Activity Of Saliva Research Articles

Efficacy of care manager-led support for family caregivers of people with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic: a randomized controlled study

BackgroundA prolonged COVID-19 pandemic could exacerbate the risk of infection and undesirable effects associated with infection control measures of older people with dementia (PWD), and the care burden of families. In this study, we examined the efficacy of care manager-led information provision and practical support for families of older PWD who need care, regarding appropriate infection prevention, prevention of deterioration of cognitive and physical functions, and preparedness in cases of infection spread or infection during the pandemic.MethodsFifty-three family members (aged ≥20 years) who were primary caregivers living with older PWD using public long-term care services were enrolled in an one-month randomized controlled trial. This duration was set based on behavior modification theory and with consideration of ethical issue that the most vulnerable people not benefiting from the intervention. The intervention group (IG) received care manager-led information provision and practical support, and the control group (CG) received usual care. Care burden (primary outcome) was measured using the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview, and secondary outcomes were analyzed using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ9), the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and salivary α-amylase activity. Data were collected at baseline and after 1 month. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the efficacy of the intervention. The participants evaluated the care managers’ support.ResultsThe participants were randomly divided into IG (n = 27) and CG (n = 26) groups. After the intervention, compared with the CG, there was a decrease in PHQ-9 (β = −.202, p = 0.044) and α-amylase activity in saliva (β = −.265, p = 0.050) in IG. IG also showed an increased fear of COVID-19 after the intervention (β = .261, p = 0.003). With the care managers’ support, 57.2% of the participants felt secure in their daily lives and 53.1% agreed that they were able to practice infection prevention suitable for older PWD.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the care manager-led intervention may be useful for families of older PWD to enhance behavioral changes in preventing COVID-19 infection and improve their psychological outcomes in the COVID-19 era.Trial registrationThis study was registered on April 2, 2021 (No. UMIN000043820).

The Relationship between Exercise and Salivary Oxidative Stress: A Systematic Review.

Salivary content has been reported as a potential biomarker for oxidative stress assessments especially in context of exercise-induced oxidative stress. This systematic review following PRISMA guidelines aimed to evaluate the effects of physical exercise and changes promoted in oxidative stress identified in saliva. Methods: Studies published up to May 2022 were searched in online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, LILACS, OpenGrey, and Google Scholar). Risk of bias evaluation were performed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Before-After (Pre-Post) Studies with No Control Group. Results: A total of 473 references were identified and 22 considered eligible. In this case 14 studies reported increase of antioxidant parameters in saliva while eight studies demonstrated increased lipid peroxidation after exercise. Regarding nitrite levels, two studies showed higher levels after exercise. The quality of evidence was very low due to high heterogeneity, inconsistency and indirectness among studies according Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation analysis. Conclusion: Increase of oxidative stress and antioxidant activity in saliva appears to be present after exercise, especially at moderate intensity. However, the wide variety of methods leads to divergent data. For precision in salivary assessments, new research with larger sample sizes and better participant matching are recommended.

Differences in saliva ACE2 activity among infected and non-infected adult and pediatric population exposed to SARS-CoV-2

BackgroundVariations in the ACE2 activity in saliva could explain the striking differences of susceptibility to infection and risk of severe disease. MethodsWe analyze the activity of ACE2 in saliva in different population groups across a wide age range and disease status during April to June 2020, before SARS-CoV-2 vaccine implementation, and we establish differences between infected people and participants considered resistant (highly exposed healthcare workers and children who cohabited with parents with COVID-19 without isolation and remain IgG negative). ResultsWe included 74 adults, of which 47 (64%) were susceptible and 27 (36%) were resistant, and 79 children, of which 41 (52%) were susceptible and 38 (48%) were resistant. Resistant adults have significantly lower ACE2 activity in saliva than susceptible adults and non-significant higher values than susceptible and resistant children. ACE2 activity is similar in the susceptible and resistant pediatric population (p = 0.527). In contrast, we observe an increase in activity as the disease's severity increases among the adult population (mild disease vs. severe disease, 39 vs. 105 FU, p = 0.039; severe disease vs. resistant, 105 vs. 31 FU, p < 0.001). Conclusionsusing an enzymatic test, we show that ACE2 activity in saliva correlates with the susceptibility to SARS-Cov-2 infection and disease severity. Children and adults with low-susceptibility to SARS-Cov-2 infection showed the lowest ACE2 activity. These findings could inform future strategies to identify at-risk individuals.

