Saliva Levels Research Articles

Integrative Risk Predictors of Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis Progression.

In this paper we propose feature selection and machine learning approaches to identify a combination of features for risk prediction of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disease progression. In a sample of 32 TMJ osteoarthritis and 38 controls, feature selection of 5 clinical comorbidities, 43 quantitative imaging, 28 biological features and was performed using Maximum Relevance Minimum Redundancy, Chi-Square and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and Recursive Feature Elimination. We compared the performance of learning using concave and convex kernels (LUCCK), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF) approaches to predict disease cure/improvement or persistence/worsening. We show that the SVM model using LASSO achieves area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and precision of 0.92±0.08, 0.85±0.19 and 0.76 ±0.18, respectively. Baseline levels of headaches, lower back pain, restless sleep, muscle soreness, articular fossa bone surface/bone volume and trabecular separation, condylar High Gray Level Run Emphasis and Short Run High Gray Level Emphasis, saliva levels of 6Ckine, Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and Angiogenin, and serum levels of 6ckine and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) were the most frequently occurring features to predict more severe TMJ osteoarthritis prognosis.

Immunological Study of Orthodontically Treated Patients Recovering from COVID-19 in Babylon Province, Iraq

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to examine the levels of the toll-like receptors TLR4 and TLR2 in the blood and saliva of patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) receiving orthodontic care in Babylon Province. Materials and Methods: Sixty serum and saliva samples were collected and divided into three groups of 20 patients: patients with COVID-19 who did not receive orthodontic treatment (group 1); patients with COVID-19 who received orthodontic treatment (group 2); and patients with COVID-19 who received orthodontic treatment and recovered (group 3). Thirty samples of serum and saliva from healthy outpatient clinics comprised the control group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the result. Results: TLR4 levels in saliva increased in all experimental groups (1–3) as compared with the control group. However, only COVID-19 patients and orthodontic patients in group 2 had elevated blood levels of TLR4, whereas the levels were reduced in the other two groups (1 and 3). All experimental groups showed an increase in TLR2 levels in saliva relative to the control group. In the first and second experimental groups, serum TLR2 concentrations increased dramatically, whereas they declined in the third group. There was no correlation between TLR4 and TLR2 in either group of patients. The concentrations of TLR4 and TLR2 in saliva were higher in the experimental groups than in the control group.

Evaluation of magnesium levels in serum and saliva by calmagite method in individuals with tobacco habits with or without potentially malignant disorders.

To evaluate and compare the magnesium levels in serum and saliva of individuals with tobacco habits with and without potentially malignant disorders (PMDs). A total number of 60 patients were taken in the study, which included group A: 20 healthy patients without any tobacco or alcohol habits, without any PMDs, and without any systemic diseases; group B: 20 patients with tobacco habits and without PMDs; and group C: 20 patients with tobacco habits and with PMDs. The serum and salivary samples were collected from the patients and were subjected to magnesium level estimation using the calmagite method. Statistical analysis was performed using the Shapiro-Wilk W test and Mann-Whitney test. The mean salivary magnesium levels were increased in group B (1.442 mg/dl), followed by group C (0.551 mg/dl), and then group A (0.463 mg/dl). The mean serum magnesium levels were increased in group B (1.891 mg/dl), followed by group C (1.608 mg/dl), and then group A (1.589 mg/dl). The salivary and serum magnesium levels were significantly high in patients with tobacco habits and without PMDs compared to the control group. The salivary and serum magnesium levels were significantly decreased in patients with tobacco habits with PMDs compared to the patients with tobacco habits and without PMDs. The study established a significant correlation between the salivary and serum magnesium levels in patients with tobacco habits, with or without PMDs, and showed that as the disease progressed, the salivary and serum magnesium levels decreased.

