Unstimulated Saliva Samples Research Articles

Changes in salivary trace element levels correlate with periodontal health state of non-smokers, smoker and reverse smokers

Aim: The present research study was undertaken to find the changes in the levels of trace elements in saliva of healthy, non-smoker periodontitis, smoker periodontitis and reverse smoker periodontitis and to check if they can be used as a biomarker for easy detection of periodontitis. Methodology: Whole unstimulated saliva samples of the individuals were collected and processed to remove cell debris and mucous. Aluminium, copper, zinc, strontium, and chromium were analysed in the samples using an Agilent Microwave - Plasma atomic emission spectrometer. Results: Significantly higher levels of aluminium and copper were observed in the reverse smoker periodontitis group when compared to healthy group. The levels of strontium and zinc significantly decreased in reverse smoker periodontitis group. An antagonistic correlation between copper and zinc was observed in periodontitis groups. Interpretation: The present work shows that the estimation of different trace elements can help in easy identification of periodontitis and assessment of the severity of disease. Key words: Periodontitis, Saliva, Smoker periodontitis, Trace elements

Salivary Levels of Interleukin-17 in Iranian Patients With Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare immune-mediated rheumatic disease in which the skin, muscles, blood vessels, and internal organs are damaged through chronic inflammation. Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by T helper 17 (Th17) cells, and plays a critical role in many inflammatory conditions. This study aims to assess the salivary IL-17 levels in Iranian patients with SSc. In this cross-sectional study, unstimulated saliva samples were collected from patients with SSc (n=80) and age- and sex- matched healthy individuals (n=80). The salivary levels of IL-17 in all samples were measured using a commercially available enzyme–linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The mean salivary levels of IL-17 in patients with SSc were significantly higher than the control group (199.6±38.9 pg/mL vs. 112.7±39.4 pg/mL, P<0.0001). IL-17 in the patient group had a significant positive correlation with anticentromere antibody (ACA) concentration (r=0.875, P<0.0001). The salivary levels of IL-17 showed no significant differences between males and females. Based on the results, salivary levels of IL-17 could be considered a good marker to differentiate patients with SSc from healthy subjects. Considering the role of this inflammatory cytokine in tissue inflammation and its association with ACA concentration, IL-17 might be involved in the pathogenesis of SSc; however, further comprehensive studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Oral biofluid levels of Activin-A and interleukin-1beta in stage III periodontitis.

Activin-A belongs to the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily and is a multifunctional cytokine that plays a role in inflammation, immune response, tissue repair and regeneration. Proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) can increase Activin-A expression in various cell types. This study aims to evaluate gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and salivary Activin-A and IL-β levels in stage III periodontitis. 23 patients with stage III periodontitis, 26 with gingivitis and 26 periodontally healthy individuals were included. Full-mouth clinical periodontal indices were recorded, unstimulated whole saliva and GCF samples were obtained, Activin-A and IL-1β total amounts were determined by ELISA. Statistical comparisons were performed using non-parametric tests. Receiver operating characteristics curve was used for estimating the area under the curve (AUC). Periodontitis group exhibited significantly lower GCF Activin-A levels but higher IL-1β levels than the periodontally healthy group (p < 0.05). Gingivitis group had similar GCF Activin-A and IL-1β levels to the periodontitis and periodontally healthy groups (p > 0.05). Salivary Activin-A and IL-1β concentrations were similar among study groups (p > 0.05). GCF Activin-A level showed an excellent diagnostic performance (an AUC value of 0.82 with 87% sensitivity) to discriminate periodontitis from periodontal health. For the first time, this study demonstrated oral biofluid levels of Activin-A in periodontal health and diseases. Within the limits of the study, it might be suggested that diseased sites in periodontitis are associated with reduced Activin-A and increased IL-1β levels in GCF. Reduced GCF Activin-A levels and the accompanying increase in IL-1β might be associated with diseased sites in stage III periodontitis.

