Saliva Levels Research Articles

Efficacy of Lycium barbarum (Goji berry) mouthwash for managing periodontitis: a randomized clinical trial

Background Removal of the microbial deposits (plaque and calculus) by performing effective scaling and root planing (SRP) is the fundamental step for managing periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis). Various adjuncts in the form of mouthwash, gels, and toothpaste are also being used as adjuncts to SRP for managing periodontitis. Recently, Lycium barbarum (L. barbarum), commonly known as goji berry or wolfberry, has gained popularity for managing chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases. However, its efficacy in managing periodontitis has never been explored. Hence the present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of goji berry mouthwash compared to chlorhexidine mouthwash for managing periodontitis. Methods 60 adult participants were divided randomly using computer-generated random sequences into two groups (case group: L. barbarum mouthwash (Males: 16; Female: 14); control group: 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash (Males: 14; Females: 16)). The changes in the gingival index (Gi), plaque index (Pi), bleeding on probing (BOP), clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing pocket depth (PPD), microbial load, and antioxidant levels (protein thiol) in saliva were noted at the baseline, at 15 days and one month. Results A significant reduction in the mean PPD, Pi, BOP, and Gi was seen from baseline to one month in both the control (P-value=0.006, 0.027, 0.000, and 0.036 respectively) and test groups (P-value=0.035, 0.000, 0.034, and 0.000 respectively). However, the antioxidant levels (protein thiol) in saliva were significantly increased only in the test group. Conclusion Goji berry mouthwash along with SRP reduced the Gi, Pi, BOP, and PPD in patients with periodontitis. However, no statistically significant difference was noted between the use of goji berry and chlorhexidine mouthwash. Goji berry mouthwash was more effective than chlorhexidine in increasing the antioxidant levels in saliva.

Mercury in saliva, milk, and hair of nursing mothers in southeastern Iranian mothers: levels, distribution and risk assessment.

This research is on lactating mothers in the city of Chah Bahar in Iran. This descriptive-analytical and questionnaire study selected a random sample of 80 mothers to examine mercury levels in their hair, milk, and saliva. The average concentration of mercury in milk, hair and saliva of mothers was 1.23 ± 0.48µg/l, 1.81 ± 0.55µg/g and 1.10 ± 0.63µg/l, respectively. There was a significant correlation between mercury levels in mothers saliva and hair. Still, only a weak correlation was found between mercury levels in milk and hair, and milk and saliva, possibly associated with the high lipid content in milk. The number of children and length of the mother's pregnancy were related to the amount of mercury in the mother's milk. The number of teeth filled with amalgam, consumption of fish and marine products, consumption of fruit, and infant's weight at birth were also associated with the amount of mercury in breast milk. Chewing gum, fish consumption, infant's birth weight, weight, and length of pregnancy were among the factors associated with the amount of mercury in mothers' saliva. The mercury concentration in milk exceeded the WHO (1.4-1.7µg/g) normal level in 8.5%mothers, and hair mercury was found in 12.5% mothers. It should be kept in mind that any amount of mercury can be harmful.

Salivary Chromium and Cobalt Concentrations in Patients with Dental Metallic Restorations-A Pilot Study.

Introduction: Metal ions, released from dental alloys due to corrosion, come in contact with the cells of the surrounding tissues and may spread throughout the body via the gastrointestinal system, thus inducing dose-dependent cytopathological effects. This study aimed to assess and compare the salivary cobalt and chromium concentrations in individuals aged 18-65 years with and without dental restorations containing metal alloys. Methods: Participants were divided into two main groups according to the existence of metal alloys in the oral cavity-18 patients had fixed prosthetic restorations made of metal alloys, and 17 patients had no metal objects in their oral cavity. Each main group was subdivided into two subgroups according to the type of saliva sample-with or without additional stimulation. Salivary cobalt and chromium concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. A non-parametric Mann-Whitney test and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were applied, and the level of significance was set to p < 0.05. Results: The results showed that the chromium level in non-stimulated saliva was higher in the group of patients with metal dental restorations. No statistical difference was found in cobalt levels. There was no statistical difference in Co or Cr concentrations in stimulated saliva between the studied groups. A positive correlation was found between Cr and Co concentrations in non-stimulated saliva and between cobalt concentrations in stimulated and non-stimulated saliva. Conclusions: Metal alloys in the oral cavity induced elevated chromium levels in non-stimulated saliva, and a correlation between chromium and cobalt ion concentration was found. A detailed examination of patients and their medical history prior to prosthetic treatment is advisable in order to avoid any undesired health effects.