Evaluation of Glutathione Levels in Saliva and Gingival Crevicular Fluid in Diabetic Patients with Chronic Periodontitis before and after Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy

Evaluation of Glutathione Levels in Saliva and Gingival Crevicular Fluid in Diabetic Patients with Chronic Periodontitis before and after Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy

Salivary Semaphorin 4D Level in Patients with Different Severities of Periodontitis (Observational Case–Control Study)

Background: Periodontal diseases are progressive, destructive, and inflammatory conditions of the tissues that support the teeth. An immune response is triggered by microbial dysbiosis in the sub-gingival biofilm. Semaphorin 4D (Sema4D) is a glycoprotein expressed by osteoclasts, T-cells, and activated B-cells involved in both immune response and bone remolding. Objectives: This study attempted to assess the salivary levels of Sema4D in patients with different severities (stages I–IV) of periodontitis in comparison to healthy control. Materials and Methods: A total of 171 participants of both genders were included into this case–control study. From the dental centers in Al-Najaf city and the Department of Periodontics in the College of Dentistry, University of Kufa, five groups were established for them: clinically healthy periodontium control group (19 subjects), Stage I periodontitis group (38 subjects), Stage II periodontitis group (38 subjects), Stage III periodontitis group (38 subjects), and Stage IV periodontitis group (38 subjects). The clinical periodontal parameters were examined after collecting whole unstimulated salivary samples from all individuals. The levels of Sema4D in saliva samples were estimated utilizing the ELISA technique. Statistical analysis used: ANOVA test, Games-Howell test, and Pearson correlation (r) test. Results: The findings revealed that the mean level of salivary Sema4D was the highest in the stage IV periodontitis group (758.11 ± 139.119), followed by stage III periodontitis group (725.815 ± 127.055), stage II periodontitis group (679.169 ± 121.993), stage I periodontitis group (601.742 ± 145.459), and control group (366.515 ± 47.635) respectively with a significant difference (P ≤ 0.01). Conclusions: The periodontitis patients showed higher Sema4D levels in unstimulated saliva as compared to the control. Hence, this molecule may play an essential role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.

Clinical and Biochemical Effects of Smoking on Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment in Grade III Stage C Periodontitis Patients

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of smoking on clinical parameters and the serum and saliva levels of RANKL, OPG, and IL-34 in periodontitis stage III grade C (III-C) patients after non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT).
 Methods: A total of 60 subjects, 40 periodontitis-III-C patients (20 smokers and 20 non-smokers) and 20 non-smoker periodontally healthy individuals, were included. All clinical periodontal parameters were recorded, and unstimulated saliva and serum samples were collected from all patients at baseline, but at 1 and 3 months only from periodontitis patients (N=40). Saliva and serum levels of RANKL, OPG, and IL-34 were analyzed by ELISA.
 Results: At baseline only whole mouth probing depth (PD) and percent of sites with PD>5mm were higher in smokers than non-smoker periodontitis patients (p

Association between periodontitis and uric acid levels in blood and oral fluids: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundUric acid, a formerly-known antioxidant that has recently been linked to numerous inflammatory diseases as a pro-inflammatory and -oxidative mediator in pathological conditions. It is imperative to reassess the association between periodontitis and uric acid locally and systematically. The aim of this systematic review was to systemically evaluate the association between periodontitis and the uric acid (UA) levels in blood, saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF).MethodsRelevant clinical studies up to January 28, 2023 were identified and retrieved from electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE and Web of Science, with periodontitis, uric acid, hyperuricemia and gout as the keywords. The weighted (WMD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated using fixed- or random-effect models. Methodological heterogeneity was assessed.ResultsSixteen eligible observational studies and one RCT were enrolled, which included 1354 patients with periodontitis and 989 controls. Three sample types for UA detection were involved, including blood (n = 8), saliva (n = 9) and GCF (n = 1). Meta-analysis demonstrated an enhanced plasma UA concentration (WMD = 1.00 mg/dL, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.37, P < 0.001) but a decreased salivary UA level (SMD = -0.95, 95% CI -1.23 to -0.68, P < 0.001) in periodontitis versus control. Statistical heterogeneity among the plasma- and saliva-tested studies were moderate (I2 = 58.3%, P = 0.066) and low (I2 = 33.8%, P = 0.196), respectively.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of the enrolled studies, it seems that there is an association between periodontitis and increased blood UA and decreased salivary UA. (Registration no. CRD42020172535 in Prospero).

