Estimation of lipid peroxides and antioxidants in smokers and non-smokers with periodontitis

AimThe aim of the study is to evaluate the relationship between cigarette smoking and periodontal damage in terms of free radicals and antioxidants.Materials and methods15 Male patients (non-smokers) with chronic periodontitis (age 25–55) and 15 male patients (smokers) with chronic periodontitis were selected as the experimental group; which is further subdivided as three groups based on the number of cigarettes smoked per day (group I: <10 cigarettes/day, group II: 10–30 cigarettes/day, group III: >30 cigarettes/day). During surgery, samples of blood were collected from test and control subjects and were subjected to the estimation of lipid peroxide, reduced Glutathione, Superoxide dismutase, Catalase and total Thiol.ResultsThe levels of Lipid peroxide (TBARS), Catalase, and total Thiol in plasma showed a significant increase in smokers than non-smokers in such a way that group III showed maximum level when compared to group I and II. The levels of Superoxide dismutase, and reduced Glutathione (GSH) in plasma showed a reduction in smokers when compared to non-smokers in which the least level was obtained in group III.ConclusionBased on the results of the present investigation it is concluded that smoking increases the level of free radicals in periodontal tissues, which in turn may be responsible for the destruction seen in periodontal disease.