Saliva analysis by Surface-Enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS) in orthodontic treatment: first pilot study

Abstract

Objective SELDI-TOF-MS (Surface-Enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry) allows the generation of an accurate protein profile from minimal amounts of biological samples and may executes proteomic profile of saliva. The aim of this work is to compare the proteomic profile of saliva of patients in orthodontic treatment to the beginning of treatment and after three months by using the surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS) technology. Materials and methods Saliva was collected from 14 patients, between the 11 and 17 years, to the beginning of the orthodontic treatment and after three months. Specimens were centrifuged (10 min, 13000 x g); the Q10 ProteinChips were prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions and were loaded with the supernatants. A saturated solution of sinapinic acid was used as energy-absorbing matrix. The analysis was performed in a m/ z range from 2500 to 25000 Da, and the proteomic profiles were compared by a specific data analysis software. Saliva (5 mL) was collected by spitting directly into a clean 15 mL conical tube. The samples were then aliquotted and stored at –80 °C until use. Results Profile of saliva of patients before orthodontic treatment present a number of peaks different respect profile of saliva after three months of treatment. The average intensities of peaks at m/z 3372, 5232, 4045 and 10128 were significantly higher after three months then at beginning of treatment in the same patients and among these one. The Roc Plot has demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions Many differences were noted in salivary proteomic profile obtained using the SELDI-TOF-MS technology in patients in orthodontic treatment to beginning and after three months. These data suggest that the proteomic analysis of saliva is a promising new tool for a non-invasive study of oral mucosa and bone changes.