Cytokines levels in saliva in periodontitis, oral potentially malignant disorders and squamous cell carcinoma

Biopsy and histopathological examination continue to be the gold standards for diagnosing oral cancer and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD). The prognosis of these conditions is significantly influenced by established factors such as the degree of dysplasia, tumour size, grade, and patient age. While these traditional diagnostic approaches are crucial, there is a growing need for innovative methods to improve diagnosis and monitoring of these conditions. We hypothesize that identifying specific diagnostic biomarkers in human saliva, alongside traditional methods, could enhance clinical outcomes in managing both malignant and non-malignant oral pathologies. In this study, salivary levels of previously described biomarkers BDNF, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-15, IL-1RA, LIF, and TNF-α were compared among oral cancer patients, patients with OPMD, periodontal disease patients, and healthy volunteers. The results indicated that these cytokines have the potential to distinguish cancer cases, though they are less effective in differentiating between OPMD and periodontitis. Using pairs or groups of biomolecules could improve the ability to differentiate between different pathological entities. We found the following panel IL-6, IL-15, and IL-1RA to be particularly significant as diagnostic biomarkers for oral squamous cell carcinoma and OPMD.

The effect of caffeine dose on caffeine and paraxanthine changes in serum and saliva and CYP1A2 enzyme activity in athletes: a randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial

BackgroundAlthough caffeine (CAF) supplementation has been shown to improve exercise performance, its dose-dependent effect on CAF metabolism has not been sufficiently investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 3, 6 and 9 mg of CAF/kgBM on changes of CAF and paraxanthine (PRX) in the serum and saliva at four time-points.MethodsIn a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, acute pre-exercise supplementation in 26 moderately-trained athletes, participating in high-intensity functional training (HIFT), was examined. The study protocol involved CAF/PRX biochemical analyses of serum and saliva with respect to CYP1A2 polymorphism and CYP1A2 enzyme activity.ResultsDespite significant differences between the serum and saliva levels of CAF and PRX, there was no difference in the PRX/CAF ratio. The interaction effect of dose and time-points for PRX concentration was revealed. The main effects of dose were observed for CAF and the PRX/CAF ratio. The main effect of time-points was registered only for serum CAF.ConclusionsDose- and time-dependent effect of CAF supplementation on CAF and PRX in the serum and saliva of athletes was confirmed, but there was no effect of the CAF dose on CYP1A2 enzyme activity, nor was there an interaction of CYP1A2 with enzyme inducibility. The CAF/PRX correlation indicated the possibility of interchangeable use of serum and/or saliva analyses in exercise studies.Clinical trial registrationThis trial was registered prospectively at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03822663, registration date: 30/01/2019).

Heat Treatment of Saliva to Reduce Infectious Disease Contamination Does Not Impact the Analysis of Melatonin by Radioimmunoassay.

The determination of melatonin levels in saliva represents one of the key methods for assessing the timing of the central circadian clock in humans, both in research and clinical settings. Melatonin levels in saliva are typically determined in a laboratory setting by RIA or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) presented a serious challenge to the routine, safe assessment of melatonin in saliva samples. However, SARS-CoV-2 present in biological fluids can be inactivated by exposure to temperatures of at least 55-60°C for 30 min and the aim of this study was to assess the validity of applying a pretreatment heating step to saliva samples being prepared for melatonin determination using the Novolytix Radioimmunoassay (RK-DSM2). 40 archived saliva samples collected under a Dim Light Melatonin Onset sampling protocol were thawed and aliquoted into three identical groups-Controls (no pretreatment), 56°C pre-assay heat-treatment (30 min), and 70°C pre-assay heat-treatment (30 min). Melatonin concentrations in samples that were heated to 56°C for 30 min before assaying showed close agreement with the untreated controls, with the Pearson's correlation coefficient between the two sets of samples of 0.99 (p < 0.0001) and the slope of the Deming regression analysis close to 1.0 (Y = 1.04X + 0.168). When saliva samples were pretreated to 70°C for 30 min before assaying, the subsequent melatonin determinations were still strongly correlated with the untreated controls (Pearsons correlation coefficient = 0.97 (p < 0.0001), however melatonin concentrations were consistently overestimated when compared to the untreated controls with Deming regression slope of Y = 1.26X + 0.241. These results indicate that a 56°C pretreatment step is suitable for inclusion in standard operating protocols for melatonin determinations using the Novolytix RIA, as a way of effectively minimizing the potential for accidental pathogen exposure while handling saliva samples.