Oral Hygiene, Dietary Habits, and Saliva Properties in Relation to the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth Index of Dental Students: A Pilot Study

Background and Objectives: Caries development is associated with poor oral hygiene, inadequate dietary habits, quantitative and qualitative food content, and a high level of bacterial plaque. Physical and chemical changes in saliva composition and particularly changes in its buffering capability play a significant role in caries development. This study aimed to determine the predictors of poor oral health among a sample of second-year dental students. Materials and Methods: The oral health of students was estimated with clinical examination and the DMFT index. The interview included questions about demographics status (gender, age), a dietary habits questionnaire, questions about oral hygiene, and a demonstration of tooth brushing technique. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected to measure buffering capacity and pH. Results: Almost half of the students have a low level of caries experience (46.7%), followed by a slightly smaller number having a medium level (41.3%), while one in eight students (12.0%) demonstrates a high level of caries experience. Male students have a statistically higher DMFT index 5.7 ± 1.2 than female participants 4.5 ± 0.5 (p = 0.036). Significant predictors for the DMFT index score in students were milk [β-coefficient = −0.338, p = 0.011] and yoghurt [β-coefficient = 0.284, p = 0.040] consumption. All students brushed their teeth two or more times during the day, usually after waking up before breakfast and before bedtime. Most students (85.3%) apply the proper tooth brushing technique, with female students applying it more frequently (p = 0.038). The mean salivary pH was 6.9, while the mean buffer capacity was 5.8. Female respondents have a statistically lower buffer capacity (5.8 ± 0.5) than male respondents (6.1 ± 0.4) (p = 0.047). Conclusions: Dentistry students are introduced to good oral hygiene habits, especially female students, while dietary habits should be improved. However, one in eight dental students is at high caries risk. By assessing the level of caries experience, targeted strategies can be developed to promote, maintain, and enhance oral health among dental students.

The Effectiveness of Salivary Sampling for the Detection and Quantification of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in Periodontitis Patients

The objective was to evaluate using unstimulated saliva in detecting Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and to compare the saliva and subgingival and mucosa membrane occurrence of this periodontal pathogen in patients diagnosed with advanced periodontitis. Patients with advanced forms of periodontitis (n = 220; mean age: 54.03 ± 03 years) at stage III/IV were sampled. Unstimulated saliva, buccal cheek mucosa, and pooled subgingival plaque samples were collected. The identification of A. actinomycetemcomitans was performed using qPCR. A descriptive analysis and Wilcoxon test and analysis of variance were performed. A. actinomycetemcomitans was isolated from 28.18% of the subjects. A total of 660 samples were obtained, 220 from unstimulated saliva, 220 from buccal cheek mucosa surfaces, and 220 from pooled subgingival plaque samples. A. actinomycetemcomitans was isolated from 21.80% of unstimulated saliva, 19.50% of buccal cheek swabs, and 17.70% of subgingival samples. There was a statistically significant difference between the presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans in the unstimulated saliva samples and in the buccal cheek mucosa swab samples and pooled subgingival plaque samples (p &lt; 0.001). These results suggest that in advanced periodontitis, unstimulated saliva is representative of pooled subgingival plaque/buccal cheek mucosa samples and its use is adequate in the oral detection of A. actinomycetemcomitans in a cohort of patients with stage III and IV periodontitis.

ANALYSIS OF SALIVARY ORAL BACTERIA ASSOCIATED WITH SEVERE EARLY CHILDHOOD CARIES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Severe early childhood caries is a rapidly progressing form of dental caries that affects young children and is strongly associated with microbial factors. Understanding the salivary microbial profile in children with S-ECC is critical for developing targeted preventive and therapeutic strategies. Objectives: This study aims to analyze the presence of S. mutans, S. sobrinus and S. wiggsiae in saliva samples obtained from children with severe-ECC. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included children aged 3 to 5 years diagnosed with S-ECC, from January 2020 to May 2020. Ethical approval was obtained from Marmara University Clinical Research Ethical Committee and written informed consent was obtained from parents. Oral examinations were conducted under WHO criteria (1997), recording dmft and ICDAS II scores alongside demographic and feeding habits. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected using a saliva ejector and stored for analysis. q-PCR was performed to detect saliva S. mutans, S. wiggsiae, and S. sobrinus using species-specific 16S rRNA primers. Results: A total of 54 children (40.7% female, 59.3% male) with a mean age of 4.2 ± 0.8 years and a mean dmft score of 13.2 ± 3.2 participated in the study. All children were classified within the ICDAS code 5–6 group. Saliva samples from 52 children were analyzed via qPCR, revealing S. mutans in 96.2%, S. wiggsiae in 67.3%, and S. sobrinus in 26.9%. Co-detection rates were 66.0% for S. mutans and S. wiggsiae, 26.9% for S. mutans and S. sobrinus, and 9.6% for S. sobrinus and S. wiggsiae. No significant associations were found between S. mutans levels and the duration of bottle feeding or breastfeeding (p=0.207 and p=0.184, respectively). Conclusions: This study suggests that S. mutans and S. wiggsiae are prevalent in children with S-ECC, but feeding practices showed no significant impact on the quantity of S. mutans.

