Levels of the Thiocyanate in the Saliva of Tobacco Smokers in Comparison to e-Cigarette Smokers and Nonsmokers Measured by hPLC on a Phosphatidylcholine Column.

Introduction:
This article reports a study that aimed to estimate and compare the levels of thiocyanate in the saliva of tobacco smokers, e-cigarette smokers, and nonsmokers using a unique phosphatidylcholine column in high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. The study also developed a new method for quantifying thiocyanate in human saliva that meets the criteria of green chemistry.

Key Points:

* The study included 24 participants, divided into three groups: tobacco smokers, e-cigarette smokers, and nonsmokers.
* The phosphatidylcholine-based stationary phase proved to be suitable for the detection and quantification of the thiocyanate ion.
* The salivary thiocyanate levels in e-cigarette smokers were not significantly different from tobacco smokers but higher if compared to nonsmokers.
* The method presents a new application of the IaM column for quantification of inorganic anions without the use of organic solvents.
* an eight-point standard addition protocol was used to quantify the thiocyanate level in saliva samples.
* The calibration graphs were linear in the range of 5-100 mg L^(-1) with a correlation coefficient higher than 0.99.
* The thiocyanate concentrations in the saliva of tobacco smokers, e-cigarette smokers, and nonsmokers were found in the range of 121.25-187.54 mg L^(-1), 121.24-244.11 mg L^(-1), 33.03-79.49 mg L^(-1), respectively.

Main Message:
The study indicates a statistically significant elevation in salivary thiocyanate level in tobacco smokers compared to nonsmokers. The phosphatidylcholine column proved to be effective in detecting and quantifying thiocyanate in human saliva. The salivary thiocyanate levels in e-cigarette smokers were not significantly different from tobacco smokers but higher if compared to nonsmokers. The new method developed in this study is an environmentally friendly alternative for quantifying thiocyanate in human saliva. Overall, the study provides valuable information for understanding the influence of smoking on oral health and the potential impact of e-cigarettes on health outcomes.

Flieger J, Kawka J, Tatarczak-Michalewska M. Levels of the Thiocyanate in the Saliva of Tobacco Smokers in Comparison to e-Cigarette Smokers and Nonsmokers Measured by hPLC on a Phosphatidylcholine Column. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2019;24(20). doi:10.3390/molecules24203790