Oral Homeostasis Research Articles

Radioactive iodine: An unappreciated threat to salivary gland function.

Thyroid cancer is an endocrine malignancy whose prevalence is increasing in the United States. Nearly 57,000 new cases of thyroid cancer are estimated to be diagnosed in 2017. The standard of care for differentiated thyroid cancer is thyroidectomy followed by ablation of thyroid remnants with high-dose radioactive iodine (131 I). Apart from thyroid glands, 131 I accumulates in cells of salivary glands and compromises its function. Xerostomia is, therefore, a frequent and often persistent complaint of patients. Despite adoption of standard preventive measures, parenchymal damage and chronic salivary dysfunction are observed in a substantial number of patients. Saliva is important for oral homeostasis, and its reduction increases the risk of oral morbidity. As differentiated thyroid cancer patients have an excellent survival rate, preservation of salivary gland function carries added significance. A focus on treatments that preserve or restore long-term salivary flow can significantly improve the quality of life of thyroid cancer survivors.

Effect of cigarette smoking on salivary electrolyte composition in a sub-urban Nigerian population

Background: Cigarette smoking is a factor that affects the health of humans. It has been shown to be an important risk factor for a variety of disorders such as disease of the lungs, brain damage and has also been linked to the development of periodontal disease. There are, however, few and conflicting studies on its effect on salivary electrolyte composition. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of chronic cigarette smoking on electrolyte concentration of saliva and to determine its effect on normal oral homeostasis. Methods: A total of 40 male subjects of between 25–40 years were divided into two groups, A and B. Group A comprised of 20 smokers and Group B, 20 non-smokers. Saliva from each subject was collected into a plain sample bottles and immediately analysed. Results: Results showed a significantly lower concentration of Na + and Cl − and a significantly higher HCO 3 − and K + in smokers than non-smokers. Conclusion: This shows that the concentration of electrolytes in the saliva may be affected by the chronic use of tobacco which could have adverse consequences on the normal homeostasis of the oral environment especially with regard to increased salivary alkalinity as a result of increased salivary bicarbonate.

Estimation of Salivary Glucose, Calcium, Phosphorus, Alkaline Phosphatase, and Immunoglobulin A among Diabetic and Nondiabetic Children: A Case-Control Study.

IntroductionSaliva is vital for oral health and helps to maintain oral homeostasis. It may show qualitative and quantitative variations owing to any changes in the systemic health. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease and the individuals may be at higher risk for oral health problems.ObjectiveThe study was aimed to estimate the levels of various salivary components among diabetic and nondiabetic children with similar caries status and also to analyze possible association between caries status and possible caries determinants in the saliva of diabetic children.Materials and methodsA total of 70 children in the age group of 6 to 13 years with minimal dental caries (Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth index (DMFT/dmft >1 and <5)) were selected. Group I comprised of type I diabetic children and on medication for diabetes and group II included healthy nondiabetic children. Salivary samples were collected from the participants by passive drool method and estimation of all salivary parameters was done using autoanalyzer.ResultsStatistical analyses were done using Student’s t-test and results are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). There was a highly significant difference in mean glucose value between diabetic and nondiabetic children. Levels of salivary calcium, phosphorus, and salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) did not show any significant difference between the two groups. There was also a statistically significant difference in the alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels, which was found to be higher in diabetics.ConclusionAn elevation in the levels of salivary glucose and AP was evident in diabetic children, which can be a risk marker for dental caries. There was no correlation in the levels of salivary calcium, phosphorus, and s-IgA levels among diabetic and healthy children.Clinical significanceThe salivary factors evaluated in the study may prove to be useful measures of caries experience in diabetic children.How to cite this article: Uppu K, Sahana S, Madu GP, Vasa AAK, Nalluri S, Raghavendra KJ. Estimation of Salivary Glucose, Calcium, Phosphorus, Alkaline Phosphatase, and Immunoglobulin A among Diabetic and Nondiabetic Children: A Case-Control Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2018;11(2):71-78.

Impact of Oral Hygiene Discontinuation on Supragingival and Salivary Microbiomes.

