Investigation of Zinc Concentrations in Saliva of Patients with Thyroid Diseases

ABSTRACT

Purpose: It is well known that thyroid hormone disorders can influence homeostasis of trace elements in the body, such as zinc (Zn). The aim of this study was to evaluate saliva Zn levels in patients with thyroid diseases.
Material and Method: The study was performed on 126 patients (21 male, 105 female) with thyroid diseases (31 hyperthyroid, 30 hypothyroid, 31 subclinical hyperthyroid and 34 subclinical hypothyroid) and 38 healthy control subjects (7 male, 31female). Saliva was collected from all participants and Zn levels were determined on an atomic absorption spectrophotometer.
Results: Our results demonstrated that saliva Zn (p=0.007 for hypothyroid patients and p=0.023 for subclinical hypothyroid patients) levels were significantly lower in hypothyroid and subclinical hypothyroid patients than in control subjects.
Discussion: This is the first study investigating saliva Zn levels in patients with thyroid diseases. Our results show that saliva Zn levels are affected by hypothyroid disease.