Evaluation of glycated albumin levels in tears and saliva as a marker in patients with diabetes mellitus

AimsGlycated albumin (GA) is a biomarker, whose level reflects glycemic control status over the previous 2 weeks. To develop a non-invasive method for evaluating glycemic control in people with diabetes mellitus, we investigated the measurement of GA levels in tears and saliva, which could be collected noninvasively. MethodsTear and saliva samples were collected from 48 participants with diabetes mellitus. The GA levels in the tear and saliva specimens were measured by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). ResultsGA levels in both tear and saliva samples were significantly correlated with the GA levels in the blood (P < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that these correlations were maintained even after adjustments for the BMI, age, and nephropathy stage (P < 0.001). ConclusionGA levels in tear and saliva specimens, as diabetes-related biomarkers, can be measured non-invasively. Since this measurement can be performed noninvasively and not as frequently as compared with the more invasive finger prick method, it is expected to reduce the burden on people with diabetes in terms of both the invasiveness and cost-effectiveness. In the future, we would like to verify the effect of regular GA measurement on the glycemic control while considering the clinical cost-effectiveness.

Skin-to-skin contact-An effective intervention on pain and stress reduction in preterm infants.

The outcomes of pain and stress in preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) compel the continued search for pain- and stress-reducing interventions. To investigate how skin-to-skin contact (SSC) influences chronic pain and stress in preterm infants in the NICU. The study included 140 preterm infants in the NICU with gestational age less than 34 weeks. The overall design was a baseline-response design. Urine and saliva were collected before (baseline) and after SSC to measure pain and stress markers by enzyme immunoassay method. The behavioral indicators of chronic pain were assessed using the EDIN (Échelle Douleur Inconfort Nouveau-Né-neonatal pain and discomfort). There was a significant decrease in the dopamine level in preterm infants after SSC in comparison with baseline values (85.99 [69.35; 112.20] pg/ml vs. 132.20 [104.80; 183.70] pg/ml), p < 0.001. The β-endorphin and serotonin levels increased after SSC (40.09 [26.81; 70.63] pg/ml vs. 29.87 [20.61; 46.94] pg/ml, p = 0.009 and 25.49 [20.45; 40.08] ng/ml vs. 22.30 [15.13; 31.65] ng/ml, p = 0.011, respectively). A significant decrease in cortisol levels in saliva and urine after SSC in comparison with baseline values (0.125 [0.079; 0.225] μg/dl vs. 0.371 [0.188; 1.002] μg/dl, p = 0.000 and 27.06 [14.59; 35.35] ng/ml vs. 35.25 [19.78; 61.94] ng/ml, p = 0.001, with a simultaneous increase of oxytocin level (57.00 [36.55; 88.49] pg/ml vs. 38.20 [28.78; 56.04] pg/ml, p = 0.009 were revealed. The total pain EDIN score in infants after SSC was below 6 points, significantly decreasing compared to the baseline (p < 0.05). Preterm infants in the NICU experience stress and pain, which were confirmed by the EDIN pain scale and laboratory markers. The level of dopamine and cortisol as pain and stress hormones were reliably high, and normalized after regular SSC. Simultaneously, pain-relieving and anti-stress markers of oxytocin, β-endorphin and serotonin reliably increased in preterm infants in response to the SSC.