The purpose of the present study was to characterize and compare supragingival and salivary microbiotas during a 10-d period of oral hygiene discontinuation. We tested the hypothesis that the composition of the salivary microbiota will reflect local microbial changes associated with accumulated biofilm formation and maturation. Pooled supragingival plaque (n = 145) and stimulated saliva (n = 145) samples were collected and plaque and gingival indices were recorded from 29 orally healthy individuals at baseline, during oral hygiene discontinuation (days 4, 7, and 10), and 14 d after resumption of oral hygiene. Supragingival and salivary microbiotas were processed by next-generation sequencing (Human Oral Microbe Identification using Next Generation Sequencing) and microbial community profiles were compared. Microbial composition of supragingival plaque samples collected after 4, 7, and 10 d of oral hygiene discontinuation, as well as 14 d after reuptake of oral hygiene, differed significantly from baseline samples, by a 3-fold increase in relative abundance Leptotrichia species and a 2-fold decrease in Streptococcus species (adjusted P < 0.01). In saliva samples, a significant increase in relative abundance of Leptotrichia species (adjusted P < 0.01) was evident at day 7 but completely reversed 14 d after resumption of oral hygiene. While the salivary microbiota was resistant to accumulated local biofilm formation, data from this study showed that compositional changes of supragingival microbiotas were not reversed 14 d after resumption of oral hygiene, despite the restoration of plaque to baseline levels. (ClinicalTrials.gov UCPH_OI_002, NCT02913235).Knowledge Transfer Statement: Data from this study showed compositional changes of supragingival microbiotas as a consequence of a 10-d period of oral hygiene discontinuation, that was not reversed 14 d after resumption of oral hygiene. Notably, oral hygiene discontinuation was associated with a significant increase in relative abundance of potential cariogenic Leptotrichia species and a decrease in Streptococcus species. Thus, findings from this study highlight the necessity of regular oral hygiene in the maintenance of oral homeostasis.

Duplicated or Hybridized Peptide Functional Domains Promote Oral Homeostasis

Proteins that have existed for millions of years frequently contain repeats of functional domains within their primary structure, thereby improving their functional capacity. In the evolutionary young statherin protein contained within the in vivo–acquired enamel pellicle (AEP), we identified a single functional domain (DR9) located within the protein N-terminal portion that exhibits a higher affinity for hydroxyapatite and more efficient protection against enamel demineralization compared to other native statherin peptides. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that multiplication of functional domains of naturally occurring pellicle peptides amplifies protection against enamel demineralization. In addition, a specific amino acid sequence from histatin 3 (RR-14) was introduced to the hybrid peptides for further testing. Enamel specimens were sectioned to 150-µm thickness and randomly grouped as follows: DR9, DR9-DR9, DR9-RR14, statherin, histatin 1, or distilled water (control). After submersion for 2 h at 37°C, the specimens were placed in 2 mL demineralization solution for 12 d at 37°C. Upon sample removal, the remaining solution was subjected to colorimetric assays to determine the amount of calcium and phosphate released from each specimen. DR9-DR9 amplified protection against enamel demineralization when compared to single DR9 or statherin. Notably, the hybrid peptide DR9-RR14 demonstrated relatively strong protection when the antimicrobial property of these peptides was tested against Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans. DR9-RR14 was able to maintain 50% of the antifungal activity compared with RR14 for C. albicans and similar values of S. mutans killing activity. This study has pioneered the functional exploration of the natural peptide constituents of the AEP and their evolution-inspired engineered peptides. The knowledge obtained here may provide a basis for the development of stable (proteinase-resistant) synthetic peptides for therapeutic use against dental caries, dental erosion, and/or oral candidiasis.

Original Research. Evaluation of Dental Erosion in a Group of Romanian Children Diagnosed with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Abstract Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a very common digestive disorder, which occurs when the acidic contents of the stomach returns into the esophagus to some extent, reaching the mouth, thereby increasing the frequency of dental erosion and caries. Since saliva plays a huge role in oral homeostasis, it is important to examine the role of this parameter in the appearance of the above mentioned oral lesions. The aim of our study was evaluate the oral condition of children suffering from reflux disease and to assess the relationship between salivary pH and the incidence of dental erosion and caries. In this prospective study we examined 25 children diagnosed with GERD, referred for hospitalization. Bedside intra-oral examination (DMFT index, gingival index) and strip method pH value determination was performed. We observed that patients with low pH values had increased caries frequency, and dental erosion was also noticeable. Statistical significance was determined comparing the DMFT index in groups with different pH values. We concluded that the high number of erosions is closely related to gastroesophageal reflux disease, as a consequence of the low pH value, which represents the main cause of oral manifestations in GERD.

