Salivary Epidermal Growth Factor Research Articles

The expression of salivary EGF, VEGF, endothelin, and transferrin in waterpipe and cigarette smokers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two forms of tobacco smoking, cigarettes and water pipe smoking (WPS), on the expression of a panel of salivary proteins in healthy adults. Three groups of age and gender-matched participants were enrolled in the study: never-smokers, cigarette smokers and WPS (N = 55 per group). Expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelin and transferrin in unstimulated whole saliva was estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Statistical analysis consisted of one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests, in addition to bioinformatics analysis. VEGF expression was the least in WPS (51.1 ± 14.5 pg/ml) compared to both controls (150.1 ± 13.8 pg/ml) and cigarette smokers (93 ± 9.9 pg/ml), with a significant difference in WPS (p < 0.001) and cigarette smokers (p < 0.01) compared to controls. Furthermore, transferrin showed the weakest expression in the WPS group (1238 ± 261.4 pg/ml) compared to controls (2205.6 ± 298.6 pg/ml) (p = 0.05) and cigarette smokers (1805.4 ± 244 pg/ml). Neither EGF nor endothelin expression showed any statistical difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Gene-gene interaction network demonstrated that FLT1, TFRC, KDR, VEGFB and PGF genes had the highest potential for interaction with the studied proteins. Further functional annotations on the identified markers in the interaction network were performed to identify HIF-1 pathways among the most relevant pathways. In conclusion, smoking habits alter the expression of salivary VEGF and transferrin, which may correspond to early sub-clinical changes in the oral mucosa. The clinical relevance of these salivary changes requires further research.

Comparison of epidermal growth factor expression and secretion in human salivary glands

ObjectiveTo investigate the expression and secretion of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in major and minor salivary gland tissues of human subjects and to examine the potential influence of sex and age on EGF expression and secretion. DesignSaliva samples from the oral cavity at rest and after citric acid stimulation, as well as serum samples, were collected from 150 healthy subjects, and the concentrations of EGF were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared. The expression of EGF mRNA and protein in normal salivary gland tissues was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot (WB), and immunohistochemistry (IHC). ResultsThe EGF concentration in acid-stimulated saliva was significantly higher than that in resting saliva (P < 0.001), and significantly higher than that in serum (P < 0.001). No sex difference was observed in EGF levels of whole saliva and serum, whereas the EGF levels in saliva and serum were decreased with age (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). The EGF concentration and compound secretion rate (CSR) in resting submandibular glands saliva were significantly higher than those in resting parotid glands saliva (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively). The EGF was expressed in all major and minor salivary glands and ranked in order of submandibular, parotid, sublingual, and labial glands. ConclusionAll salivary glands have the function of secreting EGF, and the submandibular gland is the main source of salivary EGF. Aging is a factor influencing the expression and secretion of EGF.

The effect of curcumin oral gel on radiation-induced oral mucositis in relation to salivary epidermal growth factor

The effect of curcumin oral gel on radiation-induced oral mucositis in relation to salivary epidermal growth factor

Salivary Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Epidermal Growth Factor Levels in Patients with Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: a Meta-Analysis.

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) has been identified as a common oral lesion with an unknown pathogenesis. Various studies have been conducted to show the important role of two factors named epidermal growth factor (EGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in RAS, but certain results have not been achieved. The present meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the salivary levels of EGF and VEGF in patients with RAS. For this purpose, the related articles in the Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, ProQuest and Scopus databases until January 2022 were searched and their abstracts were studied. Google scholar and scientific information database were also searched for articles in Persian. The searches were completed by the medical subject heading terms considering "recurrent aphthous stomatitis" and "saliva" in combination with "EGF" or "VEGF" keywords. All case control studies that evaluated the salivary levels of EGF and VEGF in patients with RAS were included in this study. To evaluate statistical heterogeneity between the studies, Cochrane Q and I2 tests were adopted. The extracted data then were used in the analysis process based on comprehensive meta-analysis software. Originally, 619 articles were considered, of which 7 articles were selected. According to this meta-analysis, salivary EGF and VEGF levels were significantly lower in the active and remission period of RAS than in healthy individuals (pValue< 0.05). In addition, salivary levels of these factors were significantly lower in the active stage of RAS than in the healing phase. This review study suggests that decreasing of salivary EGF and VEGF levels have significant role in the development of RAS.

