Salivary Levels Research Articles

The impact of probiotic supplementation on dental and general health metrics in pediatric populations

Relevance. Acute respiratory infections account for over 90% of infectious diseases in children. These children are classified as frequently ill, representing a significant concern in contemporary pediatrics. The presence of odontogenic infections further depletes their immunity and acts as a persistent source of sensitisation for the child's body.Materials and methods. A clinical-laboratory longitudinal prospective study was conducted on 477 children aged 12 and 15 years. The children were categorised into groups based on their risk of developing caries (minimal, moderate, high). Oral health status was assessed using the DMF index, oral hygiene was evaluated using the OHI-S index, and periodontal tissue condition was assessed using the PMA index. The activity of cariogenic flora aggression enzymes was measured by the level of salivary sialidase. The child's health status was evaluated using the infection index and the recurrence index. The schoolchildren were recommended a course of a preparation consisting of a combination of the probiotic Streptococcus salivarius M18 (at least 5 x 10^8 CFU) and vitamin D3 (320 IU or 8 µg of vitamin D3) at a dosage of one tablet per day, taken sublingually, for two months twice a year.Results. The study identified moderate correlations between salivary sialidase levels and several indicators, including the gingivitis index, the quantity of dental plaque, and the increase in sialidase activity in saliva. The level of salivary sialidase is regarded as a marker for plaque formation and the extent of periodontal tissue inflammation. Comprehensive oral sanitation, coupled with the strategic use of immunoprophylactic agents, resulted in significant improvements in oral health indicators (OHI-S, PMA, caries reduction) and specific child health metrics (infection index, recurrence index). Additionally, there was a notable reduction in salivary sialidase levels. The method demonstrated the highest efficacy in 12-year-old children who were at high risk of developing caries.Conclusion. The obtained data should be considered when planning individual therapeutic and preventive measures for schoolchildren with varying risks of developing caries and differing overall health statuses. Probiotic-based preparations should be incorporated into these measures.

The role of vitamin D in amelioration of oral lichen planus and its effect on salivary and tissue IFN-γ level: a randomized clinical trial

Background and objectivesOral lichen planus (OLP) is a common, prevalent, immune-mediated, inflammatory disease affecting both the skin and oral mucosa and is considered one of the potentially malignant diseases. Since OLP is regarded as an immunologically mediated disease, some studies suggest the use of vitamin D (VD) for its management as it exhibits immune-modulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, as well as anti-proliferative, pro-differentiative, and anti-angiogenic effects. VD has demonstrated a suppressive effect on TH1 pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IFN-γ while augmenting the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines. At the same time, VD deficiency is a prevalent public issue. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the role of VD as an adjunct to steroids in the management of VD-deficient OLP patients as well as its inhibitory effect on IFN-γ through measurement of salivary and tissue IFN-γ levels in OLP patients.MethodsA total of 40 patients with ulcerative or erythematous OLP, diagnosed according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) modified criteria for OLP, were randomly allocated into one of the two study groups to receive either systemic steroids in addition to VD supplements (Group A) or systemic steroids only (Group B). Blood samples were collected for the measurement of serum VD level (SVDL) using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to involve only patients with VD deficiency or insufficiency (≤ 30 ng/ml). Clinical evaluation of the lesion involved objective signs and subjective symptoms. Also, changes in salivary and tissue INF-γ levels (in pg/mL and pg/mg, respectively) were determined using the ELISA technique. All parameters were measured at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment. The clinical pharmacy team devised a checklist to record all team interventions. The interventions were categorized into six domains, including drug interactions and/or adverse reactions, medication dose issues, drug selection issues, support with medication history, patient-related concerns, and suggestions for dental medication.ResultsAfter one month of treatment, a significantly greater number of patients in group A showed complete pain relief and resolution of clinical lesions, as well as a greater number of patients showing a reduction in the clinical severity of lesions than in group B (P = 0.005). Also, there was a statistically significant reduction in average VAS pain scores and clinical scores in group A compared to group B after 1 month of treatment (P = 0.001 and 0.002, respectively). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant greater reduction in salivary and tissue IFN-γ levels in group A than in group B (P ≤ 0.001 and 0.029, respectively) after 1 month of treatment.ConclusionCurrent evidence suggests a significant preventive and therapeutic role for VD as an adjunct to standard therapies indicated for OLP lesions. These protective and therapeutic functions are achieved through the suppressive effect of VD on pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly IFN-γ. Also, salivary IFN-γ appears to be a valuable prognostic marker for monitoring the progression of OLP. In addition, the inter-professional collaboration between dentists and clinical pharmacists helped to deliver complete, patient-centered primary care and ensured the quality of the medications included in patient kits, thus improving patient treatment and management. Nevertheless, further studies with larger sample sizes, longer follow-ups, and standardized designs may still be needed.