Elevated levels of salivary α- amylase activity in saliva associated with reduced odds of obesity in adult Qatari citizens: A cross-sectional study.

The relationship between salivary α-amylase activity (ssAAa) and the risk of metabolic disorders remains equivocal. We aimed to assess this relationship in adults from Qatar, where obesity and type 2 diabetes are highly prevalent. We cross-sectionally quantified ssAAa in saliva and estimated AMY1 CN from whole-genome sequencing data from 1499 participants. Linear regression was used to assess the relationship between ssAAa and adiposity and glycemic markers. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between ssAAa and occurrence of obesity or diabetes. The mean and median ssAAa were significantly lower in obese individuals. There were significant inverse associations between ssAAa and BMI, and fat mass. We detected a marked effect of ssAAa on reduced odds of obesity after adjusting for age and sex, glucose, LDL, HLD, total cholesterol, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (OR per ssAAa unit 0.998 [95% CI 0.996–0.999], p = 0.005), with ssAAa ranging between 6.8 and 422U/mL. The obesity odds were significantly lower in the upper half of the ssAAa distributional (OR 0.58 [95% CI 0.42–0.76], p<0.001) and lower in the top versus the bottom decile of the ssAAa distribution (OR 0.46 [95% CI 0.23–0.92], p = 0.03). Our findings suggest a potential beneficial relationship between high sAAa in saliva and low odds of obesity in Qatari adults.

Oxidative/anti-oxidative effects of colloidal silver ions and chlorhexidine in saliva and gingival fluid of periodontal patients

Background/Aim. Chronic periodontitis is an inflammatory disease. Oxidative stress is an important factor in periodontitis progress, hence examining the antioxidative properties of antiseptics, such as chlorhexidine (CHX) and silver ions solution (SSI), is a beneficial biomarker in estimating the recovery of tissue impairment during periodontal disease treatment. Methods. This clinical trial was conducted on the control group referred to healthy volunteers and individuals with periodontal disease, divided into two subgroups: before and after applying antiseptic treatments (CHX or SSI). Measurements of oxidative/antioxidative parameters were addressed to determine thiobarbituric acid products (TBARS) concentration and total superoxide dismutase (tSOD) activity in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of periodontal patients. Results. TBARS concentration was increased in saliva before the CHX treatment compared to the periodontal group after the CHX treatment, as well as before both CHX and SSI antiseptic treatment in CGF, compared to controls and periodontal groups after the treatment. Patients before SSI treatment had increased tSOD activity in saliva compared to the control group treated with SSI, as well as compared to patients after the SSI treatment. Additionally, tSOD activity was increased in GCF in patients with periodontitis before antiseptic treatment (CHX, SSI) compared to the control or the group of patients after the appropriate treatment. Conclusion. Our results revealed elevated lipid peroxidation in CGF, which reflected the promotion of oxidative stress during periodontal inflammation. The study suggests that antiseptics with antioxidant properties may reduce tissue damage initiated by periodontal disease. Moreover, the determination of oxidative/antioxidative parameters can be important for diagnosing, monitoring, and prognosis of the clinical state of periodontal patients.

Transcriptional Activity of Predominant Streptococcus Species at Multiple Oral Sites Associate With Periodontal Status.

