Effects of smoking on trace metal levels in saliva

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To compare the salivary levels of trace metals between non-smokers and smokers using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The effect of pretreatment methods on the accuracy of ICPMS analysis and daily variations in trace metal levels in saliva were also investigated. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The participants were 10 male non-smokers (mean age: 27.4 ± 3.4 years) and 30 male smokers (mean age: 26.5 ± 4.1 years). Unstimulated whole saliva was collected. Salivary flow rate, the number of metal restorations in the oral cavity, the level of blood contamination in the saliva and the levels of cotinine and trace metals in the saliva of each participant were determined. RESULTS: Direct dilution of saliva samples with nitric acid showed the most accurate ICP-MS results. Trace metal levels in saliva showed wide daily variations. They were not affected by the number of metal restorations. Trace metal concentrations of saliva samples without blood contamination were much lower than the previously reported values. Salivary levels of cotinine and aluminum were significantly increased in smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Saliva can be a medium for trace metal analysis. Salivary levels of cotinine and aluminum can be useful markers to evaluate smoking status. ⓒ 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.