Topical fluoride varnish application shifts dysbiotic dental plaque microbiome towards eubiosis in children with dental caries

ObjectiveThis study used high-throughput amplicon sequencing to examine the impact of long-term continuous fluoride treatment on the dental plaque microbiota of children aged 8 to 9 with mixed dentition. DesignThe study population consisted of twenty 8–9-year-old children with dental caries. Topical application of fluoride-varnish was weekly administered for one month to all subjects. Clinical indicators and anthropological data, such as the caries index (DMFT and dmft), were documented for every participant at baseline. A baseline assessment and a month after the fluoride varnish treatment were conducted for the salivary pH level and the Patient-Hygiene-Performance (PHP) index. Following application of the fluoride varnish, plaque samples were obtained both one month later and before (baseline) and were then used for 16S rRNA gene-based Next Generation Sequencing. ResultsThe results showed significant differences in the community composition structure (p < 0.01). Notable caries-associated pathogens in the dental plaque microbiome were depleted whilst health associated phylum Proteobacteria was increased in the abundance following fluoride-varnish application. In children with mixed dentition, this study found that after one month of fluoride-varnish treatment, there was a significant decrease in the prevalence of the dominant pathogenic genera, Fusobacterium, Porphyromonas, Capnocytophaga, Neisseria, and Leptrotrichia, along with an increase in certain genera related to healthy oral condition, mostly from the phylum Proteobacteria, such as Areinmonas, Pseudoxanthomonas, and Luteimonas. ConclusionsFluoride-varnish application may shift the community level microecology from dysbiosis to eubiosis. Moreover, application of fluoride-varnish with weekly intervals for one month reduced the caries-causing bacteria while enriching the rise of unique, ubiquitous genera primarily belonging to the Proteobacteria, which may plaque a defensive role against progression of caries. Furthermore, a rising pH level towards neutrality (pH 7) indicated a healthier oral environment following the application of fluoride varnish.

Electrochemical and Field Effect Transistor Dual‐Mode Biosensor Chip for Label‐Free Detection of Cytokine Storm Biomarker with High Sensitivity within a Wide Range

AbstractAccurate and rapid quantification of cytokines in biofluids is crucial for early disease diagnosis, management, and prevention. However, it still remains challenging for existing sensors due to the broad dynamic range of cytokines and high interference from sample matrices. To overcome these challenges, electrochemical (EC) and field‐effect transistor (FET) dual‐mode biosensing is integrated on an extended‐gate carbon nanotube field‐effect transistor. This biosensor chip effectively eliminates direct contact between the device and the solution and employs independent signal readouts based on two distinct response mechanisms, thereby circumventing the limitations associated with conventional transistor biosensors. Selective detection of cytokine (e.g., Interferon‐γ, IFN‐γ) is achieved by the FET sensing mode (0.1 to 4000 pg mL−1, with a limit of detection of 24.1 fg mL−1) and the EC sensing mode (0.4–2000 ng mL−1) at different concentration range. The feasibility of real sample analysis using the EC‐FET dual‐mode biosensor is confirmed by detecting salivary levels of IFN‐γ. The combination of EC and FET sensing modes not only provides high sensitivity and a wide response range (seven orders of magnitude) to accommodate various biological samples but also improves the reliability of detection results, which shows promising applications in biological analysis and early disease diagnosis.

