Salivary Secretion Research Articles

Secretory IgA in patients with COVID-19 at different regimens of using multicomponent vaccine Immunovac-VP-4

The mucosal immunity performs an important function in prevention of respiratory infections including COVID-19. The search for approaches to activate the synthesis of post-infectious antibodies by correcting the factors of innate and adaptive immunity at mucous membranes of respiratory tract in patients with infection caused by the new coronavirus may be relevant for the treatment of patients with COVID-19. The aim of our study was to assess the concentrations of sIgA in the upper respiratory tract in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Coronavirus infection caused by the COVID-19, and to evaluate the effect of an immunostimulating drug of bacterial origin upon the sIgA secretion.
 The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 45), received basic therapy; group 2 (n = 33), in addition to basic therapy, received the bacterial vaccine Immunovac-VP-4 according to a combined scheme. The biomaterial sampling was carried out by scraping of epithelial cells from the nasal mucosa, pharyngeal scraping and salivary gland secretion on days 1, 14 and 30 of the study. sIgA levels in all biological fluids were studied using ELISA technique (JSC Vector-Best, Russia).
 14 days after the start of observation, the dynamics of sIgA levels in nasal scrapings in group 1showed a significant decrease relative to the baseline values (p = 0.02), whereas the level of sIgA remained unchanged during the specified period (p = 0.07) in the group of patients receiving, along with basic therapy, additional Immunovac-VP-4 treatment. The dynamics of sIgA level in pharyngeal scrapings in the group of patients receiving only basic therapy did not change throughout the study period. Menwhile, the group of patients receiving basic therapy supplemented with Immunovac-VP-4 showed a significant increase in sIgA levels by the 30th day of follow-up over the baseline values (p = 0.02). The level of sIgA in salivary gland secretions did not differ significantly between the study groups during the entire follow-up period.
 The results of our study showed that, in order to assess the state of mucosal immunity in patients with COVID-19, one may recommend determination of sIgA in nasal secretions. The Immunovac-VP-4 prescribed in complex therapy is accompanied by an increase in the sIgA levels at the mucous surfaces of the respiratory tract.

Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (both reflux oesophagitis and non-erosive reflux disease): Prevalence and severity of erosive tooth wear and saliva properties.

The prevalence between erosive tooth wear (ETW) in association with reflux oesophagitis (RO) has been reported. However, the severity of both diseases and the relationship between ETW and non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) is unclear. The prevalence and severity of ETW were investigated in RO, NERD and healthy controls. 135 patients with RO, 65 with NERD and 40 healthy controls were recruited for this case-control study. A modified tooth wear index was used to evaluate the prevalence and severity of ETW. Salivary secretion and buffer capacity were assessed prior to endoscopy. The prevalence and severity of ETW, saliva properties among each group were analysed using Pearson's chi-squared test. A total of 135 cases (56.3%) were categorised as the patient with ETW (55 with mild RO, 49 with severe RO and 31 with NERD). There was a significant relationship between the prevalence of RO and ETW, while there was no significant correlation between the prevalence of NERD and ETW. There was a significant difference related to the severity between RO and ETW. For salivary secretion, there was a significant difference between with and without ETW in patients with mild RO, severe RO and NERD. There was a significant difference between with and without ETW for salivary buffer capacity in patients with mild and severe RO. There was a significant association of the prevalence and severity between RO and ETW. Clinical signs such as ETW and salivary buffer capacity depended on the severity of RO.

The Role of Uroguanylin in Regulation of Ion Transport in Salivary Glands.

