Increase In Salivary Flow Rate Research Articles

The relationship between smoking status and salivary flow rate in inhaled general anesthesia patients at Brebes Regional Hospital


 Background :Smoking is one of the habits that is inherent in humans because it is addictive. Active smokers in Indonesia have increased significantly in 10 years. Smoking has a negative impact on health, one of which is changes in salivary flow rate. Changes in salivary flow rate in smokers can cause complications in the airway when performing surgery using inhalation general anaesthesia. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between smoking status and salivary flow rate in patients with inhalation general anaesthesia.
 Method : This type of research is observational analytic with a cross sectional approach. The sample in the study was 35 respondents with 4 inclusion criteria. The sample in this study was taken with purporsive sampling technique. Data collection stimulated saliva by suction method. Data analysis using univariate and bivariate analysis, namely the Chi-Square test.
 Results : The results showed that inhalation general anaesthesia patients were more smokers with 24 respondents (68.6%) and respondents who experienced changes in salivary flow rate obtained the most respondents who experienced hypersaliva as many as 15 respondents (42.9%). The results of bivariate analysis using the Chi-Square test showed that 11 respondents (31.4%) who smoked experienced hypersaliva with a p-value of 0.000 <0.05.
 Conclusion : There is a relationship between smoking status and salivary flow rate in inhalation anaesthesia patients, namely the increase in salivary flow rate in smoking respondents with inhalation general anaesthesia.

Effect of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation on stress-reactive neuroendocrine measures in a sample of persons with temporal lobe epilepsy.

Dysregulation of stress-reactive neuroendocrine measures, as well as subjective stress, have been found to worsen epilepsy. Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is a relatively new treatment option for epilepsy. We were interested in its effect on the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and autonomic nervous system (ANS) as well as subjective stress and tiredness in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Twenty patients (age 44 ± 11 years, 13 women) were enrolled in the study. They were free of seizures for more than 1 year. All took part in two sessions with 4 h of stimulation (tVNS vs. sham) in a randomized order. Saliva samples and subjective stress and tiredness levels were measured at five time points each session (before and after stimulation and three time points every hour in between). Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance as well as paired t-tests. There was a dampened salivary cortisol (sCort) decrease during tVNS (time × condition effect: F[2.38, 38.15] = 6.50, P = 0.002, partial η2 = 0.29). Furthermore, we detected a dampened increase in salivary flow rate during tVNS (time × condition effect: F[3.28, 55.67] = 2.82, P = 0.043, partial η2 = 0.14). There was neither a difference in overall sCort or salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) levels nor in subjective stress or tiredness levels between conditions. sAA levels at the last measurement point were slightly higher during tVNS (t(19) = 2.26, P = 0.035, d = 0.51), but this effect failed to reach significance when controlled for multiple comparisons. Our results partially support that tVNS influences the regulation of stress-reactive neuroendocrine systems (namely the HPA axis and ANS) in epilepsy. More research with larger samples is needed on the difference between short-term and repeated long-term stimulation.

Effect of Sustained Systemic Administration of Ginger (Z officinale) Rhizome Extracts on Salivary Flow in Mice

