Mixed saliva of chemical industry workers in the context of X-ray fluorescence analysis

INTRODUCTION. Mixed saliva is an informative biological medium reflecting the general state of the body and sensitive to occupational exposure factors. Changes in its macro- and microelement composition under the influence of chemical agents can significantly affect the processes of mineralization and demineralization of dental hard tissues, as well as serve as an early diagnostic marker of dental and systemic pathologies.

AIM. To perform X-ray fluorescence analysis of mixed saliva in workers of chemical enterprises, assessing qualitative and quantitative changes in elemental composition and their relationship with clinical manifestations of dental pathology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. A total of 121 workers of chemical industries with more than 5 years of occupational experience were examined. The control group consisted of 82 individuals not exposed to occupational hazards. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected in the fasting state. Elemental composition was determined using total reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis (TXRF) on an S2 PICOFOX spectrometer (Bruker) with selenium as an internal standard.

RESULTS. Significant deviations of the elemental composition of mixed saliva from physiological norms were revealed in workers of chemical enterprises. Increased concentrations of zinc, strontium, iron, and copper were observed along with decreased potassium levels. More than half of the examined individuals showed the presence of toxic elements, including lead and barium, as well as titanium. The levels of sulfur, chlorine, and manganese were generally within acceptable ranges. A decrease in phosphorus levels with relatively normal calcium content was established, accompanied by an increased Ca/P ratio, indicating the predominance of dephosphorylation processes. Clinically, this was associated with a high prevalence of non-carious lesions (erosion, wedge-shaped defects, increased tooth wear), accounting for approximately 65% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS. X-ray fluorescence analysis demonstrated pronounced disturbances in the elemental homeostasis of mixed saliva in workers of chemical enterprises, caused by occupational exposure. The identified changes, including accumulation of essential and toxic elements and imbalance of the calcium-phosphorus ratio, play a significant role in the development of predominantly non-carious dental lesions. These findings should be considered when developing preventive and therapeutic strategies, taking into account the specifics of the industrial environment.

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