A comparison of the generation of free radicals in saliva of active and passive smokers

Aim: To reveal any correlation between cigarette smoke and malondialdehyde (MDA) values in the saliva fluid of subjects who are active smokers or nonsmoking subjects who are exposed to cigarette smoke in their environments. Materials and methods: Saliva samples were taken from 3 groups: a control group (group 1), a group inhaling smoke passively (group 2), and a test group (group 3) smoking 20 cigarettes per day; each group consisted of 20 members, giving a total sample of 60 people, aged 20 to 45 years. MDA, which is an indicator of lipid peroxidation, was measured via the colorimetric method. Results: Salivary MDA levels in smokers were found to be significantly higher compared to the control group and the group of passive smokers (P < 0.05). When compared with the control group, the MDA levels of passive smokers and active smokers were higher; when passive and active smokers were compared, the MDA levels of active smokers were higher. When all 3 groups were compared, the MDA levels in the control group (nonsmokers) were observed to be lower than the MDA level of the other 2 groups. Conclusion: It was observed that lipid peroxidation, which is an indicator used to determine oxidative stress, and MDA level, which is a product of this reactive chain, are significantly higher in individuals who are smokers. Such a high level of MDA in passive smokers indicates that smoking also affects nonsmokers negatively.