Salivary Calcium Concentration Research Articles

Salivary calcium determination with a specially developed microfluidic paper-based device for point-of-care analysis

The calcium monitoring in the body not only anticipates several potential diseases (osteoporosis, kidney stones or high blood pressure) but also helps to improve target therapies and follow-up the patient's health status. Calcium monitoring is essential for the diagnosis of one of the most common endocrine disorders worldwide, namely hyperparathyroidism. So, in this work, a new Point-of-care test (POC-test) using a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) for calcium quantification in saliva samples is described. The developed μPAD was based on the colorimetric reaction between calcium and cresolphthalein complexone (CPC) which forms an intense purple colour product. The developed device enabled calcium quantification in the range of 0.27–4.50 mmol/L (11.0–180 mg/L) with a detection limit of 80 µmol/L (3.2 mg/L). The accuracy of the developed μPAD was confirmed by analysing saliva samples (#10) and comparing the results obtained with the atomic absorption spectrometry reference procedure; the relative deviation between the two sets of results was below 10 %. A correlation between salivary calcium content and calcium content in blood was established and it was possible to conclude that salivary calcium concentrations above 1.55 mmol/L is an indicator of hypercalcemia. The developed device was stable for 2 weeks when stored at room temperature in vacuum conditions.

Evaluating the Role of Inorganic Elements of Camelus Dromedarius Saliva in Protecting Enamel Against Tooth Surface Loss.

The aim of this study was to provide insight into the role of camel's saliva in protecting enamel against erosion and to evaluate the levels of salivary sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphate ions among 2 groups of camels, those with low-grade tooth surface loss and those with high-grade tooth surface loss. Twenty-eight healthy camels, 5 males and 23 females, aged 20 months to 10 years, were divided into 2 groups. Group I comprise camels with "low-grade tooth surface loss" and Group 2 with "high-grade tooth surface loss." Unstimulated saliva was collected by a draining method. The samples were then analyzed for sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphate concentrations using automated chemistry analysis. Data were then statistically analyzed using the unpaired Student's t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient test. The study found the salivary calcium and phosphate concentrations were significantly lower in the "high-grade" erosion group, in comparison with the other group (P < .0001 and P = .0257, respectively). The results also revealed that the more extensive the tooth surface loss, the more carious lesions the subject had (P = .023), and that caries are more common in the anterior teeth, particularly the incisors. The authors conclude that alterations in inorganic elements of saliva, particularly the calcium and phosphate ions, play a major role in the development of resistance to tooth surface loss. This work may represent a direction for future research to develop custom-made preventive supplements, which can protect camelid teeth against tooth surface loss.

Effects of hypertension with and without smoking on salivary electrolytes concentration

Background: Hypertension from smoking is a chronic medical condition that impacts human health. It has been proved that it could be a significant risk factor for different disorders like brain damage, the lung disease and has been related to the growth of oral diseases. However, there are few and conflicting research on its effect on salivary electrolytes concentrations. Aim of the study: To assess the effect of hypertension with and without smoking on electrolyte concentrations in saliva and to identify its effect on normal oral balance. Methods: A total number of 90 subjects included, which is comprised of (49) (54.4 %) males subjects and (41) (45.6 %) females subjects in the gender. They were divided into three groups, G1, G2 and G3 groups. Group 1 comprised 30 subjects of hypertension with smoking, Group 2 comprised 30 subjects of hypertension without smoking and Group 3 comprised 30 subjects of healthy non-smoking controls. Results: Findings displayed a highly significant difference in concentration of calcium in saliva and there was no significant difference in potassium and sodium for the three groups. There was a significant difference of calcium in saliva concentration for all study group with respect to P-Value (0.000). Conclusion: The salivary calcium concentration in the saliva can be affected by hypertension with smoking and the increase in salivary calcium levels might be a risk factor for development of periodontal diseases.