Effects of a synthetic analogue of the bovine appeasing pheromone on the overall welfare of dairy calves from birth through weaning

Environmental enrichment in the form of synthetic analogs of appeasing pheromones have shown promising results in improving the welfare of domestic animals including dogs, pigs, horses, and cattle. The main objective of this study was to determine if the use of the bovine appeasing pheromone (BAP) would improve the welfare of dairy calves; therefore, in this randomized controlled trial, 72 Holstein Friesian dairy calves were housed in individual hutches after birth and were randomly allocated to receive BAP or a placebo once every 2 weeks from birth through weaning. After weaning, calves were moved to group hutches according to treatment for 4 additional weeks. It was hypothesized that dairy calves treated with BAP would display fewer signs of stress compared with calves receiving the placebo during the weaning process. To operationalize stress, calves were fitted with triaxial accelerometers on the hind leg after birth, and activity levels were monitored throughout the experiment. Data on live weight gain (ADG) and cortisol levels in saliva and hair were also obtained. Calves were fitted with heart rate monitors every week for at least 24 h to assess heart rate variability (HRV). The use of BAP had a positive effect on ADG after weaning and during group housing and resulted in increased resting time after weaning. Moreover, BAP, was associated with a reduction in the activation of the neuroendocrine system evidenced by higher HRV parameters after weaning, including increased standard deviation of beat to beat of normal sinus beats (SDNN) and root mean squares of successive differences (RMSSD). These results suggest a potential welfare benefit of the use of BAP during the artificial rearing of dairy calves.

Phenotypic Identification of Streptococcus mutans and Attendant Bacteria From Dentin Caries and Necrotic Pulp, and Its Correlation with Caries Activities Tests

Abstract Background: Dental caries is a worldwide disease, which can affect all ages and sexes. The dominant bacteria and the first colonizer in dental plaque are Streptococcus mutans due to its adhesion to the hard surface, metabolizing of sugar, and forming tooth cavity if not treated will reach the root pulp, producing necrotic pulp. Objectives: The current study was designed to detect S. mutans and attendant bacteria in the oral cavity of patients with two types of caries (dentin caries and necrotic pulp), and its relation with MDFT score and Alban test. Materials and Methods: Two samples were collected from every 150 patients including one from dentin caries and the other from necrotic pulp, who have attended the Dental Teaching Hospital at the University of Mosul, in Mosul, Iraq with ages ranging between 6 and 76 years, and both sexes, from the beginning of March 2022 to the end of October 2022. Results: VITEK 2 compact system used to identify of S. mutans at a high number of 39 (32.5%) in dentin caries while Enterococcus faecalis gave a high number of 43 (35.8%) in necrotic pulp in addition to other different bacterial species were identified as Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus anginosus, Lactococcus acidophilus, Staphylococcus aureus, Actinomycus spp., Staphylococcus hominis, Enterococcus faecium, Lactococcus lactis, Lactococcus garvieae, Lactococcus raffinolactis, Kocuria rosea, Pediococcus acidilactici, Pediococcus pentosaceus, and the fungal Candida albicans. The sex had no significant correlation with other factors, while age had a significant effect at P &lt; 0.05 level and pH of saliva had a significant effect at P &lt; 0.01 with DMFT and lactobacillus count. The DMFT had a significant effect at P &lt; 0.01 level with pH of saliva and count of S. mutans and Lactobacillus count at P &lt; 0.05. Conclusions: The current study concluded that the cariogenic bacteria S. mutans was the most prevalent in dentin caries (carious lesion), and E. faecalis was the most prevalent in necrotic pulp by using VITEK 2 compact system, and the caries activities tests show pH of saliva had a significant effect with DMFT and lactobacilli colonies count and Streptococci colonies count.