Correlations between the severity of radiation-induced oral mucositis and salivary epidermal growth factor as well as inflammatory cytokines in patients with head and neck cancer.

This study aimed to investigate correlations of the severity of radiation-induced oral mucositis (RIOM) with epidermal growth factor (EGF) and inflammatory cytokines in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Levels of inflammatory cytokines and EGF in saliva of HNC patients were measured. Correlations of inflammatory cytokines and EGF levels with RIOM severity and pain degree, and their diagnostic values on RIOM severity were determined. Elevated IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, and IL-6 levels, and reduced IL-4, IL-10, and EGF levels were found in patients with severe RIOM. IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, and IL-6 were positively correlated with RIOM severity, while IL-10, IL-4, and EGF were negatively correlated with it. All factors were effective in predicting the severity of RIOM. IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, and IL-6 in saliva of patients with HNC are positively correlated with the severity of RIOM, and IL-4, IL-10, and EGF were negatively correlated with it.

Desquamated Epithelial Cells of Unstimulated Human Whole Saliva Express Both EGF Transcript and Protein.

The aim of this study was to investigate if desquamated oral epithelial cells (DOECs) express the epidermal growth factor (EGF) and if these cells thereby may contribute to salivary EGF contents. DOECs have recently been shown to harbor the antimicrobial peptide LL-37, proposing that they may also store other biologically important salivary peptides/proteins. The EGF peptide is a growth factor which plays a critical role to maintain epithelial integrity and promote epithelial healing. The EGF is produced by salivary glands, but it is not known whether DOECs contain the EGF and thereby contribute to salivary EGF levels. DOECs were isolated from unstimulated whole saliva collected from four healthy volunteers. EGF protein expression was determined in cell lysates by dot blot and ELISA. Cellular distribution of cytokeratin, the proliferation marker Ki67, and EGF immunoreactivity were assessed by immunocytochemistry. EGF gene expression was investigated by qPCR. Expression of EGF transcript and protein in DOECs was compared to that in the human cultured keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) cells. EGF protein expression was detected in DOEC cell lysates by both dot blot and ELISA. Strong cytoplasmic EGF immunoreactivity was observed in DOECs, although some cells showed only a weak immunoreactive signal for EGF. Moreover, DOECs, besides containing EGF protein, also expressed transcript for EGF. Interestingly, ELISA analysis revealed that EGF protein contents were higher in DOECs than in HaCaT cells. ELISA analysis also disclosed that EGF concentration was about 10 times higher in whole saliva compared to DOECs. EGF transcript expression was about 50% lower in HaCaT cells stimulated with high (10%) compared to low (0.1%) concentration of fetal bovine serum, representing growth-stimulated and growth-restricted conditions, respectively, implying that growth-stimulus exerts negative feedback on EGF gene activity in HaCaT cells. Here, we show for the first time that DOECs express the EGF, arguing that these cells contribute to salivary EGF contents and hence may play a role in gingival epithelial repair and wound healing.

Differences in salivary secretion and epidermal growth factor concentrations in mild reflux esophagitis and non-erosive reflux disease.