The Effect of Emotional Abuse on Periodontal Status and Salivary Resisti

Background: Emotional abuse is a widespread form of child abuse. It is suggested that the adverse outcomes from all forms of abuse mostly result from the emotional impacts. Resistin, a polypeptide high in cysteine, can serve as a valuable biochemical indicator of periodontal tissue damage when detected in the saliva. Objective: To assess the relationship of emotional abuse with periodontal status and salivary resistin levels. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study included 522 intermediate school students aged 13-15 years in Kirkuk/Iraq. Information on emotional abuse was obtained using Glaser criteria which is a self-administered, structured, questionnaire form. The levels of emotional abuse were categorized into mild (score between 24-26), moderate (score between 27-42), and severe (score between 43-72). Periodontal health was assessed by using the community periodontal index (CPI). Non-stimulated saliva was collected and salivary resistin levels were evaluated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The most common level of abuse was moderate. The largest percentages of participants with dental calculus were observed in moderate (48.2%) and severe (57.5%) abuse groups and the highest mean number of sextants with gingival bleeding was observed in participants who experienced a moderate level of abuse (0.34). While the level of resistin was higher in the mild abuse group (237.06), all of its relationships with the periodontal condition were non-significant. Conclusion: Emotional abuse affects salivary resistin levels but has no obvious effect on periodontal status. Non-significant correlations were observed between salivary resistin levels and the levels of abuse with periodontal conditions.

Salivary AST Enzyme Level as a Biomarker for Tracking the Progress of Gum Disease Treatment in Children

Background: Periodontal disease is a persistent inflammatory illness characterized by the destruction of supporting components, which may ultimately result in tooth loss. The most often seen kind of periodontal disease in children and adolescents is gingivitis, which has a significant correlation with certain socioeconomic variables and oral health practices. Numerous salivary biomarkers, such as AST, have been suggested as potential indicators for the timely identification and advancement of periodontal disease. Aims of the study: The aim is to demonstrate the impact of non-surgical periodontal therapy on children with periodontal disease (PD) and determine whether the AST marker may be used to forecast the advancement of gingival illnesses at various stages in pediatric patients. Materials and Methods: This case-control research included the observation of a cohort of 30 children, with ages ranging from 6 to 12 years. The individuals were categorized into two cohorts according to their periodontal well-being: a cohort of 17 children diagnosed with gingivitis and another cohort of 13 children diagnosed with chronic periodontitis. All participants salivary AST enzyme levels, LI, GI, and CAL were assessed at two time points: baseline and one month follow-up. Conclusion: Children with gingivitis and chronic periodontitis may benefit from non-surgical periodontal therapy and dental hygiene instruction. Tracking therapy progress in children with periodontal disease may be facilitated by monitoring salivary AST enzyme levels. The measurement of salivary AST enzyme levels provides a non-invasive method for evaluating the effectiveness of therapy in the field of pediatric dental care.

Augmented-reality-based multi-person exercise has more beneficial effects on mood state and oxytocin secretion than standard solitary exercise

BackgroundExercise has positive effects on psychological well-being, with team sports often associated with superior mental health compared to individual sports. Augmented reality (AR) technology has the potential to convert solitary exercise into multi-person exercise. Given the role of oxytocin in mediating the psychological benefits of exercise and sports, this study aimed to investigate the impact of AR-based multi-person exercise on mood and salivary oxytocin levels. MethodsFourteen participants underwent three distinct regimens: non-exercise (Rest), standard solitary cycling exercise (Ex), and AR-based multi-person cycling exercise (Ex+AR). In both Ex and Ex+AR conditions, participants engaged in cycling at a self-regulated pace to maintain a Rating of Perceived Exertion of 10. In the Ex+AR condition, participants' avatars were projected onto a tablet screen, allowing them to cycle alongside ten other virtual avatars in an AR environment. Mood states and saliva samples were collected before and immediately after each 10-minute regimen. Subsequently, salivary oxytocin levels were measured. ResultsNotably, only the Ex+AR condition significantly improved mood states associated with depression-dejection and exhibited a non-significant trend toward suppressing anger-hostility in participants. Moreover, the Ex+AR condition led to a significant elevation in salivary oxytocin levels, while the Ex condition showed a non-significant trend toward an increase. However, changes in salivary oxytocin did not show a significant correlation with changes in mood states. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that Ex+AR enhances mood states and promotes oxytocin release. AR-based multi-person exercise may offer greater psychological benefits compared to standard solitary exercise, although the relationship between oxytocin and mood changes remains inconclusive.