BackgroundStreptococcus species are predominant members of the oral microbiota in both health and diseased conditions. The purpose of the present study was to explore if different ecological characteristics, such as oxygen availability and presence of periodontitis, associates with transcriptional activity of predominant members of genus Streptococcus. We tested the hypothesis that genetically closely related Streptococcus species express different transcriptional activities in samples collected from environments with critically different ecological conditions determined by site and inflammatory status.MethodsMetagenomic and metatranscriptomic data was retrieved from 66 oral samples, subgingival plaque (n=22), tongue scrapings (n=22) and stimulated saliva (n=22) collected from patients with periodontitis (n=11) and orally healthy individuals (n=11). Species-specific transcriptional activity was computed as Log2(RNA/DNA), and transcriptional activity of predominant Streptococcus species was compared between multiple samples collected from different sites in the same individual, and between individuals with different oral health status.ResultsThe predominant Streptococcus species were identified with a site-specific colonization pattern of the tongue and the subgingival plaque. A total of 11, 4 and 2 pathways expressed by S. parasanguinis, S. infantis and S. salivarius, respectively, were recorded with significantly higher transcriptional activity in saliva than in tongue biofilm in healthy individuals. In addition, 18 pathways, including pathways involved in synthesis of peptidoglycan, amino acid biosynthesis, glycolysis and purine nucleotide biosynthesis expressed by S. parasanguinis and 3 pathways expressed by S. salivarius were identified with significantly less transcriptional activity in patients with periodontitis.ConclusionData from the present study significantly demonstrates the association of site-specific ecological conditions and presence of periodontitis with transcriptional activity of the predominant Streptococcus species of the oral microbiota. In particular, pathways expressed by S. parasanguinis being involved in peptidoglycan, amino acid biosynthesis, glycolysis, and purine nucleotide biosynthesis were identified to be significantly associated with oral site and/or inflammation status.

INFLUENCE OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS ON THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF PROSTHETIC STOMATITIS

Purpose: to study the effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus on the state of the mucous membrane and tissues of the oral cavity to optimize the prevention and increase the effectiveness of dentition defects complex treatment in this contingent of patients. Materials and methods. We examined 112 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged 35 to 64 years, who were further divided into three groups. The state of the oral mucosa, morphological changes, local immunity, lysozyme were determined. The work used morphological, microscopic methods, enzyme immunoassay and spectrophotometry. To test the statistical significance of intergroup differences, the nonparametric Mann- Whitney test was used. Results. Oral use in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2, applications of 1% Clotrimazole cream and Echinacea Compositum S had a positive preventive and therapeutic effect, which was accompanied by an increase in capillary resistance, a decrease in the degree of migration of leukocytes, an increase in the functional activity of immune system cells and an increase in the level of regenerative processes. In patients with defects in the dentition against the background of type 2 diabetes mellitus, violations of the oral cavity local immunity were revealed, characterized by a significant increase in the S-IgA content and a decrease in lysozyme.Orthopedic treatment with partial removable denturesled to a significant decrease in the concentration of S-IgA and an increase in the bactericidal activity of saliva due to increased lysozyme synthesis. It was concluded that type 2 diabetes mellitus affects the state of the oral mucosa, which must be taken into account when providing orthopedic and dental treatment.

Preliminary investigation on enzymatic activity in saliva of Hystrix cristata L., 1758.

Mammal's saliva contains a variety of electrolytes and proteins. They carry out an important role in the digestion process, in the antibacterial and antiviral activity, in lubrication and maintenance of oral general health status. It may also contain several enzymes according to dietary habits and general wellness. Sialochemistry is a valid alternative to the haematochemical analysis for the evaluation of animal health and nutritional status. At present, very little knowledge is available on health status and pathology of crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata) and no data are yet available on salivary enzymes. Between 2018 and 2020, a preliminary investigation of enzymatic activity on saliva samples was carried out from captured porcupines. In crested porcupine saliva, enzymatic activity of trypsin, chymotrypsin, N-Aminopeptidase, amylase, lignin peroxidise, cellulase and chitinase were recorded. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase and alkaline phosphatase activity was also detected. The superoxide dismutase activity resulted higher (3.13 SD 3.58U/mg proteins) than those of catalase (130.80 SD 110.65mU/mg proteins) and glutathione S-transferase (20.21 SD 16.62mM/mg proteins). Alkaline phosphatase activity resulted lower (5.91 SD 6.12mU/mg proteins) than acidic phosphatase (19.00 SD 16.16U/mg proteins) with the highest values of saliva alkaline phosphatases recorded in young individuals. These preliminary data bring new knowledge on crested porcupine saliva enzymes and may provide a useful tool for further investigation on the adaptive response of crested porcupine to different environmental condition and diet. Additional investigation concerning a possible alternative use of saliva enzymes as indicator of health and nutritional status of this rodent are desirable.

