[Studies of lysozyme activity in the saliva of workers in the drug industry]. / Badania aktywnosci lizozymu w slinie osób zatrudnionych w zakladach przemyslu farmaceutycznego.

The aim of this study was to examine the lysozyme activity in saliva of pharmaceutic industry workers in whom pathologic changes in the oral cavity were previously diagnosed. The study was carried out in the Pharmaceutic Plant "Polfa" in Stargard Gdanski at the departments of sulphonamides, acetylsalicylic acid and various syntheses. The study comprised 94 workers from whom resting saliva samples were collected 2-3 hours after breakfast. The lysozyme activity was determined using the modified Litwack method, while proteins were examined using the Lawry method. Our examinations have demonstrated a higher enzyme activity in pharmaceutic industry workers as compared to the control group. The highest lysozyme activity was recorded at the sulphonamides department.

[Clinical picture of dentition, periodontium and mouth mucosa in pharmaceutical industry workers]. / Obraz kliniczny uzebienia, przyzebia i blony sluzowej jamy ustnej u pracowników zakladów farmaceutycznych.

The studies involved 94 workers of one of pharmaceutical plants producing sulphonamides, aspirin, and psychotropic drugs. The subjects exhibited higher rate of stomatopathies, as compared to controls. The greatest exposure to hazards occurred at the Division of Sulphonamides where numerous cases of leukoplakia and oral mucosa inflammation, probably of allergic origin, were noted. The need for a better dental care for workers, especially within adaptation to environmental conditions was pointed out.

[Activity of acid phosphatase in saliva of industrial workers exposed to fluorine compounds]. / Badania aktywnosci fosfatazy kwasnej w slinie pracowników przemyslu narazonych na dzialanie zwiazków fluoru.

Assuming that fluorine is a strong inhibitor of phosphatases, the activity of acid phosphatase in the saliva of 42 phosphorus fertilizers plant workers was studied. The workers were chronically exposed to fluorine compounds. Saliva had been collected for studies before the workers entered the productive plant and after the 1st and 2nd working hour. Enzyme activity was determined by Bessey and Lowry's method and was related to both the volume of the saliva and total protein level. The studies revealed a significant decrease in the activity of acid phosphatase after the 1st and 2nd working hour in those working in the division with a higher exposure to fluorine compounds. The results of these studies were confirmed by in vitro studies carried out additionally. Taking into account biological activity of acid phosphatase it seems that the observed phenomenon of inhibiting enzymatic activity may be connected with the frequency of parodontopathy in the studied group of workers. The results of these studies may be used for working out a biological test of workers' exposure.