Protein Concentration In Saliva Research Articles

Estimation and Association of Total Protein Concentration with Early Childhood Caries in 3-6-year-old Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Caries is a common problem witnessed in children, early childhood caries (ECC) is the most predominant chronic disease which not only leads to distress and pain but also poor quality of life, thus affecting the overall well-being of children. Salivary protein plays a vital part in monitoring health status or disease. It was stated that the salivary proteins could regulate the equilibrium of oral health, preserve a stable ecosystem, and constrain the growth of cariogenic bacteria. The aim of this study is to estimate the total protein concentration in saliva and its correlation to ECC. A total of 20 patients with ECC in the age-group of 3-6 years were selected as the experimental group and 20 patients without caries for the control group. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected and subjected to spectrophotometry. The data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis. Independent student's t-test was used for the comparison of mean salivary pH between the caries group and the control group. Mann-Whitney test was used for a comparison of salivary total protein concentrations between the two groups. The mean pH of the carious group showed a statistically significant slightly lower value than that of the noncarious group. On the contrary, the mean total protein concentration of the carious group presented a statistically significant higher value than that of the noncarious group. Age-wise comparison of mean salivary proteins in the carious group and the noncarious group showed an increase in the protein concentration in the children aged 4 years or younger. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that there is a strong association between the total protein concentration in saliva and ECC. There exists a significant increase in the total protein concentration in children with ECC. As age increases, total protein concentration decreases with age. Total protein concentration and particular protein estimation and quantification help us in assessing the risk of caries in children at the earliest and prevention of caries through preventive measures. Estimation of total salivary protein concentration in children can be a marker for ECC in children. Thimmegowda U, Pai S, Chikkanarasaiah N, et al. Estimation and Association of Total Protein Concentration with Early Childhood Caries in 3-6-year-old Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(1):36-40.

SimSAARlabim study – The role magic tricks play in reducing pain and stress in children

BackgroundVaccination is an essential preventative medical intervention, but needle fearandinjection painmay result in vaccination hesistancy. Study purposeTo assess the role of magic tricks – no trick vs. one trick („disappearing handkerchief trick“) vs. three tricks (“disappearing handkerchief trick“, “jumping rubber band trick“, and “disappearing ring trick“) – performed by a professional magician and pediatrician during routine vaccination in reducing discomfort/pain and the stress response (heart rate, visual analogue scale (VAS), and biomarkers (cortisol, Immunoglobulin A (IgA), α-amylase, and overall protein concentration in saliva before and after vaccination). Patients and methodsRandomized controlled trial (RCT) in healthy children aged 6–11 years undergoing routine vaccination in an outpatient setting. Results50 children (26 female) were enrolled (no trick: n = 17, 1 trick: n = 16, 3 tricks: n = 17) with a median age of 6.9 years (range: 5.3–10.8 years). We detected no significant differences among the three groups in their stress reponse (heart rate before and after vaccination and cortisol, IgA, α-amylase, and overall protein concentrations in saliva before and after vaccination) or regarding pain assessment using the VAS. ConclusionsAlthough children undergoing routine outpatient vaccination appeared to enjoy a magician’s presence, the concomitant performance of magic tricks revealed no significant effect on the stress response.

Arabinogalactan proteins and polysaccharides compete directly with condensed tannins for saliva proteins influencing astringency perception of Cabernet Sauvignon wines

Wine astringency is thought to be due to salivary protein precipitation; however, the actual mechanism is not well-defined. This study aimed understand the relationship between whole polysaccharide extracts, produced with and without enzyme maceration, and the saliva protein-tannin precipitation reaction. Polysaccharides were analyzed in the context of salivary protein–tannin interactions using gel electrophoresis, quantitative 1H proton nuclear magnetic resonance (qHNMR), size separation chromatography, immunochemistry, and sensory analysis. Polysaccharide addition reduced saliva protein concentration in tannin-saliva protein-polysaccharide mixtures, indicating that native-wine polysaccharides compete with condensed tannins for salivary protein as ligand partners. qHNMR showed that tannin levels were increased by adding polysaccharides, suggesting that in these conditions, polysaccharides interact with saliva proteins via competitive protein-polysaccharide complex formation. Polysaccharides from non-enzyme-treated wines had threshold concentration of 121 mg/mL versus 86 mg/ml for enzyme-treated as detected by a sensory panel. Enzyme-treated polysaccharides changed astringency perception at a lower concentration than non-enzyme-treated polysaccharides.