Sex differences in salivary secretion have been reported among healthy subjects. In the present study, salivary secretion and salivary epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentrations were investigated in mild reflux esophagitis patients, non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) patients, and healthy controls by matching the sex ratio. Thirty-three (male:female = 11:22) patients with NERD, 33 (11:22) with mild reflux esophagitis, and 33 (11:22) healthy controls were recruited for this case-control study. Salivary secretion was assessed as follows: each patient chewed sugar-free gum for 3min prior to endoscopy, and the amount of saliva secretion, salivary pH, and salivary pH after acid loading as an index of the acid-buffering capacity were measured. Salivary EGF concentrations were measured by ELISA. No significant differences were observed in the amount of saliva secretion, salivary pH, or the acid-buffering capacity between the mild reflux esophagitis and NERD groups. However, the amount of saliva secretion and the acid-buffering capacity in the mild reflux esophagitis group and the amount of saliva secretion, salivary pH, and the acid-buffering capacity in the NERD group were significantly lower than those in the healthy control group. No significant differences were noted in salivary EGF concentrations between the mild reflux esophagitis and NERD groups. After matching the sex ratio, the saliva secretion was significantly lower in patients with mild reflux esophagitis and NERD than in healthy controls. However, no significant differences were observed in the amount of saliva secretion or salivary EGF concentrations between both groups.

Saliva secretion is reduced in proton pump inhibitor-responsive non-erosive reflux disease patients.

There is no consensus on the relationship between saliva secretion and non-erosive reflux disease (NERD). In this study, saliva secretion and salivary epidermal growth factor (EGF) in patients with NERD were examined. Thirty-one PPI-responsive NERD patients and 31 control subjects were recruited for this case-control study. Saliva secretion testing was performed. Saliva secretion was assessed as follows: each patient chewed sugar-free gum for 3min prior to endoscopy, and the amount and pH of saliva before and after acid loading as an index of the acid-buffering capacity were measured. The salivary EGF concentration was assessed by ELISA. The amount of saliva secreted was significantly lower in the NERD group than in the control group, with medians (25th-75th percentile) of 4.0mL/3min (2.0-6.0) and 6.0 (3.9-8.0), respectively (p = 0.0131). Salivary pH was significantly lower in the NERD group (7.0 [6.8-7.2]) than in the control group (7.2 [7.0-7.3], p = 0.0100). Salivary pH after acid loading was significantly lower in the NERD group (5.8 [5.4-6.2]) than in the control group (6.3 [6.1-6.5], p = 0.0002). The difference in pH of stimulated saliva after acid loading (1.2 [0.9-1.5], p = 0.0021) was significantly higher in the NERD group than in the control group (0.8 [0.7-1.1]). The salivary EGF concentration was significantly higher in the NERD group (2513.0pg/mL [1497.5-5005.0] than in the PPI-responsive group (1641.0 [1139.8-2092.0], p = 0.0032). Stimulated saliva secretion was reduced in PPI-responsive NERD patients.

Stimulated saliva secretion is reduced in proton pump inhibitor-resistant severe reflux esophagitis patients.

Salivary secretion in patients with proton-pump inhibitor (PPI)-resistant severe reflux esophagitis has not been examined. In this study, saliva secretion and salivary epidermal growth factor (EGF) in patients with PPI-resistant severe reflux esophagitis were investigated. We recruited 22 PPI-resistant and 22 PPI-responsive severe reflux esophagitis patients who were not infected with Helicobacter pylori. Saliva secretion testing and esophageal manometry using high-resolution manometry were performed. Saliva secretion was assessed as follows: each patient chewed sugar-free gum for 3min prior to endoscopy and the amount and pH of saliva as well as the pH of saliva after acid loading as an index of the acid-buffering capacity were measured. The salivary EGF concentration was assessed by ELISA. The amount of saliva secreted was significantly lower in the PPI-resistant group than in the PPI-responsive group, with medians (25th-75th percentile) of 3.7 (2.2-6.8) and 4.9 (4.0-7.8) mL, respectively (p = 0.029). Salivary pH was significantly lower in the PPI-resistant group [6.9 (6.7-7.2)] than in the PPI-responsive group [7.2 (7.1-7.4), p = 0.001]. Salivary pH after acid loading was significantly lower in the PPI-resistant group [5.6 (5.3-5.9)] than in the PPI-responsive group [6.4 (6.1-6.5), p = 0.002]. The salivary EGF concentration was significantly higher in the PPI-resistant group [3211.5 (1865.0-4121.5)] than in the PPI-responsive group [1816.0 (1123.5-2792.3), p = 0.041]. No significant differences were observed in the proportion of esophageal motility abnormalities. Stimulated saliva secretion was reduced in PPI-resistant severe reflux esophagitis patients.