GAS6 is a key homeostatic immunological regulator of host–commensal interactions in the oral mucosa

The oral epithelium contributes to innate immunity and oral mucosal homeostasis, which is critical for preventing local inflammation and the associated adverse systemic conditions. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which the oral epithelium maintains homeostasis are poorly understood. Here, we studied the role of growth arrest specific 6 (GAS6), a ligand of the TYRO3-AXL-MERTK (TAM) receptor family, in regulating oral mucosal homeostasis. Expression of GAS6 was restricted to the outer layers of the oral epithelium. In contrast to protein S, the other TAM ligand, which was constitutively expressed postnatally, expression of GAS6 initiated only 3-4 wk after birth. Further analysis revealed that GAS6 expression was induced by the oral microbiota in a myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88)-dependent fashion. Mice lacking GAS6 presented higher levels of inflammatory cytokines, elevated frequencies of neutrophils, and up-regulated activity of enzymes, generating reactive nitrogen species. We also found an imbalance in Th17/Treg ratio known to control tissue homeostasis, as Gas6-deficient dendritic cells preferentially secreted IL-6 and induced Th17 cells. As a result of this immunological shift, a significant microbial dysbiosis was observed in Gas6-/- mice, because anaerobic bacteria largely expanded by using inflammatory byproducts for anaerobic respiration. Using chimeric mice, we found a critical role for GAS6 in epithelial cells in maintaining oral homeostasis, whereas its absence in hematopoietic cells synergized the level of dysbiosis. We thus propose GAS6 as a key immunological regulator of host-commensal interactions in the oral epithelium.

CAMP-dependent recruitment of acidic organelles for Ca2+ signaling in the salivary gland.

Autonomic neural activation of intracellular Ca2+ release in parotid acinar cells induces the secretion of the fluid and protein components of primary saliva critical for maintaining overall oral homeostasis. In the current study, we profiled the role of acidic organelles in shaping the Ca2+ signals of parotid acini using a variety of imaging and pharmacological approaches. Results demonstrate that zymogen granules predominate as an apically polarized population of acidic organelles that contributes to the initial Ca2+ release. Moreover, we provide evidence that indicates a role for the intracellular messenger NAADP in the release of Ca2+ from acidic organelles following elevation of cAMP. Our data are consistent with the "trigger" hypothesis where localized release of Ca2+ sensitizes canonical intracellular Ca2+ channels to enhance signals from the endoplasmic reticulum. Release from acidic stores may be important for initiating saliva secretion at low levels of stimulation and a potential therapeutic target to augment secretory activity in hypofunctioning salivary glands.

The incidence of oral dryness in people over 65 years living in Lublin

Abstract Saliva plays an important part in naturally maintaining oral homeostasis. Dry mouth or 'xerostomia', is a serious problem connected with decreased saliva secretion which considerably limits the quality of life in elderly people. The aim of the study was the assessment of the subjective oral dryness in the oral mucosa in people over 65 living in Lublin, Poland. The study was conducted among 240 people aged 65 to 96. The patients were placed into two groups: I - 117 residents of nursing homes, II - 123 people living with their families. Assessment of the subjective oral dryness taking into account the place of residence, sex and drug administration was performed based on a questionnaire survey. In the group of nursing homes residents, 32.48% of the surveyed experienced subjective oral dryness, while among the seniors living with their families, 33.33% reported this kind of discomfort. The conducted analysis revealed that oral dryness was more common amongst women than men, and it can be very often a side-effect of administered medicine drugs.