Guanylin peptides are considered to be the only intrinsic regulators of salivary glands secretion. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of systemic uroguanylin (UGN) of the salivary flow and ion composition. Besides, the objective was to investigate whether those effects include activation of guanylate cyclase C (GC-C). This study was conducted on 7 months old C57Bl6NCrl (wild type, WT) and GC-C knockout (KO) mice. Salivary flow rate and ion composition were determined after pilocarpine stimulation with UGN (30 µg/animal) or saline i.p. application. The expression of mRNA for AQPs, NHEs, NBCn1, Slc26a3/a6 and CFTR were determined by qPCR in submandibular salivary glands. When applied i.p., UGN decreased the pilocarpine stimulated saliva flow rate and increased the concentration of Na+, H+ and Cl-. In GC-C KO mice, UGN showed no effect on saliva flow rate, while the concentrations of Na+, H+ and Cl- are the same in GC-C KO littermates when compared to WT mice. UGN increased expression of Slc26a6 while in GC-C KO mice Slc26a6 had a higher expression when compared to WT mice, suggesting involvement of GC-C independent signalling pathway for UGN. The difference in Slc26a6 in GC-C KO mice is not unique for salivary glands because it was also found in duodenum and kidney cortex. The effects of UGN via basolateral membrane of salivary glands cells have not been considered up to date. In our study, UGN, when applied i.p., decreased salivary flow rate, pH, and changed the composition of other ions. Therefore, plasma UGN, an hour after a meal, could have physiological and pathological importance (development of cavities, inflammations or demineralizations), and the inhibition of systemic UGN effects could be considered a new approach in treatment of those conditions.

D-Serine Increases Release of Acetylcholine in Rat Submandibular Glands.

d-serine has been observed in submandibular gland tissue in rats, but its functions remain to be clarified. Oral administration of d-serine, but not l-serine, increased its concentrations in the submandibular gland and pilocarpine-induced salivary secretion. In vivo microdialysis was used to collect the d- and l-enantiomers of amino acids from local interstitial fluid in the rat submandibular gland. The proportion of the d-form of serine in interstitial fluid was higher than that in plasma or saliva. Perfusion of the rat submandibular gland with d-serine and l-glutamic acid via the submandibular gland artery resulted in a significant increase in salivary secretion after stimulation of muscarinic receptors with carbachol. In vivo microdialysis applied to the submandibular glands of rats showed that infusion of d-serine along with l-glutamate through the microdialysis probe significantly elevated acetylcholine levels in local interstitial fluids in the submandibular glands of anesthetized rats as compared to that with l-glutamate alone in an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor glycine site antagonist-sensitive manner. These results indicate that d-serine augments salivary secretion by increasing acetylcholine release in the salivary glands.

Effects of Denture Treatment on Salivary Metabolites: A Pilot Study.

Symptoms of oral discomfort such as dry mouth are common in older people wearing dentures. Such symptoms are mainly treated symptomatically. Many of these symptoms are related to saliva, and associations with salivary volume have been reported. Although denture treatment improves symptoms by increasing the amount of saliva, the effects on salivary components remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of denture treatment on salivary metabolite changes based on salivary metabolome analyses. We enrolled 21 patients requiring denture treatment. At the first visit, and after completion of denture treatment, saliva outflow was measured under resting and stimulated conditions, samples for salivary metabolite analysis were collected, and masticatory efficiency was tested. In all participants, masticatory efficiency increased after denture treatment. Moreover, the amounts of resting and stimulated saliva were increased. Using salivary metabolome analysis, 61 salivary metabolites were detected. Substantial concentration changes were observed for 4 and 21 metabolites in resting and stimulated saliva, respectively. The four metabolites common to both saliva tests had significantly lower concentrations after treatment. These results suggest that the improvement in masticatory function by dentures is related not only to salivary secretion volume, but also to salivary metabolite composition.

No evidence of increased anti-M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor autoantibodies in SSA-positive connective tissue disease patients.

Anti-muscarinic type 3 receptor autoantibodies (M3R) and anti-SSA antibodies are both related to salivary secretion. The presence of M3R antibodies in Sjögren's syndrome is previously demonstrated; nevertheless, the relationship between the anti-SSA antibodies and M3R fragment antibodies, namely the N terminal, first, second, and third extracellular loops, remains to be elucidated. In this study, we analyzed the antibodies against the M3R epitopes in healthy controls and anti-SSA antibody-positive connective tissue disease patients through ELISA method. Antibodies against the first, second, and third extracellular loop (M3R211-230 ) were not increased in anti-SSA positive patients compared to healthy controls. Indeed, antibodies against the N terminal (M3R1-33 ) were found to be high in healthy controls. High levels of M3R1-33 in healthy controls are a novel original finding; further research is needed for the clinical significance. There is no significant difference between SSA-positive patients and healthy controls in terms of autoantibodies against the remainder of the linear M3R fragments.