Interaction of epidermal growth factor with COX-2 products and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ system in experimental rat Barrett's esophagus.

Mixed acidic-alkaline refluxate is a major pathogenic factor in chronic esophagitis progressing to Barrett's esophagus (BE). We hypothesized that epidermal growth factor (EGF) can interact with COX-2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) in rats surgically prepared with esophagogastroduodenal anastomosis (EGDA) with healthy or removed salivary glands to deplete salivary EGF. EGDA rats were treated with 1) vehicle, 2) EGF or PPARγ agonist pioglitazone with or without EGFR kinase inhibitor tyrphostin A46, EGF or PPARγ antagonist GW9662 respectively, 3) ranitidine or pantoprazole, and 4) the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib combined with pioglitazone. At 3 mo, the esophageal damage and the esophageal blood flow (EBF) were determined, the mucosal expression of EGF, EGFR, COX-2, TNFα, and PPARγ mRNA and phospho-EGFR/EGFR protein was analyzed. All EGDA rats developed chronic esophagitis, esophageal ulcerations, and intestinal metaplasia followed by a fall in the EBF, an increase in the plasma of IL-1β, TNFα, and mucosal PGE2 content, the overexpression of COX-2-, and EGF-EGFR mRNAs, and proteins, and these effects were aggravated by EGF and attenuated by pioglitazone. The rise in EGF and COX-2 mRNA was inhibited by pioglitazone but reversed by pioglitazone cotreated with GW9662. We conclude that 1) EGF can interact with PG/COX-2 and the PPARγ system in the mechanism of chronic esophagitis; 2) the deleterious effect of EGF involves an impairment of EBF and the overexpression of COX-2 and EGFR, and 3) agonists of PPARγ and inhibitors of EGFR may be useful in the treatment of chronic esophagitis progressing to BE.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Rats with EGDA exhibited chronic esophagitis accompanied by a fall in EBF and an increase in mucosal expression of mRNAs for EGF, COX-2, and TNFα, and these effects were exacerbated by exogenous EGF and reduced by removal of a major source of endogenous EGF with salivectomy or concurrent treatment with tyrphostin A46 or pioglitazone combined with EGF. Beneficial effects of salivectomy in an experimental model of BE were counteracted by PPARγ antagonist, whereas selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib synergistically with pioglitazone reduced severity of esophageal damage and protected esophageal mucosa from reflux. We propose the cross talk among EGF/EGFR, PG/COX-2, and proinflammatory cytokines with PPARγ pathway in the mechanism of pathogenesis of chronic esophagitis progressing to BE and EAC.

Epidermal growth factor attenuates lingual papillae lesions in a rat model of sialoadenectomy

Salivary epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays an important role in the maintenance of the oral and gastro-esophageal mucosa. Sialoadenectomy delays healing of oral wounds and affects lingual papillae. In this work, we aimed to determine the effect of EGF deficiency induced by sialoadenectomy and evaluate the effect of exogenous EGF administration on the lingual papillae and taste buds in rats. Thirty male adult Wistar albino rats were equally divided into 3 groups; sham-operated control group, sialoadenectomy group and group of sialoadenectomy + EGF. EGF was given 8 weeks after sialoadenectomy in a dose of 1 μg /ml/day in drinking water for 2 weeks. The anterior two-thirds of the tongue was dissected and cut longitudinally into two halves; one half for light microscope and the other for electron microscope examinations. Saliva and blood were collected to determine salivary and plasma EGF. Our results revealed that sialoadenectomy significantly reduced plasma and saliva levels of EGF which resulted in severe disruption of the architecture of lingual papillae. These changes were effectively improved by the exogenous EGF administration. In conclusion, EGF supplementation reversed the effects of sialoadenectomy and restored almost normal architecture of lingual papillae and taste buds.

