Comparison of Thiocyanate Levels in Tobacco Users: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Saliva, composed of over 99% water, serves as a diagnostic fluid for conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and hepatitis. It is easily accessible and non-invasive. Tobacco smoke contains harmful gases, including cyanide, which metabolizes into thiocyanate (SCN−), a key biomarker of smoke inhalation linked to neurological damage, delayed wound healing, and periodontal disease.Objectives: To investigate and compare thiocyanate as a biochemical marker in smokeless tobacco user, smoked tobacco users and non-tobacco users. Materials and Methods: Following standard protocols five (5) ml saliva was collected by spit method technique as per Navazesh et al from 234 subjects. Supernatants of saliva were achieved by centrifuging collected saliva at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes. For evaluation of salivary SCN level, 0.5ml of salivary supernatant was dissolved in 5 ml of Ferric nitrate (Fe [NO3]3) forming dark red color of the mix in presence of thiocyanate. Ultra-violet spectrophotometry of solution was done at 447 nm wavelength. Data were checked for its normality, ANOVA was applied for significance amongst various groups and T-test was applied for comparison between groups. Results: Mean salivary thiocyanate levels amongst Non-tobacco users, Smokeless tobacco users and Smoked tobacco users were 1.92 mM, 2.25 mM and 2.76 mM respectively. Smoked tobacco users had the highest thiocyanate levels, followed by smokeless tobacco users, with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.043).Conclusion: Salivary thiocyanate levels were significantly higher in tobacco users than non-users, with the highest levels in smoked tobacco users.Keywords: Antioxidant, Saliva, Smokeless Tobacco, Thiocyanate.