The level of cotinine concentration in stimulated and non-stimulated saliva

Method: The questionnaire included 65 individuals. Biochemical examinations were conducted in the group of 40 people, among whom 14 declared cigarette smoking (13 people smoked cigarettes before saliva collection), 26 never smoked. The research material was saliva non-stimulated and stimulated by chewing paraffin cubes, collected between 9.30 and 11.00, 1,5 to 2 hours after meal. Cotinine concentration in the saliva was assayed using Cotinine test (Calbiotech). Obtained results were submitted to statistic analysis using Chi²test. Statistically essential test values were those with p<0,05.

Results: The mean value of cotinine concentration in people who declared smoking was 130,52 ng/ml in non-stimulated saliva and 129,14% ng/ml in stimulated saliva. No essential differences were stated between cotinine concentration in stimulated and non-stimulated saliva (χ²=40,0, p>0,05). In 100% individuals who declared to be non-smokers no presence of cotinine was stated, whereas in 92,86% individuals who declared active smoking cotinine was present (χ²= 35,77, p<0,001). Interest with literature concerning harmful effect of cigarette smoking on health state is not related with the status of smoking (χ²=3.93, p>0,05). A healthy diet is also not related with smoking or non-smoking of the investigated (χ²=3,38, p>0,05).

Conclusion: Cotinine concentration in the saliva may be assayed both in stimulated and non-stimulated saliva obtaining similar values.