Lycium barbarum (Goji berry) mouthwash is a viable alternative to 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate for managing chronic periodontitis: a randomized clinical trial

Background: Removal of the microbial deposits (plaque and calculus) by performing effective scaling and root planing (SRP) is the primary and fundamental requirement for managing periodontal disease. Various adjuncts with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties are used as adjuncts to SRP for managing chronic periodontitis. However, with a rapid rise in antimicrobial resistance to several antimicrobial agents along with the increased risk of adverse effects, the use the conventional chemotherapeutic agents for managing periodontal disease is slowly declining. Hence, there is a urgent need to explore new plant-based products for treating periodontal disease. Lycium barbarum (L. barbarum), or goji berry, has recently gained popularity for managing chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases. However, its efficacy in managing periodontal diseases has never been explored. Hence the present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of L. barbarum mouthwash along with SRP compared to chlorhexidine for managing chronic periodontitis. Methods: The study is designed as a randomized clinical trial with 57 adult participants (Males:29; Females:28) with chronic periodontitis. The participants were divided randomly into two groups: One group used L. barbarum mouthwash and the other group used ‘0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate’ mouthwash. 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 statistically significant difference was noted in the Pi (P-value = 0.791), Gi (P-value= 0.594), PPD (with P-value= 0.134), and microbial levels (P-value = 0.188) in both groups from the baseline. The protein thiol levels in saliva were increased only in the goji berry group. Conclusion: L. barbarum mouthwash along with SRP was found to be effective in managing periodontal disease.

The effects of oral birth control pills (contraceptive pills) intake on lyophilized saliva and its oral manifestations

A woman is susceptible to oral diseases at various stages in her life span. Besides, multiple biological, behavioral, and social factors affect the general health condition. Many drugs or chemicals can influence the oral cavity &amp; associated structures. An example of these drugs group is oral contraceptive pills (OCS) which women widely use to prevent pregnancy and determine the number of children, and hormonal therapy. This study aims to evaluate the effect of oral contraceptive pills use on salivary secretion and composition in addition to the occurrence of any oral manifestations with the uses of these drugs among women aged 16-45 years. The total number of sample subjects is 51 women. The samples were separated into two groups: The first group included 21 unmarried women with no previous experience with oral contraceptive pills (control group). In contrast, the second group consisted of 30 women who were married and using this drug (study group). This study is considered to be a comparative study between these two groups concerning the analysis of the salivary composition, unstimulated salivary flow rates and PH level: The results obtained from this study showed a marked significant difference in salivary analysis between the drug user &amp; nonuser drug groups concerning the salivary flow rate while the PH had no statistical differences between them. However, the two groups had a significant difference in alkaline phosphatase enzyme. The salivary analysis showed highly substantial variations in immunoglobulin A (IgA) &amp; total protein levels in saliva between control &amp; study groups; also, in this study, there was a positive association between gingival inflammation with gingival index score (2) (80%), gingival index score (3) (100%) and duration for taking the drug. By this drug administration, the altered salivary flow rate &amp; levels of salivary contents that include (secretary proteins, IgA and enzymes) may influence and play an essential role in oral &amp; dental health. Keywords: saliva; oral health; oral contraceptive pills.

Measurement of haptoglobin in saliva of cows: Validation of an assay and a pilot study of its potential application

In recent years, the use of saliva as a matrix for the measurement of biomarkers of health and welfare is gaining importance due to its non-invasive collection. Haptoglobin (Hp) is an acute-phase protein involved in the inflammatory response and changes in its concentration can provide information about the health status of the animals. This study aimed to develop and validate an assay based on luminescent amplification (AlphaLISA technology) for the measurement of Hp in bovine saliva and to study the possible changes in different inflammatory situations such as peripartum period and lameness.The assay proved to be accurate, reliable, and sensitive for the measurement of Hp in cow saliva (coefficient of variation (CV) 7.57%; coefficient of determination (R2) 0.992; recovery test 105.15%; lower limit of quantification (LLQ) 7.9 ng/ml). Significant differences were observed between Hp levels in saliva of cows before (13 days before) and after (7 and 20 days after) calving and at the moment of calving (p < 0.0001), and between lame and healthy cows (p < 0.008). In conclusion, this assay can detect Hp in a precise, sensitive, and accurate way in saliva of cows. Future studies with a larger population and different disease conditions should be conducted to determine the potential of Hp as an inflammatory biomarker in cow saliva.

