Correlation between salivary glutathione, total antioxidant, and periodontal status among smokers and nonsmokers: A cross-sectional study

Aim: To estimate glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant (AO) levels in the saliva of smokers and nonsmokers and to establish a correlation with periodontal status. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 males (30 smokers and 30 nonsmokers) were part of the study. Salivary samples were collected by unstimulated method and were stored at 20 degrees C. Salivary GSH concentration was assessed using the enzymatic recycling method and AO levels by phosphomolybdate method spectrophotometrically. Periodontal status was assessed based on the CPITN index. Kruskal-Wallis H test, unpaired "t"-test, and Spearman's correlation coefficient were used to analyze the statistical significance. Results: The salivary GSH levels in smokers were lower than in nonsmokers. The mean salivary GSH levels of smokers were 10.22 mu M, whereas among nonsmokers was 12.99 mu M. The mean total AO level of smokers and nonsmokers was 181.18 and 162.58 mu gm/mL, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.02). Kruskal-Wallis H test showed to be statistically significant between the periodontal status of smokers and nonsmokers (P < 0.05). Conclusion: AO levels were significantly lower in smokers than in nonsmokers. The periodontal status showed a higher prevalence of calculus and shallow pockets among the smokers. The correlation of all three parameters showed statistical significance between salivary GSH and AO and periodontal status.