Abstract
BackgroundThe increase in nitric oxide (NO) levels in the oral cavity and saliva have been associated with various oral diseases; however, the gastro-salivary interaction of NO remains controversial. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine and compare salivary NO levels of dyspeptic and non-dyspeptic healthy children and to conduct an evaluation of its association with dental caries.MethodsSeventy children with dyspepsia (dyspeptic group) and 30 children without any gastrointestinal complaints (control group) were included in the study. Two biopsies from the gastric tissues were collected from dyspeptic children for histopathologic examination. Oral examination involved the assessment of dental caries, gingival index, plaque index, buffering capacity, salivary flow rate and pH. Salivary Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacilli sp. counts were performed by commercial kits. For the comparison of the normal distribution between dyspeptic and control groups, Student t-test and for the comparison of the non-normal distribution, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney-U tests were used. Chi-square test was used for comparison of qualitative data and the Pearson correlation test was used to evaluate the association between certain variables. Significance was assessed at p < 0.05 level.ResultsHelicobacter pylori (H.pylori) were found in gastric biopsies of 84.2% (59/70) of the dyspeptic children. While the mean salivary NO values did not differ significantly between gastric H.pylori positive, negative and control groups, the salivary NO level of the dyspeptic group (213.7 ± 51.68 μmol/dL) was found to be significantly higher than the control group (185.7 ± 16.66 μmol/dL). No significant relationship was found between the mean salivary NO values, DMFT/dmft numbers and other oral parameters.ConclusionsThe association of dental caries and salivary NO levels could not be considered specific in the current study. Although there were no statistically significant differences between salivary NO levels of gastric H.pylori positive, gastric H.pylori negative and control groups, greater salivary NO levels among dyspeptic children compared with the control group demonstrated that the concentration of NO in the saliva could be used as a biological marker in dyspepsia, which could lead to the improvement of more specified, uncomplicated and susceptible methods for analysis.
Highlights
The increase in nitric oxide (NO) levels in the oral cavity and saliva have been associated with various oral diseases; the gastro-salivary interaction of NO remains controversial
In 1987, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) was discovered during the isolation of vascular endothelium from a structure known as endothelium-derived relaxation factor (EDRF), and the EDRF was found to be NO in the following years [6, 7]
All children in the control group were healthy without any systemic diseases until the time of examination
Summary
The increase in nitric oxide (NO) levels in the oral cavity and saliva have been associated with various oral diseases; the gastro-salivary interaction of NO remains controversial. Nitric oxide (NO) is a free radical with a gas structure that is created from an extensive diversity of cells and tissues in the individuals’ body. It can be diffused from the membranes and is included in the adjustment of numerous physiological activities, such as cell death, immune regulation, neurotransmission, and vascular relaxation. Excessive and uncontrolled NO synthesis is detrimental to cells [2, 3] Nitric oxide, with these properties, is an ideal physiologic signaling molecule [4, 5]. In 1987, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) was discovered during the isolation of vascular endothelium from a structure known as endothelium-derived relaxation factor (EDRF), and the EDRF was found to be NO in the following years [6, 7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