Effect of Salivary Flow on Bleached Enamel Roughness and Mineral Content: an In Situ and In Vitro Study.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of human saliva in vitro and salivary flow in situ on the roughness and mineral content of bleached enamel. Dental specimens were divided into five groups (n=15): not bleached (NB); bleached (35% hydrogen peroxide) and exposed to distilled water (DW); human saliva in vitro (IV); normal salivary flow in situ (NSF); and low salivary flow (LSF) in situ. Enamel roughness (Ra, Rz) and calcium/phosphorus contents were evaluated with laser profilometry and energy-dispersive spectroscopy, respectively, at baseline (T1), after bleaching (T2), and after seven days (T3). Salivary pH and buffer capacity were evaluated with colorimetric strips and salivary calcium and phosphorus with absorbance spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed with non-parametric tests and linear regression (α=0.05). After contact with saliva, Ra and Rz of LSF=DW>IV=NSF=NB was found. For DW and LSF, the roughness of T1<T2=T3 was found. For IV, T1<T3<T2; for NSF, T1=T3<T2. Enamel calcium/phosphorus content did not change with bleaching or with saliva contact (p≥0.05). Buffer capacity and calcium concentration did not differ between LSF and NSF. Phosphorus was higher, and pH was lower in LSF. Ra and Rz were, respectively, 0.14 and 1.95 lower with NSF than LSF. The conclusions were that NSF in situ and human saliva in vitro recovered original enamel roughness. The experimental conditions did not affect enamel mineral content. Recovery of bleached enamel roughness was higher in NSF when compared to LSF, regardless of salivary pH, calcium and phosphorus concentrations, and buffer capacity.

The effect of conventional and self-ligating brackets on salivary biochemical indicators

The use of orthodontic fixed systems is often accompanied by physical discomfort, pain of varying intensity, psycho-emotional stress, and sleep disturbances. Treatment also affects salivary cortisol, alpha-amylase, magnesium, calcium, and inorganic phosphorus concentrations, although data are conflicting and scarce. The aim of our study was to compare of electrolytes and alkaline phosphatase concentrations in oral fluid after 2 months of treatment (conventional and self-ligating braces respectively). In total40 patients (20 in each group) were studied. According to the obtained results, the concentrations of calcium and alkaline phosphatase differ significantly between standard and self-ligating treatments, while magnesium and phosphorus ions do not change. Based on the results of the study, calcium and alkaline phosphatase indicators can be used to prevent expected side effects of treatment.

Biofilm accumulation and sucrose rinse modulate calcium and fluoride bioavailability in the saliva of children with early childhood caries

This study aimed at investigating the combined effect of biofilm accumulation and 20% sucrose rinse on the modulation of calcium (Ca2+), phosphate (Pi), and fluoride (F−) bioavailability in the saliva of children with early childhood caries (ECC). Fifty-six preschoolers of both genders were evaluated according to caries experience and activity: caries-free (CF, n = 28) and with ECC (n = 28) and then, submitted to biofilm intervention (biofilm accumulation). In each situation, saliva samples were collected before and five minutes after a 20% sucrose rinse to determine the concentrations of Ca2+, Pi, and F−. Calcium concentration was significantly lower in the biofilm accumulation situation compared to the situation of biofilm mechanical control (p ≤ 0.01), except for CF children after sucrose rinse. Biofilm accumulation increased salivary calcium concentration in children with ECC after sucrose rinse (p = 0.04), whereas mechanical biofilm control reduced it in both groups (p = 0.000). Phosphate concentration was influenced by mechanical control of biofilm in CF children (p = 0.03). The fluoride bioavailability was reduced by sucrose rinse and biofilm accumulation in CF and ECC children (p ≤ 0.002). In conclusion, the combined effect of biofilm accumulation and sucrose rinse modifies the bioavailability of calcium and fluoride in the saliva of children with early childhood caries.

Comparative Analysis of the Status of Dental Caries and Selected Salivary Electrolytes in Children with Autism.

