Ukrainian Journal Health of Woman. 2026. 1(182): 78-85. doi: 10.15574/HW.2026.1(182).7885
Lisetska I. S., Ivanova S. V.
Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Ukraine

For citation: Lisetska IS, Ivanova SV. (2026). The effect of smoking on the macro- and microelement composition of oral fluid in adolescent girls. Ukrainian Journal Health of Woman. 1(182): 78-85. doi: 10.15574/HW.2026.1(182).7885
Article received: Dec 07, 2025. Accepted for publication: Jan 28, 2026.

Saliva is a sensitive medium that reflects changes in elemental composition and can be used for the early diagnosis of pathological processes.
Aim – to investigate the effect of smoking on the macro- and microelement composition of oral fluid in adolescent women, and to identify potential biomarkers of adverse effects on the body for the early diagnosis of pathological changes.
Materials and methods. The macro- and microelemental composition of saliva (calcium, iron, copper, zinc and manganese, measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry) was studied in 72 young women aged 18 to 24 years, who were divided into groups: Group I comprised 16 cigarette smokers; Group II comprised 14 users of electronic cigarettes (vapes); Group III comprised 16 users of tobacco heating devices (IQOS); and Group IV comprised 26 non-smokers.
Results. It was found that in women in Group I, the level of copper in oral fluid increased twofold, whereas in Groups II and III it increased by a factor of 1.3 (p<0.05). Iron levels in Group I decreased by a factor of 1.8, and in Groups II and III by a factor of 1.2 (p<0.05). Zinc concentration also decreased: by 2.4-fold in Group I, and by 1.4- and 1.3-fold in Groups II and III, respectively (p<0.05). A similar trend was observed for manganese: the decrease in Group I was 2.1-fold, and in Groups II and III – 1.4-fold each (p<0.05). At the same time, calcium levels increased: in Group I – 1.4-fold, and in Groups II and III – 1.3-fold (p<0.05).
Conclusions. Smoking causes an imbalance of macro- and microelements in saliva, which is most pronounced in cigarette smokers. Indicators of the elemental composition of saliva can be used as early markers of the negative impact of smoking on oral health.
The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The informed consent of the patients was obtained for conducting the studies.
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Keywords: women, adolescence, macro- and microelements, oral fluid, smoking.

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