Influence of Electronic Cigarettes on Antioxidant Capacity and Nucleotide Metabolites in Saliva

Abstract

The balance between reactive oxygen species production and the activity of antioxidant systems present in saliva is an important element in maintaining oral environment homeostasis. E-cigarettes adversely affect the oral cavity and their cytotoxic effect is related to oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of using electronic cigarettes on antioxidant capacity of saliva. The study involved 110 subjects (35 e-cigarettes users, 33 traditional cigarettes smokers and 42 non-smokers). Laboratory analysis involved quantitation of uric acid, hypoxanthine, xanthine, TAOS (total antioxidant status) and TEAC (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity) in saliva. Lower values for TAOS and TEAC were observed among e-cigarettes users and traditional cigarettes smokers in comparison to non-smokers. Uric acid concentration tended to be higher among e-cigarettes users while no differences in hypoxanthine and xanthine saliva concentrations were observed. Electronic cigarettes usage affects antioxidant capacity of saliva to the same extent as traditional cigarettes, when comparing smokers to non-smokers. Further longitudinal studies on a larger study group are needed to assess the effect of changes in antioxidant status on oral health.

Influence of Electronic Cigarettes on Selected Physicochemical Properties of Saliva

“…The physicochemical properties of saliva can be affected by many factors, such as genetic disorders, including Turner syndrome [ 43 ] or diabetes and smoking [ 44 ]. It has been proven that chemical compounds found in tobacco smoke or e-cigarette vapor dissolve in saliva and pose an impact on its biochemical composition and function [ 29 , 30 , 45 ].…”

“…E-cigarettes can also cause adverse effects in the oral cavity [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ]. Periodontal tissues, such as gingival fibroblasts and periodontal ligaments, are directly exposed to e-cigarette vapor [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ].…”

“…The in vitro and in vivo research confirmed the cytotoxic effect of e-cigarette aerosol on the epithelial tissue of the oral cavity [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ], the induction of oxidative stress [ 28 ], and an increase in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines—PGE2, COX2, and IL-8 [ 20 ]. E-cigarette usage affects saliva, including saliva’s antibacterial [ 29 ] and antioxidant properties [ 30 ]. E-cigarette usage also have an impact on oral bacteria, which are essential for the maintenance of homeostasis in the oral cavity [ 31 ].…”

The Effects of E-Cigarette Aerosol on Oral Cavity Cells and Tissues: A Narrative Review

“…The changes in antioxidant capacity of saliva in e-cigarette users and cigarette smokers comparing to non-smokers were observed in a study by Cicho ńska et al ( 2021) [56]. The uric acid, hypoxanthine, xanthine, TAOS (total antioxidant status) and TEAC (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity) were determined in the samples of saliva patients.…”

“…The uric acid, hypoxanthine, xanthine, TAOS (total antioxidant status) and TEAC (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity) were determined in the samples of saliva patients. The antioxidant capacity of saliva was affected in the e-cig users in a similar degree as in cigarette smokers when compared to the saliva of non-smokers [56]. The impaired antioxidant function of saliva can stimulate the formation of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which play a role in the progression of periodontitis and destruction of tissue [57].…”