Short-Lived Antibody-Mediated Saliva Immunity against SARS-CoV-2 after Vaccination.

Knowledge about the effect of vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on immunity reflected in the saliva is sparse. We examined the antibody response in saliva compared to that in serum 2 and 6 months after the first vaccination with the BNT162b2 vaccine. Four hundred fifty-nine health care professionals were included in a prospective observational study measuring antibody levels in saliva and corresponding serum samples at 2 and 6 months after BNT162b2 vaccination. Vaccinated, previously SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals (hybrid immunity) had higher IgG levels in saliva at 2 months than vaccinated, infection-naive individuals (P < 0.001). After 6 months, saliva IgG levels declined in both groups (P < 0.001), with no difference between groups (P = 0.37). Furthermore, serum IgG levels declined from 2 to 6 months in both groups (P < 0.001). IgG antibodies in saliva and serum correlated in individuals with hybrid immunity at 2 and 6 months (ρ = 0.58, P = 0.001, and ρ = 0.53, P = 0.052, respectively). In vaccinated, infection-naive individuals, a correlation was observed at 2 months (ρ = 0.42, P < 0.001) but not after 6 months (ρ = 0.14, P = 0.055). IgA and IgM antibodies were hardly detectable in saliva at any time point, regardless of previous infection. In serum, IgA was detected at 2 months in previously infected individuals. BNT162b2 vaccination induced a detectable IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 RBD response in saliva at both 2 and 6 months after vaccination, being more prominent in previously infected than infection-naive individuals. However, a significant decrease in salivary IgG was observed after 6 months, suggesting a rapid decline in antibody-mediated saliva immunity against SARS-CoV-2, after both infection and systemic vaccination. IMPORTANCE Knowledge about the persistence of salivary immunity after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is limited, and information on this topic could prove important for vaccine strategy and development. We hypothesized that salivary immunity would wane rapidly after vaccination. We measured anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, IgA, and IgM concentrations in saliva and serum in both previously infected and infection-naive individuals, 2 and 6 months after first vaccination with BNT162b2, in 459 hospital employees from Copenhagen University Hospital. We observed that IgG was the primary salivary antibody 2 months after vaccination in both previously infected and infection-naive individuals, but dropped significantly after 6 months. Neither IgA nor IgM was detectable in saliva at either time point. Findings indicate that salivary immunity against SARS-CoV-2 rapidly declines following vaccination in both previously infected and infection-naive individuals. We believe this study shines a light on the workings of salivary immunity after SARS-CoV-2 infection, which could prove relevant for vaccine development.

Participants in the Trans-Antarctic Winter Traverse Expedition Showed Increased Bacterial Load and Diversity in Saliva but Maintained Individual Differences within Stool Microbiota and Across Metabolite Fingerprints.

Understanding the impact of long-term physiological and environmental stress on the human microbiota and metabolome may be important for the success of space flight. This work is logistically difficult and has a limited number of available participants. Terrestrial analogies present important opportunities to understand changes in the microbiota and metabolome and how this may impact participant health and fitness. Here, we present work from one such analogy: the Transarctic Winter Traverse expedition, which we believe is the first assessment of the microbiota and metabolome from different bodily locations during prolonged environmental and physiological stress. Bacterial load and diversity were significantly higher during the expedition when compared with baseline levels (p < 0.001) in saliva but not stool, and only a single operational taxonomic unit assigned to the Ruminococcaceae family shows significantly altered levels in stool (p < 0.001). Metabolite fingerprints show the maintenance of individual differences across saliva, stool, and plasma samples when analysed using flow infusion electrospray mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Significant activity-associated changes in terms of both bacterial diversity and load are seen in saliva but not in stool, and participant differences in metabolite fingerprints persist across all three sample types.

Accurate prediction of serum antibody levels from noninvasive saliva/nasal samples.