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of methanol (70% v/v), ethanol (80% v/v), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO; 100% v/v) extracts of ginger rhizome (GR), and 6-shogaol on the pilocarpine-stimulated salivary flow rate in C57BL/6 mice. MethodsThree extracts of ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome prepared by maceration using the respective solvents and 6-shogoal were reconstituted in normal saline with 0.2% DMSO. Thirty C57BL/6 15-week-old mice were divided into 5 groups: Group 1, saline; Group 2, 70% methanol extract; Group 3, 80% ethanol extract; Group 4, 100% DMSO extract; and Group 5, 6-shogaol. The baseline pilocarpine-stimulated salivary flow rate was measured at the age of 15 weeks (15th week), and treatment solutions were administered by intraperitoneal injection from the 16th to 18th week. The stimulated salivary flow rate during treatment weeks was recorded for each group, and its difference with baseline was analysed using paired-sample t test. The change in salivary flow rate between the treatment groups and the control group was analysed using one-way analysis of variance. ResultsGroups 2, 3, 4, and 5 showed a significant increase in salivary flow rate when compared to baseline (P < .05). The increase in salivary flow rate in all 4 treatment groups was significant when compared to the control group (P < .05). Group 4 produced the highest increase in salivary flow rate; however, the differences amongst the treatment groups did not reach statistical significance (P > .05). ConclusionsAll GR extracts (70% methanol, 80% ethanol, 100% DMSO) and 6-shogaol were equally effective in increasing the pilocarpine-stimulated salivary flow rate in C57BL/6 mice when administered systemically as a sustained dose for 3 weeks.

Comparative evaluation of changes in salivary flow rate, pH, and Streptococcus mutans levels in children undergoing fixed and removable space maintainer therapy.

Placement of intraoral appliances such as space maintainers (SMs) may be associated with the alteration of microbial and nonmicrobial parameters of saliva which may lead to the initiation of incipient caries. The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the changes in salivary flow rate, pH, and Streptococcus mutans levels in children undergoing fixed and removable SM therapy. The study participants comprised 40 children aged 4-10 years divided into two groups of 20 each. Children undergoing fixed (Group I = 20) and removable SM therapy (Group II = 20). Salivary flow rate, pH, and S. mutans levels were recorded just before and 3 months after the placement of SMs. Data were compared for both groups. It was analyzed using SPSS software version 20. The level of significance was kept at 5%. A significant increase in salivary flow rate (<0.05) and S. mutans level (<0.05) was evident, however, no significant difference in pH was found in both the groups from baseline to 3 months after appliance placement. Group I showed a significant increase (<0.05) in S. mutans level as compared to Group II. SM therapy allied both favorable and unfavorable changes in salivary parameters, thus emphasizing the importance of parent and patient education about maintaining proper oral hygiene during SM therapy.

Efficacy of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Salivary Flow Rates in Normal Healthy Adults According to Gender and Age Groups.

Introduction:Salivary gland hypofunction might be associated with various local and systemic conditions and is managed with a plethora of therapeutic options with associated side effects. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is one such option with no known systemic side effects for dealing with this crippling condition. The present study was planned with a similar intent of assessing impact of TENS on salivary flow rates in normal healthy adults according to gender and age groups.Materials and Methods:The present study was designed as a cross-sectional study on 130 healthy adults wherein unstimulated and stimulated saliva was collected for 5 min in graduated test tubes fitted with a funnel while mean salivary flow rates were calculated. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).Results:In the present study, differences between mean unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates with TENS were found to be statistically significant for both genders (P < 0.001). Furthermore, in relation to age groups included, maximum increase in salivary flow rate was seen in 20–29 years of age group, though significant results were seen in all three age groups included namely 20–29 years, 30–39 years, and 40–49 years (P < 0.001).Conclusions:Based on results from the present study, it could be concluded that TENS comes out to be a safer, nonpharmacological therapeutic option for treating patients with xerostomia.