Nutritional influences on enzyme activities in saliva of Asian and African elephants

Asian and African elephants show morphological adaptations to their ecological niche including the oral cavity. Variety and preferences of forage plants differ between both herbivorous elephant species. Diet can affect salivary enzymes. Asian elephants were shown to have a higher salivary amylase activity than African elephants. Species-specific differences were presumed to be influenced by feeding during collection procedure. This study aimed to determine the influence of feeding on enzyme activities in saliva of both elephant species to differentiate from species-specific effects. Additionally, season and housing conditions on salivary enzyme activities in non-fed elephants of both species were investigated. Salivary amylase (sAA), lysozyme (sLYS) and peroxidase (sPOD) activity were measured photometrically or fluorometrically. Results of this study reinforce previous observations of higher basic sAA activity in Asian elephants compared to African elephants. Salivary LYS and sPOD activity showed neither species-specific nor housing-specific differences. Independent from season, most elephants of both species revealed a lack of or low sPOD activity. Feeding caused a temporary decrease of sAA, sLYS and sPOD activity in both elephant species kept in four of eight tested zoos. Furthermore, sAA activity in Asian elephants was higher and sLYS activity lower in Spring than in Autumn. This study summarizes that sAA and sLYS are components of Asian and African elephant saliva in an active conformation in contrast to sPOD. Diet varying between season and zoos might influence sAA and sLYS activities primarily in Asian elephants but temporary low effects suggest sufficient buffer capacity of elephant saliva of both species.

Method of salivary histatins determination.

Histatins are the most significant antimicrobial peptides (AMP) of saliva and there are 12 types of such AMP. Histatin molecules contain relatively high percent of histidine and tyrosine residues. This property allows to use well known from organic chemistry Pauly reaction for detection of protein bounded histidine and tyrosine residues (BHT), which are in fact characterize the summary content of all histatins in saliva. Aim of the present study was comparison of BHT with antimicrobial activity of salivary AMP fraction in patients with inflammatory diseases of upper airways (IDUA). Group of examined persons include 28 patients with different diagnoses: chronic pharyngitis (n=11), chronic tonsillitis (n=7), nasopharyngitis (n=5), pollinosis (n=5). Degree of intensity of inflammatory symptoms was estimated in balls. The algorithm of BHT analysis include following steps: freezing - thawing of saliva; removal of microparticles by centrifugation; separation of fraction lower than100 kDa; dialysis for free amino acids removal; Pauly reaction carrying out. Antimicrobial activities of saliva and its low molecular fractions were estimated towards Candida albicans cells by the spectrophotometric method with bromocresol purpur. Analysis of saliva sediments for coccoid microbiota was carried out by PCR method. Pauly reaction for histatins estimation in saliva of IDUA patients use here for the first time. The histatins levels (BHT) were significantly correlated with the intensity of inflammatory symptoms (r=0,975) and activity of low molecular salivary fraction (AMP activity) (r=0,824). The AMP activity/ BHT ratio, i.e. antimicrobial activity of histatin unit, decreased together with growth of inflammatory symptoms intensity (r=-0,944). Any considerable differences in coccoid microbiota frequency of finding at different diagnoses were not detected. The S. aureus frequency of occurrence was connected neither with inflammatory symptoms intensity (r=0,118), nor with BHT concentration (r=0,318). However S. pyogenes and S. pneumoniae frequencies of occurrence demonstrated the invert correlation towards these indexes: (r=-0,627/-0,614) and (r=-0,827/-0,864). Probably at the exacerbation forms of IDUA the S. pyogenes and S. pneumoniae growth controlled by high levels of histatins.

QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF SULPHATE REDUCING BACTERIA AND HYDROGEN SULPHIDE IN HUMAN SALIVA

"Objectives: Sulphate Reducing Bacteria (SRB) are part of the normal oral microbiota. They have been frequently detected in the oral cavity of individuals with and without oral manifestations. The aim of this investigation was to determine possible correlation between SRB count and their activity in saliva versus some oral health manifestations. Methods: A total of 64 saliva samples were collected from healthy individuals, and patients with several oral manifestations. Detection and count of SRB were performed using documented methods, while sulphide ion concentration which is the metabolic end product of these bacteria was measured using a silver electrode connected to a millivolt meter. Results: SRB were detected in 35.9% of saliva samples investigated. Statistical significance was observed between the detection of these bacteria and various oral conditions. However, count of SRB and the sulphide ion concentration in the tested samples did not have significant correlation with the oral conditions considered. Conclusion: The mere detection of SRB in saliva is of significance in the diagnoses of oral conditions. Enumeration of these bacteria and quantification of their metabolic end product in the same samples were not of diagnostic value."

Correlations of Oral Bacterial Urea Catabolism with Caries Experience in Normal-Weight Children and Underweight Children

Background: Alkali generation by oral bacteria plays a key role in plaque pH homeostasis and may be inhibitory to the initiation and progression of dental caries. A substantial body of evidence is beginning to accumulate, which indicates that the modulation of the Alkali generating potential of dental biofilms may be a promising strategy for caries control. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the capacity of oral samples to produce ammonia from urea and its relation to caries experience in normal-weight children and underweight children. Materials and Methods: Urease activity was measured in the saliva and plaque of 25 caries-active (CA) individuals who have normal weight and 25 CA individuals who are underweight. Urease activity was obtained from the ammonia produced by the incubation of plaque and salivary samples in urea. Independent sample t-test and Pearson's correlation were used to compare the differences and to correlate the urease levels and caries experience between groups. Results: The results showed that the mean urease levels in saliva were higher in All are positive value-1.2192±1.012 as compared to that of underweight children-0.78-0.676. The mean urease levels in plaque were lower in normal-weight children-0.1120-0.12206 as compared to that of underweight children-0.4824-0.5215. Conclusion: In underweight children, the caries activity was higher along with increased urease activity in saliva and lower urease activity in plaque, whereas in normal-weight children, the caries activity was lower with increased urease activity in saliva and lower urease activity in plaque.

Urease Activity in Saliva and Plaque as Endogenous Protection against Dental Caries in Institutionalized Blind Children

Urease Activity in Saliva and Plaque as Endogenous Protection against Dental Caries in Institutionalized Blind Children

Оптимізація лікування та профілактики захворювань тканин пародонта у працівників деревообробної галузі промисловості Чернівецької області

Goal. Improving the scheme of treatment and prevention of periodontal diseases in workers of the woodworking industry of Chernivtsi region, who in the process of professional activity have long-term contact with unfavorable factors of the production environment. Materials and methods. 70 workers of the woodworking industry with diagnosed chronic generalized periodontitis of the I degree were treated (35 people – the main group (A); 35 people – comparison group (B)), age – from 25 to 45 years. To compare the results of laboratory studies, an additional survey of 25 healthy individuals of the same age with an intact periodontium were conducted. They formed the control group (C). Clinical examination of patients was performed according to standart methods: subjective (complaints, medical history, life history) and objective (examination, periodontal indices, determination of the level of gingival attachment). Laboratory methods of research included determination of urease and lysozyme activity in saliva, degree of dysbiosis of oral cavity. As maintenance therapy, patients of the main group were prescribed the proposed composition DEPE. Results. After the treatment, a significant improvement in the hygienic status of patients in both groups was observed, but difference between groups A and B in the indicators of oral hygiene after treatment was no statistically significant (pA2–B2 &gt; 0.05). There was a significant improvement in periodontal indices after treatment in patients of both groups (PMA index according to C. Parma, bleeding index according to Muhlemann in Cowell I. modification, Russell periodontal index, PSR-test), but the indicators in patients of the main group were significantly better – pA2–B2 &lt; 0.05. In patients of the main group (A) the level of attachment loss decreased by 1.83 times, comparison group (B) – by 1.71 times. The difference in levels of attachment loss after treatment between groups A and B is statistically significant (pA2–B2 &lt; 0.05). The activity of the enzyme urease in patients of the main group (A) and comparison group (B) after treatment was significantly reduced (pA1–A2 &lt; 0.001, pB1–B2 &lt; 0.001), but only in the main group it reached the level in the control group (C) (pA2–C &gt; 0.05). The level of lysozyme after treatment was significantly increased in patients of both observation groups (pA1–A2 &lt; 0.001, pB1–B2 &lt; 0.001), and reached the level of lysozyme in patients of the control group (C) (pA2–C &gt; 0.05, pB2–C &gt; 0.05). The degree of oral dysbiosis in patients of the main group (A) was significantly reduced by 5.43 times (pA1–A2 &lt; 0.001), and its difference from the degree of dysbiosis in patients of the control group (C) is statistically insignificant (pA2–C &gt; 0.05 ). The degree of oral dysbiosis in patients of the comparison group (B) was significantly reduced by 3.04 times (pB1–B2 &lt; 0.001), but still remained significantly different from oral dysbiosis in patients of the control group (C) (pB2–C &lt; 0.05). Conclusion. The proposed pharmacological composition DEPE is an effective antiseptic solution and can be used in the phase of maintenance therapy to improve the treatment and prevention of periodontal disease in workers of woodworking industry. Key words: decamethoxine, propolis, ethonium, generalized periodontitis, woodworking industry.

Arginine: A Weapon against Cariogenic Biofilm?

Untreated dental caries is the most prevalent disease worldwide. Development of caries is associated with the intake of sugar. The microorganisms utilize the sugar and create an acidic environment, which results in mineral loss. The appropriate use of fluoride is associated with a decline of caries. Another approach in preventing caries might be the increase of pH in dental plaque. During recent years, arginine has increasingly become the focus of interest. This is based on the fact that certain streptococci possess an arginine deiminase system (ADS) which metabolizes free arginine. In vivo, the incidence of caries was inversely correlated with ADS activity in saliva and dental plaque. ADS is highly active in Streptococcus gordonii and S. sanguinis, but is absent in S. sobrinus and S. mutans. In the presence of 1.5% L-arginine, S. gordonii and S. sanguinis, but not S. mutans and S. sobrinus, synthesize the metabolite citrulline and increase the pH of the environment.In defined multispecies biofilms consisting of ADS-positive and ADS-negative streptococci, supplementation with 1.5% arginine suppressed the growth of ADS-negative by favoring ADS-positive streptococci together with an increase in the pH of the environment. Evaluating the influence of daily manual removal of the biofilm in vitro by brushing with a commercial toothpaste containing fluoride and arginine resulted in less surface microhardness even when compared with a toothpaste with fluoride only. Recent studies clinically investigated the effect of using an arginine-containing dentifrice and reported a decrease of DMFS by about 10-20%.

Comparative Evaluation of Lactate Dehydrogenase (Ldh) Enzyme Activity in Saliva of Periodontitis Patients with Or Without Diabetes

Comparative Evaluation of Lactate Dehydrogenase (Ldh) Enzyme Activity in Saliva of Periodontitis Patients with Or Without Diabetes

Changes in Salivary Levels of Creatine Kinase, Lactate Dehydrogenase, and Aspartate Aminotransferase after Playing Rugby Sevens: The Influence of Gender

Rugby sevens is characterised by continuous exertion and great physical contact per unit of time, leading to muscle damage. It is important to identify markers that can quantify muscle damage in order to improve recovery strategies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the release dynamics of muscle damage markers creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in saliva samples when playing rugby sevens, analysing the influence of gender, during the rugby sevens university championship of Spain. The total sample included 27 athletes, divided into two teams of 14 men and 13 women between 18 and 31 years of age. CK, LDH, and AST were quantified from salivary samples collected from each athlete before and after three rugby sevens matches. The modified Borg scale of perceived exertion was also used after each match. When the results were analysed globally, there were no differences in CK and LDH before and after any match, but AST did show differences after two days of completing all matches. In terms of gender, the three enzymes showed different responses in men and women. Regarding the Borg scale, there were only significant differences between men and women after completing all mataches, with a greater perceived exertion in women. Based on our results, it can be stated that that serial matches of rugby sevens can cause changes of different magnitude in AST, CK and LDH activities in saliva, with AST showing the most significant variations and these changes are more pronounced in men than in women.