Atraumatic restorative treatment induces transient changes in salivary total protein and redox biomarkers in children with caries: A non-randomized clinical study.

This study aimed to evaluate if dental atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) impacts salivary total protein and redox biomarkers in children with caries. The study included 30 children (aged 4 to 6 years) with caries on posterior deciduous teeth, classified by ICCMS, attending a basic education school. Participants were divided into enamel (n = 15) and dentin (n = 15) lesion groups. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected before (B), immediately after (A), and seven days after (A7) ART. Analyses included total protein concentration, lipid peroxidation (TBARS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and uric acid (UA). The results obtained at different time points (B, A, A7) were compared between children with caries and between those with enamel or dentin lesions using a paired repeated-measures ANOVA, followed by Tukey's post-hoc test (p < 0.05). ART caused significant decreases in total protein concentration (p = 0.0146), which rebounded by the 7th day. TBARS levels increased (p = 0.0215) immediately after ART and remained unchanged until the 7th day. TAC (p = 0.0032) and UA (p = 0.0006) levels decreased in the saliva of children 7 days after ART. These changes were significant only in children with dentin lesions, not enamel lesions. ART temporarily alters salivary protein levels and redox biomarkers in children with caries, returning to baseline after 7 days. These findings highlight the importance of complementing restorative treatments with dietary advice and oral hygiene to ensure comprehensive caries management.

A technical note on the Kamranmeter; a manually operated device for measuring salivary spinnbarkeit.

The objective was to develop a manually operatable, non-electric device to measure salivary spinnbarkeit for research, clinical and educational purposes. A newly developed device, named the Kamranmeter, was built and evaluated in a pilot study, comparing the spinnbarkeit of unstimulated and chew-stimulated saliva samples from healthy volunteers. The Neva Meter, which operates on electrical resistance, was used as a reference standard. The study found no statistically significant differences between the two devices when measuring the spinnbarkeit of both unstimulated and stimulated saliva samples from healthy volunteers. We developed a hand-operated device to analyse salivary spinnbarkeit. The Kamranmeter performs comparably to the Neva Meter in measuring spinnbarkeit in saliva obtained from healthy volunteers. The Kamranmeter has potential applications in diagnostic tests involving saliva, such as assessing spinnbarkeit to evaluate conditions like caries and dry mouth. Moreover, it holds promise for broader medical uses, including fertility assessments, where spinnbarkeit is a key indicator of cervical mucus quality. Its ease of handling is expected to make it well-suited for research, clinical, and educational applications.

Salivary Markers of Oxidative Stress and Their Relation to Periodontal and Dental Status Among Children With Down Syndrome.

The current body of literature on oral health in individuals with Down syndrome (SD) presents contradictory information. Individuals with DS often have distinct oral health difficulties that set them apart from the general population. This study aimed to measure malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant status (TOS) levels in the saliva of children diagnosed with DS and explore their association with oral health status. A cross-sectional study enrolled 82 participants aged 7-12, comprising 40 children with DS and 42 controls matched based on age and gender. Diagnosing dental caries relied on the guidelines provided by the World Health Organization. Oral hygiene was examined with the plaque index, and gingival health was estimated using the gingival index (GI). To evaluate oxidative stress, unstimulated whole saliva samples were gathered to measure levels of MDA and TOS. The study data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). The p value for parametric variables was obtained using Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. In this study, there were no significant differences between the two groups regarding periodontal health and dental decay. However, children with DS displayed significantly elevated GI values compared to the control group (p = 0.05).Children with DS demonstrated significantly higher MDA levels than the control group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, DS children demonstrated a higher prevalence of dental caries in their primary teeth than their permanent teeth. Children with DS have comparable rates of dental caries to non-DS childrenbut show elevated levels of GI values. Furthermore, children with DS exhibit high levels of saliva MDA compared to their peers without DS. Future research should include a wider age range, additional oxidative stress markers, and factors like diet, lifestyle, and antioxidant supplementation. Longitudinal studies and quality-of-life assessments could offer deeper insights into the oral health of individuals with DS.

