Accuracy of cotinine serum test to detect the smoking habit and its association with periodontal disease in a multicenter study

Effect of Smoke Exposure on Gene Expression in Bone Healing around Implants Coated with Nanohydroxyapatite

This study evaluated the effect of smoke exposure on the expression of genes related to bone metabolism in implants coated with nanohydroxyapatite (NHA). A total of 36 rats were exposed to cigarette smoke for 60 days. The animals were allocated into three groups: machined implants (MAC), dual acid-etched implants (DAE), and NHA-coated implants (NHA). Implants were installed in the left tibia of the rats after 30 days of smoke exposure. The implants were retrieved 7 and 30 days after implantation, and the adjacent bone analyzed using a real-time polymerase chain reaction for gene expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteopontin (OPN), receptor activator of the nuclear factor kappa ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), the RANKL/OPG ratio, osteocalcin (OCN) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2). After 7 days, Runx2, OPN and OPG expression demonstrated significantly higher levels for the NHA surface treatment relative to DAE and MAC surfaces. NHA presented the lowest RANKL and RANKL/OPG levels. After 30 days, NHA-coated implants showed significantly higher levels of Runx2, ALP, OPN, OPG, OC, RANKL and RANKL/OPG relative to DAE and MAC implants. The results indicated a greater osteogenic and high osteoclastic activity around NHA implants, in comparison to DAE and MAC implants.

Antibody response of smokers to the COVID-19 vaccination: Evaluation based on cigarette dependence

Smokers may have lower antibody titers after vaccination with a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccine. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has evaluated antibody titers after COVID-19 vaccination based on the level of smokers' cigarette dependence. In this study, we measured the level of serum anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (anti-SARS-CoV-2) spike protein receptor-binding domain (S-RBD) immunoglobulin-G (IgG) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay of 55 actively smoking Japanese social workers (firefighters, paramedics, and rescue workers) who had received two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine. Further, we assessed their cigarette dependence using the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), measured their serum cotinine levels, and tested for their correlation with anti-RBD IgG levels. Serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD protein IgG levels after BNT162b2 vaccination showed a significant negative correlation with FTND (ρ = -0.426, p = 0.001). In addition, serum cotinine level showed a significant positive correlation with FTND (ρ = 0.470, p = 0.000). However, no significant negative correlation was noted between serum cotinine and serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD protein IgG levels (ρ = -0.156, p = 0.256). Our results suggest that smokers with strong cigarette dependence have inadequate anti-SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD protein IgG levels after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination.

Demographic and Habitual Factors of Periodontal Disease among South Indian Adults

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of a set of sociodemographic and habits measures on estimating periodontal disease among south Indian adults. This cross-sectional study was carried out among 288 individuals above 18 years old in Tamil Nadu, India. The outcome of the study was periodontal disease, measured by WHO criteria. The covariates were age, ethnicity, smoking and alcohol habit. The assessment of factors predicting periodontal disease was carried out by multiple logistic regression analysis using R version 3.6.1. The demographic factors like age group (AOR = 3.56; 95% CI 1.69-7.85), ethnicity (AOR = 6.07; 95% CI 2.27-18.37), non-alcoholic (AOR = 0.31; 95% CI 0.13-0.64) and non-smoking (AOR = 0.33; 95% CI 0.15-0.67) were found to be associated with the outcome. The maximum log likelihood estimate value was -30.5 and AIC was 385 for the final model, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the periodontal disease was 0.737. We can conclude that sociodemographic factors and habits were useful for predicting periodontal diseases.

Association between Urinary Triclosan and Serum Testosterone Levels in U.S. Adult Males from NHANES, 2011-2012

Triclosan was introduced into the market in the 1970s and has since been used as an antimicrobial agent in a diverse array of consumer and personal care products. Although it has been widely used over a number of years, there is growing concern and debate over its safety and efficacy and its potential as an endocrine disruptor. Although prior animal toxicology studies have shown an association between triclosan and decreased testosterone levels, human studies have been limited, particularly for adult men. Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (NHANES, 2011-2012), we examined the association of urinary triclosan on testosterone levels in adult men 18-65 years of age. Multivariable linear regression analysis failed to show an association between triclosan and serum testosterone (β = 0.0003, p = 0.98, 95% CI = -0.024, 0.025). The results suggest there is no association or that triclosan concentrations are too low to cause a significant impact on testosterone levels. Additionally, longitudinal studies would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the direction of change and magnitude of causal relationships over time.

Effects of Nicotine Gum Administration on Vision (ENIGMA-Vis): Study Protocol of a Double-Blind, Randomized, and Controlled Clinical Trial

Studies reported that tobacco addiction was related to visual impairments, but one unresolved issue is whether the impairments are related to the many compounds existing in the cigarettes or to the effects of nicotine. On the other hand, nicotine gum can be used as replacement therapy or as a neuroprotective agent for some diseases. The main purpose of this controlled trial is to investigate the effects of nicotine gum on vision. The ENIGMA-Vis trial aims to compare two dosages of nicotine gum (2 and 4 mg) and a placebo gum in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 100 participants to be allocated into a single group assignment of repeated measures (two studies; N = 50 for each one). Eligibility criteria are healthy non-smokers not diagnosed with substance abuse and without an acute or chronic medical condition. Intervention will last three sessions for each participant with a window frame of 1 week per session. Study outcomes are (1) short-term effects of nicotine gum on contrast sensitivity; (2) short-term effects of nicotine gum on chromatic contrast discrimination; and (3) whether demographics, body mass index, or serum cotinine predicts response of visual processing. This study addresses an important gap in the effects of nicotine on vision. One of the main takeaways of this study is to understand the effects of nicotine on contrast sensitivity and chromatic contrast discrimination. This information will provide a further understanding of how nicotine interacts with early visual processes and help determine how the different components present during smoking can affect vision.

