engleski

Correlation between pH and concentration of nickel and chromium in saliva

Purpose. Nickel and chromium are constituents of many dental alloys. It has been shown that these metals can induce cytotoxic effects on human tissue, and that reduced pH can increase nickel and chromium release into saliva. The purpose of our study was to investigate the correlation between pH level and concentration of nickel and chromium in saliva. Methods. Study included 32 patients with clinically healthy oral mucosa and metal prosthetic appliances containing nickel and chromium. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected and the levels of metals were measured using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry method. pH of saliva was measured using pHydrion papers with range of 4.5-7.5 ( Micro Essential Lab. Inc. Brooklyn, N.Y). Pearson's correlation test was used for statistical analyses. Results. There were no significant correlations between pH level and nickel concentration (rp=0.2126, p=0.243) and between pH level and chromium concentration (rp= -0.2395, p=0.180) in saliva. Mean pH level in saliva was 6.6 (range 5.5-7.5). Conclusion. Our results showed no correlation between pH level and nickel as well as chromium concentration in saliva in the examined group. At pH 6.6 there was no significant release of measured metals into saliva.

saliva; chromium; nickel; pH; atomic absorption spectrometry

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