Salivary Secretion Rate Research Articles

Explorative study of stimulated saliva proteome in head and neck cancer patients pre- and post-treatment

Objectivesto compare saliva proteome of patients before treatment of head and neck cancer and six months post-treatment with controls. DesignFive dentate patients and five age and gender-matched controls were included. The stimulated salivary secretion rate was determined, and saliva was stored at −80 °C. After thawing, 30 mg of each sample and a reference (aliqouts of all samples) was trypsin digested. The digested peptides were analyzed by mass spectrometry. The relative abundances were transformed to log2 and significant differences determined. Relative abundances of mucins were compared with patient's problems with dry mouth, sticky saliva and swallowing. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD047500. Results966 proteins with ≥2 unique peptides were found. Compared with controls, 30 proteins were found in significantly lower relative abundances and 65 in higher at pre-treatment and 38 proteins in significantly lower relative abundances and 34 proteins in higher post-treatment. Regarding proteins from the salivary glands, a significantly lower relative abundance of Cystatins was detected pre-treatment and significantly lower relative abundances of Cystatin, Cysteine-rich secretory protein 3, Lactoperoxidase, Prolactin-inducible protein and Proline-rich protein 4 post-treatment. No clear relation between relative abundance of mucins and dry mouth, sticky saliva and problems with swallowing was detected. ConclusionDecreases in several salivary gland proteins post cancer treatment might lead to a reduced defense against oral disorders. Knowledge about changes in saliva proteins in connection with oral cancer treatment is important for planning dental care for these patients.

Prospective study on health-related quality of life, oral mucositis and oral health on during treatment of head and neck cancer

BackgroundFew studies have examined health related Quality of Life (HR-QoL) during the treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC) with even fewer focusing on the impact of oral mucositis (OM) on HR-QoL. Studies performed during treatment of HNC makes it possible to follow fluctuations in HR-QoL, OM and other treatment related side effects. The aim was to prospectively analyze HR-QoL, changes in clinical variables and the impact of OM on HR-QoL during HNC treatment.Materials and methodsPatients were recruited before commencing curative cancer treatment and were given professional oral care weekly during oncologic treatment. HR-QoL was reported before, during (week 2, 4 and 6) and three months after treatment using the EORTC Quality of Life questionnaires C30 and H&N35 and the stimulated whole salivary secretion rate was determined at the same time-points. OM (erythema and ulceration) was registered using the Oral Mucositis Assessment Scale (OMAS), at baseline, weekly during treatment and post treatment. Differences in HR-QoL between different timepoints were analyzed. To analyze the impact of OM on HR-QoL the patients were categorized into two groups: no/mild OM (OMAS ulceration score 0–1) or severe OM (OMAS ulceration score ≥ 2) and HR-QoL was compared between the two OM groups at three timepoints during treatment.ResultsFifty-seven patients (43 men, 14 women), with a mean age of 58 years were included. Patients reported progressively impaired HR-QoL, with peak issues noted at weeks 4 and 6, particularly in social eating, senses, appetite loss, sticky saliva, and decreasing salivary secretion rates were determined. Patients with severe OM reported worse HR-QoL compared to those with no/mild OM. Persistent problems 3 months post treatment were appetite loss, dry mouth, senses (smell and taste) and problems with social eating.ConclusionPatients experienced exacerbated symptoms and problems weeks 4 and 6 of oncological treatment, especially among those with severe OM, stressing the importance of clinically monitoring the patients to reduce and alleviate their symptoms. Persistent problems three months post treatment are likely associated with the reduced salivary secretion rate indicating that patients should be monitored also after completed oncological treatment.

Assessment of the Salivary Concentrations of Selected Immunological Components in Adult Patients in the Late Period after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation-A Translational Study.