Hyposalivation Response to Low-Level Laser in Diabetic Type 2 Patients

Abstract Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder, which usually leads to various complications. Among these complications is salivary hypofunction characterized by an abnormal reduction in saliva flow rate. Aim of Study: The aim of this study was to find out the efficacy of LLLT on hyposalivation in diabetic type 2 patients. Patients and Methods: Twenty-five diabetic type 2 patients from both sexes (16 females and 9 males) were included in the study. Their ages ranged from 40 to 55 years old. Patients were recruited from the outpatient clinic of internal medicine, Suez Canal hospital. All patients included in the study were with whole resting saliva !90.16ml/min. The study was con-ducted from August 2020 to March 2021. The salivary flow rate was measured using the 'low forced spitting' method. The collection period was 5min. The salivary flow rate (ml/min) was calculated by dividing the collected salivary amount (volume in ml) by the time of collection period (5 minutes). The salivary flow rate was measured before starting of sessions (pretreatment), after the 6th session (post I), and after the 12th session (post II) in the same procedure. Patients were assigned into one experimental group received 12 sessions (2 sessions per week for 6 weeks) of low-level laser. LLLT was performed on the major salivary glands punctually. Three points were applied extraorally to each parotid gland, two to each sub-mandibular gland, and two to each sublingual gland. A total of 14 points were applied per session. Application duration was 30 sec per point (total duration of 14 points was 420sec). Results: There was a significant increase in salivary flow rate at the post I and post II compared with pretreatment (p < 0.001). The percent of change at the post I was 118.18% and at post II was 218.18%. There was a significant increase in salivary flow rate at post II compared with post I (p < 0.001) and the percentage of increase was 45.83%. Conclusion: These results suggested that LLLT had a hopeful effective role in improving hyposalivation related to diabetic complications.

The Effects of Pineapple Extract Toothpaste (Ananas comosus L.Merr) on Saliva Flow Rate

Women in the menopause period experience biological changes, decreased production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone resulting in xerostomia (dry mouth). Dry mouth treatment can be carried out using mechanical and chemical stimuli. Citric acid stimulation is one way to increase the flow rate of saliva. Pineapple contains a high amount of citric acid. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of toothpaste with pineapple extract, which increasing salivary flow rate in women in menopause period at the Integrated Health Center (Posyandu) for elderly in Baso Health Center. This type of experimental research using pretest-posttest control group design and the sample selection was taken by simple random sampling with a lottery technique. The number of samples was 32 people who were divided into two groups, namely the treatment group and the control group. Saliva was collected before and after treatment into the saliva pot for 5 minutes using the spitting method. Data analysis using paired T test and unpaired T test. The results showed that there was an increase in salivary flow rate with the use of pineapple extract toothpaste 50% of 1.651 ml/minute and with fluoride toothpaste. 1,170 ml/minute. There is an effect of brushing teeth with pineapple extract toothpaste on the salivary flow rate with a significance value of p = 0.000 <0.05. Pineapple extract toothpaste can be used as an alternative treatment for xerostomia for women in menopause period.

The interindividual variation of salivary flow rate and biochemistry in healthy adults: Influence of black tea consumption

Saliva is firstly interacted with food or drink during ingestion. Alteration of salivary biochemistry by black tea consumption is unclear and rarely discussed in literature. The current work highlighted the immediate and delayed effect of black tea drinking on the change of several salivary parameters, including flow rate, α-amylase and catalase activity, malondialdehyde, thiol, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide and total protein content. Twelve healthy subjects aged between 22 and 31 years old were recruited in the study. The saliva was collected before, after and 30 min after black tea consumption. The black tea intake generally caused an increase of salivary flow rate, total protein content, catalase, H2O2 and MDA but reduction in thiol and nitric oxide for majority of the subjects. Principal component analysis showed that the salivary flow rate, production rate of total protein content, nitric oxide, thiol and malondialdehyde of saliva were primarily significant for black tea consumption.