AimAutism has been defined as a neurological developmental disability. Children with autism have a higher risk of developing dental caries, due to various factors. The study focuses to compare the dental caries status with respect to the variation in selected salivary constituents [calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and urea] in autistic children and healthy children.Materials and methodsHundred children participated in the study. The study group included 50 children who were prediagnosed with autism from various autistic institutions across Bengaluru. The control group comprised of 50 healthy children who visited the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry for a routine check-up. Assessment of salivary constituents was done using salivary kits and dental caries status was recorded. Descriptive statistics was implemented to evaluate the mean and standard deviation of the study and control groups. Normality of the data was assessed using Shapiro Wilkinson test. The difference in results between the groups was calculated using the independent t-test.ResultsA significant decrease was observed in the concentration levels of calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, urea and a significant increase was observed in the concentration level of magnesium in the study group consisting of autistic children when compared to the control group consisting of healthy children. DMFT/dmft scores were seen to be higher in autistic children when compared to healthy children.ConclusionIn this study, children with autism were seen to have a higher susceptibility to developing dental caries when compared to healthy children from the same age-group.Clinical significanceThe variations in the electrolytic salivary concentrations of calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, phosphorus, and urea in autistic children could be stated as one of causative factors for the increased DMFT/dmft scores in them when compared to the control group consisting of healthy children.How to cite this articleBabu NSV, Roy A. Comparative Analysis of the Status of Dental Caries and Selected Salivary Electrolytes in Children with Autism. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(S-2):S242-S246.

Comparison of Salivary Electrolytes Profile in Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Objectives:to determine salivary electrolyte concentration of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients. A related systematic review was performed. Methods:Observational study. Unstimulated saliva from 18 patients with OSCC, 18 with OPMD, and 18 without oral lesions was collected. A biochemical analysis was performed to evaluate the salivary concentrations of potassium (K), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe). Kruskal–Wallis test was performed, and p < 0.05 was interpreted as statistically significant. The literature search for the systematic review retrieved 9 studies that associated salivary electrolyte levels with presence and progression of OSCC. Results:A highly significant increase was found in the salivary Mg levels in the OPMD group (5.41 µg/mL) in comparison with the OSCC (3.71µg/mL) and control group (3.51 µg/mL) (p = 0.041). No differences were observed in other salivary levels elements. The results of the systematic review revealed that one article indicated a decrease, and three papers reported an increase in salivary Na levels in patients with OPMD and OSCC. Two articles indicated a decrease in salivary K levels in OSCC, and the other two reported high Mg levels in OPMD and OSCC. Conclusion:High salivary Mg levels can be a potential biomarker indicating the presence of OPMD, however, the evidence is still contradictory and more studies are required.

Oral conditions and salivary analysis in HIV-uninfected subjects using preexposure prophylaxis.

Background New prevention strategies have been advocated to control the progression of HIV/AIDS, such as preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential changes in the oral and salivary conditions of HIV-uninfected subjects using PrEP.Material and Methods Subjects were evaluated before beginning the medication (T0), at the first follow-up (T1), and at the second follow-up (T2). Xerostomia, presence of untreated cavitated caries, oral hygiene habits, taste, gingival and plaque index, stimulated salivary flow rate (SSFR), and salivary concentrations of calcium, glucose, urea, and total proteins were evaluated. Data obtained were analyzed using statistical tests (p<0.05).Results Forty-seven participants (41 men; 6 women) were evaluated at T0. Thirty (28 men; 2 women) and 17 men were reassessed at T1 and T2, respectively. There was no difference between the SSFR and oral and salivary conditions between T0, T1, and T2 (p>0.05), except for the salivary calcium concentration, that increased at T2 compared to T1 (p=0.02). There was significant difference between taste and xerostomia at T1 (p=0.017), and the need to drink to swallow at T2 (p=0.015). There was significant correlation between the reported amount of saliva and taste (p=0.039, r=-0.378) at T1.Conclusions The prolonged use of PrEP seems to be associated with reports of dry mouth and worsening of taste, possibly associated with increased salivary calcium concentration. Key words:Antiretroviral agents, pre-exposure prophylaxis, saliva, oral health.

Effect of Remineralizing Agents on Initial Caries Lesions - Clinical Pilot Study on School-Children

Purpose: Enamel remineralization can be improved by increasing salivary calcium and phosphate ion concentration. Dentiplus® lozenges and Remin Pro® -mousse include these components and may have a positive effect on remineralization process. The study investigated if using these additional agents for a month improves dental remineralization compared to tooth brushing using fluoride tooth paste alone. Methods: Twenty-two patients were included in the final study and all participants had initial caries lesions. They were randomly divided into two test groups (A and B) and a control group. All groups brushed their teeth twice a day with a toothpaste (1500 ppm fluoride). In addition, patients in group A used Dentiplus® -lozenges three times a day and patients in group B used Remin Pro®-mousse once a week. The patients in the control group only brushed their teeth. Lesions were diagnosed by using ICDAS classification, Nyvad’s modified criteria and DIAGNOdent-Pen® scanning. Results: One third of the lesions in incisors/canines became inactive in both intervention groups, whereas in the control group the respective figure was 15.6%. There was a decrease in LF values in the Dentiplus® group whereas in Remin Pro® group the change was controversial in other except the 1st molar teeth. Both decrease and increase of the LF values was seen in the control group. There were only minor changes as for ICDAS values in this study. Conclusion: Remineralization of initial lesions by tooth brushing alone can be improved by remineralizing agents especially lozenges rich in calcium and phosphate used regularly. Laser fluorescence is excellent in monitoring change n remineralization with short monitoring periods.

Salivary Content Might be Associated With Skeletal Status in Postmenopausal Women: SilesiaOsteoActive Study Results

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate whether salivary mineral content may be associated with bone status in women after menopause. Material and methods: The study group consisted of 125 postmenopausal women aged 64.3 ± 6.9 yr, derived from the epidemiological SilesiaOsteoActive Study. All participants underwent hip and spine bone densitometry using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, dental examination, and saliva content analysis. Data for salivary pH, copper, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc concentrations were evaluated. Results: Mean femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) was 0.739 ± 0.118 g/cm2, total hip BMD 0.891 ± 0.14 g/cm2, and spine BMD 0.868 ± 0.14 g/cm2. Salivary pH was significantly lower in women with spinal osteoporosis defined as T-score below −2.5, compared to individuals with normal BMD (pH: 6.65 ± 0.67 vs 6.96 ± 0.58, p < 0.05). There was a significant though weak inverse correlation between Ca concentration in saliva and femoral neck BMD (r = −0.23, p < 0.05). Conclusions: High salivary calcium content and low salivary pH may be indicative of low hip and decreased spine BMD, respectively. These associations may reflect demineralization process (calcium redistribution) influencing bone, and a negative effect of acidity on mineral tissues, although causal pathway remains not clear.

A high salivary calcium concentration is a protective factor for caries development during orthodontic treatment.

BackgroundThis research aimed to evaluate the salivary concentrations of fluoride (F-), calcium (Ca2+), and phosphate (Pi) after brackets bonding, and to identify the role of [F-], [Ca2+], and [Pi] on the development of active caries lesion (ACL) in individuals under fixed orthodontic treatment. Material and MethodsA longitudinal investigation with twenty-two individuals from 11 to 22 years of age was performed in four phases (baseline and after 1, 3, and 6 months). Analyses were carried out considering the salivary concentration of [F-], [Ca2+], and [Pi], as well as the caries index. Data were analyzed using the Friedman test, followed by the Wilcoxon test and the multivariate Cox model (p≤0.05). Results1 and 3 months after appliance bonding, the [Ca2+] was statistically lower than after 6 months (p<0.0083). On the other hand, salivary [F-] and [Pi] did not show any significant difference during the follow-up. The Cox model demonstrated that the increase of 1 µg/mL in Ca2+ decreased the risk of ACL development by 27%. In conclusion, the levels of Ca2+ changed during orthodontic treatment. ConclusionsA high Ca2+ level in the saliva is a protective factor for ACL development over time. Key words:Adolescents, bioinorganic chemistry, dental caries, orthodontic appliances.

Use of Removable Orthodontic Appliance: Does it influence The Salivary Components?