(1) The aim of the study was to analyze the salivary concentrations of lysozyme, lactoferrin, and sIgA antibodies in adult patients in the late period after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT). The relationship between these concentrations and the salivary secretion rate and the time elapsed after alloHSCT was investigated. The relationship between the concentrations of lysozyme, lactoferrin, and sIgA and the titer of the cariogenic bacteria S. mutans and L. acidophilus was assessed. (2) The study included 54 individuals, aged 19 to 67 (SD = 40.06 ± 11.82; Me = 39.5), who were 3 to 96 months after alloHSCT. The concentrations of lysozyme, lactoferrin, and sIgA were assessed in mixed whole resting saliva (WRS) and mixed whole stimulated saliva (WSS). (3) The majority of patients had very low or low concentrations of the studied salivary components (WRS-lysozyme: 52, lactoferrin: 36, sIgA: 49 patients; WSS-lysozyme: 51, lactoferrin: 25, sIgA: 51 patients). The levels of lactoferrin in both WRS and WSS were statistically significantly higher in the alloHSCT group than in the control group (CG) (alloHSCT patients-WRS: M = 40.18 μg/mL; WSS: M = 27.33 μg/mL; CG-WRS: M = 17.58 μg/mL; WSS: 10.69 μg/mL). No statistically significant correlations were observed between lysozyme, lactoferrin, and sIgA concentrations and the time after alloHSCT. In the group of patients after alloHSCT a negative correlation was found between the resting salivary flow rate and the concentration of lactoferrin and sIgA. The stimulated salivary flow rate correlated negatively with lactoferrin and sIgA concentrations. Additionally, the number of S. mutans colonies correlated positively with the concentration of lysozyme and sIgA. (4) The concentrations of non-specific and specific immunological factors in the saliva of patients after alloHSCT may differ when compared to healthy adults; however, the abovementioned differences did not change with the time after transplantation.

Dental care professionals’ awareness of oral dryness and its clinical management: a questionnaire-based study

BackgroundDespite the high prevalence of oral dryness and awareness of its complications, there is limited research on the clinical management of patients with oral dryness in general dental care.PurposeTo (1) describe and compare awareness among dental care professionals regarding saliva functions, potential causes and complications of oral dryness, and patient management (2) Investigate if the length of professional experience influences these aspects.MethodsA digital self-administrated survey was sent to 2668 dental care professionals working in the general dental care, Public Dental Service, in Sweden. Twelve dental care professionals reviewed the questionnaire prior to its distribution. The questionnaire comprised 32 questions about patient management, awareness of saliva functions, causes and complications of oral dryness, and self-assessment queries.ResultsThe response rate was 18.6% (241 dentists and 257 dental hygienists). Older adults (65+) were asked more often about dry mouth (93.0%) compared to those aged 18–23 years (50.0%) and those under 18 years (24.9%). Dental hygienists encountered individuals with oral dryness more frequently (61.1%) than dentists (48.5%) (p < 0.01), and more often asked individuals in the age groups 18–23 years (p = 0.003), 24–40 years (p = 0.045), and 41–65 years (p = 0.031) about dry mouth. A higher proportion of dental hygienists (88.3%) than dentists (51.0%) had measured salivary secretion rate, (p < 0.001) and more often suggested preventive dental care 3–4 times a year, (42.5% vs. 30.5%) (p < 0.007). Dentists had a higher awareness of saliva functions, while dental hygienists had a higher awareness about causes and complications of oral dryness. Higher proportions of dentists and dental hygienists with over 10 years of professional experience had measured salivary secretion rate (69.1% vs. 95.7%) compared to their counterparts with less than 10 years of professional experience (35.9% vs. 79.5%) (p < 0.001 for both).ConclusionCompared to dentists, dental hygienists were more attentive to patients with oral dryness as they encountered these individuals more often, asked more age-groups, suggested frequent preventive measures, and had higher awareness of the causes and complications of oral dryness. Length of professional experience could improve both the management of patients with oral dryness and awareness of its causes, particularly for dental hygienists.

