Material and Methods: A total of 67 male patients were examined, 33 (49.2%) were smokers and 34 (50.7%) were non smokers. The periodontal variables recorded were amount of Visible Plaque score, gingival bleeding Index and community periodontal index. Samples of blood were obtained. The serum cotinine analyzed by ELISA technique. The antioxidant capacity measured by using the ferric reducing ability of plasma assay FRAPS. C - Reactive protein levels measured by using Beckman Coulter Image Immunochemistry System.
Results: serum cotinine level showed a highly significant increase (p=0.001) and antioxidant level showed a highly significant decrease (p=0.001) in the smoker group when compared to the non-smoker group. In gingivitis group, highly significant difference of serum cotinine (p=0.001) and antioxidant (p=0.001) levels was found between the smokers and non smokers. The periodontitis group showed high significant difference for the cotinine level (p=0.001) but less significant for antioxidant level (p=0.046). Mean plaque score and bleeding on probing score was found higher in smokers; however these scores are not statistically significant (p>.05). No significant difference was found between Serum cotinine and antioxidants levels when gingivitis and periodontitis was compared. Mean serum cotinine level was higher in periodontitis and mean antioxidants level was higher in gingivitis group.
Conclusion: serum cotinine level showed a highly significant increase and antioxidant level showed a highly significant decrease in the smoker compared to the non-smoker group. Smoker group showed a significant difference of C - reactive protein, no significant difference of serum cotinine and mean antioxidants levels in gingivitis and periodontitis groups.