 8000 Hz [p=0.0010] showed significant differences between mean of PTA at the beginning, 8th, and 15th day. The threshold of PTA at 250Hz was significantly different only at the 8th and 15th day [p=0.004], also at the frequency of 500Hz, the difference between the beginning within 15th day and 8th day with 15th day was significant [p=0.001]. In the present study, we had shown that Aspirin can protect the ototoxic effect of gentamicin in patients

Study of oxidative stress in type 2 diabetic patients and its relationship with glycated hemoglobin

To evaluate the activity of antioxidant enzymes in diabetic patients and also to determine the correlation between hyperglycemia and lipid peroxidation. Thirty patients with type 2 diabetes and 30 healthy individuals [control group] participated in this case-control study. The patients were referred to Sina Hospital, Hamadan, Iran from April to June 2006. Glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] was measured as a marker of hyperglycemia using the chromatography method [Biosystem] and malondialdehyde [MDA] was determined using the colorimetric method. Glutathione peroxidase [GPx] and superoxide dismutase [SOD] activity were assessed using the UV-Vis spectrophotometric technique [Randox kit]. The mean of HbA1c was higher in diabetic patients compared to the healthy group, and the difference was statistically significant [p<0.001]. Serum MDA in diabetics was higher compared to those of healthy subjects [p<0.001]. There were significant differences in activities of SOD and GPx between the 2 studied groups indicating lower activity in diabetic patients [p<0.001]. There was a significant relationship between MDA and HbA1c in diabetic and healthy subjects. The data showed an increase in lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in diabetes and also indicated a positive correlation between the degree of hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. Evaluation of oxidative status and choosing the appropriate treatment may help to support antioxidant defense in these patients