The Effect of Umami Stimulation on Salivary Secretion Rate and Duration

The Effect of Umami Stimulation on Salivary Secretion Rate and Duration

Clinical evaluation of xerostomia manifestations in young-old and middle-old adults

Relevance. The subjective evaluation and analysis of clinical manifestations and risk factors for the development of xerostomia in young- and middle-old adults living in Novosibirsk and the Novosibirsk region plays a leading role in choosing the treatment strategy for this category of patients.Material and methods. A single-stage open study involved 101 people, of whom 48% (n = 49) were male and 52% (n = 52) were female. The average age of the examined was 66.3 [60.0; 88.0] years; 64 subjects were young-old patients (60.0; 75.0), and 37 subjects were middle-old patients (75.0; 88.0). All examined patients underwent an assessment of their dental status and subjective evaluation of xerostomia severity using the validated Russian version of the "The Summated Xerostomia Inventory" (XI). Xerostomia diagnosis in the study patients included the examination according to "The Challacombe Scale of Clinical Oral Dryness" (CSCOD) and sialometry. Taking records of comorbidities, malnutrition syndrome, systemic medications, and bad habits helped to study the risk factors for xerostomia development.Results. The analysis of the subjective evaluation and signs in older patients most frequently revealed moderate xerostomia. There was a moderate negative correlation between the age of the examined and the salivary secretion rate (ρ = -0.578, p &lt; 0.01). Women more often showed severe xerostomia (p &lt; 0.001). The examination of 87.6% of the subjects revealed xerostomia manifestations, confirmed by clinical signs and laboratory data. In 12.4% of patients with complaints and clinical signs of x erostomia, sialometry did not confirm xerostomia.Conclusion. The study results showed a decrease in the secretion rate in older patients with age. In women, complaints and clinical and laboratory signs of xerostomia were more pronounced. Patients' subjective assessment of dry mouth manifestations did not always correspond to the xerostomia clinical and laboratory diagnostic data. The prevalence of xerogenic risk factors was established in young-old and middle-old patients.

Comparison of Salivary Secretion, pH, and Buffer Capacity Between COVID-19 Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Child Patients Visiting Dental Clinics of University Hospitals in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia.

This study aimed to assess and compare the salivary secretion, pH, and buffer capacity between COVID-19 vaccinated and unvaccinated child patients visiting the clinics of private university dental hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This is the first comparative assessment of salivary parameters between unvaccinated and COVID-19-vaccinated child patients. The study sample comprised COVID-19 unvaccinated (n = 66) and vaccinated (n = 66) pediatric dental patients aged 4-12 years seeking dental care in clinics of private university hospitals. Paraffin-stimulated saliva was collected from unvaccinated and vaccinated study participants, and the amount of saliva secreted per minute was noted. Salivary pH and buffering capacity (by 5 mmol Hydrochloric acid titration) were measured using a benchtop digital pH meter. The data obtained were compared between unvaccinated and vaccinated participants using an independent t-test. The results showed a significantly higher salivary secretion rate in unvaccinated than vaccinated study participants (0.83 ± 0.24 mL/min vs 0.67 ± 0.24 mL/min, p = 0.001). Similarly, unvaccinated subjects compared to vaccinated subjects exhibited a significantly higher pH (7.33 ± 0.39 vs 7.04 ± 0.46, p < 0.001) and buffering capacity (6.31 ± 1.55 vs 5.40 ± 1.22, p < 0.001). Moreover, unvaccinated females demonstrated a significantly higher salivary secretion (0.87 ± 0.23 vs 0.71 ± 0.25, t = 2.627, p = 0.011) and buffering capacity 6.19 ± 1.52 vs 5.34 ± 1.25, t = 2.404, p = 0.019) than vaccinated females. Similarly, unvaccinated male exhibited significantly higher salivary secretion (0.80 ± 0.25 vs 0.64 ± 0.23, t = 2.670, p = 0.009), salivary pH (7.39 ± 0.45 vs 6.94 ± 0.41, t=4.309, p<0.001) and buffering capacity (6.42 ± 1.60 vs 5.45 ± 1.21, t = 2.875, p = 0.005) than the vaccinated male subjects. The vaccinated subjects showed a significantly lower mean salivary secretion, pH, and buffering capacity than unvaccinated participants. Hence, COVID-19 vaccination is likely to affect salivary parameters among pediatric patients.

