Salivary SIRT3 Levels in Gutka and Alcohol Consumers: A Cross-Sectional Study on Habit-Associated Molecular Changes

Background: Sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) regulates the production of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in oral lesion development by exploring the relationship between SIRT3 expression, gutka consumption, and oral disease progression, with the objective of identifying potential biomarkers for early detection and risk assessment. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals who regularly underwent oral health check-ups, excluding patients with premalignant and oral cancers from the study. Participants were categorized into three groups: Case 1 (gutka and alcohol consumers), Case 2 (gutka consumers without alcohol), and Control (non-consumers). Unstimulated saliva samples were collected and analysed using ELISA to measure SIRT3 levels. Statistical comparisons were performed using ANOVA followed by post hoc Tukey tests Results: The mean SIRT3 levels were 7.57 ± 3.23 ng/mL (Case 1), 8.17 ± 2.87 ng/mL (Case 2), and 9.9 ± 2.78 ng/mL (control). The differences between the groups were statistically significant (p = .036), with the greatest difference observed between the case 1 group and the control group. Conclusion: SIRT3 levels were lowest in individuals who consumed gutka and alcohol and were significantly lower than those in the control group. These findings suggest a potential negative impact of gutka and alcohol consumption on SIRT3 levels.