The effect of chronic alcohol intoxication and smoking on the output of salivary immunoglobulin A

Abstract

It was investigated the effect of chronic alcohol intoxication and smoking, on the output of salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA). In the study participated 37 volunteers: 17 male smoking patients after chronic alcohol intoxication (AS) and 20 control nonsmoking male social drinkers (CNS). The DMFT index (decayed, missing, or filled teeth), gingival index (GI) and papilla bleeding index (PBI) were assessed. Levels of IgA were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent method. There were significantly decreased salivary flow (SF) and IgA output in AS, when compared to the CNS. There were no significant correlations between amount of alcohol/cigarettes as well as  duration of alcohol intoxication/smoking, and SF or IgA output, and between IgA and SF. Gingival index was significantly higher in AS than in CNS, and inversely correlated with IgA. It is more probable that SF and IgA decrease, are the result of ethanol action than smoking. Worse periodontal state in smoking alcohol dependent persons than in controls, may be the result of lower IgA protection of the oral cavity due to its decreased output.