Changes in the characteristics of the oral fluid in smokers of electronic cigarettes and tobacco heating systems

Objective: to evaluate the effect of smoking electronic (SE) cigarettes and tobacco heating systems (THS) on the characteristics of changes in the characteristics of the oral fluid. Material and methods. The results of analysis of oral fluid samples of 150 persons were studied: smoking ES/THS — 50 people each in the group; control group — 50 clinically healthy non-users of ES/THS. Results. Patients in the THS group have a lower salivary secretion rate, a higher oral fluid viscosity at a more neutral salivary pH than control group (p=0.002); whereas patients of the ES group in comparison with the THS group are characterized by a higher saliva secretion rate, a lower viscosity index of the oral fluid at a neutral saliva pH level (p&gt;0.05). Differences were observed in biochemical parameters of total protein concentration (p=0.001), oral fluid calcium concentration (p=0.005), malonic dialdehyde (p=0.007), alkaline phosphatase, and salivary catalase concentration (p=0.004 and p=0.006, respectively) between THS smokers and control group. Conclusion. Smoking THS to a greater extent in comparison with ES and especially with control group reduces the rate of salivation, increases the viscosity of the oral fluid; in this group of smokers, in comparison with ES smokers, a more neutral value of oral fluid acidity was revealed, the concentration of total protein, malonic dialdehyde, phosphates and calcium in saliva was increased with a decrease in alkaline phosphatase and catalase concentrations.

"Drying effect" of fructus aurantii components and the mechanism of action based on network pharmacology and in vitro pharmacodynamic validation.

Background: Fructus aurantii (FA) is the dried, unripe fruit of the plant Citrus aurantium L. and its cultivated varieties. We investigated the drying effect of FA components and how this drying affect is achieved. Methods: We employed systems pharmacology to predict the components and targets of FA that produce its drying effect. These predictions were verified by computer simulation and animal experiments. In the latter, we measured the bodyweight, water consumption, urine output, fecal water content, rate of salivary secretion, and cross-sectional area of the long axis of the submandibular gland of mice. Immunohistochemistry was used to measure expression of aquaporin (AQP)5 in the submandibular gland, AQP2 in the kidney, and AQP3 in the colon. ELISA kits were used to measure the horizontal variation of cyclic adenosine monsophosphate (cAMP), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and interferon-γ. Results: Sixty-seven potentially active components of FA were screened out. FA could produce a drying effect after regulating 214 targets through 66 active components. A total of 870 gene ontology (GO) terms and 153 signaling pathways were identified. The hypoxia inducible factor-1 signaling pathway, phosphoinositide 3-kinase-protein kinase B (PI3K-AKT) signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, and Ras signaling pathway may have important roles in the drying effect of FA. Four components of FA were identified: sinensetin, tangeretin, 5-demethylnobiletin and chrysin. These four components could increase the serum level of interferon-γ and ratio of cyclic adenosine monophosphate:cyclic guanosine monophosphate in mice, and affect their water consumption, urine output, fecal water content and rate of salivary secretion. Conclusion: Four components of FA (tangeretin, sinensetin, chrysin, 5-Demethylmobiletin) were closely related to the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (JAK-STAT3), PI3K-AKT, and the other signaling pathways. They can regulate the protein expression of JAK2, STAT3, PI3K, lymphocyte cell-specific protein-tyrosine kinase, vascular endothelial growth factor A, and protein kinase B1, affect water metabolism in the body and, finally, result in a drying effect.