Metal ions released during canine retraction using fixed orthodontic appliance: Prospective clinical study

Background: Metal ions released from dental alloys pose a significant concern due to their potential local and systemic effects. One of these effects is hypersensitivity, particularly associated with nickel-containing dental alloys. Aims: to measure metal ion concen-tration in saliva during orthodontic space closure on a 0.019X0.025 working archwire. Material and Methods: Trial design: Con-trolled clinical trial. Setting: Orthodontic treatment was provided at the Postgraduate Orthodontic Teaching Clinics and saliva testing was performed at the Faculty of Chemical Engineering/ Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST). Methods Participants and interventions: Twenty-eight participants with bimaxillary proclination requiring extraction of all first premolar teeth participated in this study. Teeth alignment started with 0.014-inch nickel titanium (NiTi) archwire, then with a sequence of 0.018-inch, 0.016X0.022-inch, and 0.019X0.025-inch NiTi archwires, before 0.019X0.025-inch Stainless Steel (SS) rectangular archwire was reached. Patients were monitored monthly for a period of three months. Three unstimulated saliva samples were collected from each patient; before the commencement of treatment (T0), when 0.019X0.25-inch SS archwire was reached before space closure (T1), and one month after space closure (T2). Ion concentration in saliva samples was measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Results: Before treatment, iron concentration (53 Fe and 54 Fe) averaged 197.05 (64.35) mg/L and 425.48 (164.43) mg/L, respectively. Iron concentration increased during the alignment stage of orthodontic treatment (P&lt;0.05) with no sig-nificant increase during space closure (P&gt;0.05). Other investigated ions (Cr, Co, Ni, and Ti) did not show significant changes during orthodontic treatment (P&gt;0.05). Conclusions: There was no increase in the metal ions concentration (Fe, Cr, Ti, and Ni) during space closure using a 0.019X0.025 working archwire and the Fe ion concentration increased in the initial stages of orthodontic treatment

Evaluation of the Relationship Between Salivary Adipokine Levels With Appetite and Anthropometric Indices in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between salivary adipokine levels, including leptin, chemerin, resistin and interleukin-6, with body mass index (BMI), waist and wrist circumference and appetite in patients with type 2 diabetes. In this cross-sectional study, 104 participants were divided into three groups: 35 diabetic patients, 35 pre-diabetic individuals and 34 healthy controls. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected using the spitting method, and salivary levels of leptin, chemerin, resistin and interleukin-6 were measured via ELISA. Appetite was assessed using a standard questionnaire, and BMI, waist and wrist circumferences were measured with a tape measure. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26, with a significance threshold set at 0.01. Significant differences were found in the salivary levels of leptin, chemerin, and resistin among the three groups (p < 0.01), but no significant difference was observed in the salivary levels of interleukin-6 (p > 0.01). Analysis also revealed significant differences in appetite traits among the groups, with the highest appetite trait observed in pre-diabetic subjects (p = 0.0002). The salivary level of chemerin was significantly associated with appetite traits regardless of diabetic status (p = 0.009). Appetite was also significantly related to BMI (p = 0.002) and waist circumference (p = 0.001) in all subjects. However, no significant relationship was observed between appetite and fasting plasma glucose or HbA1c levels (p > 0.01). The results of this study indicate that salivary levels of certain adipokines, such as leptin, chemerin and resistin, may be significantly higher in diabetic patients, although this is not true for all adipokines. While pre-diabetic patients exhibited a higher level of appetite, no positive correlation was found between salivary adipokine levels (except chemerin) and appetite or anthropometric characteristics, irrespective of diabetic status.

The effects of pregnancy on oral health, salivary ph and flow rate

BackgroundThe frequent occurrence of dental caries and periodontal diseases in women during pregnancy may be due to many factors, such as salivary variables. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of pregnancy on salivary pH, flow rate, the DMFT index, and CPI sores.MethodsA total of 198 volunteers (pregnant in different trimesters and non- pregnant) were included for the present observational cross-sectional study. Data about sociodemographic characteristics and dental and systemic health conditions were recorded. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected for 5 min via the spitting method. The pH of the saliva was measured by a portable pH meter. The salivary flow rate was determined by the weight measurement method. The DMFT index and CPI were determined. The statistical evaluation was performed using Robust ve Poisson Regression analyses (p < 0.05).ResultsIt was determined that there was a gradually significant decrease in the Ph value from the first trimester to the third trimester during pregnancy, which was lower than the control group. (p < 0.001) The flow rate of pregnants in their third trimester was lower than that of first trimester (p = 0.017). The CPI scores of pregnant women were significantly greater than that of non-pregnants (p = 0.042), while the DMFTs were similar among all groups.ConclusionOur findings indicate that pregnancy leads to a notable reduction in unstimulated salivary pH and flow rate, which also has a detrimental impact on periodontal health.Trial registrationClinical Trials-ID: NCT06343337; Registration Date: 04.01.2024.

Oral Microbial Changes in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Focus on Treponema denticola, Lactobacillus casei, and Candida albicans.

Background and Objectives: In this study, we aimed to explore the oral bacteria and fungi that can help discern oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and investigate the correlations between multiple key pathogens. Materials and Methods: Twelve participants (8 females and 4 males; mean age, 54.33 ± 20.65 years) were prospectively recruited into three groups: Group 1: healthy control, Group 2: patients with stomatitis, and Group 3: patients with OSCC, with 4 individuals in each group. Unstimulated whole saliva samples from these participants were analyzed using real-time PCR to assess the presence and abundance of 14 major oral bacterial species and Candida albicans. Results: The analysis revealed significant differences for certain microorganisms, namely, Treponema denticola (T. denticola), Lactobacillus casei (L. casei), and Candida albicans. T. denticola was most abundant in the OSCC group (5,358,692.95 ± 3,540,767.33), compared to the stomatitis (123,355.54 ± 197,490.86) and healthy control (9999.21 ± 11,998.40) groups. L. casei was undetectable in the healthy control group but was significantly more abundant in the stomatitis group (1653.94 ± 2981.98) and even higher in the OSCC group (21,336.95 ± 9258.79) (p = 0.001). A similar trend was observed for C. albicans, with DNA copy numbers rising from the healthy control (464.29 ± 716.76) to the stomatitis (1861.30 ± 1206.15) to the OSCC group (9347.98 ± 5128.54) (p = 0.006). The amount of T. denticola was positively correlated with L. casei (r = 0.890, p < 0.001) and C. albicans (r = 0.724, p = 0.008). L. casei's DNA copy number was strongly correlated with C. albicans (r = 0.931, p < 0.001). These three oral microbes exhibited strong positive correlations with each other and had various direct or indirect relationships with other species. Conclusions: In the OSCC group, T. denticola, L. casei, and C. albicans exhibited strong positive correlations with one another, further emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of the complex microbial interactions in the OSCC environment.

The Bidirectional Effects of Periodontal Disease and Oral Dysbiosis on Gut Inflammation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) flares can lead to excessive morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine whether oral dysbiosis/periodontal disease (PD) is common in IBD and is associated with disease activity in IBD. This single-center, prospective, cross-sectional, proof-of-concept, observational study assessed the frequency of periodontal inflammatory disease and interrogated oral and stool microbiota using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of active-IBD (aIBD), inactive-IBD (iIBD), and healthy controls (HC). Questionnaires assessed diet, alcohol usage, oral hygiene behavior, and disease activity. A subset of participants underwent comprehensive dental examinations to evaluate PD. PD was severer in aIBD subjects than in HC, as aIBD had poorer quality diets (lower Mediterranean diet scores) than iIBD and HC. Significant differences in microbial community structure were observed in unstimulated saliva, stimulated saliva, gingiva, and stool samples, primarily between aIBD and HC. Saliva from aIBD had higher relative abundances of putative oral pathobionts from the genera Streptococcus, Granulicatella, Rothia, and Actinomyces relative to HC, despite similar oral hygiene behaviors between groups. Our study suggests that patients with aIBD have severer periodontal disorders and higher relative abundances of putative "pro-inflammatory" microbiota in their oral cavity, despite normal oral hygiene behaviors. Our data are consistent with the potential presence of an oral-gut inflammatory-axis that could trigger IBD flare-ups in at-risk patients. Routine dental health assessments in all IBD patients should be encouraged as part of the health maintenance of IBD and as a potential strategy to decrease the risk of IBD flares.

Improvement of salivary biomarkers vitronectin and fetuin-A levels in periodontitis patients with coronary artery disease post scaling and root planing.

