Study of the influence of medicinal preparations on the indicators of mixed saliva in patients with essential hypertension

Aim. To identify the effect of drugs on the functional state of the salivary glands in patients with essential hypertension. Methods. A total of 38 hypertensive patients were examined. Depending on the prescribed drug therapy, all patients were divided into four groups: group 1 received an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor; group 2 received a beta-blocker; group 3 received a slow calcium channel blocker, group 4 received a statin. For the analysis of salivary glands, the salivation rate was calculated, pH of the mixed saliva and activity of lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase were measured. Results. In the mixed saliva of hypertensive patients, the salivation rate decreased in patients taking statins. The pH values of saliva in all groups were within neutral values, from 6.80 to 7.04. The amount of total protein was increased in patients taking angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and statins, and was reduced in patients taking beta-adrenoblockers and slow calcium channel blockers. High activity of lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase was detected in patients taking statins, which indicates activation of anaerobic bacteria and inflammatory processes in the oral cavity. The increased activity of alkaline phosphatase, noted in patients taking beta-adrenoblockers, suggests possible violation of the processes of enamel mineralization. High activity of alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase in the mixed saliva of observed patients coincides with the increase of papillary marginal alveolar index up to 27±4.6%, which indicates the development of pathology in the periodontal tissues. Conclusion. In patients receiving statins salivation function was suppressed; increased activity of lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase in the mixed saliva indicates activation of anaerobic microflora and tissue protein breakdown in the oral cavity.