Trace elements and oxidative stress markers in saliva of subjects with amalgam fillings

الملخص EN

Background: Amalgam is the most frequently used restorative material for dental treatment.

It is mainly used in posterior teeth, usually on occlusal surfaces as an economical, long lasting and durable filling material and represent the main source of exposure to mercury and other toxic metals (copper, tin, silver, etc.).

This study designed to measure oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) and anti-oxidants (uric acid and glutathione) concentrations in saliva of subjects with amalgam fillings.

And measure trace elements (copper, zinc) concentrations in saliva of subjects with amalgam fillings.

Subjects,materials and methods: Fifty subjects were participated in this study, they were between the age of (20-50) years with amalgam fillings (cases group) and fifty one subjects with no amalgam fillings (control group), they were gender and age matched to that of subjects with amalgam fillings.

Informed consent and ethical approval was obtained.

Each subject fill a case sheet questionnaire then examined by using sterile dental mirror and sterile dental probe to determine any oral manifestations and to calculate the number of amalgam filled teeth and the number of filled surfaces.

Results: The results obtained from this study showed that Oxidative stress marker (MDA) were increased while antioxidants (glutathione, uric acid) were decreased in saliva of subjects with amalgam fillings.

Trace elements (copper, zinc) were higher in saliva of subjects with amalgam fillings; salivary copper was significantly higher in subjects with > 10 amalgam filled teeth.

Salivary total glutathione was significantly correlated (negative correlation) with the number of filled teeth.

Salivary copper was significantly correlated (positive correlation) with the number of filled teeth and filled surfaces.

Conclusion: This study revealed that amalgam fillings associated with increase in oxidative stress marker(MDA) and decrease in antioxidants (glutathione, uric acid).Trace elements (copper, zinc) increased in saliva of subjects with amalgam fillings.