Impairment of oral health and its impact on the quality of life of patients with Sjögren's syndrome

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to describe the clinical profile and the oral health status and their impact on the quality of life of patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS).MethodsThrough a cross‐sectional study, patients with SS were compared with those with dry symptoms with no conclusive diagnosis of SS (non‐SS) and patients without complaints of dryness, matched for sex and age (control group). Data related to classification of SS, focus score, unstimulated whole salivary flow (UWSF), dental plaque index, periodontal screening and recording (PSR), decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT), and clinical signs of candidiasis were assessed. Colony‐forming units (CFU) of Candida spp were assessed and saliva biochemical analysis was also performed. The Xerostomia Inventory (XI) and Oral Health Impact Profile 14 (OHIP‐14) questionnaire were applied to assess the severity of xerostomia and quality of life.ResultsThirty‐three patients with primary SS, 22 with secondary SS, nine non‐SS, and 23 from control group were included. Patients with primary SS, secondary SS and non‐SS had lower UWSF and higher rates of plaque, PSR and DMFT than the control group. Candida spp. count was also higher in SS groups. Osmolality, buffering capacity and protein concentration in saliva were similar between groups. The scores of XI and OHIP‐14 were higher in the SS and non‐SS groups and showed positive correlation with PSR and DMFT and negative correlation with UWSF.ConclusionSS is associated with poor oral health, mainly related to dental and periodontal problems, which exert a negative impact on quality of life.

Randomized clinical trial to assess the impact of oral intervention with cetylpyridinium chloride to reduce salivary SARS-CoV-2 viral load.

Aerosols released from the oral cavity help spread the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The use of a mouthwash formulated with an antiviral agent could reduce the viral load in saliva, helping to lower the spread of the virus. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a mouthwash with 0.07% cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) to reduce the viral load in the saliva of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. In this multi-centre, single-blind, randomized, parallel group clinical trial, 80 COVID-19 patients were enrolled and randomized to two groups, namely test (n=40) and placebo (n=40). Saliva samples were collected at baseline and 2h after rinsing. The samples were analysed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test specific for the nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-CoV-2. With RT-qPCR, no significant differences were observed between the placebo group and the test group. However, 2h after a single rinse, N protein concentration in saliva was significantly higher in the test group, indicating an increase in lysed virus. The use of 0.07% CPC mouthwash induced a significant increase in N protein detection in the saliva of COVID-19 patients. Lysis of the virus in the mouth could help reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. However, more studies are required to prove this.

Serum and salivary tissue transglutaminase IGA (tTG-IGA) level in celiac patients

BackgroundCeliac disease (CD) is a genetically determined autoimmune disease triggered by gluten consumption. Patients with these conditions have intraepithelial lymphocytosis, crypt hyperplasia, and severe intestinal atrophy. Gluten elimination is the only way to reduce this chronic inflammation. The diagnosis of CD is usually made by analyzing anti-tTG, anti-DGP, or EMA serological tests, and it is confirmed by biopsy of the duodenum.In people with CD, xerostomia or dry mouth is a common complication. This condition causes the salivary glands to malfunction and, in turn, may result in oral plaque and periodontal disease.By comparing salivary and serum levels of tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA), this study aims to suggest a non-invasive method for diagnosis of CD. Furthermore, the present study evaluates the severity of xerostomia symptoms in people with CD.MethodsIn this case–control study, participants were patients referred to the internal ward of Sayyad Shirazi hospital. The control group was selected from healthy people who attended Gorgan Dental College.In this study, an analysis of serum was performed following consent from patients. This was followed by a salivary test, and the results of both tests were compared.The Xerostomia Inventory questionnaire was also used to determine the severity of xerostomia. As part of this study, examination of factors such as total protein concentration of saliva, albumin concentration, amylase level, pH, sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and interleukin (6, 18, and 21) were conducted.ResultsA total of 78 people were studied (aged 15 to 68), 26 were male (33.3%) and 52 were female (66.7%). In comparisons of the serum and saliva of people with and without CD, the level of amylase was higher in the latter group. The average levels of IL-6، IL-18 ،IL-21, and salivary and serum tTG were higher in people with CD. Additionally, CD patients were more likely to develop xerostomia.ConclusionStudy findings showed that CD can reduce certain salivary enzymes and elements, as well as increase inflammatory cytokines, salivary, and serum tTG.The management of dry mouth should also be recommended for celiac disease patients in order to prevent its complications.

