Salivary lysozyme in smoking alcohol dependent persons

The purpose of the study was evaluation the effect of chronic alcohol intoxication and smoking, on the concentration and output of salivary lysozyme. In the study participated 37 persons, consisted of 17 male smoking patients after chronic alcohol intoxication (AS), and 20 control nonsmoking male social drinkers (CNS) with no history of alcohol abuse or smoking. For all participants the DMFT index (decayed, missing, or filled teeth), gingival index (GI) and papilla bleeding index (PBI) were assessed. Resting whole saliva was collected 24 to 48 hours after chronic alcohol intoxication period. Level of lysozyme was assessed by radial immunodiffusion method. The differences between groups were evaluated using Mann-Whitney “U” test. Salivary flow (SF) was significantly lower in smoking alcohol dependent persons than in the control group. It was found a tendency to increase in the concentration of lysozyme and significantly lower lysozyme output in smoking persons chronically intoxicated by alcohol, as compared to the control group. Gingival index was significantly higher in smoking alcohol dependent persons than in the control group, whereas there were no significant differences in PBI and DMFT indexes between these groups. There were no significant correlations between the amount/number and length of alcohol consumption as well as cigarette smoking, and the concentration as well as the output of lysozyme. There were also no significant correlations between salivary lysozyme output/concentration and SF. In conclusion, reduced salivary flow and salivary lysozyme output may impair innate immunity of the oral cavity. Reduced levels of salivary flow and salivary lysozyme output seem to be more likely to be the result of ethanol action than smoking. We confirmed that persons addicted to alcohol and cigarettes have worse periodontal condition than general population, which partially may be due to the decreased protective effect of reduced salivary flow and lysozyme output

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

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

Preventive Role of L-Carnitine and Balanced Diet in Alzheimer’s Disease

The prevention or alleviation of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is a challenge for contemporary health services. The aim of this study was to review the literature on the prevention or alleviation of AD by introducing an appropriate carnitine-rich diet, dietary carnitine supplements and the MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet, which contains elements of the Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. L-carnitine (LC) plays a crucial role in the energetic metabolism of the cell. A properly balanced diet contains a substantial amount of LC as well as essential amino acids and microelements taking part in endogenous carnitine synthesis. In healthy people, carnitine biosynthesis is sufficient to prevent the symptoms of carnitine deficiency. In persons with dysfunction of mitochondria, e.g., with AD connected with extensive degeneration of the brain structures, there are often serious disturbances in the functioning of the whole organism. The Mediterranean diet is characterized by a high consumption of fruits and vegetables, cereals, nuts, olive oil, and seeds as the major source of fats, moderate consumption of fish and poultry, low to moderate consumption of dairy products and alcohol, and low intake of red and processed meat. The introduction of foodstuffs rich in carnitine and the MIND diet or carnitine supplementation of the AD patients may improve their functioning in everyday life