A Biochemical Study of α-Amylase Activity in Saliva of Some Libyan Cigarette Smokers

Tobacco consumption alters many biological parameters, including α-amylase activity. This study reports the effect of cigarette smoking on salivary α-amylase activities of some male heavy smokers (100) in apparent good health compared with (40) male non-smokers as control. The salivary α-amylase activity was assayed using the standard colorimetric method. The α-amylase enzyme was characterized from the saliva samples collected from healthy adult smokers and non-smokers (control) to determine the effects of temperature, pH, and substrate concentration on the kinetic parameters of the enzyme. The analysis of the saliva samples showed that there were significant increases (P&lt;0.05) in the α-amylase activity values in the saliva of cigarette smokers when compared with non-smokers at optimum conditions (2.74±0.37 nmol/min/mg-protein and 2.01±0.16 nmol/min/mg-protein, respectively). The Michaelis constant (Km) values of 0.5±0.02 mM and 1.12±0.08 mM observed for non-smokers and smokers were obtained from the double reciprocal plot of initial velocity (1/V) and substrate concentration (1/[S]). The maximum activities obtained at an optimum temperature of 37ºC, and an apparent pH of 7.0 for both subjects were 31.25±8.24 nmol/min/mg protein and 18.10±4.06 nmol/min/mg protein for non-smokers and smokers respectively. Measurements of salivary α-amylase activity could be useful in the early detection and diagnosis of parotitis. Subsequent studies are required to specify the mechanisms responsible for such a risk.

Carbonic anhydrase VI activity in saliva and biofilm can predict early childhood caries: A preliminary study.

This study aimed to investigate whether carbonic anhydrase VI activity (CA VIACT ), pH, and buffering capacity (BC) in saliva and biofilm could predict the number of lesion occurrence and early childhood caries (ECC). A cross-sectional study was performed in a sample of 44 children aged 4 to 5years who were examined regarding their caries status (dmfs+active white spot lesions-WSL) and allocated into two groups: ECC and caries-free (CF). Saliva and biofilm were collected to determine pH, BC, and CA VIACT . Data were analyzed using the Student t test, and multiple linear regression and logistic regression analyses followed by the ROC curve. Children with ECC exhibited lower pH and BC in saliva and a higher CA VIACT in both saliva and biofilm. Only saliva pH could predict the dmfs+active WSL. In biofilm, if CA VIACT is increased by one pixel/µg, 0.85±0.28 increase is expected in the number of active WSL. Salivary pH and CA VIACT in saliva and biofilm had the power to predict ECC occurrence. Changes in saliva pH and CA VIACT in biofilm predicted the number of lesion occurrence. Furthermore, CA VIACT in both saliva and biofilm can predict propensity for ECC.

Combined effect of starch and sucrose on carbonic anhydrase VI activity in saliva and biofilm of children with early childhood caries. Exposure to starch and sucrose alters carbonic anhydrase VI activity in saliva and biofilm.

This study aimed to investigate whether combined exposure to starch and sucrose modifies the activity of carbonic anhydrase VI (CA VI) in saliva (Study 1) and biofilm (Study 2) of children with early childhood caries (ECC). For Study 1 and Study 2, respectively, 54 and 46 preschoolers aged 4 to 5 were allocated into two groups: caries-free (CF) and with ECC. Children were exposed to rinses with sucrose, starch, and sucrose plus starch solutions. CA VI activity, pH, and buffering capacity (BC) were evaluated in saliva and biofilm. In Study 1, a significant reduction in saliva pH was observed after sucrose and sucrose plus starch rinses. CA VI activity was influenced by ECC independently of the type of carbohydrate to which children were exposed. CA VI activity was higher in children with ECC; however, after rinses, CA VI activity was reduced. In Study 2, biofilm pH and BC were reduced after rinses with sucrose and sucrose plus starch. CA VI activity was significantly high before rinse in ECC group when compared with CF group; however, no difference was observed between groups after rinses. In saliva, exposure to starch and sucrose (isolated or combined) induced a reduction in CA VI activity in children with ECC. In biofilm, the combination of starch and sucrose did not modify CA VI activity in ECC children. The responsivity of the CA VI reflects directly in important parameters related to the pH maintenance on the oral cavity.