Abstract:

Objective The effects of passive smoking on the levels of calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity in rat alveolar bone were analyzed. Methods Forty healthy 6-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental rats were further randomized into four subgroups, namely, 15-, 30-, 45-, and 60-day groups, by smoke-exposed function. Concentrated acid digestion method for abstracting bone calcium and phosphorus, spectral analysis, and improved Reddi method were used to examine the levels of calcium, phosphorus, and AKP activity. Measured data were analyzed using ANOVA by factorial design. Results Alveolar bone calcium and phosphorus contents were higher in the 15-day but lower in the 30-day group compared with the other groups; however, no significant changes were found(P>0.05). By contrast, significantly lower alveolar bone calcium and phosphorus contents were obtained in the 45- and 60-day groups than those in controls(P<0.01). AKP activities of the alveolar bone were slightly higher in the 15- and 30-day groups but lower in the 45- and 60-day than controls; however, no significant changes were found(P>0.05). Conclusion Smoke exposure could initially enhance the levels of calcium, phosphorus, and AKP activity in the alveolar bone. However, prolonged passive smoking reduced these three parameters.

Key words: passive smoking, alveolar bone, bone mineralization, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase