Profile Of Saliva Research Articles

Salivary proteomic profile of dogs with and without dental calculus

BackgroundDogs’ saliva is a complex mixture of inorganic and organic constituents, rich in proteins. Therefore, knowing the saliva composition of these animals is extremely important to identify the presence of proteins that may be involved in physiological and pathological mechanisms of their oral cavity. The present study aimed to characterize the proteomic profile of saliva from dogs with and without dental calculus.ResultsSaliva samples were collected from 20 dogs. Before the collection, a visual clinical examination was performed and 8 subjects (40%) did not present any signs of dental calculus, while 12 (60%) presented dental calculus. After saliva collection, the samples were submitted to protein quantification (mBCA), and then they were prepared for analysis by nLC-ESI-MS/MS. A total of 658 unique proteins were identified, of which 225 were specific to dogs without dental calculus, 300 were specific to dogs with dental calculus, and 133 were common to all subjects. These proteins presented functions including transportation, immune response, structural, enzymatic regulation, signal transduction, transcription, metabolism, and some proteins perform functions as yet unknown. Several salivary proteins in dogs with dental calculus differed from those found in the group without dental calculus. Among the abundant proteins detected in periodontal affected cases, can be highlighting calcium-sensing receptor and transforming growth factor beta. Enrichment analysis reveled the presence of Rho GTPases signaling pathway.ConclusionsThis research identified salivary proteins, that should be further investigated as potencial biomarkers of chronic periodontits with dental calculus formation in dogs.

The role of sodium alginate and gellan gum in the design of new drug delivery systems intended for antibiofilm activity of morin

The use of controlled drug delivery systems represents an alternative and promising strategy for the use of antimicrobials in the oral cavity. Microparticles, films and oral tablets based on alginate and gellan gum were developed also as a strategy to overcome the low aqueous solubility of morin. The systems were characterized in terms of morphological characteristics, mucoadhesion and in vitro drug release. Antibiofilm activity was analyzed for acidogenicity, microbial viability and the composition of the extracellular matrix of single-species biofilms. Scanning Electron Microscopy demonstrated that the microparticles were spherical, rough and compact. The film and the tablet presented smooth and continuous surface and in the inner of the tablet was porous. These systems were more mucoadhesive compared to the microparticles. The in vitro morin release profiles in artificial saliva demonstrated that the microparticles controlled the release better (39.6%), followed by the film (41.1%) and the tablet (91.4%) after 20 h of testing. The morin released from the systems reduced the acidogenicity, microbial viability, concentration of insoluble extracellular polysaccharides and dry weight of biofilms, when compared to the control group. The findings of this study showed that the morin has antibiofilm activity against cariogenic microorganisms.

Metabolic Profiles of Whole, Parotid and Submandibular/Sublingual Saliva.

The detection of salivary molecules associated with pathological and physiological alterations has encouraged the search of novel and non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers for oral health evaluation. While genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic profiles of human saliva have been reported, its metabolic composition is a topic of research: metabolites in submandibular/sublingual saliva have never been analyzed systematically. In this study, samples of whole, parotid, and submandibular/sublingual saliva from 20 healthy donors, without dental or periodontal diseases, were examined by nuclear magnetic resonance. We identified metabolites which are differently distributed within the three saliva subtypes (54 in whole, 49 in parotid, and 36 in submandibular/sublingual saliva). Principal component analysis revealed a distinct cluster for whole saliva and a partial overlap for parotid and submandibular/sublingual metabolites. We found exclusive metabolites for each subtype: 2-hydroxy-3-methylvalerate, 3-methyl-glutarate, 3-phenylpropionate, 4-hydroxyphenylacetate, 4-hydroxyphenyllactate, galactose, and isocaproate in whole saliva; caprylate and glycolate in submandibular/sublingual saliva; arginine in parotid saliva. Salivary metabolites were classified into standard and non-proteinogenic amino acids and amines; simple carbohydrates; organic acids; bacterial-derived metabolites. The identification of a salivary gland-specific metabolic composition in healthy people provides the basis to invigorate the search for salivary biomarkers associated with oral and systemic diseases.