Salivary exosomes as a new therapy to ameliorate diabetes mellitus and combat xerostomia and submandibular salivary glands dysfunction in diabetic rats.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the major metabolic diseases. Xerostomia and salivary gland dysfunction are of its common oral complications. Exosomes, as a new therapeutic potential containing nucleic acids, proteins and lipids, act as effective vehicles for target molecules delivery. Accordingly, their therapeutic use is gaining much interest. Therefore, this work aimed to assess the therapeutic efficacy of salivary exosomes in ameliorating DM and combating xerostomia as a complication of salivary gland dysfunction in diabetic rats. In the current study, salivary exosomes were injected intravenously to rats of group II (Salivary Exo-treated group) one week after diabetes induction. Group I (Diabetic group) was left untreated. Blood sugar level was checked weekly. Water intake, salivary flow rate, salivary amylase and serum nitric oxide were assessed before and after diabetes induction and at the end of the study. After 5weeks from the beginning of the study, salivary gland tissues were dissected and examined histologically and ultrastructurally. Gene expression of the inflammatory markers NFκB/p65 and TNFα was assessed by polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that salivary exosomes reduced blood glucose levels and enhanced salivary glands' function. This was indicated by a decrease in water intake, salivary amylase and serum nitric oxide in addition to an increase in salivary flow rate. This was confirmed histologically, ultrastructurally and via downregulation of NFκB/p65 and TNFα gene expression. Our results concluded that salivary exosomes could be considered as a novel cell free based therapy in treatment of xerostomia and salivary gland dysfunction in DM.

The erosive potential of lollipops

To determine the erosive potential of several commercially available lollipops and the protective effect of saliva. The erosive potential of lollipops was determined in vitro by measuring the pH and neutralisable acidity. Subsequently, 10 healthy volunteers tested different types of lollipops. Whole saliva was collected 5 minutes before, 15 minutes during and 10 minutes after consumption. Salivary flow rate and pH were determined. Fruit flavoured and cola flavoured lollipops have a very low pH (2.3 - 2.4). Yogurt-containing and salmiak (salty liquorice) flavoured lollipops have much higher pH values (3.8-4.7). The neutralisable acidity of 1g of lollipop showed a large variation from < 200 microl to > 1700 microl 0.1 M NaOH. In vivo, lollipops induced 2.5 to 4.7-fold increase in salivary flow rate with a concomitant drop in salivary pH. For fruit flavoured and cola flavoured lollipops the salivary pH dropped below pH 5.5. For strawberry yogurt and salmiak lollipops, the salivary pH remained above this critical value. The volunteers did not report significant differences in preferences for the lollipops. Lollipops differ considerable in erosive potential, with fruit flavoured and cola flavoured lollipops having the highest risk for inducing dental erosion. This information is of use for clinicians counselling juvenile patients with dental erosion.

THE IMPROVEMENT OF SALIVA FLOW RATE BY GARGLING GREEN TEA STEPPING IN MENOPAUSE WOMEN WITH XEROSTOMIA

Endocrine and biological changes occur in postmenopausal women, the production of steroid sex hormones that affect the health of the oral cavity, with the reduction of all or part of estrogen resulting in xerostomia (dry mouth). The treatment of Xerostomia was carried out using local, mechanical and chemical stimulation. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of gargling of green tea steeping on salivary flow rates in postmenopausal women with xerostomia at Darussalam Public Health Center in Medan.This is an experimental study using the design of control group, pretest-posttest and the non-probability of purposive sampling. Fourty menopausal women with xerostomia were used as sample. The treatment group gargled with green tea steeping while the control group gargled with distilled water. Saliva was collected into the pots for three minutes before and after treatment by spitting method. The analytical test used was the paired T-test and the unpaired.The results showed that there was an increase in salivary flow rate with green tea brushing rinse by 0.281750 ml/min and with aquades rinsing by 0.03335 ml/min. Furthermore, there was an effect of gargling with green tea steeping, namely an increase in the flow rate of saliva and this research can be an alternative treatment to relieve xerostomia in menopausal women.The green tea gargling was better in stimulating salivary flow rate.

The Effects of Play Behavior, Feeding, and Time of Day on Salivary Concentrations of sIgA in Calves.