Acute Effects Of Different Exercise Modes On Salivary Iga And Plasma Cortisol Secretory Responses

Salivary Immunoglobulin A (IgA) prevent bacterial attachment to the mucosal surfaces. High-intensity or long-term exercise causes a transient decrease in oral immune function through decreased salivary IgA secretion, and this response is associated with exercise-induced stress, such as cortisol. However, it is unclear whether differences in exercise modes affect salivary IgA and plasma cortisol secretory responses. PURPOSE:The purpose of this study was to examine whether differences in exercise modes affect salivary IgA and plasma cortisol secretory responses to a single bout of exercise. METHODS:Seven healthy young males with no exercise habits participated in the study. Subjects randomly performed two conditions: moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) for 20 min cycle exercise at a work rate equivalent to 70% VO2max, and high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE, same total exercising volume to MICE) for 20 min cycle exercise, consisting of five 2 min bouts at 90% VO2max with 2 min active recovery at 50% VO2max. Saliva and blood samples were collected before, immediately after, 30 min after each exercise condition. The salivary IgA secretion rate was calculated from salivary IgA concentration and saliva volume per minute. RESULTS:In MICE, change in salivary IgA secretion rate at immediately after and 30 min after exercise was significantly lower than that before exercise (P < 0.05), but did not change in HIIE. In addition, the amount of change (area under the curve) in salivary IgA secretion rate in MICE was lower than that in HIIE (P < 0.05). Plasma cortisol concentration did not change in both MICE and HIIE. However, there was a significant negative correlation between salivary IgA secretion rate and plasma cortisol concentration in MICE (r = -0.544, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:These results suggest that the salivary IgA secretory response may differ with different exercise modes. In MICE, the reduced salivary IgA secretory response may be associated with the increase in systemic cortisol concentration. Supported by Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (#19 K22828, M. Iemitsu)

The effect of using Laban leaf (Vitex pinnata) methanol extract toothpaste on saliva pH in Students of SD Negeri I Pagar AIR

Background: Maintaining the pH balance of saliva is one way to prevent dental caries. The pH balance of saliva is influenced by the rate of salivary secretion. The rate of salivary secretion can be stimulated chemically and mechanically. Mechanical stimulation by brushing teeth and chemically by gargling. Indonesia is currently developing natural ingredients as medicinal ingredients that have been scientifically tested for their benefits and safety. Laban leaf (Vitex pinnata) is one of the many medicinal plants found in Indonesia. Laban leaves contain alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins that can inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans so that it can remove dental plaque naturally. Some researchers state that laban leaf extract can affect the pH of saliva. This study aims to see the effect of the use of laban leaf methanol extract toothpaste on salivary pH.Methods: Experimental research method with pre and post-tests design with proposing sampling technique where 26 people were taken as samples. The sample was divided into 2 groups which received different treatment. Group 1 was instructed to brush their teeth with laban leaf extract toothpaste and group 2 with toothpaste circulating in the market tied their teeth for 3 minutes.Results: Results based on the comparison of salivary pH before and after brushing teeth, it was found that brushing teeth with methanol extract toothpaste of laban leaves was more effective in increasing salivary pH. Based on the use of toothpaste with laban leaf methanol extract, the significant value is 0.000&lt;(0.05), so it can be concluded that reject H0. This means that there is an average difference before and after using laban leaf methanol extract toothpaste. In conclusion, the use of laban leaf methanol extract toothpaste has more effect on increasing the pH of saliva.Conclusions: brushing teeth with laban leaf methanol extract toothpaste is more effective in increasing the pH of saliva. We recommend recommending further research to determine the potential of laban leaves to be used as raw material for toothpaste.

Salivary Assessments in Post-Liver Transplantation Patients.

Saliva is in the first line of the body’s defense mechanism. In order to better understand how liver transplantation impacts salivary biochemistry, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore variations of salivary markers for oral health in post-liver transplantation patients, as compared with systemically healthy dental outpatients (controls). In this case, 26 patients were enrolled in each group, with similar socio-demographic characteristics. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected; total protease activity and total protein content were measured. The oral health in both groups was assessed using a self-report oral health questionnaire. Data were analyzed using parametric and nonparametric tests. Comparable results were recorded in terms of salivary protein and protease activity assessments. In post-liver transplantation group, positive correlation was found between the salivary pH level and the salivary secretion rate (r = 0.39; p = 0.04). With respect to self-reported oral health, there were no significant differences between the two groups, except for dental and oral care habits, the controls reporting more frequently use of dental floss and mouthwash (p = 0.02, and p = 0.003, respectively). Considering the high risk for developing systemic complications after liver transplantation, oral health care is an important issue to be addressed, salivary investigations representing powerful tool for disease changes monitoring.