Salivary flow rates and buffer capacity and its relationship with oral health status: a cross-sectional study on crack-cocaine-addicted males

This cross-sectional study evaluated the saliva profile in crack-cocaine-addicted males and its relationship with dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral mucosal lesion (OML) using 148 adult male volunteers (37 addicted; 111 non-addicted) at the School of Dentistry, Federal University of Bahia. Data on decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT), periodontal disease and OML were collected from the clinical examination of the participants. Samples were analysed for the salivary flow rate (SFR) of unstimulated and wax-stimulated whole saliva and the saliva buffer capacity. Bivariate and regression analyses were conducted to assess the salivary profile and its association with the oral status of addicted participants (α = 0.05). The mean buffer capacity of stimulated saliva was significantly lower in the addicted participants (pH 5.2 ± 1.7) than in the non-addicted group (pH 5.8 ± 1.3, p = 0.03). In the addicted group, OML was associated with a stimulated SFR < 1.0 mL/min (OR = 11.98, 95% CI = 1.30-27.10, p = 0.04). The DMFT index and periodontal disease were not associated with the salivary profile, but with older age (OR = 7.20, 95% CI = 1.51-31.14, p = 0.01) and lower education levels (OR = 24.00, 95% CI = 1.68-341.00, p = 0.02), respectively. In conclusion, addiction was associated with the lower buffer capacity of stimulated saliva, and OML was associated with lower-stimulated salivary flow rate. Periodontal disease or DMFT was not associated with salivary factors in addicted males. Therapy approaches dealing with saliva status may be important for use with addicted males to reduce OMLs.

Chemokines and cytokines profile in whole saliva of patients with periodontitis

Clinical features suggest differences in immune response among periodontitis forms, albeit a large number of cytokines and chemokines remain to be evaluated. The saliva is an available source of mediators and its analysis would be valuable in order to understand pathophysiological differences. The objective of this study was analyze chemokines/cytokines profile in whole saliva of individuals with severe periodontitis (Stage III) presenting moderate [Grade B; GB] or rapid progression rate with a localized incisor-molar pattern [Grade C; GC/IMP]. A case-control study was designed for each periodontitis group. GB (n = 9) and GC/IMP (n = 7) patients and their healthy controls (C-GB, n = 9 and C-GC, n = 7) were evaluated. Non-stimulated saliva samples were assessed by a multiplex assay for a total of 40 cytokines, C-C and C-X-C motif chemokines. GC/IMP group presented higher levels of CCL17 and CCL27 (p = 0.04, FDR > 0.05), and lower levels of CCL2 (p = 0.04, FDR > 0.05) and CCL25 (p = 0.006, FDR < 0.05) when compared to its control. GB patients had higher levels of IL-6, IL-1β (p = 0.04, FDR > 0.05), and elevated pro-inflammatory (TNF-α,IL-1β,INF-γ,IL-6, IL-16): anti-inflammatory (IL-2, IL-4, IL-10) ratio (p = 0.01, FDR < 0.05) compared to its control [p-values by Mann-Whitney test, and False Discovery Rate (FDR) by Benjamini-Hochburg corrections]. CCL-chemokines and cytokines contributed to differences between GC/C-GC and GB/C-GB, respectively (p < 0.05, PERMANOVA test). These preliminary data revealed that each periodontitis phenotype presented distinct immune profiles differentially expressed in saliva compared to their related controls, suggesting differences in the etiopathogenesis of GB and GC/IMP.

Salivary biomarkers of cellular damage and oxidative stress following of lower third molar surgical removal

Salivary biomarkers of cellular damage and oxidative stress following of lower third molar surgical removal

The type of dietary nanoparticles influences salivary protein corona composition

While nanoparticles (NPs) are copiously incorporated into different food products, the protein corona profile of saliva interacted dietary NPs and its potential influence on the function of proteins involved have received little attention. In this study the most widely used NPs such as food grade silicon dioxide (SiO2), titanium dioxide (TiO2) and emerging NP with application in food industry- silver (Ag) were interacted with human saliva. These particles were characterized for their physicochemical properties in their pristine state and after interacting with saliva. Analysis of the protein corona composition of saliva interacted dietary particles was carried by 1D gel electrophoresis and LC-MS/MS. We observed a net decrease in the negative surface charge and change in agglomeration size in saliva interacted NPs. Significant differences in corona composition, and protein abundance were noted among the tested particles. Several proteins with vital functions in digestion and host protections were found to be enriched on the surface of particles. In order to verify if the binding of proteins have any effect on their function, we tested the amylase and lysozyme activities of saliva in the presence and absence of NPs of SiO2 and TiO2. Our results showed that these particles could compromise the enzymes function wherein NPs of SiO2 showed the highest effect. Overall, our study, identified human salivary proteins involved in the protein corona of dietary particles and showed that vital functions of saliva such as digestion and antimicrobial activities could be partially affected by protein-nanoparticle interactions in saliva.

Ethnicity, age and disease-associated variation in body fluid-specific CpG sites in a diverse South African cohort

Tissue-specific differential DNA methylation has been an attractive target for the development of markers for discrimination of body fluids found at crime scenes. Though mostly stable, DNA methylation patterns have been shown to vary between different ethnic groups, in different age groups as well as between healthy and diseased individuals. To the best of our knowledge, none of the markers for body fluid identification have been applied to different ethnic groups to ascertain if variability exists. In the present study, saliva and blood were collected to determine the effects of ethnicity (Blacks, Whites, Coloureds and Indians), age (20–30 years, 40–50years and above 60 years) and diabetes on methylation profiles of potential saliva- and blood-specific DMSs. Both DMSs were previously shown to exhibit hypermethylation in their target body fluids at single CpG sites, however in the present study, additional CpG sites flanking the reported sites were also screened. Bisulfite sequencing revealed that Coloureds showed highest methylation levels for both body fluids, and blacks displayed significant differences between other ethnic groups in the blood-specific CpG sites. A decline in methylation for both potential DMRs was observed with increasing age. Heavily methylated CpG sites in different ethnic groups and previously reported DMSs displayed hypomethylation with increasing age and disease status. Diabetic status did not show any significant difference in methylation when compared to healthy counterparts. Thus, the use of methylation markers for forensics needs thorough investigation of influence of external factors and ideally, several CpG sites should be co-analysed instead of a single DMS.

Saliva profiles in children with congenital heart disease.

The low salivary pH and buffering capacity are caused by using heart failure medications. For this reason oral health should be supported in cardiac patients, it is necessary that they attend dental clinics for regular follow up. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the salivary oxidative stress markers and salivary pH, salivary buffering capacity, salivary flow rate and dental caries of children with congenital heart disease (CHD). This cross sectional study was carried out with 42 CHD and 42 healthy children. The participants' gender, age, general health and medications, and caries scores (dfs/ DMFS) were written down, then their unstimulated saliva samples were collected. These specimens were evaluated in terms of the salivary secretion rate, salivary buffering capacity, pH, protein levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyl, protein thiols, total sialic acid. Both groups showed caries at similar levels. The salivary pH and buffering capacity were significantly less in the children with CHD than in the controls. The levels of TBARS and protein carbonyl were significantly higher in the children with CHD than in the controls. There was not any significant difference relating to the mean salivary secretion rate, protein levels, SOD, FRAP, protein thiols and total sialic acid. The elevated TBARS and protein carbonyl levels in the patients with CHD were observed as an indicator of the free radical damage leading to oxidative stress.

Feasibility of a Complex Setting for Assessing Sleep and Circadian Rhythmicity in a Fragile X Cohort.

IntroductionSleep, circadian rhythms, (mental) health, and development are assumed to be intertwined. However, differentiated and reliable parameters of sleep and circadian rhythms are particularly difficult to assess for Fragile X (FXS) individuals. As those parameters need to be observed in complex settings, the feasibility of measurements for people with FXS was to be proven. Findings from this pilot study can inform further research and help to estimate sample sizes for future studies on FXS patients.Methods and SampleNine individuals (male and female) with full mutation of the FMR1 gene were integrated in the study and underwent a complex measurement including actigraphy, sleep log, and 24-h saliva sampling in order to examine profiles of melatonin and cortisol, and a polysomnography.ResultsSeven actigraphy profiles, eight sleep logs, eight saliva profiles and seven polysomnographic data sets were collected. Complete data were analyzed for six individuals [mean age 14.87 years (SD 4.12), mean BMI 25.90 (SD 4.44)] were collected. No drop outs due to the constraints of the assessment were registered.DiscussionAll assessments and the setting in total were tolerated well by participants and caregivers. Procedures were adapted to individual needs of the participants.ConclusionAll its components and the setting in total are absolutely feasible in the specific population of FXS individuals. Losses during consenting and recruiting have to be planned as well as high amounts of interindividual variances have to be taken into account.

Inflammatory biomarkers and growth factors in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid of e-cigarette users, cigarette smokers, and dual smokers: A pilot study.

Cigarette smoking remains one of the leading public health threats worldwide. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) provide an alternative to conventional cigarette smoking; however, the evidence base of risks and benefits of e-cig use is new and growing. In this cross-sectional pilot study, the effect of e-cig use on biological profiles in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was assessed and compared with the profiles of cigarette smokers (CS), dual users, and non-users. The systemic inflammatory mediators between e-cig users (EC) and these other groups were also assessed. This pilot cross-sectional study recruited volunteer participants consisting of four groups, non-smokers (NS), CS, EC, and dual EC and cigarette smokers (DS). Saliva and GCF samples were collected and analyzed for biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory lipid mediators, tissue injury and repair, and growth factors with immunoassay (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Luminex). Smoking status was confirmed via salivary cotinine. Prostaglandin E2 level was significantly increased in CS compared with EC and DS, but not significantly different in EC and DS groups compared with non-smokers (NS). Statistically significant differences were observed between groups of EC and NS (myeloperoxidase [MPO], matrix metalloproteinase-9) as well as between DS and EC for biomarkers of inflammatory mediators (receptor for advanced glycation end products [RAGE], MPO, uteroglobin/CC-10); between groups of DS and NS for extracellular newly identified RAGE binding protein and between CS and NS for MPO. No statistically significant differences in biomarkers of immunity (S100A8, S100A9, galectin-3), tissue injury and repair (Serpine1/PAI-1) and growth factors (brain-derived neurotrophic factor, fibroblast growth factors, platelet-derived growth factor-AA, vascular endothelial growth factor, and others) were found between any of groups. Statistically significant differences in measurable health outcomes were found between different smoking status groups, suggesting that smoking/vaping produces differential effects on oral health.

Rapid diagnosis of periodontitis, a feasibility study using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.

The aim of the present study was to assess the feasibility and diagnostic contribution of protein profiling using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry applied to saliva, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and dental plaque from periodontitis and healthy subjects. We hypothesized that rapid routine and blinded MALDI-TOF analysis could accurately classify these three types of samples according to periodontal state. Unstimulated saliva, GCF and dental plaque, collected from periodontitis subjects and healthy controls, were analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS. Based on the differentially expressed peaks between the two groups, diagnostic decision trees were built for each sample. Among 141 patients (67 periodontitis and 74 healthy controls), the decision trees diagnosed periodontitis with a sensitivity = 70.3% (± 0.211) and a specificity = 77.8% (± 0.165) for saliva, a sensitivity = 79.6% (± 0.188) and a specificity = 75.7% (± 0.195) for GCF, and a sensitivity = 72.1% (± 0.202) and a specificity = 72.2% (± 0.195) for dental plaque. The sensitivity and specificity of the tests were improved to 100% (CI 95% = [0.91;1]) and 100% (CI 95% = [0.92;1]), respectively, when two samples were tested. We developed, for the first time, diagnostic tests based on protein profiles of saliva, GCF and dental plaque between periodontitis patients and healthy subjects. When at least 2 of these samples were tested, the best results were obtained.

Dysbiosis of the Oral Ecosystem in Severe Congenital Neutropenia Patients.

PurposeTo decipher the underlying immunological mechanisms in predisposition to oral microbial dysbiosis in severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) patients.Experimental DesignTen SCN patients (5–23 years old) and 12 healthy controls (5–22 years old) are periodontally examined and provided saliva, subgingival plaque, and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples. The SCN patients received oral hygiene therapy and are re‐evaluated after 6 months. Antimicrobial peptides HPN1‐3 and LL‐37 are assessed in saliva by ELISA. Concentration of 30 cytokines is measured in saliva and GCF by human 30‐plex panel, while bacterial profiles of saliva and subgingival plaque are assessed using 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing.ResultsThere is no significant difference in salivary HPN1‐3 and LL‐37 concentration between the SCN patients and controls. At baseline, clinical, immunological, and microbiological parameters of the patients are indicative of oral ecological dysbiosis. The SCN patients have significantly higher bleeding on probing (BOP)%, GCF volume, and cytokine levels, high bacterial load with low bacterial diversity in saliva. The associations between the microbiome and immunological parameters in the SCN patients differ from those in the healthy individuals.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceSCN patients have a dysregulated immune response toward commensal oral microbiota, which could be responsible for the observed clinical and microbiological signs of dysbiosis.