Salivary Composition of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to determine the salivary composition of Oral squamous cell carcinoma patients. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective study was conducted over 6 months on data of 60 Oral squamous cell carcinoma patients obtained from the patient records of the Institute of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine, Peshawar. Salivary pH, Sodium, Potassium, and total proteins of Oral squamous cell carcinoma patients were recorded. RESULTS: Sodium, Potassium, and total protein concentration in saliva of oral squamous cell carcinoma patients were 23.5 mM/L, 96.7mM/L, and 234.6 mM/L, respectively. These values were significantly higher than normal salivary concentration. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the saliva of oral squamous cell carcinoma patients contains higher concentrations of Sodium, Potassium, and total proteins.

Tea compound-saliva interactions and their correlations with sweet aftertaste

Huigan is an important sensory attribute which is commonly used as a quality indicator evaluation of tea products. Previous studies showed a strong correlation between the lubrication behavior of saliva-tea compound mixture and the sensory perception of Huigan from trained panelists. This work was further designed to investigate how the effect of tea consumption on the rate of saliva secretion and its functional properties including total protein content of saliva (TPC), salivary α-amylase (AMY) and lipase activity (LP). A quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) was applied to reveal the adsorption behavior of human whole saliva and how the salivary film is affected by the presence of tea compounds. Results showed a significant positive correlation among TPC, LP and Huigan intensity for subjects who are Huigan-sensitive. Compared to the desorption of salivary film, the desorption of saliva-EC/EGC (epicatechin/epigallocatechin) mixture from the gold surface by QCM-D observation showed a significant effect on Huigan intensity in sensitive group when comparing to the salivary layer (blank).

Evaluation of salivary protein patterns among a rural population exposed and non-exposed to arsenic-contaminated drinking water in areas of Tucumán (Argentina): a pilot study.

Arsenic contamination in the environment and groundwater is a major global public health problem. Several researchers suggest that the toxicity of arsenic could be related to oral cancer development, usually resulting from potentially malignant lesions. During pathological processes, salivary proteins suffer modifications, which could lead to the discovery of new biomarkers. Objective To analyze the protein profile in human saliva samples from a rural population exposed to high levels of arsenic in drinking water and its association with potentially malignant lesions.Methodology This observational, analytic and cross-sectional design included 121 patients from the state of Graneros (Tucumán, Argentina). Arsenic concentration in drinking water was determined and, according to the values obtained, individuals were divided into 2 groups: exposed group and non-exposed group. Saliva samples were obtained, and total protein concentration was measured by Bradford method. Finally, Laemmli SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was conducted to obtain the protein profile.Results Total protein concentration in saliva was lower in the exposed group than in the non-exposed group. Average areas of 20 and 42 KDa bands were significantly lower in exposed group than non-exposed group.Conclusion Chronic intake of high arsenic concentrations in drinking water produces changes in the salivary protein profile, which is associated with the presence of potentially malignant lesions.

Restoration of Cyclo-Gly-Pro-induced salivary hyposecretion and submandibular composition by naloxone in mice

Cyclo-Gly-Pro (CGP) attenuates nociception, however its effects on salivary glands remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the acute effects of CGP on salivary flow and composition, and on the submandibular gland composition, compared with morphine. Besides, we characterized the effects of naloxone (a non-selective opioid receptor antagonist) on CGP- and morphine-induced salivary and glandular alterations in mice. After that, in silico analyses were performed to predict the interaction between CGP and opioid receptors. Morphine and CGP significantly reduced salivary flow and total protein concentration of saliva and naloxone restored them to the physiological levels. Morphine and CGP also reduced several infrared vibrational modes (Amide I, 1687-1594cm-1; Amide II, 1594-1494cm-1; CH2/CH3, 1488-1433cm-1; C = O, 1432-1365cm-1; PO2 asymmetric, 1290-1185cm-1; PO2 symmetric, 1135-999cm-1) and naloxone reverted these alterations. The in silico docking analysis demonstrated the interaction of polar contacts between the CGP and opioid receptor Cys219 residue. Altogether, we showed that salivary hypofunction and glandular changes elicited by CGP may occur through opioid receptor suggesting that the blockage of opioid receptors in superior cervical and submandibular ganglions may be a possible strategy to restore salivary secretion while maintaining antinociceptive action due its effects on the central nervous system.