The importance of easily accessible, noninvasive samples, such as saliva, to effectively monitor serum antibody levels has been underscored by the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. Although a correlation between saliva and serum antibody titers has been observed, the ability to predict serum antibody levels from measurements in saliva is not well established. Herein, the authors demonstrate that measurements of SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels in both saliva and nasal specimens can be used to accurately determine serum levels by utilizing endogenous total IgG as an internal calibrator. They postulate that this method can be extended to the measurement of many different antibody analytes, making it of high interest for antibody therapeutic drug monitoring applications.

Increased Salivary Cytokines and Nitric Oxide Levels in Behçet's Disease: Interleukin-32, a Novel Player in Disease Prognosis.

Oral aphthosis is one of the major manifestations of Behçet's disease (BD), a chronic, multisystemic vasculitis. BD etio-pathogenicity related to oral health lack. This study investigated the possible relationships between poor oral hygiene, oral activity, disease severity and saliva's Interleukin (IL)-32, IL-6, IL-10 and nitric oxide (NO) levels in Behçet's patients to determine their role in disease prognosis and their potential therapeutic interest. Fifty-six patients with BD (22 orally active; 34 orally inactive) and 31 healthy subjects have been included in our study. Salivary levels of IL-32, IL-6, and IL-10 were measured using ELISA, while NO levels were assessed by modified Griess's method. Oral health status and disease severity scores were recorded for each participant. Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman's test were performed for statistical analyses. We observed that the tested molecules were increased in BD patients compared to healthy controls (p˂0.05). Moreover, only IL-32 levels were associated with oral activity in patients (p˂0.05). Interestingly, the disease severity score was noted to be correlated positively and significantly with both IL-32 saliva levels (p˂0.01) and plaque index (p˂0.05) in BD patients. Furthermore, IL-32 levels were correlated with plaque index (p˂0.0001). Our results suggest that IL-32, IL- 6, IL-10 and NO were increased in saliva during BD. Our study indicated that IL-32 was associated with the genesis of oral ulcers in response to dental plaque. Ultimately, salivary IL-32 may serve as a prognostic biomarker and a possible therapeutic target for managing Behçet's disease severity.

Impact of maternal emotional state during pregnancy on fetal heart rate variability

BackgroundThe fetal autonomic nervous system (ANS) is believed to be negatively affected by maternal adverse emotional states. In this study, we evaluated how depression, anxiety and stress during pregnancy are related to fetal heart rate variability (HRV) as recorded with magnetocardiography (MCG). We also considered metabolic factors such as maternal adiposity and circulating levels of cortisol during gestation. Furthermore, we followed up these fetuses after birth, recording HRV and saliva levels of cortisol in these infants to establish any effects postpartum. MethodsWe calculated HRV in spontaneous MCG recordings from 32 healthy fetuses between 32 and 38 weeks of gestational age. Maternal emotional state was assessed using standardized questionnaires about anxiety, depression and stress. An overall indicator of maternal well-being was calculated by z-scoring each individual questionnaire and summation. We used a median split to divide the group into high and low z-scores (HZS and LZS), respectively. Standard HRV measures were determined in the time and frequency domain. T-test analyses were performed between LZS and HZS, with the HRV and the metabolic measures as the dependent variables. ResultsWe found an impaired HRV in the HZS group both during pregnancy and after birth. No differences were observed between LZS and HZS for metabolic factors. Depression and anxiety symptoms seem to affect HRV differently. No relationship was found between maternal and infant cortisol levels. ConclusionsOn the basis of our results on different HRV parameters, we propose that maternal emotional state might affect the development of the fetal nervous system in utero.