Protective effects of curcumin on radioiodine-induced salivary gland dysfunction in mice.

Radioiodine (RI) treatment is widely used in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. However, RI exposure often induces salivary gland (SG) dysfunction. In this study, we investigated the effect of curcumin on RI-induced SG dysfunction in mice. Mice were assigned to one of four groups (n=6 per group) as follows: normal control, RI only, RI+curcumin, and RI+amifostine group. Salivary flow rate, lag time, and changes in 99m Tc (technetium)-pertechnetate uptake and excretion were measured, and changes in SG morphology and histology were analysed. Salivary epidermal growth factor content, amylase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were also measured. A terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was performed to assess SG apoptosis, and the expression of apoptosis-related protein was determined by western blotting. The reduced salivary flow rate and prolonged lag time in the RI group was restored by treatment with curcumin or amifostine. In the histological analysis, compared with the RI group, RI+curcumin and RI+amifostine groups had more mucin-rich acini and less periductal fibrosis. Compared with the RI group, RI+curcumin and RI+amifostine groups showed evidence of tissue remodelling, with a greater number of salivary epithelial cells (AQP-5-positive), SG ductal cells (CK18-positive), endothelial cells (CD31-positive), and myoepithelial cells (α-SMA-positive). RI+curcumin and RI+amifostine groups alleviated RI-induced cell death, demonstrating antiapoptotic effect, compared with the RI group. Both SOD activity and the protein expression levels of SOD2 were higher in the RI+curcumin and RI+amifostine groups than in the RI group. Our results demonstrate that curcumin ameliorates RI-induced SG dysfunction in mice.

From Molecular Mechanism to the Etiology of Sjogren Syndrome.

Sjogren's Syndrome (SS) is a chronic, female overwhelming fundamental issue of an immune system rheumatic sickness that influences the whole body. It is described by lymphocytic invasion of the exocrine viz. salivary and lacrimal glands and by surprising B-cell hyperactivity. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye) and Stomatitis sicca (oral dryness) are the primary visual appearances of SS. The primary SS is recognized from secondary SS which happens as a piece of other immune system maladies. The secondary SS exists together particularly with fundamental lupus erythematosus (15- 36%), rheumatoid joint inflammation (20- 32%) and also restricted and progressive systemic sclerosis (11- 24%), less as often as possible with different sclerosis and immune system hepatitis and thyreoiditis. We assess changes in salivary epidermal growth factor (EGF) intensity and estimate the relationship between salivary EGF levels and the seriousness of intraoral symptoms in SS individuals. The outcomes demonstrated that the salivary EGF levels diminished with the movement of SS, and this crumbling in salivation quality and additionally, hyposalivation could imagine a vital constituent in the pathogenesis of refractory intraoral indication in SS suffering patients. A strong relationship between particular alleles of the MHC and SS improvement has been recommended. The primary hereditary examination on SS revealed a relationship amongst SS and HLA-DR3 in SS population. Subsequent reports featured the relationship amongst SS and the HLA-D locus, with a diverse distribution between primary SS and secondary SS. The motivation behind this manuscript is to give a concise survey on the molecular mechanism, effects of infectious agents and genetic factors in the etiology of Sjogren's Syndrome. Such effects are discussed independently.

Comparison of salivary epidermal growth factor in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis, smokers, and healthy individuals.