チェックバフ^[○!R]による唾液緩衝能検査の変動値および唾液分泌量,唾液pH,緩衝能,リン酸イオン濃度,タンパク濃度の相互関係について

チェックバフ^[○!R]による唾液緩衝能検査の変動値および唾液分泌量,唾液pH,緩衝能,リン酸イオン濃度,タンパク濃度の相互関係について

Evaluation of salivary heme oxygenase‐1 as a potential biomarker of early Parkinson's disease

To date, there are no chemical analytes, including biochemical indices of oxidative stress, metabolites of α-synuclein protein, and differential protein expression patterns on proteomic profiling, for use in clinics as a diagnostic biomarker of idiopathic PD. Heme oxygenase-1 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of PD. The objective of this study is to ascertain whether salivary heme oxygenase-1 may serve as a biomarker for early idiopathic PD. Fifty-eight PD patients and 59 non-neurological disease controls were recruited. Levels of heme oxygenase-1 expression were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blot analysis of whole, unstimulated saliva. Analyses were adjusted by sex, l-dopa exposure, and relevant comorbidities. We documented: (1) the presence of 32-kDa heme oxygenase-1 protein in human saliva; (2) significantly higher mean heme oxygenase-1 protein concentrations in saliva of PD patients relative to control values; (3) no variability in salivary heme oxygenase-1 levels with sex, age, l-dopa equivalence, or comorbidities; and (4) significantly higher mean salivary heme oxygenase-1 concentrations in patients with H & Y stage 1 PD (early) than control subjects and stage 2 and stage 3 PD patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve that separated controls from PD H & Y stage 1 was 76% (95% confidence interval: 63-90). Salivary heme oxygenase-1 concentrations may provide a useful, noninvasive, and relatively inexpensive biomarker of early idiopathic PD. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Obstructive sleep apnea and rhonchopathy are associated with downregulation of trefoil factor family peptide 3 (TFF3)-Implications of changes in oral mucus composition.

Study objectivesTrefoil factor family (TFF) peptides belong to the family of mucin-associated peptides and are expressed in most mucosal surfaces. TFF peptides carry out functions such as proliferation and migration enhancement, anti-apoptosis, and wound healing. Moreover, TFFs are associated with mucins and interact with them as “linker peptides”, thereby influencing mucus viscosity.To test the hypothesis that in rhonchopathy and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) changes occur in the expression of TFF3 and -2 that could contribute to changes in mucus viscosity, leading to an increase in upper airway resistance during breathing.MethodsRT-PCR, Western-blot, immunohistochemistry and ELISA were performed to detect and quantify TFF3 and -2 in uvula samples. In addition, 99 saliva samples from patients with mild, moderate or severe OSA, as well as samples from rhonchopathy patients and from healthy volunteers, were analyzed by ELISA.ResultsTFF3 was detected in all uvula samples. Immunohistochemistry revealed a subjectively decreasing antibody reactivity of the uvula epithelia with increasing disease severity. ELISA demonstrated significantly higher TFF3 saliva protein concentrations in the healthy control group compared to cases with rhonchopathy and OSA. Predisposing factors of OSA such as BMI or age showed no correlation with TFF3. No significant changes were observed with regard to TFF2.ConclusionsThe results suggest the involvement of TFF3 in the pathogenesis of rhonchopathy and OSA and lead to the hypothesis that reduction of TFF3 production by the epithelium and subepithelial mucous glands of the uvula contribute to an increase in breathing resistance due to a change in mucus organization.

Oral symptoms and salivary findings in oral lichen planus, oral lichenoid lesions and stomatitis