A novel mechanism for NETosis provides antimicrobial defense at the oral mucosa

AbstractNeutrophils are essential for host defense at the oral mucosa and neutropenia or functional neutrophil defects lead to disordered oral homeostasis. We found that neutrophils from the oral mucosa harvested from morning saliva had released neutrophil extracellular traps (undergone NETosis) in vivo. The NETosis was mediated through intracellular signals elicited by binding of sialyl LewisX present on salival mucins to l-selectin on neutrophils. This led to rapid loss of nuclear membrane and intracellular release of granule proteins with subsequent neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) release independent of elastase and reduced NAD phosphate-oxidase activation. The saliva-induced NETs were more DNase-resistant and had higher capacity to bind and kill bacteria than NETs induced by bacteria or by phorbol-myristate acetate. Furthermore, saliva/sialyl LewisX mediated signaling enhanced intracellular killing of bacteria by neutrophils. Saliva from patients with aphthous ulcers and Behçet disease prone to oral ulcers failed to induce NETosis, but for different reasons it demonstrated that disordered homeostasis in the oral cavity may result in deficient saliva-mediated NETosis.

Evaluation of Fluoride Release, pH and Microhardness of Glass Ionomer Cements

Objective: To evaluate fluoride release, pH and microhardness of glass ionomer cements (GIC). Material and Methods: Four different cements: Vidrion ® R (G1), Vitro Fil ® (G2), Maxxion ® (G3) and Magic Glass ® (G4) and a composite resin (G5 - control group) comprised the sample. Thirty specimens were manufactured (10 mm x 3 mm) and stored in deionized water. Analyses were performed after 24 hours, 7 days and 28 days. The following devices were used for measurements: fluorometer, pH meter and microhardness tester. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, Friedman and Wilcoxon tests (α = 0.05) using the SPSS ® software (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 17. Results: GICs were able to release fluoride; however, the amount released decreased with increasing immersion time (p <0.002). The pH of all products increased over time, the lowest value was identified for Magic Glass (5.93) and the highest for Maxxion (6.94) at time of 24 h. Materials showed significant decrease in surface microhardness, especially G4 for presenting the lowest recorded values (p <0.05). Conclusion: GICs are fluoride-releasing restorative materials with pH favorable to oral homeostasis and good mechanical behavior.

Oral innate immunity in HIV infection in HAART era.

Oral innate immunity, an important component in host defense and immune surveillance in the oral cavity, plays a crucial role in the regulation of oral health. As part of the innate immune system, epithelial cells lining oral mucosal surfaces not only provide a physical barrier but also produce different antimicrobial peptides, including human β-defensins (hBDs), secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), and various cytokines. These innate immune mediators help in maintaining oral homeostasis. When they are impaired either by local or systemic causes, various oral infections and malignancies may be developed. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and other co-infections appear to have both direct and indirect effects on systemic and local innate immunity leading to the development of oral opportunistic infections and malignancies. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the standard treatment of HIV infection, contributed to a global reduction of HIV-associated oral lesions. However, prolonged use of HAART may lead to adverse effects on the oral innate immunity resulting in the relapse of oral lesions. This review article focused on the roles of oral innate immunity in HIV infection in HAART era. The following five key questions were addressed: (i) What are the roles of oral innate immunity in health and disease?, (ii) What are the effects of HIV infection on oral innate immunity?, (iii) What are the roles of oral innate immunity against other co-infections?, (iv) What are the effects of HAART on oral innate immunity?, and (v) Is oral innate immunity enhanced by HAART?

Evaluation of the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on whole salivary flow rate.

Background: Saliva plays a critical role in maintaining oral homeostasis; it modulates the ecosystem through lubrication of the alimentary bolus, protection against microorganisms, buffer and repair of the oral mucosa, and helps in dental re-mineralization. Various local and systemic factors such as medications, radiation therapy, systemic conditions, etc. can lead to reduction in salivary flow. A decrease in salivary function, known as Xerostomia, increases a patient’s risk for caries and other oral infections. Palliative management of Xerostomia includes wetting agents such as ice chips, drugs and saliva substitutes. Systemic agents stimulate salivary flow but often have unfavorable side effects. Newer modalities like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which has fewer side effects, have been used to stimulate salivary flow. The aim of the present study was to assess and evaluate the effect of TENS on whole salivary flow rates in healthy adult subjects. Study design: A total of 80 healthy adult subjects were enrolled in the study. Unstimulated and stimulated saliva (using TENS) was collected for 5 minutes and the mean salivary flow rates were calculated. Data obtained was analyzed using the SPSS (Statistical package for social sciences) version 15. Students ‘t’ test was employed for comparative analysis. Results: Sixty-five of the 80 subjects demonstrated an increase in the salivary flow rate on application of TENS. Twelve subjects demonstrated a mild reduction in the salivary flow rates. Seven subjects experienced transient mild twitching of facial musculature as side effects. Conclusion: Significant increase in salivary flow rates was observed on application of TENS with minimal or no side effects. Key words:Stimulated saliva, whole salivary flow, TENS.