Association between Sexual Abuse Experience and Salivary Stress Biomarkers among Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Individuals in Chennai – A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Gender-nonconforming people undergo unimaginable sexual and physical abuse. This leads to stress and other stress-related disorders which can be easily determined by salivary stress biomarkers. Early life stress has an association with the immune system linked with stress. Transgenders and gender nonconforming people are prone to sexual abuse in early life more compared to normal people. This study aims to know about the association between sexual and physical abuse experience and salivary stress biomarkers in Transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional epidemiological study. A snowball sampling design was adopted. The study was conducted in various places in Thozhi Shelter for Transgenders, Chetpet, Chennai among Gender non-conforming individuals and Transgenders. This study was conducted in April 2022. MDA and IL-6 levels were determined from their saliva using the passive drool method. Result: Interleukin L 6 and MDA levels were significantly higher in the GNC Group than in the control group. 63.64% of Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals experienced sexual abuse whereas 73% of them have experienced physical abuse in their lifetime. Conclusion: Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals who experienced physical/sexual abuse have increased IL 6 levels and decreased MDA levels in saliva when compared to the non-transgender individuals.

Decreased Circulating Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Associated with Keratoconus.

Keratoconus (KC) is a corneal thinning dystrophy that leads to visual impairment. While the cause of KC remains poorly understood, changes in sex hormone levels have been correlated with KC development. This study investigated circulating gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in control and KC subjects to determine if this master hormone regulator is linked to the KC pathology. Plasma and saliva were collected from KC subjects (n = 227 and n = 274, respectively) and non-KC controls (n = 58 and n = 101, respectively), in concert with patient demographics and clinical features. GnRH levels in both plasma and saliva were significantly lower in KC subjects compared to controls. This finding was retained in plasma when subjects were stratified based on age, sex, and KC severity. Control and KC corneal fibroblasts (HKCs) stimulated with recombinant GnRH protein in vitro revealed significantly increased luteinizing hormone receptor by HKCs and reduced expression of α-smooth muscle actin with treatment suggesting that GnRH may modulate hormonal and fibrotic responses in the KC corneal stroma. Further studies are needed to reveal the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in the onset and progression of KC and to explore this pathway as a novel therapeutic target.

Age and gender related changes on total antioxidant/oxidant status and electrolyte composition of saliva

BackgroundSaliva is used as an important biological material in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases to collect easily, to be cheap, to have a minimal risk of infection. Here in that study we aimed to evaluate age and gender-related changes on total antioxidant/oxidant status and electrolyte composition of saliva levels in individuals. MethodsA total of 30 young adult (21.2 ± 2.47 years) and 14 adult (51.6 ± 9.35 years) subjects were included in the study. Stimulated saliva samples were collected. Cortisol, amylase, oxidative stress biomarkers (total antioxidant status and total oxidant status) were measured by ELISA and spectrophotometric manual methods and electrolyte level of saliva samples were determined by autoanalyzer. ResultsSalivary concentrations of biomarkers of young adults were compared to adult subjects, there was a statistically significant difference between cortisol (μg/dL) (p = 0.003), Ca+2(mg/dL) (p = 0.004), TAS (mmol Trolox Equiv/L) (p = 0.001), BUN (mg/dL) (p = 0.02), Mg+2 (mg/dL) (p = 0.02), and K+ (mmol/L) (p = 0.05) levels, but there was no significant difference was found between uric acid (mg/dL) (p = 0.44), Cl- (mmol/L) (p = 0.07), amylase (ng/mL) (p = 0.47), phosphate (mg/dL) (p = 0.63), Na+(mmol/L)(p = 0.21), and TOS (μmol H2O2 Equiv/L) (p = 0.70) levels. We evaluated salivary cortisol, amylase, and electrolyte levels of groups that we commented on their relationship between oxidant-antioxidant defense systems of the saliva and their correlations with age and gender. ConclusionsThis study could suggest the use of saliva samples to correlate with age and representing the levels of the most common biological parameters for routine use and antioxidant-oxidant enzymes for clinical trials.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF SALIVARY MIR-21, -155, AND -375 IN PATIENTS WITH SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF ORAL CAVITY.