Simple SummaryThe focus of animal welfare science has shifted over the last decades from efforts to avoid negative states to ways of allowing animals the experience of positive emotions. The emotional state of an animal interacts with its immune system. Secretory immunoglobulin A, a class of antibodies present on mucosal surfaces and acting as the first line of defense against infections, is influenced by positive and negative emotions in humans; the few studies of its association with emotions in animals focused almost exclusively on the impact of negative emotions and yielded conflicting results. We present the first study that focuses on salivary immunoglobulin A to investigate a possible relationship between positive emotions and immune functioning in calves. We detected a circadian rhythm of immunoglobulin A concentrations, with lowest levels at 14:00 h. Immunoglobulin A concentrations were decreased directly after feeding, possibly due to increased saliva flow rates, and we did not find higher immunoglobulin A concentrations after play. The results are important for the design of future studies of positive emotions, although they do not support immunoglobulin A as an indicator of positive emotional states.The focus of animal welfare science has shifted over the last decades from efforts to avoid negative states to ways of allowing animals the experience of positive emotions. They may influence physiological processes in farmed animals, potentially providing health benefits; in addition, the physiological changes might be used as indicators of emotional states. We investigated calves’ salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) concentrations with regard to a possible circadian rhythm and two situations that elicit positive emotions. Ten saliva samples of 14 calves were taken on two consecutive days; within the course of a day we observed a significant decline in salivary sIgA concentrations at 14:00 h. Further, we probed the animals before and after milk feeding and, contrarily to our prediction, detected lower sIgA concentrations 5 min after feeding than 15 min before. A probable explanation might be an increase in salivary flow rate caused by milk ingestion. We also took samples before and after we stimulated play behavior in calves. There was no significant difference in sIgA concentrations between samples taken before and after play. Although there was a significant correlation between the change in sIgA concentrations and the amount of play behavior shown, the correlation depended on an unexpected decrease of sIgA in animals that played little, and thus, does not support our hypothesis. In general, the data showed a large variability that might arise from different factors that are difficult to standardize in animals. Thus, the use of salivary sIgA concentrations as a marker of positive emotions in calves is not supported conclusively by the present data.

Comparison of Salivary Calcium Level in Dentulous and Edentulous Patients.

Objectives Calcium is an inorganic component of the saliva, which is especially important in oral and dental health. This study sought to compare unstimulated salivary calcium level of dentulous and edentulous patients. Materials and Methods This case–control study was conducted on 72 participants, including 36 dentulous and 36 edentulous patients. The unstimulated salivary flow rate of patients and the mean salivary calcium concentration were measured and compared. The data were analyzed using the nonparametric Mann–Whitney U-test. Results The mean age of participants was 56.3 years. The mean number of teeth was 18.9 in the dentulous group. No significant difference was noted in salivary calcium level of dentulous and edentulous patients. The mean salivary calcium concentration was 0.61 ± 0.3875 mmol/L in dentulous and 0.8025 ± 0.5975 mmol/L in edentulous patients. Salivary calcium level had a significant inverse correlation with salivary flow rate ( r = –0.370, p = 0.027), and by every 1-unit increase in salivary flow rate, salivary level of calcium significantly decreased by 3.85 units. Conclusion Edentate had averagely higher salivary calcium level compared to dentulous. The salivary concentration of calcium ion is not correlated to the presence or absence of teeth. Salivary flow rate reduces the calcium concentration.

Impact of Fixed Orthodontic Therapy on Salivary Characteristics in Relation to Weight Status

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the early impact of fixed orthodontic therapy on some salivary physical and chemical characteristics of patients in relation to their weight status. The sample consisted of 54 patients (25 males and 29 females; age between 16-18 years old) going under the course of fixed orthodontic treatment. Patients were categorized according to their Body Mass Index (BMI) into 3 weight status groups (underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese), then unstimulated salivary samples were collected from each patient who met specific inclusion and exclusion criteria during three time intervals; before bonding (1st visit), 2 weeks after bonding (2nd visit), and 4 weeks after bonding (3rd visit), then salivary samples are examined to evaluate some salivary physical properties (flow rate, pH) and some chemical properties (salivary calcium concentration, salivary phosphate concentration). A significant increase in salivary flow rate for all weight status categories during the 2ndvisit. A significant decrease in salivary pH for both underweight and overweight groups during 2nd visit with no significant change for normal weight group. A significant decrease in salivary calcium concentration for all weight status groups. And a significant increase in salivary phosphate concentration for all weight status groups. Exposure to fixed orthodontic appliances causes significant changes in salivary physical and chemical characteristics in early stages of treatment. These changes differ among patients with different BMI weight status, but with lesser intensity on normal weight patients than underweight and overweight and obese patients.