The Relationship of Caries Risk Factor and Caries Experience Index

Dental caries is the most common disease in the oral cavity. Caries in school children is increasing every year. Many factors cause dental caries, including food content, feeding frequency, plaque abundance, fluorine program, salivary secretion, and buffer capacity. This study aimed to determine the risk factors for caries with the number of Decay Missing Filling Teeth in 5th-grade students at SDN.22 / VI in Jambi City.
 This research is an observational study with a cross-sectional design. The study population was the 5th-grade students of SDN.22 / VI Jambi City, and the entire population is the object of research. The data were collected by filling out questionnaires and examination sheets to determine caries risk factors for DMF-T numbers. This study analyzed the data statistically using chi-square analysis to see the risk factors for caries with the Decay Missing Filling Teeth number for 5th-grade students of SDN.22 / VI, Jambi City.
 The results of this study state that there is no significant relationship between diseases that affect the DMF-T number (P value = 0.543). There is a significant relationship between food content and DMF-T numbers (P value = 0.000). A significant relationship was found between the frequency of eating with the DMF-T number (P value = 0.000), and there is no significant relationship between the fluorine program and the DMF-T rate in 5th-grade students of SDN.22 / VI Jambi City (P value = 0.464.)

Temperature and humidity index (THI) affects salivary cortisol (HC) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) concentrations in growing bulls following stress generated by performance test procedures.

The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis response to a challenge was proposed for genetic selection of robust and resilient animals. As ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) test and hormone measurements in blood may result impractical, it may be useful to measure salivary hormones in response to natural stressors, after an accurate biological validation, to control factors that could contribute to the response. We evaluated whether animal handling during performance test affects salivary HC and DHEA secretion and could be used for selection. We tested the effects of habituation to repeated handling and THI as putative bias. Bull calves (N = 273) undergoing performance test were sampled at 8-9 and 11-13 months (N = 101), 8-9 months (N = 131), or 11-13 months (N = 41). On each test day (D0), calves were isolated, conducted to a squeeze chute and immobilized for 6 min. Saliva samples were collected in the morning after feed administration (T0), and after 6 min immobilization in the squeeze chute (T1) for HC and DHEA measurement. Environmental temperature and relative humidity were recorded every hour from 1:00 h to 24:00 h during the 6 days before the performance test and on D0. Salivary HC and DHEA concentrations were higher in T1 (p < 0.01), although a clear individual positive response to handling could be observed in less than 10% of subjects. The mixed model revealed: (i) HC and HC/DHEA were higher in Young bulls (p < 0.05). (ii) The time of T0 sample collection significantly affected DHEA (p < 0.01) and HC/DHEA (p < 0.05). (iii) THI affected both steroids (p < 0.001) but not HC/DHEA. Spearman correlations suggested that THI weakly affected salivary HC at T0 only (ρ = 0.150, p < 0.01), while moderate statistically significant correlations were found between DHEA and THI at T0 (ρ = 0.316, p < 0.001), and T1 (ρ = 0.353, p < 0.001). Salivary HC and DHEA in response to handling procedures might identify subpopulations of subjects with sensitive HPA axis. Habituation to repeated handling played a role, as the hormone response was lower in older animals. Chronic exposure to high THI had a minor effect on salivary HC visible at T0. A more intense THI effect was observed on salivary DHEA concentrations at both T0 and T1, which should be worth of further investigations.