Background:Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is one of the most common oral ulcerative diseases with unknown etiology. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been suggested to play a similar role in RAS. Therefore, this study investigated the salivary EGF level in patients with RAS, the patients without RAS, and smokers.Materials and Methods:A total of 91 samples were recruited in this case-control study: 30 RAS patients, 30 controls, and 31 smokers. Age and gender were matched in the groups. In the case group, the salivary sample was taken during the infection and remission periods. Salivary EGF concentration was measured by Crystal Dibiotic assay (made in China) using ELISA technique. Finally, the data were analyzed by SPSS software (Version 18.0, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).Results:The results of paired t-test showed no statistically significant difference in salivary EGF between the infection and remission periods (P = 0.987). ANOVA test showed a statistically significant difference in EGF between the study groups (P < 0.001), as the mean salivary EGF was significantly lower in the smokers than the case and control groups during the infection and remission periods.Conclusion:The present study showed a lower level of salivary EGF in the smokers without a history of RAS. There was no statistically significant difference between the infection and remission periods in salivary EGF in the patients with RAS. Furthermore, salivary EGF showed no statistically significant difference between the patients with RAS and the controls.

Salivary Epidermal Growth Factor in Mice Modulates the Differentiation of CD4CELLS in Thymus.

Salivary Epidermal Growth Factor in Mice Modulates the Differentiation of CD4CELLS in Thymus.

Effects of Zingiber officinalis (WILLD.) ROSC. Membranes on minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a randomized pragmatic trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of dried ginger rhizome (DGR; Zingiber officinalis (WILLD.) ROSC.), prepared as a membrane, in minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis (miRAS) treatment and explore its mechanism of action by detecting changes in levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in saliva. MethodsFifty-nine miRAS patients were enrolled in this study. The number of participants in the dried ginger rhizome membrane (DGRM) group was 30, and 29 were in the placebo membrane (PM) group. Sixty sealed envelopes containing either type of membrane were coded randomly. Investigators and participants were blinded to group assignments. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used for pain, follow-up information for healing time, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to measure the concentrations of EGF and TNF-α. ResultsIn terms of VAS, there was a significant difference between pre- and post-DGRM treatment (P < .001), but not so for the PM group (P > .05). A significant difference was observed in the healing time between the two groups (6.08 (2.712) vs. 8.04 (2.142) days). The mean healing time in the DGRM group was shorter than that in the PM group (P < .05). In both groups, the salivary EGF concentration decreased significantly after treatment (P < .05), but the mean level in the DGRM group was significantly lower than that in the PM group (P < .05). The mean TNF-α level in both groups was increased significantly after treatment (P < .05), but patients who used DGRMs had a significantly lower level than that in the PM group (P < .05). ConclusionThe present study provides evidence that DGRMs are effective treatment for RAS. Dried ginger rhizome has obvious effects on pain relief, shortening of healing time, reducing the EGF level in saliva, and has an inhibitory effect on TNF-α release.

Salivary epidermal growth factor concentrations in patients with Sjögren syndrome and laryngopharyngeal reflux.

Sjögren syndrome was chosen as a clinical model to study acinar salivary deficiencies in the development of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). The objective of this prospective cohort study was to compare salivary epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentrations of patients with Sjögren syndrome with and without LPR and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with normal controls. LPR was diagnosed with positive scores on the Reflux Symptom Index and Reflux and Reflux Finding Score, corroborated by esophagogastroduodenoscopy and/or 24-hour pH-metry. Salivary EGF concentrations of both unstimulated and mechanically stimulated saliva were established using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the significance level was set at 95%. Twenty-one patients and 19 controls were studied. All patients had LPR and 60% also had GERD. The mean salivary EGF concentration of unstimulated and stimulated saliva in the control group was 1,751.37 pg/ml and 544.76 pg/ml, respectively. Unstimulated and stimulated salivary EGF concentrations in the study group were 2,534.65 pg/ml and 920.69 pg/ml, respectively. These differences were not statistically significant. Body mass index, presence of erosive esophagitis, or severity of hyposalivation did not significantly influence salivary EGF concentrations. LPR and GERD are highly prevalent in patients with Sjögren syndrome. Unlike previous studies in which significant EGF deficiencies were found in patients with reflux laryngitis and GERD, patients with Sjögren syndrome seem to have reflux caused by a decrease in clearance capacity and not in specific salivary components.

