IMPACT OF SMOKING CESSATION ON SALIVARY FUNCTION IN HEALTHY-VOLUNTEERS

Background: Salivary bicarbonate and epidermal growth factor (EGF) hav e an important protective role in the oesophagus. The effect of smokin g cessation on these aspects of salivary function is unknown. Methods: Salivary bicarbonate secretion and EGF output were measured before an d after attempted smoking cessation in 28 healthy volunteers. Urinary cotinine excretion was used to assess compliance, Results: Negative co rrelations were found between salivary Row rate and age (rho = -0.34) and between cigarette consumption and salivary how (rho = -0.27) and s alivary bicarbonate concentrations (rho = -0.32). Smoking cessation wa s associated with a significant increase in salivary bicarbonate secre tion (day 0, 1.7 (0.14-6.2); day 7, 3.6 (0.52-6.4); day 21, 3.3 (0.44- 6.6) mu mol min(-1); P < 0.01) but left salivary EGF output unchanged. Conclusion: Smoking cessation is associated with significant improvem ents in salivary bicarbonate secretion. This would benefit patients wi th reflux disease who stop smoking.