Levels of salivary thiocyanate and its relation with occurrence of micronuclei using exfoliative cytology in smokers and nonsmokers.

Aims: To evaluate the levels of salivary thiocyanate and its relation with the occurrence of micronuclei (MN) using exfoliative cytology in smokers and nonsmokers. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty patients were divided into 3 groups: nonsmoker group 1 (control), smokers group 2, and smokers group 3. Their saliva was collected and analyzed for thiocyanate levels, and exfoliative cytology was evaluated for the presence of MN. Statistical Analysis Used: Fisher’s exact test and ANOVA test were used. Results: It was seen that as the grade of smoking increased, the levels of salivary thiocyanate and occurrence of MN increased. Conclusions: Detection and quantification of “biomarkers” such as salivary thiocyanate and MN in noninvasive and painless procedures such as oral exfoliative cytology can be an upcoming research domain in the field of cancer prevention and therapeutics.

Estimation and correlation of salivary thiocyanate levels in periodontally healthy subjects, smokers, nonsmokers, and gutka‑chewers with chronic periodontitis.

Aim: This study was conducted to estimate and correlate salivary thiocyanate (SCN) levels in periodontally healthy subjects, smokers, nonsmokers, and gutka‑chewers with chronic periodontitis. Methodology: The study population consisted of 40 systemically healthy subjects in the age group of 18–55 years that was further divided into four groups: Control, smokers, nonsmokers, and gutka‑chewers with chronic periodontitis. Gingival index (GI) (Loe and Silness‑1963), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss was assessed. Estimation of SCN was performed by ultraviolet spectrophotometer at 447 nm wavelength. Statistical analysis was performed using the one‑way ANOVAs Welch test and Pearson’s correlation test using SPSS version 17 software. Results: Results showed statistically significant increase in SCN levels in smokers as compared to gutka‑chewers with chronic periodontitis, control, and nonsmokers with chronic periodontitis subjects. Significantly higher PD and loss of attachment were seen in smokers group compared with other groups. A negative correlation observed between the GI and thiocyanate levels. Conclusion: The present study revealed a significant increase in SCN levels in smokers with periodontitis as compared to nonsmokers.