Introduction: Saliva plays a key role in the oral cavity health. It contains many defense elements and is considered a cornerstone in the oral metabolism. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in the salivary concentrations of calcium, glucose, total protein, lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase in patients undergoing removable orthodontic appliances treatment. Methods: Ninety saliva samples were collected from thirty subjects ranging in age from 8 to 11 years. An initial sample was attained before starting treatment with removable orthodontic appliances; a second sample 1 month after treatment and a third sample was obtained three months following treatment. The saliva was collected from each patient in pre-labeled sterile containers using the passive drool method. Results: Salivary lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase concentrations were significantly increased in patients undergoing removable orthodontic treatment after as compared to before treatment. There was also an increase in the calcium, glucose and total protein concentrations but the differences were insignificant. Conclusion: Removable orthodontic treatment changes the oral fluid contents, promotes an increase in the levels of salivary lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase enzymes after one month of treatment with increased values after three months. These oral changes emphasize the importance of maintaining proper oral hygiene measures during treatment.

Comparison of Salivary Calcium Level in Dentulous and Edentulous Patients.

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

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

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

Randomized exploratory study to measure ion release from calcium sodium phosphosilicate-containing dentifrice.

This exploratory study investigated salivary concentrations of silicon, calcium, sodium, and phosphorous over a 60-min time period following the use of a calcium sodium phosphosilicate (CSPS)-containing dentifrice. Participants brushed with a dentifrice containing 5% (w/w) or 0% (w/w) CSPS or swilled with a slurry containing 5% (w/w) CSPS/glycerol. Saliva samples were collected before, and 2, 5, 15, and 60min after, product use and were analysed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. Intra-oral pH measurements were also taken. Primary analysis was of centrifuged saliva supernatant containing only dissolved material. At most time points, the CSPS-containing dentifrice and slurry generated significantly more salivary silicon than the dentifrice containing 0% CSPS. At 2-15min after brushing there was significantly more salivary calcium after use of the CSPS-containing dentifrice and slurry, compared with the 0% CSPS dentifrice; a significant reduction, from baseline, in salivary calcium after use of dentifrice containing 0% CSPS; and an increase in salivary sodium after use of dentifrices containing either 5% or 0% CSPS, but no differences between them. Salivary phosphorous concentration decreased significantly with all treatments 2-5min after use. There were no significant between-treatment differences in intra-oral pH. Products were generally well tolerated. This study establishes that it is possible to measure changes in salivary ionic composition derived through oral retention of CSPS, delivered via a dentifrice.

Effect of Paneer and Cheese Consumption on Salivary Acidogenicity and Calcium Concentration: A Comparative Study.

To assess and compare the salivary pH reversal phenomenon and calcium concentration in subjects consuming paneer and cheese after an acidogenic challenge and also to compare the salivary pH measurements using pH strips and a portable pen-type pH meter. Sixty caries free undergraduate students were randomly selected and divided into two group: 1. paneer; 2. cheese. After determining the resting salivary pH using pH strips and a pen-type pH meter, participants were subjected to an acidogenic challenge (10% sucrose). Following consumption of test foods (10-gram cubes), salivary pH was measured at intervals of 5, 10, 15, 30 and 60 min to record the time taken for the salivary pH to return to baseline. Colorimetric salivary calcium concentration was estimated (Biochemical Analyzer) at baseline and after 60 min of test food consumption. The statistical tests used were Shapiro-Wilk's test for normality, repeated measures ANOVA, and the independent t-test. Test meals reversed the fall in pH after acidogenic challenge starting at 5 min and returning to baseline values after 30 min in both groups (p = 1.000). Colorimetric estimates showed higher salivary calcium concentrations with paneer (p < 0.001). The pen-type pH meter showed superior efficiency in terms of time (p < 0.001) compared to pH strips. The salivary pH reversal phenomenon was evident after consumption of both paneer and cheese following the acidogenic challenge. Consumption of paneer significantly increased salivary calcium concentration. The pen-type pH meter proved to be more efficient.