Effect of a Ginger Infusion in Smokers with Reduced Salivary Flow Rate

Background: Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger) is a spice widely used and has been suggested to act beneficially on salivary secretion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ingestion of a ginger infusionin the salivary flow rate of smokers with reduced salivary secretion. Subjects and Methods: After review board and Ethic Committee of the State approval, sixteen smokers with reduced salivary flow were assigned in an auto-controlled study. The intervention consisted in the ingestion of a 250 mL ginger infusion with 0.5 g, three times a day for 28 days. Non-stimulated (Qns) and stimulated (Qss) saliva collection was performed by sialometry before and after the ingestion of the ginger infusion.A survey was used to collect age and smoking habits information. Chemical analysis was performed, in the ginger infusion, to quantify the total phenolic content (TFC) by Folin Ciocalteu method and antioxidant activity (AA) by ABTS•+ and O2•− methods. The paired samples t-Student’s test and Spearman's correlation coefficient were used, at a significance level of 5%. Results: A statistically significant increase (p<0,001), was found in Qns (0.12±0.05 and 0.24±0.05 mL/ min) and Qss (0.69±0.18 and 0.90±0.18 mL/min) before and after ginger infusion ingestion, respectively. The results revealed a negative correlation between Qns and age (ρ = −0.67; p = 0.003) and also between the amount of saliva (Qns and Qss) and smoking habits (Qns, ρ = −0.71, p = 0.001; Qss, ρ = −0.61, p = 0.010). Chemical analysis revealed a large quantity of TFC (1.02±0.03 mg/gGAE) and a high AA (115.83±1.91 μmolTrolox/g and 62.76±1.06 % O2•− inhibition) in the ginger infusion. Conclusion: There is a significant increase in salivary flow rate of smokers after the ingestion of 0.5g of ginger infusion three times a day for 28 days. The age of the subjects and the time of smoking are correlated with the reduction of salivary flow rate. Ginger infusion exhibited a high level of TFC and AA.

Comparison of pH and Flow Rate of Saliva After Using Black Tea, Green Tea and Coffee in Periodontal Patients and Normal Group

Objectives: Periodontal pathogens need acidic environments to proliferate in periodontium, and their growth is affected by the salivary flow rate and pH of the mouth. Alterations in flow and acidity of saliva have an important effect on oral diseases such as periodontitis. This study was designed to compare salivary pH and flow rate before and after using green tea, black tea and coffee in patients with periodontitis and healthy subjects.Methods: The present case control study was conducted on 60 subjects that were allocated into two groups: 30 subjects without periodontitis and 30 subjects with chronic periodontitis. Gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were recorded. Next, 5mL of saliva from both groups was collected for analysis before and after green tea, black tea and coffee rinsing and salivary pH and flow rate were recorded.Results: The result showed significant increase in salivary flow rate and pH after rinsing of green tea in periodontitis group but there was no significant change in pH and flow rate after rinsing of black tea and coffee in both groups.Conclusion: The results suggest that green tea causes a significant increase in salivary flow rate and pH and seems to be a safe and applicable adjunct treatment for periodontitis.

Computational modeling of epithelial fluid and ion transport in the parotid duct after transfection of human aquaporin-1.

Following transfection of aquaporin into the parotid ducts of minipigs with salivary hypofunction, the resulting increase in salivary flow rates contradicts current understanding of ductal fluid transport. We show that the change in saliva electrochemistry and flow rate can be explained by changes in expression of ion transporters in the ductal cell membranes, using a mathematical model replicating a single parotid duct.

Effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on saliva production in post-radiated oral cancer patients

Aims and Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in stimulating salivary flow in post-radiated oral cancer patients, and to compare the salivary flow rate between unstimulated saliva and saliva stimulated with TENS in post-radiated oral cancer patients. Materials and Methods: In 30 patients who underwent radiotherapy for oral cancer, unstimulated saliva was collected every minute for 5 min in a graduated test tube. The TENS unit was activated and stimulated saliva was collected for 5 min in a separate graduated test tube, and the flow rate was compared with the unstimulated salivary flow rate. Results: A statistically significant improvement was seen in saliva production during stimulation (P < 0.001). In addition, statistically significant increase in TENS stimulated saliva was observed in patients aged ≥50 years compared to that in patients aged <50 years (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in salivary flow rate between the two genders in both stimulated and unstimulated conditions, however, statistically significant increase in salivary flow rate was observed in males under stimulated condition (P < 0.01). Conclusion: TENS was highly effective in stimulating the whole salivary flow rate in post-radiated oral cancer patients. It is an effective supportive treatment modality in xerostomia patients caused by radiotherapy in oral cancer patients.

Assessment of Salivary Flow Rate and pH Among Areca Nut Chewers and Oral Submucous Fibrosis Subjects: A Comparative Study.

Background:To assess and compare the salivary flow rate (SFR) and salivary pH among areca nut chewers, oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) patients and apparently healthy individuals.Methods:A comparative study was conducted to assess and compare the SFR and pH among 135 outpatients (45 areca nut chewers + 45 OSMF + 45 control) at The Oxford Dental College and Research Hospital, Bangalore, India. Subjects were interviewed using structural proforma and Modified Schirmer strips and pH paper were implemented for assessing SFR and pH respectively. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS ver. 21.0 software.Results:A statistically significant increase in SFR (35.7 mm at 3rd minutes) among areca nut group and a decrease in SFR among OSMF group (23.4 mm at 3rd minutes) when compared to apparently healthy subjects (30.7 mm at 3rd minutes). The mean pH among areca nut, OSMF and control groups was 6.76, 6.82, and 6.74 respectively with no statistical significance.Conclusions:The observation and findings of the study clearly showed hypersalivation among areca nut group and hyposalivation among OSMF group, with no significant change in salivary pH when compared to healthy subjects.

The effect of physical exercise on salivary secretion of MUC5B, amylase and lysozyme

ObjectivesSaliva secretion is regulated by the autonomic nervous system. Parasympathic stimuli increase the secretion of water and mucin MUC5B, whereas sympathetic stimuli such as physical exercise increase the secretion of amylase and other proteins. In the present study we investigated the effect of physical exercise, as a sympathetic stimulus, on salivary flow rate and output of MUC5B, amylase, lysozyme and total protein. DesignUnstimulated whole saliva was collected before exercise (1), after 10min exercise with moderate intensity by running with a heart rate around 130 beats per minute (2), followed by 10min exercise with high intensity by running to exhaustion (3) and after 30min recovery (4). Salivary flow rate, protein and MUC5B concentration, and amylase and lysozyme activity were determined. Saliva protein composition was analysed using SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. ResultsSalivary flow rate, protein and lysozyme secretion increased after exercise with moderate intensity and increased further after exercise with high intensity (p<0.01). Amylase and MUC5B increased after exercise with moderate intensity (p<0.0001), but did not differ significantly between moderate and high exercise intensity. SDS-PAGE analysis and immunoblotting showed that, especially after exercise with high intensity, the concentrations of several other salivary proteins, including MUC7, albumin, and extra-parotid glycoprotein, also increased. ConclusionsExercise may not only lead to the anticipated increase in amylase and protein secretion, but also to an increase in salivary flow rate and MUC5B secretion.