Effectiveness of Probiotic Yogurt and Homemade Curd on Salivary pH, Buffering Capacity, and Salivary Calcium Level in 12-year-old School Children in Nellore City: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Introduction: Numerous noninvasive strategies are used to prevent dental caries. Remineralization can take place by the use of milk and milk products. Another approach to bacterially mediated diseases has been the use of probiotics. The classic food containing probiotic is yogurt (curd) and consumption of dairy products on daily basis seems to be most natural and effective way to ingest probiotic bacteria. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of probiotic homemade curd and yogurt on salivary pH, calcium level, and buffering capacity. Materials and Methods: A total of 52 students aged 12 years, who met the inclusion criteria were randomly selected from two different schools and were divided into two groups. Test and control group consumed 200 mL of probiotic yogurt and curd for a period of 30 days. Baseline and 30 days of unstimulated salivary sample (2 ml) was collected and salivary pH, buffering capacity and salivary calcium level was assessed. The data were statistically analyzed. Results: The mean salivary pH and buffering capacity was found to be same in both groups and salivary calcium levels increased with the use of probiotic yogurt at the end of 30 days compared to control group. Conclusion: The consumption of probiotic yogurt for a short period of time can prevent dental caries by increasing salivary calcium levels.

Oral Findings and Salivary Alpha-Amylase in Major Depressive Disorder Patients

Background: The increasing global prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) has become an important challenge, leading to a heightened demand for oral medicine in developed nations. This demand arises from the recognition of the association between psychiatric disorders and other conditions, including various orofacial pain disorders. Objective: This study are to evaluate oral conditions such as recurrent aphthous ulcers, burning mouth syndrome, and altered taste and to assess salivary alpha-amylase in individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Methods: This research uses a cross-sectional study design that includes a sample of 49 patients who have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder and who have undergone treatment for at least two weeks. The control group consists of 34 healthy subjects with no signs or symptoms of systemic disease. The study group received the diagnosis in Najaf City according to the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). With respect to recurrent aphthous ulcers, the results of this study show the percentage of patients with oral ulcers is significantly higher than in the control group. Results: The results also show that the prevalence of burning mouth syndrome is significantly higher in patients with major depressive disorder than in healthy controls. A highly statistically significant difference was found between the study group and the control group regarding altered taste. There is also a significant difference in salivary alpha-amylase levels between the study and control groups (p = 0.009). Conclusion: Major depressive disorder patients have much higher incidences of reported recurrent aphthous ulcers, burning mouth syndrome, and altered taste than healthy subjects, indicating the importance of psychological factors in these conditions. Additionally, salivary alpha-amylase levels were higher in patients with major depressive disorder than in the control group.

Quantitative correlation of serum and salivary trace elements in oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral potentially malignant disorders: An institution-based biochemical analysis

Abstract Background: Trace elements are the important components that play a crucial role in various functions of the human body at cellular and molecular levels. Considering the role of the trace elements in precancerous and cancerous conditions, estimation of their levels in these conditions could aid in understanding the disease process and progression. The purpose of this study is to determine the alteration in salivary electrolyte concentration of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients to correlate the variations with the severity and biological behaviour. Material and Method: A total of 70 subjects were included in this study, and they were divided into three groups: patients with OSCC (30), OPMDs (30) and apparently healthy individuals (10). An informed consent was obtained, following which blood and saliva samples were collected from the participants. Salivary and serum levels of copper, zinc, lead, cadmium, calcium and magnesium were measured and compared between the groups. Results: The levels of biochemical elements in both serum and saliva were in perfect correlation. The amount of all the estimated metallic ions was found to be significantly (P 0.001) increased in OSCC followed by OPMDs and normal mucosa. The levels of copper, cadmium and magnesium were gradually increased in increasing grades of OSCC (P 0.001). Conclusion: Salivary trace element levels could possibly have diagnostic significance in the early evaluation of OPMDs and OSCC as well. Increased levels of these elements might be used as a marker of disease progression and predictor of prognosis.