Two biomarkers that are gaining attention for their roles in the progression of both periodontal and cardiovascular diseases are vitronectin and fetuin-A. This study evaluated vitronectin and fetuin-A expression in saliva samples of periodontitis (P) patients with and without coronary artery disease (CAD) after scaling and root planing (SRP). Sixty patients were divided into three groups: PH+SH (periodontally and systemically healthy), P (stage II/III grade B periodontitis), and P+CAD (periodontitis with CAD). Demographic, periodontal, and cardiac parameters were recorded. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected at baseline (day 0) and after SRP. On day 90, periodontal parameters and vitronectin/fetuin-A expression were reassessed. P+CAD patients had higher age, weight, BMI, and lower income (p<.001,.025,.002,<.001, respectively), along with elevated plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, and reduced clinical attachment levels (p<.001). Vitronectin was elevated, while fetuin-A was lower in P+CAD, but both improved post-SRP (p<.001). Enhanced vitronectin and fetuin-A levels post-SRP indicate their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for both periodontal and CAD.

The Effect of Acute High-Altitude Exposure on Oral Pathogenic Bacteria and Salivary Oxi-Inflammatory Markers.

Background: The environment can alter the homeostasis of humans and human microbiota. Oral health is influenced by high altitude through symptoms of periodontitis, barodontalgia, dental barotrauma, and a decrease in salivary flow. Microbiota and inflammatory state are connected in the oral cavity. This study aimed to explore the effect of acute high-altitude exposure on the salivary microbiome and inflammatory indicators. Methods: Fifteen healthy expeditioners were subjected to oral examination, recording the plaque index (PII), gingival index (GI), the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S), and the number of teeth; unstimulated saliva samples were collected at an altitude of 1191 m (T1) and 4556 m (T2). TNF-α, sICAM1, ROS, and the oral bacterial species Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) were quantified. Results: At T2, slCAM, TNF, and ROS increased by 85.5% (IQR 74%), 84% (IQR 409.25%), and 53.5% (IQR 68%), respectively, while Pg decreased by 92.43% (IQR 102.5%). The decrease in Pg was greater in the presence of low OHI-S. The increase in slCAM1 correlated with the reduction in Fn. Individuals with high GI and OHI-S had a limited increase in TNF-α at T2. Conclusion: Short-term exposures can affect the concentration of pathogenic periodontal bacteria and promote local inflammation.

Oxidative damage biomarkers and antioxidant enzymes in saliva of patients with peri-implant diseases

Objectives8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) are commonly used as markers to evaluate oxidative DNA and Lipid damage in disorders including chronic inflammatory diseases. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) protect tissues against oxidative injury from free oxygen radicals generated by various metabolic processes. The aim of this study was to evaluate 8-OHdG and MDA levels, and SOD and GPx activities in whole saliva of patients with peri-implant diseases.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on a sum of 60 age gender balanced; peri-implantitis (n = 20), peri-mucositis (n = 20) and healthy (n = 20) individuals. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected and to determine the clinical condition of each subject; the plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), peri-implant probing pocket depth (PIPD), peri-implant presence of bleeding on probing (BOP) (with/without suppuration) and radiographic signs of crestal bone loss (BL) were measured. The salivary 8-OHdG level was measured using the ELISA method. SOD, GPx activities and MDA levels were determined spectrophotometrically.ResultsA total of 60 individuals had evaluations of 318 implants. In comparison to the peri-mucositis and peri-implantitis groups, the healthy group had significantly lower PI and GI scores (p < 0.001). The PIPD value differed amongst the groups, with the peri-implantitis group having the highest value (p < 0.001). Compared to the peri-mucositis and control groups, the peri-implantitis group had a significantly higher BL score (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The peri-implantitis group showed a significantly higher 8-OHdG level (p < 0.001; p < 0.001 respectively) than the peri-mucositis and control groups. Compared to the peri-mucositis and control groups, the peri-implantitis group had a significantly higher MDA level (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The peri-implantitis group had a significantly higher SOD level (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) in comparison to the peri-mucositis and control groups. There was no significant difference in GPx levels between the peri-mucositis and control groups (p > 0.05), while the peri-implantitis group had significantly lower GPx levels than the peri-mucositis and control groups (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionsElevated levels of oxidative stress in saliva may indicate the onset of pathological bone loss surrounding the implant and may be an indication of peri-implantitis.Clinical relevanceIn peri-implant diseases, changes may occur in the levels of 8-OHdG, MDA, SOD and GPx in saliva, which may lead to a deterioration in the oxidant/antioxidant balance.