The effects of endoscope placement in the hypopharynx on swallowing-related measures in healthy adults.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether transnasal passage of a flexible endoscope results in changes in salivary flow rate (SFR), spontaneous swallow frequency (SSF), and masticatory efficiency (ME) in healthy adults. Data were collected from 15 healthy adults, 20-63years of age. SFR and SSF were measured at baseline, after endoscope insertion, and after endoscope removal. The Test of Masticating and Swallowing Solids was administered at baseline and while the endoscope was in the hypopharynx. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine the effect of endoscope insertion on SFR and SSF. A paired samples t-test was used to determine the effect of endoscope insertion on total mastication time and number of masticatory cycles required with a cracker bolus. Statistical significance was set at α = 0.05. SFR was found to be significantly increased during endoscope placement in the hypopharynx (M = 0.471g/min, SD = 0.175, p = 0.002) as well as following endoscope removal (M = 0.481g/min, SD = 0.231, p = 0.004), as compared to baseline (M = 0.310g/min, SD = 0.130). Total mastication time and number of masticatory cycles required with a cracker bolus were significantly decreased when the endoscope was present in the hypopharynx, as compared to baseline t(14) = 3.054, p = 0.009; t(14) = 3.250, p = 0.006, respectively. Visualization of swallowing during FEES is an important method for objectively evaluating several anatomical and functional parameters of the pharynx and larynx. Insertion of the endoscope into the hypopharynx during FEES may stimulate salivary secretion and improve ME, which could influence interpretation of FEES and resulting clinical recommendations.

Regarding the Use of Direct-Acting Anticoagulants of Animal Origin in Diabetic Retinopathy

Relevance. Diabetic retinopathy occupies one of the leading places in the frame of blindness and low vision. The very first changes in the retina in diabetic retinopathy are disorders of microcirculation and blood supply in the small vessels of the macula. There are few effective drugs that can restore perfusion in the small retina’s vessels. In this connection, it is relevant to search for anticoagulants that allow restoring blood supply in the macular area in diabetic retinopathy in the early stages.The purpose. To analyze the research of a domestic direct-action anticoagulant from animals, a drug of the heparin group Pyavit, both in ophthalmology for diabetic retinopathy and in other fields of medicine. The analysis of publications on eLibrary and PubMed resources for the last 30 years was done, by the keywords: direct-acting anticoagulants, diabetic retinopathy, hirudins, hemodynamics, optical coherence tomography (OCT), hemostasis. The data on the study and application of the drug from its development to its use in diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular pathology, and pregnancy was analyzed. Researchers have studied the importance of the salivary gland secretion of a medical leech, which is a regulator of the hemostasis system. In 1992 I.P. Baskova patented a new drug Pyavit, which is officially approved for use in medical practice (registration number No. 000363/02). Dosage regimen: 300 mg three times a day for 20 days, and repeat the course through 1–2 months. In ophthalmology, researchers have proven the positive effect of the drug on the retina in diabetic retinopathy with an improvement in visual acuity, retinal thickness according to objective indicators of optical coherence tomography, fluorescence angiography, and hemostasis system.Conclusion. The analysis of scientists’ research allows us to expand knowledge about the positive effect of the drug Piavit on the path of diabetic retinopathy. Based on this review, the authors plan to further study the drug, which will assess the importance and significance of improving microcirculation in the macular area of the retina using the anticoagulant Pyavit to preserve visual functions.

A review on orodispersible drug delivery system

The future of drug delivery holds great promise for orally dispersible dose formulations, which make application simple since no water requirement as compared to conventional solid dosage forms which requires significant volumes of fluids for administration. The objective for development of ODF provides a substitute for pills, syrups, and tablets in treating vomiting as well as nausea, particularly in children. On the basis of transdermal patch delivery system, a novel oral films drug delivery has been introduced. Fast dissolving films disintegrates quickly when come in contact with salivary secretion in the oral mucosa and released the drug fast approximately within 3 mins. ODFs are of different types, like sustained or controlled release, oral patches and fast dissolving films. They can be manufactured using a variety of method including solvent and semi solid casting, hot melt and solid dispersion extrusion, spray drying and rolling. Among them solvent casting method is the most employed method. ODFs comprises of active ingredient, polymer, plasticizer and additives like surfactants, sweetening and coloring agents. ODFs preparation requires hydrophilic polymer which provides quick dissolution in the oral cavity. Hydrophilic polymer act as base for ODFs formulation as they impart mouth feel and mechanical properties of the ODFs also dependent of polymer type. Oral thin-film provide fast drug dissolution precise dosage in a portable, safe, and handy manner that doesn't required water or any special equipment. This review article comprises of different methods for ODFs preparations, ODFs ingredients, ODFs benefits and drawbacks and their packaging.