The current prognostic markers in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have limited accuracy sometimes leading to inappropriate treatment decisions. Identifying new markers would help clinicians tailor treatment plans based on the individual patient risk factors leading to improved survival rates and quality of life. To estimate the value of the miRNA expression indicators in saliva as prognostic and predictive markers of the effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). The work is based on the results of the examination and treatment of 61 patients with stage II-IV OSCC. The miR-21, miR-155, and miR-375 expression levels in the saliva samples were analyzed by the real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The salivary miR-21 and -155 expression levels in healthy volunteers were 2.49 and 2.84 times lower than in OSCС patients (p < 0.05). The positive association of miR-21 and miR-155 expression levels and the negative correlation of miR-375 expression level with T index by TNM (r = 0.68, r = 0.75, and r = -0.67, respectively) (p < 0.05) and the presence of lymph node metastasis (r = 0.78, r = 0.71, and r = ‒0.59, respectively) (p < 0.05) were found. Patients with good response to NACT had lower miR-21 and -155, and higher miR-375 levels in saliva compared to those with resistant tumors. Our study suggests that salivary miR-21, miR-155, and miR-375 may be potential biomarkers for the prognosis of cancer course and the response to NACT in OSCC patients.

8665 Female Fertility In Patients With Classic And Non-Classic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Under Modified-Release Hydrocortisone (MR-HC)

Abstract Disclosure: L. Tschaidse: None. H.F. Nowotny: None. M. Auer: None. C. Lottspeich: None. M. Bidlingmaier: None. J. Hawley: None. B.G. Keevil: None. N. Reisch: None. Background: Female patients with classic and non-classic (NC) CAH struggle with fertility, due to androgen excess, elevated progesterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) levels, causing anovulation, impairment of endometrial development and menstrual irregularities. The typical approach to treating infertility often includes an increase in glucocorticoid (GC) dose. However, this poses a potential risk of side effects. Limited observational data on modified-release hydrocortisone (MR-HC), which better mimics the physiological diurnal rhythm of cortisol secretion, indicates improved fertility in female and male patients with classic CAH. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate fertility in women with classic and non-classic CAH before and after switching to MR-HC. Methods: 21 adult female patients with CAH (14 classic; 5 NC) with a median (range) age of 33.0 (30.0) years, premenopausal and without hormonal contraception, were enrolled in this prospective, observational, single-centre study. The data collection took place before (conventional GC preparation) and after dose-equivalent switching the medication to MR-HC. In addition to clinical parameters such as menstrual cycle and desire to conceive, the collection of morning serum and daily saliva profiles was conducted, measuring progesterone, 17OHP, androstenedione (A4), testosterone, 11-ketotestosterone (11KT) as well as 11-hydroxyandrostenedione (11OHA4). Results: Before study inclusion, 4/21 patients had an irregular cycle, 5/21 were amenorrhoeic and 10/21 patients had a desire to have children. There was no difference in median (range) hydrocortisone dose equivalent before and after switching to MR-HC (25.0 (50.0) vs. 25.0 (30.0), p=.441). Median (range) morning serum concentrations between 8-10 am were not different before and after switch to MR-HC for progesterone (5.9 (55.5) vs. 5.0 (58.8), p=.823), 17OHP (5.9 (362.1) vs. 5.7 (73.7), p=.280), A4 (2.9 (25.6) vs. 2.5 (6.9), p=.106), testosterone (0.8 (3.5) vs. 0.7 (1.5), p=.063), 11KT (0.4 (7.4) vs. 0.2 (2.6), p=.242) and 11OHA4 (0.8 (12.9) vs. 0.9 (10.4), p=.231). Concerning saliva day profiles, we found a significantly lower median (range) 17OHP level in early morning saliva (43.0 (526.9) vs. 19.4 (264.3), p=.049). 5/9 patients with menstrual irregularities reported menstrual regularisation within and 5/10 patients with a desire to have children became pregnant after switching to MR-HC. Conclusion: Our preliminary data show clinical improvement in fecundity and fertility under MR-HC in both women with classic and NC CAH without a dose increase of glucocorticoids. Under MR-HC replacement lower 17OHP concentrations in early morning saliva reflect better hormonal control over night contributing to ovulatory cycle regulation and improved fertility. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Effects of a sedentary behaviour intervention in emergency dispatch centre phone operators: a study protocol for the SECODIS randomised controlled cross-over trial

IntroductionSedentary behaviour is a public health problem. We mainly have sedentary behaviour at work, transforming them into occupational risk. To our knowledge, there is no intervention study on the reduction...

