Cholinesterase Activity in Serum and Saliva of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

Background:

 Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that affects millions of people worldwide. Since acetylcholine is one of the effective factors in reducing inflammation and considering the benefits of using saliva, in this study, the amount of cholinesterase activity in saliva and serum in patients with IBD and healthy people was investigated.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty patients with IBD who were referred to Imam Reza Hospital, as well as 30 healthy individuals, participated in this study. Saliva and serum samples were collected in the morning. Cholinesterase activity was evaluated using the photometric method, and data were analyzed using an unpaired Student’s t-test or Mann-Whitney test.

Results:

The mean activity of cholinesterase and saliva flow rate in saliva and serum were not significantly different between the two groups. Xerostomia inventory score was significantly higher in the IBD group (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

 It seems that cholinesterase activity does not change in patients with IBD, but patients feel more dry mouth than healthy people.