Radiation of parotid or submandibular glands is effective for drooling in patients with parkinsonism; a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundDrooling is a common symptom in patients with parkinsonism, causing physical and emotional distress. It is unknown which major salivary glands are the best candidates for irradiation to reduce drooling with minimal adverse events. Therefore, this study assessed the efficacy and safety of submandibular and parotid salivary gland irradiation to reduce drooling. MethodsA prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at the University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands. After informed consent, 31 patients with parkinsonism and severe drooling according to the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) were included in this study. Exclusion criteria consisted of the use of anticholinergic drugs, the existence of salivary gland diseases, and/or an history of (pre)malignancies of the salivary glands. Patients were randomized for parotid-, submandibular- or sham irradiation (2x6 Gy with one week interval). Patients were evaluated at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after radiation. Primary outcome measure was drooling severity according to the UPDRS. Secondary outcomes measures consisted of stimulated glandular salivary secretion rates and adverse effects. FindingsOverall 31 parkinsonian patients were included. Initially 11 patients were radiated on the parotid glands, 10 patients on the submandibular glands and 10 patients were sham-radiated. After 6 months, the sham-radiated patients were actively treated after a second randomisation. One patient in the parotid radiation group discontinued his participation after three months due to physical deterioration. Radiation of parotid or submandibular glands significantly improved the existing drooling, as compared to placebo radiation. Parotid- and submandibular radiation was equally effective, but more patients in the submandibular radiated group reported sticky saliva vs. patients treated by parotid radiation (33∙33% vs. 13∙33%). InterpretationMajor salivary gland radiation significantly improves drooling in parkinsonian patients with few adverse effects. However, parotid gland radiation is accompanied by fewer side effects and therefore is the preferred mode of radiation in this patient population.

Pilocarpine-Induced Effects on Salivary Secretion as a Pharmacological Biomarker for Cholinergic Parasympathetic Activation.

Pilocarpine-induced salivary secretion could serve as a nontherapeutic target engagement biomarker in a clinical setting to test the activity of an M3 positive allosteric modulator (PAM). The potentiating effect on the reactivity of the M3 receptor to the agonistic effect of pilocarpine would support the mechanism of action of an M3 PAM in a variety of therapeutic areas. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal pilocarpine dose needed for evaluation of this potentiating effect. Therefore, the effects of pilocarpine on salivary secretion rate and its pharmacokinetics were explored at single doses of 2.5, 5, and 10mg of pilocarpine or placebo. The study also explored the test-retest variability of the pilocarpine-induced effects on salivary secretion. Pilocarpine caused a reproducible, dose-related increase in overall and maximum salivary secretion rate, in line with pilocarpine exposure. Oral doses of pilocarpine from 2.5 to 10mg were safe and well tolerated, consistent with the published safety profile. These results support the use of pilocarpine in single-dose pharmacological challenge studies. The recommended dose for evaluating M3 PAM activity would be between 2.5 and 5mg, showing a small increase in salivary secretion rate with room for further increase due to PAM activation.

Stimulated saliva composition in patients with cancer of the head and neck region