A review on orodispersible drug delivery system

The future of drug delivery holds great promise for orally dispersible dose formulations, which make application simple since no water requirement as compared to conventional solid dosage forms which requires significant volumes of fluids for administration. The objective for development of ODF provides a substitute for pills, syrups, and tablets in treating vomiting as well as nausea, particularly in children. On the basis of transdermal patch delivery system, a novel oral films drug delivery has been introduced. Fast dissolving films disintegrates quickly when come in contact with salivary secretion in the oral mucosa and released the drug fast approximately within 3 mins. ODFs are of different types, like sustained or controlled release, oral patches and fast dissolving films. They can be manufactured using a variety of method including solvent and semi solid casting, hot melt and solid dispersion extrusion, spray drying and rolling. Among them solvent casting method is the most employed method. ODFs comprises of active ingredient, polymer, plasticizer and additives like surfactants, sweetening and coloring agents. ODFs preparation requires hydrophilic polymer which provides quick dissolution in the oral cavity. Hydrophilic polymer act as base for ODFs formulation as they impart mouth feel and mechanical properties of the ODFs also dependent of polymer type. Oral thin-film provide fast drug dissolution precise dosage in a portable, safe, and handy manner that doesn't required water or any special equipment. This review article comprises of different methods for ODFs preparations, ODFs ingredients, ODFs benefits and drawbacks and their packaging.

Facial Exercise as an Effort to Improve Quality of Life in Elderly People With Xerostomia at Posyandu, Gedawang Village Banyumanik, Semarang

ABSTRACT Background: The function of the organs of the elderly as they get older will decrease (organ degeneration), both due to natural factors and due to disease. An estimated 30% of seniors aged 65 years and older have decreased saliva production. Decreased saliva production causes complaints of dry mouth which is often known as xerostomia. This situation is caused by atrophy of the salivary glands (saliva) which will reduce salivary production and change its composition. The decreased salivary secretion will cause discomfort in the oral cavity, pain, and increased rates of dental caries and oral infections. Facial gymnastics is the act of giving massage to the facial area from top to bottom around the cheeks, mouth, and chin, this activity can stimulate the function of the oral cavity.Research objective: to analyze the effectiveness of facial exercises on the quality of life of elderly people with xerostomia.Research Methods: Quasi-experimental with pre-test and post-test design, a sample of 30 elderly people with xerostomia. Facial exercise treatment was carried out for 30 days, measurements were carried out using the Xerostomia Related Quality of Life Scale (XeQoLS). Questionnaires were given before and after treatment.Results: The results showed that after doing facial exercises there was an increase in salivary secretion from an average of 0.6 ml/per minute to 1.1 ml/per minute, and the results of the paired t-test p-value = 0.000. The majority of respondents had a low quality of life of 53% and after doing facial exercises the majority of respondents had a high quality of life of 57%, with the results of the paired t-test p-value = 0.000. This can happen because the implementation of facial exercises gets mechanical stimulation. The stimulation given can increase the flow of salivary secretion which directly affects the increase in saliva volume. The normal salivary secretion will cause a sense of comfort in the oral cavity, thereby increasing the quality of life of the elderly.

Intraoperative Visualization and Treatment of Salivary Gland Dysfunction in Sjögren's Syndrome Patients Using Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Sialendoscopy (CEUSS).