Long-term dexamethasone treatment alters the histomorphology of acinar cells in rat parotid and submandibular glands.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) induce insulin resistance (IR), a condition known to alter oral homeostasis. This study investigated the effects of long-term dexamethasone administration on morphofunctional aspects of salivary glands. Male Wistar rats received daily injections of dexamethasone [0.1 mg/kg body weight (b.w.), intraperitoneally] for 10 days (DEX), whereas control rats received saline. Subsequently, glycaemia, insulinaemia, insulin secretion and salivary flow were analysed. The parotid and submandibular glands were collected for histomorphometric evaluation and Western blot experiments. The DEX rats were found to be normoglycaemic, hyperinsulinaemic, insulin resistant and glucose intolerant (P < 0.05). DEX rat islets secreted more insulin in response to glucose (P < 0.05). DEX rats had significant reductions in the masses of the parotid (29%) and submandibular (16%) glands (P < 0.05) that was associated with reduced salivary flux rate. The hypotrophy in both glands observed in the DEX group was associated with marked reduction in the volume of the acinar cells in these glands of 50% and 26% respectively (P < 0.05). The total number of acinar cells was increased in the submandibular glands of the DEX rats (P < 0.05) but not in the parotid glands. The levels of proteins related to insulin and survival signalling in both glands did not differ between the groups. In conclusion, the long-term administration of dexamethasone caused IR, which was associated with significant reductions in both mass and flux rate of the salivary glands. The parotid and submandibular glands exhibited reduced acinar cell volume; however, the submandibular glands displayed acinar hyperplasia, indicating a gland-specific response to GCs. Our data emphasize that GC-based therapies and insulin-resistant states have a negative impact on salivary gland homeostasis.

Xerostomia in geriatric patients: a burgeoning global concern.

Saliva plays a key role in maintaining oral homeostasis, function, and health. The prevalence of xerostomia and its consequences are rising due to the increasing aging population, the effects of some systemic diseases, medical management, and commonly-prescribed medications that reduce saliva production. When salivary function is diminished, patients are at a greater risk of developing caries, discomfort in wearing dentures, and opportunistic diseases, such as candidiasis. The psychosocial aspects of xerostomia can range from a mild effect on self-rated oral health to frustration, embarrassment, unhappiness, or substantial disruptions in quality of life. This article reviews the clinical features, diagnosis, and prevalence of dry mouth, as well as its treatment strategies.

Traditional Japanese oral mucositis medicine hangeshashinto to upregulate antimicrobial peptides in human salivary gland cells.

517 Background: The cause of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis (COM) is thought to be direct injury and indirect stomatotoxic effects that result from the release of inflammatory mediators, loss of protective salivary constituents, and therapy-induced neutropenia. We previously found that gargling with hangeshashinto (HST), a traditional Japanese medicine, was effective for treatment of COM. Focusing on the pain and inflammation of COM, we reported at ASCO-GI 2013 and DDW 2013 that HST exhibited ameliorating effects in a hamster model of COM and multi-targeted effects on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, followed by identification of active ingredients by PGE2 culture systems and LC-MS/MS. Our aim in this study was to address whether HST affects protective oral constituents. Methods: Human oral keratinocytes (HOK) and human salivary gland (HSG) cells were used for cell culture assays. Expression levels of mRNAs for antimicrobial peptides, extracellular matrixes, keratinocyte growth factor, amylase, COX-1/COX-2, and cNOS/iNOS in cells with or without HST (10–300 μg/mL) treatment were measured by RT-PCR. Results: HST increased gene expressions of some antimicrobial peptides (defensin β1, adrenomedullin, cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide), and amylase 1A in HSG cells. Further, HST dramatically inhibited COX-2 and iNOS mRNAs in IL-1β treated HOK cells, while it exerted no or little effect on expressions of any protective oral constituents in non-treated HOK cells. A random test to identify the ingredients that increase defensin β1 revealed that isoquinoline alkaloids like berberine were active. Conclusions: HST is expected to maintain oral homeostasis through two paths: increased production of antimicrobial peptides and decreased oral damage induced by excessive prostanoids and nitric oxide. HST thus functions as a multitarget agent, indicating that it may be beneficial in COM treatment.