Paper-based electrochemical sensor for simultaneous detection of salivary Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol and thiocyanate to differentiate illegal cannabis smokers

Cannabis smoking is on the rise as a result of cannabis legalization across the world. The intake of cannabis by smoking has an impact on the mental health of smokers and intimates. Therefore, rapid monitoring of illicit cannabis use via direct saliva samples is necessary. The Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC) and thiocyanate (SCN) level in saliva can be an effective biomarker to differentiate between cannabis and non-cannabis smokers such as cannabis ingestion, cigarette smokers, and healthy people. In this work, there is a development of an electrochemical sensor, “copper-phthalocyanine-modified screen-printed graphene electrodes (CuPc/SPGE),” for the concurrent determination of Δ⁹-THC and SCN using differential pulse voltammetry. Furthermore, the applicability of the CuPc/SPGE sensor was verified by simultaneously measuring Δ⁹-THC and SCN in saliva samples. The results from the developed sensor were similar to those obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography. This proposed sensor represents a first step in the differentiation of illegal cannabis smokers using the correlation between the contents of Δ⁹-THC and SCN in saliva, with features of rapidity, simplicity, low cost, and disposability.

Feasibility of predicting the evolution of cerebral gliomas based on study of microRNA expression levels in blood plasma and saliva

The management of cerebral glioma (CG) remains challenging. Recently, methods based on the study of the expression levels of miRNAs in blood plasma have proven to be promising. The volume of tumor tissue is known to correlate with increased expression levels of microRNA-21 and -210. MicroRNA-15, -16, -34, -126 and -342 are involved in the regulation of tumor proliferative potential, and microRNA-128 is involved in the regulation of metabolic activity.The aim of the study was to evaluate the extended protocol for assessing the expression of microRNA-15, -16, -21, -34, -126, -128, -210, and -342 in the plasma and saliva of CG patients.Material and Methods. The study group consisted of 24 patients with supratentorial glioma (8 men and 16 women aged 41 to 71 years, mean age: 56 years). The control group consisted of 30 volunteers. MicroRNA expression was studied in plasma and saliva according to the StemLoop-RealTime protocol, using fluorescently labeled samples with small miRNA U6 as a reference gene. Statistical analysis was carried out using nonparametric methods.Results. The lack of CG stabilization and the most probable progression of the tumor with a poor prognosis was related to an increase in microRNA-21 and -210 expression levels and decrease in microRNA-128 expression and at least four of microRNA 15, -16, -34, -126, and -342. Stabilization of CG with a high probability of progression was associated with an increase in microRNA-21 or microRNA210 expression levels, decrease in no more than three of microRNA-15, -16, -34, -126, -342 expression levels as well as decrease in microRNA-128 expression. Stabilization of the tumor with a low probability of progression was associated with a decrease in the expression of microRNA-21 and -210 and in no more than one of miRNA-15, -16, -34, -126, -342 below the reference level, with a simultaneous increase in miRNA-128 expression.Conclusion. The determination of microRNA expression in blood plasma and saliva can be one of the important criteria for assessing the prognosis of CG.

Correlation between salivary immunoglobulin A and interleukin-1beta in smokers with dental caries

Introduction. Dental caries is one of the most common infectious diseases of the oral cavity, and is an inflammatory disease caused by several factors. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is a major mediator of acute inflammation and essential for the development of specific immune responses. The objective of this study was to assess the levels of secretory IgA (s-IgA) and IL-1β in the saliva of smokers with dental caries, and to discover the correlation between these parameters and dental caries. Methods. Saliva samples were collected from 30 smokers, age range 21–70 years, with dental caries, in addition to 18 healthy non-smoker volunteers, age range 21–65 years. s-IgA and IL-1β levels in the saliva samples were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results. The mean saliva IgA levels between smokers with dental caries group and healthy subjects were not significantly different (p=0.077), while the saliva levels of IL-1β were higher in the smokers with dental caries group, with a significant difference of p&lt;0.05. No significant associations were found between s-IgA and IL-1β levels, and other parameters such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (p&gt;0.05). There were highly positive associations and significant differences between IL-1β and CRP levels in the two groups under the study (p=0.006). Conclusions. Our study revealed a significant increase in IL-1β levels in saliva of smokers with dental caries, and a positive association between IL-1β levels and caries disease. There is no significant relationship between elevated IL-1β levels and s-IgA in smokers with dental caries.