In sialendoscopy, ducts are dilated and the salivary glands are irrigated with saline. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound sialendoscopy (CEUSS), using microbubbles, may facilitate the monitoring of irrigation solution penetration in the ductal system and parenchyma. It is imperative to test CEUSS for its safety and feasibility in Sjögren's syndrome (SS) patients. CEUSS was performed on 10 SS patients. The primary outcomes were safety, determined by the occurrence of (serious) adverse events ((S)AEs), and feasibility. The secondary outcomes were unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva (UWS and SWS) flow rates, xerostomia inventory (XI), clinical oral dryness score, pain, EULAR Sjögren's syndrome patient reported index (ESSPRI), and gland topographical alterations. CEUSS was technically feasible in all patients. Neither SAEs nor systemic reactions related to the procedure were observed. The main AEs were postoperative pain (two patients) and swelling (two patients). Eight weeks after CEUSS, the median UWS and SWS flow had increased significantly from 0.10 to 0.22 mL/min (p = 0.028) and 0.41 to 0.61 mL/min (p = 0.047), respectively. Sixteen weeks after CEUSS, the mean XI was reduced from 45.2 to 34.2 (p = 0.02). We conclude that CEUSS is a safe and feasible treatment for SS patients. It has the potential to increase salivary secretion and reduce xerostomia, but this needs further investigation.

Effects of 24-week prebiotic intervention on self-reported upper respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, and markers of immunity in elite rugby union players

ABSTRACT Objectives Elite rugby union players face numerous physiological and psychological stressors which can increase upper respiratory and gastrointestinal illness risk, and in turn can compromise training and competitive performance. This study aimed to investigate the effect of daily prebiotic supplementation on upper respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, and markers of immune function in elite rugby union players. Methods Thirty-three elite rugby union players were randomly assigned to consume a prebiotic (2.8 g/day galactooligosaccharide) or placebo (2.8 g/day maltodextrin), daily for 168 days under double-blind conditions. Participants completed daily and weekly questionnaires for self-reported upper respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms respectively. Blood and saliva samples were collected at 0, 84, and 168 days for assessment of plasma TNF-α and CRP, and saliva IgA respectively. Results The prebiotic group experienced a 2-day reduction in upper respiratory symptom duration (P = 0.045). Gastrointestinal symptom severity and incidence were lower in the prebiotic group compared to the placebo group (P < 0.001, P = 0.041) respectively. Salivary immunoglobulin A secretion rate was 42% greater in the prebiotic group compared to the placebo group at day 168 (P = 0.004), no differences in CRP and TNF-α were found (P > 0.05). Conclusion A 168-day dietary prebiotic intervention reduced the duration of upper respiratory symptoms and reduced the incidence and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms in elite rugby union players. These findings suggest that seasonal prebiotic interventions may be beneficial for reducing illness in elite rugby union players, improving their availability to train and compete. Key points Elite athletes are susceptible to upper respiratory symptoms and gastrointestinal symptoms which may impact upon training availability and competition performance. For the first time, this study shows that a dietary prebiotic intervention can reduce the duration of upper respiratory symptoms by 2 days in elite rugby union players. Dietary prebiotic supplementation can improve the incidence and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms experienced by elite rugby union players. Prebiotic supplementation was able to increase salivary IgA secretion after 168 days. These findings can inform practice suggesting that seasonal prebiotic use has the potential to modulate immune function and reduce illness in elite rugby union, which may improve a player’s availability to train and compete. The mechanisms by which prebiotics reduce URS and GIS require further research exploration.

Dental pulp stem cell-derived exosomes revitalize salivary gland epithelial cell function in NOD mice via the GPER-mediated cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway

BackgroundRestoration of salivary gland function in Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) is still a challenge. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) derived exosomes had shown anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, immunomodulatory, and tissue function restorative abilities. However, the salivary gland function restoration potential of DPSCs-derived exosomes (DPSC-Exos) during SS has not been investigated yet.MethodsDPSC-Exos was isolated by ultracentrifugation methods and characterized. Salivary gland epithelial cells (SGEC) were treated with interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) to mimic SS in vitro and cultured with or without DPSC-Exos. SGEC survival and aquaporin 5 (AQP5) expression were analyzed. mRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed in IFN-γ vs. DPSC-Exos+ IFN-γ treated SGEC. Non-obese diabetic (NOD)/ltj female mice (SS model), were intravenously administered with DPSC-Exos, and salivary gland functions and SS pathogenicity were analyzed. Furthermore, the mRNA sequencing and bioinformatics predicted mechanism of the therapeutic effect of DPSC-Exos was further investigated both in vitro and in vivo using RT-qPCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, flowcytometry analysis.ResultsDPSC-Exos partially rescued IFN-γ triggered SGEC death. IFN-γ inhibited AQP5 expression in SGEC and DPSC-Exos reversed this effect. Transcriptome analysis showed GPER was the upregulated DEG in DPSC-Exos-treated SGEC with a positive correlation with salivary secretion-related DEGs. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly attributed to estrogen 16 alpha-hydroxylase activity, extracellular exosome function, cAMP signaling, salivary secretion, and estrogen signaling. Intravenous injection of DPSC-Exos in NOD/ltj mice alleviated the SS syndrome as indicated by the increased salivary flow rate, attenuated glandular inflammation, and increased AQP5 expression. GPER was also upregulated in the salivary gland of DPSC-Exos-treated NOD/ltj mice compared with the PBS-treated NOD/ltj mice. IFN-γ+DPSC-Exos-treated SGEC showed higher expression of AQP5, p-PKA, cAMP, and intracellular Ca2+ levels compared with IFN-γ-treated SGEC. These effects were reversed by the inhibition of GPER.ConclusionsOur results showed that DPSC-Exos revitalize salivary gland epithelial cell function during SS via the GPER-mediated cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway suggesting the possible therapeutic potential of DPSC-Exos in SS-treatment.

Protein Profiling of Hirudo orientalis During Different Seasons for Obtaining Accurate Results in Leech Therapy

Objective: Leech therapy has been used for centuries as a recommended approach to cure several diseases, such as; psoriasis, arthrosclerosis, urinary tract diseases, and wound healing. The present study aimed to analyze the number, quantity, and distribution differences of medicinal leech (Hirudo orientalis) proteins throughout various seasons and in laboratory conditions as well. Methods: Protein profiling of salivary gland secretion from leech was studied by SDS-PAGE and 2D Electrophoresis on the proteins with the molecular weight range of 5 - 250 KDa in the lyophilized salivary gland secretion (SGS) during the seasons of summer and winter, and also in the laboratory conditions. Results: Our results indicated differences in the number and quality of leech saliva proteins in different seasons. We observed a higher number of proteins in summer than in winter. These results demonstrated the presence of Calin and Manillase in summer and Hyaluronidase and Collagenase in winter. Conclusion: This study could help us in choosing the best and most favorable conditions for using H. orientalis proteins for the treatment of different diseases.

0311 Partial blue light blocking glasses advanced sleep phase but did not alter salivary melatonin secretion in Japanese schoolchildren