Saliva as a Diagnostic Biomarker in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review

Abstract Background: The main health problems faced by postmenopausal women include osteoporosis, vasomotor symptoms, cardiovascular diseases, urogenital atrophy, cancer, psychiatric symptoms, and cognitive problems. These manifestations can lead to postmenopausal syndrome, and the management of these manifestations has become a prime area of investigation in recent times. Aim: The aim of this systematic review is to critically analyze the literature to identify the salivary markers that can be used to diagnose diseases in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: Articles related to saliva as a diagnostic tool in postmenopausal women were collected in databases like PubMed and Google Scholar. Keywords used in this systematic review are saliva, diagnosis, postmenopausal women and disease. Articles included were based on the PRISMA guidelines. Results: A total of 692 articles were screened, out of which 674 articles were excluded as they failed to meet the expected criteria. Eighteen articles were selected based on title and abstract. After excluding all the articles which did not meet the criteria, totally 12 articles were included for review. Conclusion: The efficacy of salivary calcium levels to detect early bone changes in postmenopausal women has been studied the most in the literature. Studies with larger sample size are needed for saliva used as a substitute to serum calcium to diagnose osteoporosis. More studies are needed to analyze the significance of salivary alkaline phosphatase, parathormone, cortisol, salivary c-terminal of type I collagen, osteocalcin, and osteopontin in postmenopausal women.

Evaluation and comparison of serum and salivary interleukin 9 levels among individuals with gingivitis and periodontitis and healthy controls: A cross-sectional study

Context: Although interleukin (IL)-9 has been understudied, some pleiotropic effects have been documented on lymphocytes and mast cells. It is a T-cell-derived cytokine. Aims: The aim of this study was to appraise the association of IL-9 in the serum and saliva of individuals with gingivitis, periodontitis, and healthy controls. Settings and Design: It is an observational cross-sectional type. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 90 subjects, including both males and females, divided into three groups: gingivitis (30), Parkinson’s disease (PD) (30), and healthy (30). Clinical parameters assessed were gingival bleeding index, Russell’s periodontal index (PI), probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level. Serum and salivary IL-9 levels were weighed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical Analysis Used: The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22, (IBM, Chicago, IL, USA) was used for evaluation. The normality of the data was checked using the Shapiro–Wilks test. Analysis of variance test was used to compare the means of two or more independent (unrelated) groups, followed by Tukey’s post hoc analysis for pair-wise comparison. The analogy between IL-9 and clinical parameters was evaluated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The probability value was set at 0.05. Results: Statistically significant elevation of saliva and serum IL-9 levels occurred in subjects with gingivitis, followed by PD and health. Conclusions: This study concluded that IL-9 may be indicated as a biomarker in the early stages of periodontal diseases.

Impact of sleep deprivation on stress levels and cognitive performance in young and middle-aged adults at a Medical University in Ajman, UAE.

Inadequate sleep is a widespread public health concern, impacting physical and mental health, as well as cognitive well-being. This study explores the link between sleep quality, the inflammatory marker interleukin-6 (IL-6), and cognitive function in two age groups (18-25 years and 35 years and above) at Gulf Medical University. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh questionnaire, and salivary IL-6 levels were measured. Cognitive function was evaluated using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Psychomotor Vigilance Test (NASA-PVT), focusing on mean reaction time (RT), lapses, fastest 10% RT, and slowest 10% RT. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The descriptive statistics used were frequency, percentage mean, and standard deviation (SD). The inferential statistics used was the unpaired t-test. The level of significance was taken as P ≤ 0.05. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 28 was used to analyze the data. Approximately 75% of young adults and 80% of middle-aged adults reported good sleep quality. Sleep disturbances were reported by 65% of young adults and 95% of middle-aged adults. In both age groups, individuals with poor sleep exhibited higher IL-6 levels, but all IL-6 values remained within the reference range. NASA-PVT results indicated that individuals with poor sleep had higher mean RT and lapses compared to those with good sleep. In the older age group, both mean RT and lapses were higher than in the younger group, suggesting potential age-related effects on psychomotor vigilance. Our findings suggest a connection between poor sleep quality, elevated IL-6 levels, and impaired cognitive performance.

