Analysis of salivary amylase level in tobacco smokers with tobacco-associated mucosal lesions of the oral cavity: a case-control study

Saliva is the first biological fluid to come into contact with tobacco smoke in smokers. Upon contact with saliva, tobacco smoke increases the production of reactive nitrogen species, thereby altering enzymatic activity. As a result, the protective functions of saliva are impaired, contributing to the development of oral pathologies. Evidence suggests that there is alteration in salivary amylase level in smokers, however the views are divergent. Hence, this study was carried out with the aim to analyze salivary amylase level in tobacco smokers with tobacco associated mucosal lesions of the oral cavity. A total of 80 patients were selected and divided into two groups of 40 smokers with tobacco associated mucosal lesions of the oral cavity (Cases) and 40 smokers without tobacco associated mucosal lesions of the oral cavity (Controls). Unstimulated saliva was collected from these patients and amylase level was estimated using CNPG3 method. The mean salivary amylase activity was 981.77 U/mL in the case group and 1116.28 U/mL in the control group. Independent t test was used to compare amylase levels between the groups. A statistically significant difference in mean salivary amylase levels between the groups with p < 0.001 was observed. A statistically significant reduction in salivary amylase levels was observed in tobacco smokers with tobacco-associated oral mucosal lesions compared with tobacco smokers without lesions. Reduction in amylase level may indicate that smoking can predispose oral mucosa to tobacco associated lesions.