BackgroundTo analyse over time changes in stimulated whole saliva regarding total protein, Immunoglobulin A (IgA), and mucin type O-glycans (mostly MUC5B and MUC7) in head and neck cancer patients.Methods29 dentate patients (20 men and 9 women, 59 ± 8 years) treated with curative radiation therapy and chemotherapy for cancer of the head and neck region were included. The stimulated whole salivary secretion rate was determined and saliva collected at four time-points: at pretreatment, and at 6 months, 1 and 2 years post treatment. The total protein concentration was determined spectrophotometrically by using Bicinchoninic Acid assay and Immunoglobulin A (IgA) by using ELISA technique. Glycosylation pattern of salivary mucins was determined in samples collected pre- and post treatment by using LC/MS electrospray and mucin content quantified using SDS-AgPAGE gels and PAS staining.ResultsCompared with pretreatment, the total protein concentration was increased already at 6 months post treatment (p < 0.01), and continued to increase up to 2 years post treatment (p < 0.001). During that period no significant changes in IgA concentration was detected. At pretreatment, the output/min of both total protein and IgA was significantly higher than at all time-points post treatment. Saliva from the cancer patients showed a low abundance/no detectable MUC7, while the MUC5B level remained, compared to saliva from a healthy control. The glycomic analysis showed that the percentage of core 2 O-glycans was increased as core 1, 3 and 4 O-glycans were decreased. The level of sialylation was higher at 6 months post treatment, while sulfation was lower.ConclusionA decreased output per minute of proteins at decreased salivary secretion rate, as well as reduced sulfation of MUC5B at 6 months post treatment tended to correlate with the patients’ experience of sticky saliva and oral dryness. At 2 years post treatment, the decreased amount of IgA combined with a lowered salivary secretion rate indicate a reduced oral defense with increased risk of oral infections.

Factors affecting subjective and objective masticatory function in older adults: Importance of an integrated approach

ObjectivesThis study aimed to subjectively and objectively assess masticatory function and identify related factors in older adults. MethodsFrom July 2017 to September 2018, we enrolled 115 healthy participants aged between 65 and 86 years. They underwent oral examination, and their stimulated salivary secretion rate and masseter muscle tone and biomechanical properties were assessed. Masticatory performance with two-colored chewing wax was objectively evaluated using the mixing ability index (MAI). Key food intake ability (KFIA) was subjectively assessed using a questionnaire. ResultsThe MAI score was significantly associated with the number of remaining teeth (r = 0.524, p < 0.001) and the tone (r = -0.222, p = 0.017), elasticity (r = -0.242, p = 0.009), and dynamic stiffness (r = -0.265, p = 0.004) of the masseter muscles. In contrast, the KFIA score was only significantly associated with the number of remaining teeth (r = 0.450, p < 0.001). A weak association between the MAI and KFIA scores was observed (r = 0.304, p = 0.001). ConclusionsA combination of objective and subjective methods should be used to accurately assess masticatory function in older adults. In addition to physical factors such as the number of remaining teeth, properties of the masticatory muscles should be evaluated to improve the masticatory function of older adults. Clinical significanceIn addition to dental problems, various maxillofacial and oral factors must be considered when establishing management strategies for the improvement of masticatory function in older adults.

Comparative analysis of the effects of collection methods on salivary steroids

BackgroundSteroid hormone test for saliva was a promising area of research, however the impact of different collection methods on salivary steroids was underexplored so far. This study was designed to compare the effects of different collection methods (unstimulated or stimulated by chewing paraffin, forepart or midstream) on salivary flow rate, concentrations and secretion rates of steroids in saliva.MethodsWhole-saliva samples were collected from 10 systemically and orally healthy participants, whose forepart and midstream segments of saliva were collected under unstimulated and stimulated conditions, with the salivary flow rate of each sample recorded. The concentrations and secretion rates of salivary steroids including testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and progesterone were measured by ELISA, with the multiple of change calculated.ResultsThe results indicated mechanical stimulation used in collection of saliva samples could affect concentrations and secretion rates of steroids, whereas forepart and midstream segments had little differences in levels of salivary steroids, which effects could be partly influenced by individual specificity. The asynchronism in change of secretion rate of steroids with that of salivary flow rate might play an important role during this course.ConclusionBased on these findings, we suggested to use the same collection method throughout one analytical study on salivary steroids or in longitudinal observations to ensure the comparability of the saliva samples collected.

Clinical anatomy of the inferior labial gland: a narrative review.