Comparison of Oral Health Index and Salivary Levels of Calcium, Phosphorus, and Urea between Hemodialysis Patients and Control Group: Results of a Hospital-Based Case-Control Study

Background: Patients with end-stage renal disease are at risk of dental and periodontal problems. The aim of this study was to compare the oral health index and salivary levels of calcium, phosphorus, and urea between dialysis patients and the control group. Methods: Hemodialysis patients and a control group of outpatients referring to the hospital clinics were selected for a case-control study. Socio-demographic data and the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index were collected using a questionnaire and dental examination by a dentist, respectively. The calcium, phosphorus, and urea levels were measured in unstimulated saliva samples. Independent t test was used to compare the mean DMFT index, calcium, phosphorus, and urea levels between the two groups. Results: A total of 50 dialysis patients and 50 control individuals were included in the study. Compared to the control group, dialysis patients had higher mean DMFT index (mean difference [MD]: 7.7, standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.83; P&lt;0.001), calcium level (MD: 1.8, SMD: 1.22; P&lt;0.001), phosphorus level (MD: 18.9, SMD: 2.3; P&lt;0.001), and urea level (42.7, 2.81; P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Dialysis patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis had worse dental and periodontal status compared to the control group. The oral and dental health status of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) should be regularly evaluated and monitored.

Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) Spectroscopy Analysis of Saliva as a Diagnostic Specimen for Rapid Classification of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using Chemometrics Methods

Background & Aim Recent advancements in analytical techniques have highlighted the potential of Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy as a quick, cost-effective, non-invasive, and efficient tool for cancer diagnosis. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy in combination with supervised machine learning classification models for diagnosing OSCC using saliva samples. Methods & Materials Eighty unstimulated whole saliva samples from OSCC patients and healthy controls were collected. The ATR-FTIR spectroscopy was performed and spectral data were used to classify healthy and OSCC groups. The data were analyzed using machine learning classification methods such as Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) and Support Vector Machine Classification (SVM-C). The classification performance of the models was evaluated by computing sensitivity, specificity, precision, and accuracy. Results The samples were classified into two classes based on their spectral data. The obtained results demonstrate a high level of accuracy in the prediction sets of the PLS-DA and SVM-C models, with accuracy values of 0.960 and 0.962, respectively. The OSCC group sensitivity values for both PLS-DA and SVM-C models was 1.00, respectively. Conclusion The study indicates that ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, combined with chemometrics, is a potential method for the non-invasive diagnosis of OSCC using saliva samples. This method achieved high accuracy and the findings of this study suggest that ATR-FTIR spectroscopy could be further developed for clinical applications in OSCC diagnosis.

Role of Salivary Protease Enzymatic Activity in Saliva of Children with and without Early Childhood Caries: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Early childhood caries (ECC) is one of the most prevalent diseases in children worldwide. Early childhood caries is driven by a dysbiotic state of oral microorganisms, mainly caused by a sugar-rich diet. Additionally, poor oral hygiene or insufficient dental plaque removal leads to the rapid progression of ECC. Early childhood caries leads not only to dental destruction and pain in children but also affects the quality of life of the caregivers.Additionally, upon neutrophil activation at inflammatory locations, these proteases are externalized in an active state, aiding in the control of inflammatory and immunological responses. Any enzyme that catalyzes proteolysis reactions is known as a protease. Proteases are produced by human glands or derived from microbes in the oral cavity. Additionally, the oropharyngeal mucosae and crevicular fluids are sources of protease. This study is aimed at the estimation and correlation of salivary protease enzymatic activity in the saliva of children with and without ECC. A total of 50 children were included in the study, which was divided into two groups: group I (caries-active) and group II (caries-free)-each consisting of 25 children. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected and subjected to a spectrophotometer for analysis. Salivary protease levels were estimated and correlated between caries-active and caries-free children. The correlation between caries score and salivary protease activity was statistically significant with a moderate correlation. The comparison of mean salivary protease activity between caries-active and caries-free groups was statistically significant. However, the comparison of salivary protease activity based on different age-groups was not statistically significant, whereas gender and caries scores in group A were statistically significant. In conclusion, there is a substantial correlation between salivary protease enzyme levels and the severity of dental caries, and an increase in salivary protease enzyme levels is linked to a considerable rise in caries severity. As a result, prevention may be possible with early detection. Thimmegowda U, Kuri PN, Dhamnekar P. Role of Salivary Protease Enzymatic Activity in Saliva of Children with and without Early Childhood Caries: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(8):877-880.