Salivary epidermal growth factor correlates with hospitalization length in rotavirus infection

BackgroundThe IFI27 interferon gene expression has been found to be largely increased in rotavirus (RV)-infected patients. IFI27 gene encodes for a protein of unknown function, very recently linked to epidermal proliferation and related to the epidermal growth factor (EGF) protein. The EGF is a low-molecular-weight polypeptide that is mainly produced by submandibular and parotid glands, and it plays an important physiological role in the maintenance of oro-esophageal and gastric tissue integrity.Our aim was to determine salivary EGF levels in RV-infected patients in order to establish its potential relationship with IFI27 increased expression and EGF-mediated mucosal protection in RV infection.MethodsWe conducted a prospective comparative study using saliva samples from 27 infants infected with RV (sampled at recruitment during hospital admission and at convalescence, i.e. at least 3 months after recovery) and from 36 healthy control children.ResultsMedian (SD) EGF salivary concentration was 777 (529) pg/ml in RV-infected group at acute phase and 356 (242) pg/m at convalescence, while it was 337 (119) pg/ml in the healthy control group. A significant association was found between EGF levels and hospitalization length of stay (P-value = 0.022; r2 = −0.63).ConclusionsThe salivary levels of EGF are significantly increased during the acute phase of natural RV infection, and relate to length of hospitalization. Further assessment of this non-invasive biomarker in RV disease is warranted.

Salivary levels of interleukin-8 and growth factors are modulated in patients with geographic tongue.

The aim of the study was to determine the levels of salivary epidermal growth factor (EGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as well as interleukin-8 (IL-8) in patients with geographic tongue (GT), as compared to control subjects. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the levels of IL-8, EGF and VEGF in whole saliva samples collected from 34 patients with GT and 38 control subjects. The patients and controls were grouped and matched according to age, gender and the presence of systemic diseases, which are factors that may influence the levels of salivary biomarkers. All patients with GT displayed significantly higher levels of IL-8 than the controls (P<0.001). The young female patients also showed reduced levels of EGF (P<0.05) and VEGF (P<0.05), as compared to the young male patients where no such differences were observed. Interestingly, high levels of IL-8 (P<0.001) and VEGF (P<0.05) were detected in the patients with GT who also suffered from hypertension. We consider IL-8 an inflammatory mediator, which contributes to the acute inflammatory response found in GT. EGF and VEGF also seem to be involved in the pathophysiology of GT.

Salivary epidermal growth factor (EGF) in Sjögren's syndrome: association between salivary EGF levels and the severity of intraoral manifestations.

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands, especially the salivary and lacrimal glands. As a result of salivary gland dysfunction, most patients with SS have xerostomia, related to a reduced salivary flow rate. In addition to the discomfort due to xerostomia, dry mouth can cause various intraoral manifestations such as refractory stomatitis, ulcer and atrophic changes in the oral mucosa and tongue, and patients' quality of life (QOL) is impaired severely. These manifestations are believed to be caused mainly by a decrease in the clearance in the oral cavity owing to hyposalivation. However, since saliva has several beneficial physiological effects on the intraoral environment, qualitative changes in sialochemistry should also be considered a cause of the refractory intraoral manifestations in SS. Salivary epidermal growth factor (EGF) is considered an important cytoprotective factor against injuries, and it contributes to wound healing in the oral cavity. We evaluated changes in salivary EGF levels and assessed the association between salivary EGF levels and the severity of intraoral manifestations in SS patients. The results showed that the salivary EGF levels decreased with the progression of SS, and this deterioration in saliva quality as well as hyposalivation could play a role in the pathogenesis of refractory intraoral manifestations in SS patients. Our findings provide new target for therapeutic intervention in SS.