The Role of Ramadan Fasting on Secretory IgA and Statherin Levels in Individuals with Dental Caries

Background: Tooth decay happens when bacteria in the mouth create acid from carbohydrates that can be fermented. Along with factors related to the person (like genetics or oral hygiene habits) and saliva, this process leads to cavities. During Ramadan fasting, when eating habits change, there could be effects on health, particularly on the salivary biomarkers that are important for dental well-being. Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to detect the activity and concentrations of salivary levels of secretory immunoglobulin A and Statherin during and after Ramadan fasting and to evaluate the association between these biomarkers with dental caries. Methods: The study comprised 40 individuals, aged 20-25 years, diagnosed with dental caries. Participants were assessed for periodontal parameters using the Plaque Index and the Gingival Index. Saliva samples were collected during the fourth week of Ramadan fasting and two weeks after Ramadan fasting. The concentrations of both secretory IgA and Statherin were measured in salivary samples using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay . Results: A significant decrease in the mean concentration of secretory immunoglobulin A was observed during Ramadan fasting (2.14±0.21 ng/L) compared to post-fasting (3.34±0.35 ng/L) (p=0.001). However, there was a non-significant difference (p=0.05) in statherin levels between the fasting state (2.25±0.18 ng/L) and the post-fasting state (2.85±0.22 ng/L). No statistically significant difference was found concerning both the Plaque Index and the Gingival Index within fasting and post-fasting state. Conclusion: Low concentration of sIgA and Statherin during Ramadan fasting may indicate altered salivary gland activity or systemic response to fasting, potentially affecting oral health.

Salivary Biophysical Properties in Relation to Dental Caries Severity Among Type 1 Diabetic Children

Diabetes Mellitus is a multifactorial metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels or hyperglycemia. Diabetes Mellitus may cause many oral problems as a result of both micro- and macrovascular complications. We aimed to assess the probable relationship between the severity of dental caries and the biophysical properties of saliva (flow rate, PH, and viscosity). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in Karbala City, in which a sample of 45 children with type 1 diabetes aged between 10-12 years was compared with a group of 45 non-diabetic children matched in age and gender. Dental caries severity and experience were recorded and diagnosed using Manji et al.'s criteria and the decayed, missing, and filling index (DMFS/dmfs). Unstimulated salivary specimens were collected to evaluate flow rate, pH, and viscosity. Pearson (r) correlation coefficient test and one-way ANOVA test were employed for data analysis using SPSS-22. Results: Salivary levels of viscosity and flow rate were not statistically significant (P &gt; 0.05) predicators regarding the dental caries experience and severity among type1 diabetic children (controlled and uncontrolled) while pH level of saliva was a statistically significant predictor regarding dental caries experience (DS/ DMFT) among uncontrolled diabetic children. Conclusion: Compared to non-diabetic children, type 1 diabetic children exhibited pronounced changes in salivary biophysical properties but unpronounced changes in caries status.

Salivary Levels of Interleukin-23 in Iranian Patients with Systemic Sclerosis

Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by diffuse fibrosis and vascular abnormalities in the skin and internal organs. Interleukin-23 (IL-23) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that can enhance the expansion of T helper 17 (Th17) cells and thus plays a critical role in many inflammatory autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to assess the salivary IL-23 levels in Iranian patients with SSc compared to healthy individuals. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, unstimulated saliva samples (5 cc) were collected from 88 SSc patients and 88 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. The salivary levels of IL-23 in the saliva samples were measured using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Results: The mean salivary levels of IL-23 in the patient group were significantly higher than in the control subjects (164.5±22.1 ng/L vs. 95.8±15.7 ng/L, P&lt;0.0001). In SSc patients, the salivary IL-23 levels were significantly elevated in ACA-positive compared to ACA-negative participants (179.8±11.2 ng/L vs. 144.3±15.7 ng/L, P&lt;0.0001). However, IL-23 was not associated with gender or age (P&gt;0.05). Conclusion: The results suggest that IL-23 is associated with the pathogenesis of SSc; therefore, this pro-inflammatory cytokine is not only a valuable supportive biomarker for monitoring the disease progression but also blocking IL-23 could be considered a potential therapeutic target, especially in early SSc. Further comprehensive studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Assessment of Salivary Flow Rate, pH, and Calcium Level Following Ajwa Date (Phoenix dactylifera) Consumption in Caries and Caries-free Individuals

Assessment of Salivary Flow Rate, pH, and Calcium Level Following Ajwa Date (Phoenix dactylifera) Consumption in Caries and Caries-free Individuals

Salivary Histamine Levels in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus Lesions.