BackgroundTo examine if patients with oral lichen planus, oral lichenoid lesions and generalised stomatitis and concomitant contact allergy have more frequent and severe xerostomia, lower unstimulated and chewing-stimulated saliva and citric-acid-stimulated parotid saliva flow rates, and higher salivary concentration of total protein and sIgA than cases without contact allergy and healthy controls.MethodsForty-nine patients (42 women, aged 61.0 ± 10.3 years) and 29 healthy age- and gender-matched subjects underwent a standardised questionnaire on general and oral health, assessment of xerostomia, clinical examination, sialometry, mucosal biopsy and contact allergy testing.ResultsNineteen patients had oral lichen planus, 19 patients had oral lichenoid lesions and 11 patients had generalised stomatitis. 38.8% had contact allergy. Xerostomia was significantly more common and severe in patients (46.9%) than in healthy controls, whereas the saliva flow rates did not differ. The patients had higher sIgA levels in unstimulated and chewing-stimulated saliva than the healthy controls. The total protein concentration in saliva was lower in the unstimulated saliva samples whereas it was higher in the chewing stimulated saliva samples from patients when compared to healthy controls. The differences were not significant and they were irrespective of the presence of contact allergy.ConclusionXerostomia is prevalent in patients with oral lichen planus, lichenoid lesions and generalised stomatitis, but not associated with salivary gland hypofunction, numbers of systemic diseases or medications, contact allergy, age, or gender. Salivary sIgA levels were higher in patients than in healthy controls, but did not differ between patient groups. The total salivary protein concentration was lower in unstimulated saliva samples and higher in chewing-stimulated saliva samples in patients than in healthy controls, but did not differ between patient groups. Our findings do not aid in the discrimination between OLP and OLL and these conditions with or without contact allergic reactions.

Salivary gland dysfunction markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease of the carbohydrate metabolism that, when not rigorously controlled, compromises systemic and organ integrity, thereby causing renal diseases, blindness, neuropathy, arteriosclerosis, infections, and glandular dysfunction, including the salivary glands. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the qualitative and quantitative parameters of salivary alteration, which are indicators of salivary gland dysfunction, and the level of metabolic control of type 2 diabetes patients. Material and Methods A convenience sample of 74 voluntary patients with type 2 DM was selected, each of whom donated a sample of unstimulated saliva. Salivary parameters such as salivary flow rate, protein concentration, pH, and xerostomia were studied. Results There is a positive relationship between the level of metabolic control measured with HbA1 and the protein concentration in saliva (Spearman rho = 0.329 and p = 0.004). The same assay showed an inverse correlation between HbA1 and pH (Spearman rho = -0.225 and p = 0.05). Conclusions The protein concentration in saliva and, to a lesser extent, the pH may be useful as glandular dysfunction indicators in DM2 patients. Key words:Saliva, type 2 diabetes mellitus, pH, protein concentration, xerostomia.

Caries experience, mutans streptococci and total protein concentrations in children with protein‐energy undernutrition

The highest prevalence of protein-energy undernutrition is observed during early childhood, being also a time in which the presence of dental caries can be unusually aggressive. The present study aimed to verify if different levels of undernutrition could influence the risk of early childhood caries (ECC), in the presence of other predisposing factors. One hundred and twenty undernourished 12-70 month old children, with or without ECC, were selected. Undernourished children were classified as being mildly, moderately or severely undernourished. All children were examined for determination of decayed, missing and filled surfaces (dmfs). Total protein concentration in saliva was analysed by the Bradford method. For microbiological analysis, mitis salivarius-bacitracin agar medium was used. A binary logistic regression model was applied to test the simultaneous influence of different variables over caries experience. The risk of ECC was significantly higher with an increase in age (p = 0.000) and mutans streptococci counts (p = 0.032). Comparisons with the normal-weight group showed that mildly (p = 0.004) and severely undernourished children (p = 0.037) had a higher risk of experiencing ECC, but this risk was not significantly elevated among moderately undernourished children (p = 0.158). Our results suggest that mildly and severely undernourished children have an increased risk of experiencing dental caries. Age is highly associated with the disease in this population.

Influence of hypertension on oral infections and endodontic treatment

Hypertension is characterized by peripheral vascular resistance that leads to blood pressure increase and several systemic changes that may negatively influence one’s oral health. Thus, the aim of this study was to conduct a literature review on the influence of hypertension over oral conditions and endodontic treatment. Hypertension mainly affects the blood vessels, brain and kidneys. A hypertensive condition can lead to increased levels of parathyroid hormones, abnormal vitamin D metabolism, reduction in the concentration of ionized calcium and decreased calcium absorption. Therefore, hypertension can be closely associated with oral problems such as periodontal diseases, implant loss, difficulty in bone healing, reduced salivary flow and protein concentration in saliva, increased number of neutrophils and, as a consequence, favoring of inflammatory processes. It has also been suggested that the success rate of endodontic treatment in hypertensive patients is lower than in normotensive ones. The response of hypertensive patients to root canal treatment, intracanal medications and sealers should be further studied in order to provide knowledge on the changes, failures and success of endodontic treatment.