In this article we review the literature on the inferior labial gland from a clinical and anatomical perspective. Regardless of its importance in clinical practice, there are no medical literature that comprehensively reviewed the inferior labial gland. A database search using PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted. The following keywords were used in the search: "lower labial salivary gland", "lower labial gland", "inferior labial salivary gland", AND "inferior labial gland". The human labial glands are types of minor salivary gland that continuously secrete small amounts of mucous and serous substances to maintain oral health. The inferior labial glands are innervated by the inferior labial branch of the mental nerve, and the inferior labial branch of the facial artery is the main arterial supply to the lower lip. Although they only have an auxiliary role in saliva production compared to the major salivary glands, minor salivary glands provide a certain amount of lubrication in the oral cavity by the continuous outflow of saliva. The inferior labial gland not only promotes moisturization in the oral cavity but also secretes substances with antibacterial effects, which is important for the function of the oral cavity. A recent study showed that the rate of salivary secretion from the inferior labial glands does not change with age, and in some cases the inferior labial glands are used for diagnosing intractable diseases such as Sjogren's syndrome and cystic fibrosis. In addition, since the inferior labial glands themselves can be the site of cyst and/or neoplasia development, we should be careful to distinguish them from other diseases. Elucidation of the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the inferior labial glands, is important for understanding human health and diseases.

Smell, taste and trigeminal disorders in a 65\u2010year\u2010old population

BackgroundSmell, taste and trigeminal disorders likely have a substantial impact on human daily life. However, data regarding the prevalence of these disorders in Norway are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of smell, taste, trigeminal disorders and associated factors in a 65-year-old population in Oslo, Norway.MethodsA random sample of 223 individuals (123 men, 100 women) participated in the study. Medical history was obtained, and unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) and stimulated whole saliva (SWS) were collected to determine salivary secretion rates. Sniffin`n Sticks and Taste Strips (Burghart Messtechnik GmbH, Wedel, Germany) were used for quantitative testing of olfactory and gustatory function. In addition, the participants’ self-reported perceptions of smell and taste, and burning mouth sensation were investigated.Results The results showed that 34 % of the participants had reduced smell (28 % hyposmia and 6 % anosmia) and 28 % had reduced taste perception (21 % hypogeusia and 7 % ageusia). 13 % of the partcipants had a combination of smell and taste disorders. Dysgeusia was reported by 5 % and burning mouth sensation (syndrome) by 3 % of the participants. Hyposmia, hypogeusia and ageusia were significantly more prevalent among men. Significant associations were found between taste disorders and previous history of cerebral hemorrhage and heart attack, and between burning mouth sensation and gastrointestinal disorders. Disturbances in olfactory, gustatory and trigeminal function were significantly related to medication use. Ageusia and burning mouth sensation were significantly more prevalent among smokers. Except from higher prevalence of ageusia among participants with hyposalivation with respect to SWS, no significant associations were found between salivary secretion rate and chemosensory or trigeminal disorders in the present study.ConclusionsThe present study revealed that one-third of 65-year-old individuals had impaired smell and more than one-fourth had impaired taste function. The prevalence of dysgeusia and burning mouth sensation was very low. Reduced smell and taste perception were more common among men than women. Furthermore, some diseases and medications were associated with chemosensory and trigeminal disorders. Ageusia was associated with SWS hyposalivation.

The effect of probiotics, parabiotics, synbiotics, fermented foods and other microbial forms on immunoglobulin production: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of probiotics, parabiotics, synbiotics, fermented foods and other microbial forms on immunoglobulin production. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, National Institute of Health Clinical Trials Register, and Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials, up to February 2020. All clinical trials that investigated the effects of oral intake of probiotics, parabiotics, synbiotics, fermented foods and other microbial forms on immunoglobulin (Ig)A, IgE, Japanese cedar pollen (JCP)-specific IgE, IgG, and IgM, for a duration of >7 days were included. Fifty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria, of these 54 studies were included in the analysis. The results indicated a significant increase in salivary IgA secretion rate (SMD = 0.21, 95% CI 0.02–0.39), while no significant effect was observed on other Igs. In conclusion, mentioned supplementation induced a small but significant effect on salivary secretion rate of IgA.