Abstract

Introduction: Tobacco use is widely spread throughout the world. Smoking has several adverse effects on human health ranging from minor health conditions to death. Aim: This study aimed to investigate effect of smoking on level of saliva cyanide, interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) among smokers compared to nonsmokers in the city of Ilam, Iran. Material and methods: This study was carried out among two equal groups of smokers as cases and nonsmokers as controls (N = 76) which were matched in terms of their age range. Dental roll and direct saliva method were used to collect samples. The saliva sample was stored at –18°C. The level of salivary cyanide was measured using the spectrophotometric method. IL-2 and IFN-γ were measured by ELISA. Results and discussion: We found level of cyanide in the saliva of smokers was higher than that in nonsmokers. In addition, level of cyanide in the smokers’ saliva increased (164.21 ± 18.54 µg/mL) significantly compared to nonsmokers (42.63 ± 24.01 µg/mL). A significant increase was found in the level of IFN-γ and IL-2 among smokers compared to nonsmokers. However, there was a significant decrease in the level of IFN-γ and IL-2 with increased intensity of smoking. Conclusions: Heavy smoking was associated with an increased level of salivary cyanide and a decreased level of sera IFN-γ. Recognizing immunosuppression mechanisms produced by cigarette-smoking is a platform for identifying the best therapeutic and management approaches in smoke-induced diseases. © 2018 Warmia and Mazury Medical Chamber. All rights reserved.