Journal of Occupational
Health and Epidemiology
Rafsanjan university Of medical sciences
Volume 14, Issue 4 (Autumn 2025)
J Occup Health Epidemiol 2025, 14(4): 280-285 |
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Arunmozhi A, Davidson S S P, Kumar B S, Lakshmi S J, Keerthana S. Salivary Antioxidant Potential and Oral Lesions in Thermal Power Plant Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Occup Health Epidemiol 2025; 14 (4) :280-285
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Anbirselvam Arunmozhi1 
, Sundersingh Sam Ponraj Davidson *2 , Balasubramanian Senthil Kumar3 , Suman Jhansi Lakshmi4 , Selvam Keerthana5
, Sundersingh Sam Ponraj Davidson *2 , Balasubramanian Senthil Kumar3 , Suman Jhansi Lakshmi4 , Selvam Keerthana5
1- M.D.S. in Oral Medicine and Radiology, K.S.R Institute of Dental Science and Research, Tiruchengode, Tamilnadu, India.
2- M.D.S. in Oral Medicine and Radiology, Senior Lecturer, K.S.R Institute oF Dental Science and Research, Tiruchengode, Tamilnadu, India. ,sam@ksridsr.edu.in
3- Professor and Head, K.S.R Institute oF Dental Science and Research, Tiruchengode, Tamilnadu, India.
4- Professor, K.S.R Institute oF Dental Science and Research, Tiruchengode, Tamilnadu, India.
5- M.D.S. in Oral Medicine and Radiology, Reader, K.S.R Institute oF Dental Science and Research, Tiruchengode, Tamilnadu, India
2- M.D.S. in Oral Medicine and Radiology, Senior Lecturer, K.S.R Institute oF Dental Science and Research, Tiruchengode, Tamilnadu, India. ,
3- Professor and Head, K.S.R Institute oF Dental Science and Research, Tiruchengode, Tamilnadu, India.
4- Professor, K.S.R Institute oF Dental Science and Research, Tiruchengode, Tamilnadu, India.
5- M.D.S. in Oral Medicine and Radiology, Reader, K.S.R Institute oF Dental Science and Research, Tiruchengode, Tamilnadu, India
Article history
Received: 2025/03/12
Accepted: 2025/09/14
ePublished: 2025/12/13
Accepted: 2025/09/14
ePublished: 2025/12/13
Subject:
Occupational Health
Abstract: (41 Views)
Background: Air pollution affects the neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, and other systems, posing serious health risks. Lead is a common industrial contaminant that damages tissues, including saliva, and induces oxidative stress. Thermal power plant workers are particularly vulnerable due to occupational exposure. Saliva, the first line of defense against oxidative stress, contains antioxidants such as glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). This study aimed to evaluate salivary antioxidant potential and the prevalence of oral lesions among thermal power plant workers, and to assess the impact of occupational oxidative exposure.
Materials and Methods: Fifty-two individuals were included: twenty-six thermal power plant workers (Group I) and twenty-six controls (Group II). Saliva samples at 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% concentrations were analyzed using the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Samples were stored at -20°C. Intraoral examinations recorded oral lesions.
Results: Across all concentrations, Group I's mean TAC values were consistently lower than Group II's, although the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Group I's TAC ranged from 1.52 to 3.07 at each concentration level, which was marginally lower than Group II's 2.29 to 3.37 range. Three of the 26 employees at the thermal power plant had oral lesions, whereas none in the control group did.
Conclusion: Thermal power plant workers exhibit lower salivary antioxidant levels, indicating a heightened risk of oxidative stress and related health issues.
Materials and Methods: Fifty-two individuals were included: twenty-six thermal power plant workers (Group I) and twenty-six controls (Group II). Saliva samples at 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% concentrations were analyzed using the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Samples were stored at -20°C. Intraoral examinations recorded oral lesions.
Results: Across all concentrations, Group I's mean TAC values were consistently lower than Group II's, although the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Group I's TAC ranged from 1.52 to 3.07 at each concentration level, which was marginally lower than Group II's 2.29 to 3.37 range. Three of the 26 employees at the thermal power plant had oral lesions, whereas none in the control group did.
Conclusion: Thermal power plant workers exhibit lower salivary antioxidant levels, indicating a heightened risk of oxidative stress and related health issues.
Keywords: Air Pollution [MeSH], Occupational Exposure [MeSH], Environmental Toxicology [MeSH], Oxidative Stress [MeSH]
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