Comparison of DNA methylation profiles from saliva in Coeliac disease and non-coeliac disease individuals

BackgroundCoeliac disease (CD) is a autoimmune disease characterised by mucosal inflammation in the small intestine in response to dietary gluten. Genetic factors play a key role with CD individuals carrying either the HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 haplotype, however these haplotypes are present in half the general population making them necessary but insufficient to cause CD. Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation that can change in response to environmental exposure could help to explain how interactions between genes and environmental factors combine to trigger disease development. Identifying changes in DNA methylation profiles in individuals with CD could help discover novel genomic regions involved in the onset and development of CD.MethodsThe Illumina InfiniumMethylation450 Beadchip array (HM450) was used to compare DNA methylation profiles in saliva, in CD and non-CD affected individuals. CD individuals who had been diagnosed at least 2 years previously; were on a GFD; and who were currently asymptomatic; were compared to age and sex-matched non-CD affected healthy controls. Bisulphite pyrosequencing was used to validate regions found to be differentially methylated. These regions were also validated in a second larger cohort of CD and non-CD affected individuals.ResultsMethylation differences within the HLA region at HLA-DQB1 were identified on HM450 but could not be confirmed with pyrosequencing. Significant methylation differences near the SLC17A3 gene were confirmed on pyrosequencing in the initial pilot cohort. Interestingly pyrosequencing sequencing of these same sites within a second cohort of CD and non-CD affected controls produced significant methylation differences in the opposite direction.ConclusionAltered DNA methylation profiles appear to be present in saliva in CD individuals. Further work to confirm whether these differences are truly associated with CD is needed.

Salivary Microbial and Metabolic Determinants of Oral Mucositis in Recipients of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Background Oral mucositis (OM) is a debilitating multifactorial complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We hypothesized that the oral microbiome is disturbed during transplantation and may partially account for the variability in OM severity across patients. Methods In this single-center study, we prospectively collected saliva samples weekly in a cohort of 184 adults undergoing allogeneic HSCT. A total of 625 samples were collected starting from 7 days before HSCT to 34 days post-transplant. Samples underwent 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Sixty pre- and post-HSCT samples underwent mass spectrometry-based metabolomic profiling (Metabolon, Durham, NC). OM was graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v4.0. Results Myeloablative conditioning regimens were used in 70% of patients. The median time to OM development was 7 days; 58% and 43% of patients developed grade 2-4 and grade 3-4 OM, respectively. Pre-transplantation oral α-diversity, as measured by the Shannon Index, was similar to that of healthy controls (n=20) (p=0.460), but later decreased, reaching a nadir on day 12 (Fig. A). Among patients with grade 2-4 OM, the reduction in α-diversity over time was more pronounced compared to transplant-recipients having no or only mild OM (grade 0-1) (Fig. B). In the group treated with MTX (n=135), patients harboring Rothia, Kingella, and Atopobium in the saliva before stem cells infusion were more likely to develop grade 3-4 OM than their counterparts. Furthermore, in samples collected between days 7 to 13, there was a higher abundance of Methylobacterium among patients with grade 3-4 OM, while Treponema and the genus TG5 (Fig. 3) were more common in patients with grade 0-1 OM (Fig. C). Finally, metabolic profiling of saliva collected pre and post HSCT showed marked changes before and after transplantation among patients who developed mucositis. Microbiome-associated metabolites enriched in patients with mucositis included histidine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan. Conclusions In this largest analysis of the oral microbiome in HSCT recipients, we demonstrate that the oral microbiota is disrupted during allogeneic HSCT. Microbiota injury is more profound in patients who developed oral mucositis. Our findings indicate that there may be a distinct microbiological and metabolic signature in patients with mucositis, with some changes preceding the clinical phenotype. These may serve as potential intervention points to treat and prevent mucositis.

