Evaluation of Glucosyltransferase B and secretory immunoglobulin A in relation to dental caries in saliva of electronic cigarette smokers

Abstract

Electronic cigarettes (vape) are actively used, and their use is growing globally. With e-cigarettes, users may get their recommended nicotine intake without burning tobacco. Research indicates that, compared to traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes offer a more effective nicotine delivery system and have fewer adverse effects on oral and general health. However, e-cigarettes are considered a good strategy to reduce the harmful effects of conventional cigarettes. Saliva contains many types of proteins, such as glucosyltransferase B, a bacterial-derived enzyme, and secretory immunoglobulin A, which play roles in immune responses that might be affected by electronic cigarettes. The goal of this study was to evaluate glucosyltransferase B and secretory immunoglobulin A in relation to dental caries in the saliva of electronic cigarette users ,and to study the impact of E.C. on oral health. Ninety active males were divided into two groups: 45 electronic-cigarette smokers in addition to 45 non-electronic-cigarette smokers as a control group. An oral examination was performed on the studied groups, and decayed missing filling tooth surfaces (DMFS) were documented. Additionally, unstimulated saliva was collected to evaluate salivary glucosyltransferase B and secretory immunoglobulin A by using a sandwich enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA). The obtained outcomes showed that decayed, missing, and filled Surfaces values(DMFS), salivary glucosyltransferase B, and salivary secretory immunoglobulin A were greater in the study group than in control group, and additionally, a correlation between glucosyltransferase B, secretory immunoglobulin A, and DMFS was positive and significant. It was concluded that e-cigarettes may have an effect on saliva components and dental caries.