Is Assessment of Hyposalivation Important in Routine Dental Practice?

ABSTRACT Saliva is a key element in oral homeostasis, oral function and maintenance of oral health. Dry mouth has multiple oral health consequences and affects quality of life. The incidence of dry mouth and its public health impact are increasing due to the aging population, the effects of some systemic diseases, and medical care and commonly prescribed medications that reduce saliva production. Chronic xerostomia can contribute to oral mucosal changes, increased coronal and root caries susceptibility, candidiasis, periodontal disease, partial loss of taste acuity, and difficulty in swallowing and functional prosthetic problems. Although, oral healthcare providers routinely obtain and document a patient's medical history, evaluating salivary gland function is not a common practice unless the patient is symptomatic. This review of literature highlights the importance of saliva, and the need to measure and document hyposalivation in routine dental practice. How to cite this article Sharma V, Somasundara SY, Kumar YSP, Bhat PK. Is Assessment of Hyposalivation Important in Routine Dental Practice? J Health Sci Res 2014;5(2):10-14.

Synthesis of hydroxyapatite for bioactive coatings

The principal possibility to synthesize hydroxyapatite from aqueous solutions under the conditions that do not disturb oral homeostasis and a hydroxyapatite-based bioactive coating on the surface of dental tissues has been shown. The results of the work can further be used to develop technology for the regeneration of functional dental tissues via the synthesis of bioactive coatings immediately inside the oral cavity.

Oral homeostasis disruption by medical plasticizer component bisphenol A in adult male rats

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic estrogen-like chemical mimetic widely used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins found in numerous consumer products including food packaging, medical devices, and dental sealants. Because it is recovered in fluids and it can reach high levels in saliva, this study aimed to evaluate its safety on oral homeostasis by examining its effects on salivary glands, mouth epithelium, water consumption, and salt preference, each parameter being estrogen sensitive. Randomized controlled trial involving rats. A dose-response study was conducted in adult Wistar rats randomized into five groups (n = 12). BPA was administered over 6 weeks via drinking water to obtain daily dose exposures of 0 μg/kg, 5 μg/kg, 50 μg/kg, 5 mg/kg, and 12.5 mg/kg of body weight. To evaluate salt preference, 1% NaCl solution and pure water intakes were measured for 3 days by offering two-bottle choices. The rats were then killed; oral biopsies were done and submandibular glands were removed for histologic and morphometric analysis. According to the dose-response curve, BPA decreased total drinking but increased salt preference, which was inversely proportional to water consumption (Kruskal-Wallis, P < .01). It also causes oral dryness and histologic changes in the acinar structures of the submandibular glands at the lowest doses (Kruskal-Wallis, P < .01). This study shows that oral exposure to BPA in the rat disrupts thirst and buccal homeostasis and raises questions about the salivary gland secretions.

Influence of gender and stress on the volatile sulfur compounds and stress biomarkers production

Stress and menstrual cycle have been described as factors influencing bad breath, as they can alter oral homeostasis and contribute to the production of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC). Considering that the experimenter's and volunteer's gender may influence the volunteer's responses to stress, the aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of stress and gender on the production of VSC and salivary biomarkers. The experimental acute stress was induced by the Video-Recorded Stroop Color-Word Test (VRSCWT). The VSC, salivary proteins, and cardiovascular parameters were measured before and after VRSCWT. The VRSCWT induced significant increase in total VSC, hydrogen sulfide, and blood pressure values in men and women. Women presented higher values of both these compounds than men. The increase in systolic blood pressure was more pronounced when subjects were evaluated by an experimenter of the opposite gender. When women were evaluated by a member of the opposite gender, they showed significant increases in salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol compared with baseline values. Thus, the results showed that VRSCWT induced acute stress, which increased VSC production, and these effects were shown to be influenced by the gender.