Clinical Trial Registration Number: RBR-46tjy3.

Tobacco smoking and associated factors in human immunodeficiency virus-infected adults attending human immunodeficiency virus clinics in the Western Cape province, South Africa

Background

In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals, smoking increases both HIV-related and non-related negative health outcomes.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence and associations of smoking in HIV-infected adults receiving antiretroviral therapy at public healthcare facilities in the Western Cape province, South Africa.

Methods

Participants comprised 827 HIV-infected patients, who were > 18 years old and randomly selected from 17 HIV healthcare facilities. Self-reported smoking was defined as smoking tobacco daily or occasionally. Serum cotinine levels confirmed smoking status.

Results

Participants included 653 women and 174 men. The overall mean (standard deviation [SD]) age was 38.9 (9.0) years, 41.1 (8.9) years in men and 37.7 (8.9) years in women (p ˂ 0.001). The median diagnosed duration of HIV infection was 5 years. Smoking prevalence was 22% overall, and 26% in men and 21% in women (p = 0.022). The prevalence of former smoking was 14%. About a quarter of participants (185/751; 24.6%) had serum cotinine levels > 100 mg/mL with similar prevalence of high levels across smoking status (current smokers: 27.2%, former smokers: 29.6% and never smokers: 22.7%, p = 0.564) and did not vary by age, gender, cluster of differentiation 4 count or known duration of HIV. There was no agreement between self-reports and cotinine levels at ranking smoking exposure.

Conclusions

Prevalence of current tobacco smoking in HIV-infected patients on care is within the range of that in the general population. This highlights the potential missed opportunity or challenges of co-addressing smoking cessation in individuals already in regular contact with the health system.

Periodontal Disease Status among Adults from South Africa-Prevalence and Effect of Smoking

Periodontal diseases are among the six most prevalent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide, constituting a burden for oral and general health. There is a shortage of epidemiological data on periodontal diseases in Africa. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to present the periodontal status and cotinine levels of a South African population of adults. This study included individuals living in the Belville South area. Bleeding on probing (BOP) and pocket depth were recorded for each tooth, and clinical attachment loss (CAL) was recorded as the highest score per sextant. Cotinine levels were measured in ng/mL. A total of 951 individuals were included. More than one third of all subjects had BOP. Regarding pocket depth, over 50% of the subjects had shallow pockets (4-5 mm), and almost 6% had deep pockets. CAL ≥ 4 mm was present in 40.1% of the subjects. Males presented worse periodontal conditions than females. In total, 52.7% of the participants had serum cotinine levels of ≥15 ng/mL. Cotinine levels had no effect on periodontal variables. Periodontal diseases were highly prevalent, and periodontal conditions were worse in males. Preventive and restorative public health programs are required to improve oral health in this population.

Association of passive smoking with dental caries and salivary biomarkers among 5-10 years old children of Muradnagar, Ghaziabad

Objectives:

The purpose of this study is to assess the association of passive smoking (PS) with dental caries and salivary biomarkers among 5–10 years old children of Muradnagar, Ghaziabad.

Methods:

A case–control study was conducted among 160 children of age group 5–10 years who visited the outdoor patient department of a dental college. Regular smoking households were recognized and children who lived in smoking households were identified as PS subjects. Two categories of children were formed – PS (80 children) and control group (80 children). Parents completed a pretested questionnaire and clinical examination of children was done using dmft index and gingival index. This was followed by collection of stimulated saliva of children which was further subjected to determine salivary buffering capacity and pH. Inoculation on mitis salivarius-bacitracin agar for counting streptococcus colonies and Rogosa SL agar (Difco) for counting lactobacillus colonies was done. Cotinine level was then measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Student's independent t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, and one-way analysis of variance test were used for analyzing data.

Results:

The mean streptococcus and lactobacillus colony count was higher in PS case subjects, that is, 348.9 ± 166.509 and 247.3 ± 15.86 in comparison to control group where the mean streptococcus and lactobacillus colony count was 63.03 ± 23.082 and 63.825 ± 12.638, respectively. The mean cotinine level among PS case subjects was 1.08 ± 0.265 which was higher than the control group, that is, 0.00 ± 0.00. The mean cotinine level was directly proportional to streptococcus colonies, lactobacillus colonies, dmft and gingival index (GI) scores, and smoking exposure.

Conclusion:

PS has deleterious impact on children which was reflected by their increased cotinine levels, streptococcus colonies, lactobacillus colonies, and poor dmft and GI scores in comparison to the control group.

Effect of tobacco on periodontal disease and oral cancer

INTRODUCTION

Periodontal disease and oral cancer are common health hazards. Epidemiological investigations show that smoking, periodontal disease and oral cancer are closely related. Tobacco is one of the major risk factors for periodontitis and oral cancer.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was performed. To identify relevant studies, the following online databases were searched using specific keywords: PubMed, Web of Science and CNKI.

RESULTS

Tobacco not only possesses an addictive effect, but it aggravates periodontal disease by promoting the invasion of pathogenic bacteria, inhibiting autoimmune defense, aggravating the inflammatory reaction, and aggravating the loss of alveolar bone. According to current evidence, tobacco significantly aggravates the development and progression of periodontal disease and oral cancer, and periodontal disease may be related to the prevalence of oral cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians should strongly recommend that smokers undertake a strategy to stop smoking to avoid the exacerbation of nicotine-related periodontal disease and to reduce the incidence of oral cancer.