Comparative evaluation of saliva collection methods for proteome analysis

BackgroundSaliva collection devices are widely used for large-scale screening approaches. This study was designed to compare the suitability of three different whole-saliva collection approaches for subsequent proteome analyses. MethodsFrom 9 young healthy volunteers (4 women and 5 men) saliva samples were collected either unstimulated by passive drooling or stimulated using a paraffin gum or Salivette® (cotton swab). Saliva volume, protein concentration and salivary protein patterns were analyzed comparatively. ResultsSamples collected using paraffin gum showed the highest saliva volume (4.1±1.5ml) followed by Salivette® collection (1.8±0.4ml) and drooling (1.0±0.4ml). Saliva protein concentrations (average 1145μg/ml) showed no significant differences between the three sampling schemes. Each collection approach facilitated the identification of about 160 proteins (≥2 distinct peptides) per subject, but collection-method dependent variations in protein composition were observed. ConclusionPassive drooling, paraffin gum and Salivette® each allows similar coverage of the whole saliva proteome, but the specific proteins observed depended on the collection approach. Thus, only one type of collection device should be used for quantitative proteome analysis in one experiment, especially when performing large-scale cross-sectional or multi-centric studies.

Вплив канабіноїдних рецепторів GPR55 на слиновиділення підщелепної слинної залози щура

This paper is devoted to elucidation of functionally active cannabinoid receptor GPR55 in submandibular salivary gland cells of rats by introducing a specific agonist lysophosphatidylinositol. We studied the effect of GPR55 activation on the following parameters of basal salivation in vivo : rate of salivation of protein concentration and electrolytes. It was shown that in vivo activation of cannabinoid receptor GPR55 in the acinar cells of submandibular salivary gland by lysophosphatidylinositol caused a dose-dependent reduction in basal flow of saliva. We also elucidated that activation of the cannabinoid receptor GPR55 induced an increase of concentration of total protein in saliva secreted in vivo . That indicate that the activation of cannabinoid receptor GPR55 leads to an enhancement of exocytosis of secretory vesicles in acinar cells. We showed that under conditions of activation of cannabinoid receptor GPR55, changes also occured in concentration of electrolytes in basal saliva such as: reduction in concentration of calcium (Ca 2+ ), inorganic phosphorus (P i ), and increasing concentration of potassium (K + ). Based on these findings, we suggest that activation of cannabinoid receptor GPR55 leads to modulation of intracellular signaling mechanisms involved in the secretion of water and electrolytes in acinar cells of rat submandibular salivary gland. Keywords: submandibular salivary gland, cannabinoid receptor GPR55, lysophosphatidylinositol, basal salivation.

Saliva in Prader–Willi syndrome: Quantitative and qualitative characteristics

ObjectiveTo evaluate salivary flow rates and assess whole salivary total protein, MUC7 and cystatin in individuals with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) compared with healthy controls. DesignThe participants were forty-eight individuals with PWS (mean age 20.2±9.5) and an age- and sex-matched control group. Flow rates of unstimulated whole saliva (UWS), stimulated whole saliva (SWS), submandibular/sublingual (SS), and parotid saliva (PS) were recorded (ml/min) and unstimulated whole saliva used for further protein analysis. Total protein concentration was determined via the bicinchoninic acid method, and MUC7 and cystatin levels via a Dot Blot. ResultsMean UWS (0.12±0.11 vs. 0.32±0.20, p<0.001), SWS (0.41±0.35 vs. 1.06±0.63, p<0.001) and SS (0.27±0.19 vs. 0.50±0.29, p<0.001) salivary flow rates were significantly lower in PWS compared with controls. No significant difference was found in PS flow rate between the two groups. The mean total protein concentration (mg/ml) was 3.19±3.04 in PWS compared with 1.32±1.11 in controls (p<0.001). Median concentration of MUC7 (mg/ml) was 1.29 (0.11–10.85) in the PWS group, and 0.39 (0.03–2.22) in the control group (p<0.001). No significant difference was found in cystatin concentration between the groups. The output of proteins did not differ significantly between PWS and controls. ConclusionWith the exception of parotid saliva, salivary flow rates were lower among individuals with PWS than in their matched controls. Saliva protein concentrations in UWS were high compared with the healthy group, although the protein output did not differ significantly.