Background and Objectives: An oral lichen planus (OLP) chronic lesion refers to a group of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) that still lack a proper understanding from the point of view of relevant biomarkers for diagnostics and prognosis. The aim of the study was to assess the salivary histamine levels in patients with oral lichen planus lesions. Materials and Methods: The study included a group of 76 patients with oral lichen planus. General diseases and medication taken, smoking habits, severity of pain assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS), oral hygiene status, and duration of OLP were evaluated. ELISA diagnostics for histamines in saliva levels were assessed. Results: The histamine levels in the OLP group were higher (0.468) in comparison with the control group (0.056), without a statistically significant value p = 0.090 (Mann-Whitney U Test). The median age of 76 OLP patients was 63 years (min 22.0-max. 81), with the biological sex being 80.3% females and 15 19.7% males. The average duration of OLP lesion presence was 29.4 months (SD 37.1) and the median value was 14.5 months. The median of the VAS was 3.0. OLP assessment in accordance with the Malhotra methodology showed the highest frequency-30.3% for only two of the point areas involved and 17.1% for three points. Clinical assessment of the different OLP grades, severity, and oral site involvement and the VAS in correlation with histamine salivary levels showed a lack of statistical significance in the investigated population. Conclusions: Undertaking further research could provide further possibilities for searching for general factors in OLP development.

The Correlation of Insomnia to Hyposalivation and Xerostomia in the Elderly: A Single Centre Study

Background: The ageing process declines body functions and disrupts circadian rhythms, resulting in insomnia. The salivary gland's functions are affected by insomnia as well. Disorders of salivary secretion, such as xerostomia and hyposalivation, are associated with low salivary function levels. Objective: This study investigates the relationship between xerostomia, hyposalivation, and insomnia in the elderly. Method: This study is analytical observational research using a cross-sectional approach. A total of ninety-one residents of Cipayung's Tresna Werdha Budi Mulia 1 nursing home were the subjects of the study. The Summated-Xerostomia Inventory (SXI-id) questionnaire was utilised to measure xerostomia, the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) was employed to measure insomnia, and the unstimulated salivary flow rate based on the spitting method was used to measure salivation. Data analysis was conducted using Spearman's correlation test. Result: A significant linear correlation was observed between the insomnia score and unstimulated salivary flow rate (r = -0.370; p = 0.001) and between the insomnia score and the xerostomia score (r = 0.682). Conclusion: In the elderly, salivary gland secretion might be impacted by insomnia.

The diagnostic value of salivary C-reactive protein in neonatal infections: a meta-analysis.

C-reactive protein (CRP), as an acute phase protein, is a sensitive indicator of neonatal bacterial infection. Some recent studies have shown that there is a correlation between CRP levels in serum and saliva, and using saliva to detect CRP levels is expected to be an ideal and non-invasive method to predict neonatal infection. The purpose of this Meta-analysis was to evaluate the diagnostic value of salivary CRP for neonatal infection. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases in October 2023 and included observational studies that examined salivary CRP in newborns with bacterial infections. Data was extracted regarding the methodology, participant characteristics, and outcome measures. Nine articles were included, with a total of 696 newborns. Salivary CRP levels are significantly higher in neonates with infections compared to non-infected group (SMD = 0.58, 95%CI [0.40-0.76], P < 0.001). The accuracy for salivary CRP to predict serum CRP abnormality is high (sensitivity 86%, specificity 88%, area under the curve = 0.94). Our meta-analysis suggested that salivary CRP can be used as an alternative biomarker to serum CRP for detecting neonatal infection.