The effect of different salivary calcium concentrations on the erosion protection conferred by the salivary pellicle

Different proportions of mineral ions in saliva can influence the protective effect the salivary pellicle provides against dental erosion. To investigate the effect of different calcium concentrations in human saliva on the protection against enamel erosion, enamel specimens were divided into 8 treatment groups: humid chamber (Ctrl); whole mouth stimulated human saliva (HS); artificial saliva containing different calcium concentrations (ASlow, ASmedium, AShigh); and dialysed human saliva containing different calcium concentrations (DSlow, DSmedium, DShigh). The specimens underwent 4 cycles of incubation in the treatment group followed by an erosive challenge. Surface hardness and calcium release were measured during the cycling process. All DS groups exhibited significantly higher enamel surface softening than HS and the corresponding AS groups. Among the DS groups, the surface softening was significantly higher in DSlow than in DShigh. No significant differences were found within the AS or DS groups regarding calcium release. The results of this study indicated that erosion protection conferred by saliva depends on an interplay between salivary proteins and ions. While both proteins and ions have a positive effect on their own, the combination of the two can lead to different degrees of protection or even negative effects, depending on the relative concentrations.

Correlation of Salivary Statherin and Calcium Levels with Dental Calculus Formation: A Preliminary Study.

Background Salivary constituents have a wide range of functions including oral calcium homeostasis. Salivary proteins such as statherin inhibit crystal growth of calcium phosphate in supersaturated solutions and interact with several oral bacteria to adsorb on hydroxyapatite. Concurrently, saliva, which is supersaturated with respect to calcium phosphates, is the driving force for plaque mineralization and formation of calculus. Thus, the aim of the present study was to estimate and correlate salivary statherin and calcium concentration to the dental calculus formation. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the relationship between salivary statherin, calcium, and dental calculus among 70 subjects, aged 20–55 years. Subjects were divided into 3 groups based on the calculus scores as interpreted by Calculus Index which was followed by collection of whole saliva using Super•SAL™. Salivary calcium levels were assessed by calorimetric method using Calcium Assay kit (Cayman Chemical, Michigan, USA) and statherin levels by using ELISA Kit (Cusabio Biotech). Results Statherin levels showed a weak negative correlation with the calcium levels and with calculus formation. The mean salivary statherin and calcium concentration were found to be 0.96 μg/ml and 3.87 mg/ml, respectively. Salivary statherin levels differed significantly among the three groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions Our preliminary data indicates that statherin could possibly play a role in the formation of dental calculus.

Evaluation of salivary electrolytes during estrous cycle in Murrah buffaloes with reference to estrus detection.

Aim:Timely estrus detection is one of the critical factors for increasing reproductive efficiency in buffaloes. In recent decades, saliva has become a more popular as a noninvasive source for determining physiological status of animals by various biochemical electrolytes. This study was designed to assess and correlate changes in different salivary minerals concentration (calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and chloride) during different stages of the estrous cycle in Murrah buffaloes.Materials and Methods:The saliva samples were collected during the different phases of the estrous cycle from 20 Murrah buffaloes in early morning hours and were assayed using respective minerals assay kits.Results:The concentrations of calcium (8.76±0.08-12.11±0.11 mg/dl), inorganic phosphorus (6.56±0.13-14.72±4.50 mg/dl), magnesium (2.27±0.14-5.79±0.15 mg/dl), sodium (139.47±0.31-159.62±1.22 mmol/L), potassium (12.40±0.22-26.85±1.22 mmol/L), and chloride (109.28±0.41-137.07±0.68 mmol/L) varied during the different phases of estrous cycle. The concentration of calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and chloride in saliva were significantly (p<0.01) higher during estrus phase compared to other phases of the estrous cycle. All these minerals were positively and significantly (p<0.0001) related to estrogen concentration while salivary concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and chloride showed a significant (p<0.0001) negative correlation with progesterone level in blood plasma.Conclusion:These preliminary findings indicate that there are definite variations in salivary mineral and electrolyte concentrations during different phases of the estrous cycle. These results may be used as an aid for estrus detection/confirmation in buffaloes although validation of the results using a large number of animals is required.