Analysis of Biological Stress Response as the Impact of Workplace Bullying on Performance Perception

This study aims to determine the extent to which workplace bullying is related to employees' performance perception at health centers and its impact on biological stress. The research was conducted on all employees at eight health centers in Regency X, randomly selected. Workplace bullying was measured using the Negative Acts Questionnaire Revised (NAQ-R), translated into Indonesian. Performance perception was measured using the Performance Perception Questionnaire. Biological stress was assessed through cortisol levels in saliva. Among the 240 participants, the majority (60%) rarely experienced workplace bullying, with an average score of 41.00 (SD=6.532). Most participants (67.1%) had a high perception of performance, with an average score of 67.12 (SD=9.747). Pearson's test results showed a value of 0.038 with a coefficient of -0.207, indicating a significant correlation between workplace bullying and performance perception. The findings also indicate that biological stress levels, measured through cortisol, correlate with lower performance perceptions. Workplace bullying contributes 4.285% to performance perception. This study provides preliminary evidence that workplace bullying can affect employee performance through biological stress mechanisms, highlighting the importance of interventions to reduce workplace bullying to improve employee well-being and performance

Proton- compared to X-irradiation leads to more acinar atrophy and greater hyposalivation accompanied by a differential cytokine response.

Proton therapy gives less dose to healthy tissue compared to conventional X-ray therapy, but systematic comparisons of normal tissue responses are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate late tissue responses in the salivary glands following proton- or X-irradiation of the head and neck in mice. Moreover, we aimed at investigating molecular responses by monitoring the cytokine levels in serum and saliva. Female C57BL/6J mice underwent local fractionated irradiation with protons or X-rays to the maximally tolerated acute level. Saliva and serum were collected before and at different time points after irradiation to assess salivary gland function and cytokine expression. To study late responses in the major salivary glands, histological analyses were performed on tissues collected at day 105 after onset of irradiation. Saliva volume after proton and X-irradiation was significantly lower than for controls and remained reduced at all time points after irradiation. Protons caused reduced saliva production and fewer acinar cells in the submandibular glands compared to X-rays at day 105. X-rays induced a stronger inflammatory cytokine response in saliva compared to protons. This work supports previous preclinical findings and indicate that the relative biological effectiveness of protons in normal tissue might be higher than the commonly used value of 1.1.

Behçet's disease modifies the gingival inflammatory response.

Behçet's disease (BD) pathogenesis involves severe outcomes such as blindness, central nervous system manifestations, and deep venous thrombosis that impacts systemic and local inflammatory changes. We tested the hypothesis that BD negatively affects gingival health and increases the severity of gingivitis. The study included 37 BD patients with gingivitis without any sign of periodontitis. Systemically healthy 19 patients with gingivitis (G) and 20 periodontally and systemically healthy individuals (C) were recruited as controls. BD patients were further grouped as stable and unstable based on their responses to BD treatment. Clinical periodontal parameters were measured to determine the impact of BD on gingival health. Serum and saliva levels of ELA-2 (neutrophil elastase-2), SLPI (secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor), α1-AT (alpha1-anti-trypsin), VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), IL-6 (interleukin-6), IL-8 (interleukin-8), and TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor alpha) were analyzed using multiplex immunoassay to measure the systemic and local inflammatory impact of BD. Plaque index (PI), probing pocket depth (PPD), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were significantly higher in the BD group than in the controls (p<0.05). IL-6 was higher in both serum and saliva in the BD group than in the G group (p<0.05). ELA-2 levels in saliva were higher in the stable BD group than in the controls, while TNF-α and SLPI were statistically significantly higher in BD than in the control (p<0.05). Salivary α1-AT level was statistically lower in the BD group compared to the control group. Our study suggested that the gingival inflammatory profile was impaired in patients with BD.