Quantitative metabolomics of saliva using proton NMR spectroscopy in patients with Parkinson's disease and healthy controls.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multisystem disorder of unknown etiology, highlights a broad array of symptoms and pathological features influencing organs throughout the body. The metabolic profile of saliva in patients with PD may be influenced by malabsorption in the gastroenteric tract, neurodegeneration, and mitochondrial dysfunction. In the present study, we apply a powerful NMR metabolomics approach for biomarker identification in PD using saliva, a non-invasive bio-fluid. Metabolic profiling of saliva were studied in patients with PD (n = 76) and healthy controls (HC, n = 37) were analyzed and differentiated PD from HC. A total of 40 metabolites including aromatic amino acids, short-chain fatty acids, branched chain amino acids, taurine, and N-acetylglutamate were identified. Spectral binned data and concentration of metabolites were estimated for analysis. Increased concentration of phenylalanine, tyrosine, histidine, glycine, acetoacetate, taurine, TMAO, GABA, N-acetylglutamate, acetoin, acetate, alanine, fucose, propionate, isoleucine, and valine were observed in PD as compared to HC. Further, subgroup analysis among early PD, advanced PD, and HC groups, revealed increased metabolite concentration in early PD group as compared to advanced PD and HC group. Analysis revealed potential biomarkers and their involvement in amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, neurotransmitters metabolism, and microflora system. Patients with early PD exhibited higher metabolite concentration as compared to advanced PD group which might be associated with dopaminergic treatment. The results of our data indicate that patients with PD might be characterized by metabolic imbalances like gut microflora system, energy metabolites, and neurotransmitters which may contribute to the PD pathogenesis.

Differences in Proteomic Profiles Between Caries Free and Caries Affected Children

Objective: To determine if there are differences in protein profiles in saliva depending if children of caries-free versus caries affected. Material and Methods: A cohort of 91 children with ages between 6 and 19 years, along clinical status of caries experience. Protein profiles in saliva were determined using electrophoresis and the calculation of the percentage of a specific band at a specific molecular weight in relationship to the total protein in that sample (% of total) using molecular weight standards. This quantification was repeated for each protein band across a range of molecular weights for each sample . Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and Student t-tests were used to compare the distributions between caries-free and caries affected children ( α =0.05). Results: Histatin was more likely to be non-detectable or reduced in caries-free children (OR=7.56; 95% CI 1.62-35.13) and these children had on average one less gel band detected by the assay we used . Conclusion: We have found differences in proteins between caries affected and caries-free children, suggesting that this line of investigation holds the promise of providing new tools for caries management.

Protein Profiles of Individuals with Erosive Tooth Wear

Objective: To determine if protein profiles identified in saliva could be used to determine risk and severity of erosive tooth wear. Material and Methods: Three types of saliva sampling were performed to obtain saliva from 34 18-year old individuals that received regular dental check-ups, along with clinical status of the dentition and risk factor related to erosive tooth wear using the VEDE scale. Protein profiles in saliva were determined using electrophoresis and the calculation of the percentage of a specific band at a specific molecular weight in relationship to the total protein in that sample (% of total) using molecular weight standards. This quantification was repeated for each protein band across a range of molecular weights for each sample to test for association with erosive tooth wear status . Results: There were no differences in the number of detectable proteins sourced from the parotid gland, nor the unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva. Five out of the 34 individuals had no signs of erosive tooth wear despite an acidic diet and were more likely to have proteins with molecular weight smaller than 1 KDa (p=0.03) . Conclusion: There is potential for the use of protein profiling to determine risks for erosive tooth wear.

Antioxidative and oxidative profiles in plasma and saliva of cows in different ages and hormonal status.

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the antioxidant status and oxidative stress parameters in plasma and saliva in order to investigate the physiological conditions of dairy cows. Blood and saliva were collected from clinically healthy female calves (n = 18), sexually mature, non-pregnant cows (n = 19), and pregnant dairy cows (n = 15). Spectrophotometric and spectroflurimetric analyses were carried out in the body fluids of these animals. The level of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in plasma reached the lowest (p < 0.05) value in the group of sexually mature, non-pregnant cows (2.375 ± 0.500 μmol/g). A significant negative correlation (tau b = - 0.248, p < 0.05) was found between TAC values detected in plasma and saliva of examined animals. The highest (p < 0.05) mean values of thiol groups were detected in both plasma (0.007 ± 0.0015 mmol/g) and saliva (0.276 ± 0,116 mmol/g) of mature, non‑pregnant cows. Conversely, the highest (p < 0.05) levels of formylokinurenine concentration were detected in saliva (11.535 ± 3.785 μg/mg) and plasma (0.133 ± 0.0237 μg/mg) of pregnant dairy cows. A significant positive correlation (tau b = 0.255, p < 0.05) was also found between the bityrosine content detected in plasma and saliva of the examined cows. In conclusion, although with regards to antioxidant/oxidative parameters saliva reflects the content of plasma only in part, however it shows age-related differences that can be used in the description of the physiological status of cows.

Saliva profiles in children with congenital heart disease

Saliva profiles in children with congenital heart disease