Publication:

Frequency of anti-nuclear antibody and anti dsDNA antibodies in subjects of oral addictive habits

Background People with addictive habits are prone to both infectious and non-infectious diseases. Conflicting results have been reported about propensity of these individuals for development of autoimmune diseases. Therefore, a study was planned to determine the frequency of anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) and anti-dsDNA (dsDNA) antibody in the serum of habitual smokers, paan (areca nut) chewers and other oral addictive habits as compared to subjects without such addictive habits.

Methods Blood samples from 90 subjects (45 with addictive habits and 45 without any addiction) were taken by random sampling after getting written informed consent. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to test the sera for ANA and anti dsDNA.

Results One subject in the addictive group had ANA and dsDNA antibodies, whereas in the control group, two subjects had anti dsDNA while none of them had ANA. No significant association of these antibodies was observed between the two groups.

Conclusions Addictive habits do not predispose the subjects to develop autoimmune diseases.