Kinetics of fluoride after brushing with the no-rinse method

BackgroundFluoride plays a vital role in preventing dental caries, with its addition to oral care products significantly promoting oral hygiene. A no-rinse brushing method aims to increase fluoride retention in the oral cavity, as rinsing with water decreases fluoride levels in saliva, which could affect remineralization. While the no-rinse brushing method holds promise for improving fluoride retention in the oral cavity, critical inquiries persist regarding its safety. This study investigated the kinetics of oral fluoride and potential risks to fully assess its effectiveness and implications for oral health.MethodsTen healthy adults participated in a crossover study comparing the no-rinse with the rinse method. All subjects followed American Dental Association (ADA) brushing guidelines. Levels of fluoride in saliva (supernatant and sediment) and urine were measured over time, and plasma fluoride was measured one hour after brushing. Pharmacokinetic parameters were also calculated from the data.ResultsParticipants using the no-rinse method had higher fluoride levels in supernatant immediately and up to 30 min post-brushing compared to the rinse method. Fluoride levels in sediment were higher only immediately after brushing. The total fluoride concentration in saliva remained elevated for up to 5 min with the no-rinse method. Systemic fluoride absorption showed no significant difference between the two methods based on blood and urine analysis.ConclusionThis research indicates that the no-rinse method can enhance fluoride retention in the oral cavity for up to 30 min after a single brushing. In addition, our findings suggest that this method does not significantly influence systemic fluoride levels or toxicity.RegistryThai Clinical Trials Registry, TCTR (http://thaiclinicaltrials.org). Clinical trial registration number: TCTR20231104001 (4/11/2023).

Optimization of saliva sampling methods for analysis of bile acids by UHPLC-MS

This study investigated methods for sampling bile acids in saliva, a potential non-invasive diagnostic biofluid. Bile acids have been implicated in causing damage and permanent changes to the esophageal mucosa and increasing the risk of developing Barrett's esophagus, a condition that can potentially progress to esophageal cancer. Three saliva collection methods were compared: spitting, Salivette® swabs, and Salivette Cortisol® swabs. Spitting emerged as the superior method with the highest recoveries and the least interference, likely due to Salivette swabs retaining bile acids or introducing unknown interferences. All saliva samples were analyzed by UHPLC-MS/MS using the Zorbax RRHD Eclipse Plus C18 column (3 × 50 mm, 1.8 µm) in gradient elution of 0.1 % formic acid in water and methanol. Saliva sample stability was assessed over 14 days, reflecting typical storage times. The levels of detected bile acids were stable for the measured period (RSD ≤ 22 %) and no degradation was observed. Bile acid levels in saliva fluctuated throughout the day, with the greatest changes observed for glycine-conjugated bile acids after meals. To minimize sampling variability, saliva collection by spitting after overnight fasting is recommended for future studies. Our findings are applicable for standardized bile acid sampling and are currently applied in a large clinical study evaluating bile acids as potential susceptibility markers for Barrett's esophagus diagnostics.

The relationship between cardiac activity, behaviour and endogenous oxytocin and vasopressin in Prader-Willi Syndrome: An exploratory study

This study aimed to increase our understanding of cardiac activity abnormalities in Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) and the relationship between cardiac activity, PWS behaviours thought to be associated with cardiac vagal tone and endogenous oxytocin and vasopressin levels. We compared cardiac activity (respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), low-frequency heart rate variability (LF-HRV), heart period) in 30 adolescents and adults with PWS to 30 typically developing age-matched controls. RSA, LF-HRV, and heart period were lower in individuals with PWS than in the control group. In the control group, RSA was higher for females than males. However, for those with PWS, there was no difference between the sexes. Individuals with the mUPD genetic subtype had lower RSA and LF-HRV than participants with the PWS deletion subtype and compared to typically developing controls, no difference was found between the latter two groups. Heart period was also lower for those with mUPD compared to controls. Higher RSA reduced the odds of having temper outbursts and skin-picking. RSA was lower in those with PWS and psychosis compared to those with PWS without psychosis. Finally, we found RSA correlated with vasopressin for those with mUPD but not deletion. There was no relationship between RSA and oxytocin plasma or saliva levels. Our findings suggest autonomic dysfunction in PWS that is more marked in mUPD than deletion and potentially due to greater loss of parasympathetic activity in mUPD.