Abstract Introduction A late bedtime is one of the most common characteristics of sleep habits in modern society. This is also the case for schoolchildren, with negative consequences for their academic performance. Light exposure at night, particularly blue wavelength light, was thought to delay bedtime, and melatonin suppression via blue light was considered to be one of the mechanisms responsible for the delayed sleep phase. Methods In the current study, we evaluated the effects of partial blue light blocking glasses (JINS Screen Lens Heavy [40%cut]) on salivary melatonin levels, sleep and circadian phase and daytime behavior (via actigraphs and questionnaires), with and without blue light blocking (JINS Standard Clean Lens) glasses in 39 male school children (ages between 10-12). The study design was a cross over design, with respective glasses worn for 3 hours before the habitual bedtime for two weeks, with a one-week washout period (with their own regular glasses) in between sessions. Saliva collections and questionnaires were performed during the first and second weeks of each session, with saliva collected -3, -2, -1, and 0 hours before the habitual bedtime. Actigraph data were collected throughout the evaluation periods. Results We found that while partial blue light blocking glasses had no effect on salivary melatonin levels, they did significantly advance the sleep phase compared to the non-filter session (bedtime: 22.03±0.08h vs. 22.1±0.1h, sleep onset: 22.26±0.08h vs. 22.36±0.10h, p= 0.04). The filter effects were most noticeable in the second week, where significant advances in bedtime (-0.12h, p=0.03), sleep onset (-0.14h, p=0.03), wake up time (-0.13h, p=0.02), and leaving-bed time (-0.14h, p=0.02) from the 1st week were observed, whereas no changes were seen during the control session (without filter). Along with the sleep phase advancement observed, daytime irritability and acting out towards siblings and friends were significantly reduced in the second week of the filter session. Conclusion Our results suggest that partial blue light blocking glasses advanced the sleep phase and improved behavior in schoolchildren, but that the effects were not mediated by changes in melatonin secretion. Further research into the mechanisms involved is warranted. Support (if any) This study was supported by Jins Holdings Inc (SPO236998).

Oral Problems and Related Factors in Elderly COVID-19 Patients in an Intensive Care Unit: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: Elderly individuals were more affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many complications, changes in tongue epithelial cells, and salivary gland dysfunction are associated with COVID-19. This study aimed to explore oral problems and related factors in elderly COVID-19 patients receiving treatment in an intensive care unit. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 86 individuals aged ≥ 65 years who received treatment for COVID-19 in the intensive care unit of a state hospital in western Turkey between May and November 2021. Patient’s demographic characteristics, chronic diseases, nutritional status, fluid intake, vital signs, and presence of secretion, intubation status, oxygen therapy, and blood biochemistry tests were evaluated. Eilers’ Oral Assessment Guide was used for oral assessment. The data were analysed using t-tests, one-way ANOVAs, Cox regression analysis, and Kaplan−Meier test. Results: The mean age of the participants was 72.93±7.91 years, and 60.5% of them were male. The mean length of stay in the intensive care unit was 8.55±6.54 days. Of the participants, 41.9% were intubated and 80.2% had at least one chronic disease. The mean Oral Assessment Guide score of the participants was 11.43±2.03, and 31.4% of them showed limited salivary secretion. There were significant differences between the mean Oral Assessment Guide score and length of stay, body mass index, intubation, continuous positive airway pressure treatment, presence of secretion, aspiration status, type of nutrition, and activated partial thromboplastin time value. Conclusion: Our results indicated that elderly COVID-19 patients, who were intubated, received continuous positive airway pressure treatment, had a body mass index of ≥ 35 kg/m2, received total parenteral nutrition, and had blood coagulation problems demonstrated an increased risk of deterioration of the oral mucous membrane as their length of stay in the intensive care unit increased.

Treatments of COVID-19-Associated Taste and Saliva Secretory Disorders.

Since the worldwide spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, treating taste and saliva secretory disorders associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a critical issue. The aim of the present study was to update information on treatments applicable to such oral symptoms and discuss their pathogenic mechanisms. The literature search indicated that different treatments using tetracycline, corticosteroids, zinc, stellate ganglion block, phytochemical curcumin, traditional herbal medicine, nutraceutical vitamin D, photobiomodulation, antiviral drugs, malic acid sialagogue, chewing gum, acupuncture, and/or moxibustion have potential effects on COVID-19-associated ageusia/dysgeusia/hypogeusia and xerostomia/dry mouth/hyposalivation. These treatments have multiple modes of action on viral cellular entry and replication, cell proliferation and differentiation, immunity, and/or SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced pathological conditions such as inflammation, cytokine storm, pyroptosis, neuropathy, zinc dyshomeostasis, and dysautonomia. An understanding of currently available treatment options is required for dental professionals because they may treat patients who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 or who recovered from COVID-19, and become aware of their abnormal taste and salivary secretion. By doing so, dentists and dental hygienists could play a crucial role in managing COVID-19 oral symptoms and contribute to improving the oral health-related quality of life of the relevant patients.