Evaluation of Salivary Lipid Peroxidation in Paan Users

Background: One known risk factor for oral cancer is chewing smokeless tobacco, which is common in southeastern Iran. Smokeless tobacco-related oral complications can be evaluated by assessing parameters of oxidative stress. Objectives: This study evaluated salivary malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in paan users and compared them with nonusers. PatientsandMethods: In this study, saliva was collected from 50 paan users and 50 nonusers referred to the Zahedan Dental School in Zahedan, Iran. Salivary MDA was assessed based on standard biochemical methods, and the data were analyzed using t-test, chisquared tests and analysis of variance. Results: In the paan users and the controls, the mean MDA was 2.19±1.05 and 1.24±0.62 (nmol/mL), respectively, and both groups showed significant differences (P 0.001). The daily consumption and duration were significantly related with the MDA concentration (P 0.001). Conclusions: In paan users, salivary MDA concentrations were higher. The concentration of salivary MDA increased with the consumption of paan in more quantities and for a more extended time.