Unstimulated Whole Saliva Research Articles

Salivary flow rate and decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) in female patients with schizophrenia on chlorpromazine therapy

Background/purposeThe purpose of the study was to investigate relationship between saliva flow rates, estrogen levels, and caries prevalence in female psychiatric patients under antipsychotic therapy. Materials and methodsSixty-one institutionalized psychiatric females (31 patients treated with chlorpromazine only and 30 patients treated with chlorpromazine and biperiden) were compared with 36 unmedicated healthy females. The unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) flow rate and serum estrogen were measured. Caries prevalence was recorded in terms of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT). ResultsThe UWS flow rate in the control group was 0.35 ± 0.18 mL/min and the DMFT 18.8 ± 5.7. In comparison, UWS flow rates were 0.25 ± 0.15 mL/min (P = 0.003) and 0.07 ± 0.05 mL/min (P = 0.000) in patients on chlorpromazine and patients on chlorpromazine as well as biperiden, respectively, and DMFT values were 22.7 ± 4.6 (P = 0.003) and 26.5 ± 5.3 (P = 0.000), respectively. Patients on chlorpromazine with amenorrhea had reduced UWS flow rate and estrogen levels with respect to controls (P = 0.036; P = 0.000, respectively). Correlation analysis revealed significant correlations between UWS flow rate and DT, DMFT, number of used drugs and estrogen level. ConclusionIt seems that chlorpromazine-induced hyposalivation included (apart from its antimuscarinic effect) a neuroendocrine effect which affected the estrogen levels.

Role of salivary epithelial toll‐like receptors 2 and 4 in modulating innate immune responses in chronic periodontitis

Chronic periodontitis is initiated by sequential colonization with a broad array of bacteria and is perpetuated by an immune-inflammatory response to the changing biofilm. Host recognition of microbes is largely mediated by toll-like receptors (TLRs), which interact with conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Based on ligand recognition, TLR-2 and TLR-4 interact with most periodontal pathogens. Extracrevicular bacterial reservoirs, such as the oral epithelial cells, contribute to the persistence of periodontitis. Human saliva is a rich source of oral epithelial cells that express functional TLRs. In this study we investigated the role of salivary epithelial cell (SEC) TLR-2 and TLR-4 in patients with generalized chronic periodontitis. Unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) was collected from patients with generalized chronic periodontitis and from healthy individuals after obtaining informed consent. Epithelial cells isolated from each UWS sample were assessed for TLR-2, TLR-4, peptidoglycan recognition protein (PGRP)-3 and PGRP-4 by quantitative real-time PCR. In addition, the SECs were stimulated in vitro with microbial products for up to 24h. The culture supernatant was assessed for cytokines by ELISA. Stimulation with TLR-2- or TLR-4-specific ligands induced cytokine secretion with differential kinetics and up-regulated TLR2 and TLR4 mRNAs, respectively, in cultures of SECs from patients with periodontitis. In addition, the SECs from patients with periodontitis exhibited reduced PGRP3 and PGRP4 mRNAs, the TLR-responsive genes with antibacterial properties. SECs derived from the UWS of patients with chronic periodontitis are phenotypically distinct and could represent potential resources for assessing the epithelial responses to periodontal pathogens in the course of disease progression and persistence.

The role of saliva in the persistence ofStreptococcus gordoniiin water

Introduction: Streptococcus gordonii is one of the pioneer colonizer of the oral cavity and may be isolated from dental unit waterlines (DUWL) mixed with saliva because of antiretraction valve dysfunction.Aims: The behavior of S. gordonii in tap-water and the influence of low saliva concentrations (0–10% v/v) on bacterial proliferation were investigated. We evaluated the effect of saliva on bacterial survival in tap-water in order to know if it could facilitate or not the biofilm formation in the context of DUWL.Materials and methods: S. gordonii’s (DL1) survival ability was evaluated in tap-water with or without saliva supplementation (0–10% v/v) at 20 °C and 27 °C. Whole unstimulated saliva (WUS) and artificial saliva (AS) were both tested in this study. A gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis was performed on filtered lyophilized WUS and the effect of each AS’s components were evaluated on S. gordonii’s survival.Results: S. gordonii survived in tap-water no longer than: 24 h at 27 °C and 72 h at 20 °C; water supplementation with saliva induced the bacterial inoculum maintained at 20 °C (>1% v/v) and enabled bacteria to survive up to 7 days at 27 °C (≥5% v/v). Various most simples structural artificial saliva’s compounds (both proteic and carbohydrate) seemed participate to this survival improvement.Discussion: Even if saliva contains some antimicrobial agents like lysozyme, it can also have a positive effect on S. gordonii. Very few information are known on saliva’s compounds responsible of this effect.Conclusion: Saliva, even in low proportions (1–10% v/v), was able to facilitate the survival of S. gordonii in tap-water. Several of its components seem participate on this effect.

Study on the Clinical Significance and Related Factors of Thirst and Xerostomia in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Aims: To analyse the clinical significance and related factors of thirst and xerostomia and to find methods to alleviate thirst and xerostomia in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Methods: Forty-two MHD patients were included for observational study and eleven patients were enrolled for crossover trial. Thirst was assessed by 100-mm visual analog scales (VAS) and dialysis thirst inventory (DTI). Meanwhile, xerostomia was assessed by VAS and xerostomia inventory (XI). Depression, kidney disease quality of life (KDQOL), salivary flow rates and inter dialytic weight gain (IDWG) were measured. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlations between continuous variables. The results of crossover trial were investigated by two-sample T-tests. Results: Strong positive correlations among DTI, VAS thirst score, XI and VAS xerostomia score were found (P=0.000). Daily IDWG was positively correlated with VAS thirst score (r=0.315, P=0.042) and DTI(r=0.391, P=0.010). UWS (unstimulated whole saliva) was negatively correlated with VAS xerostomia score (r=-0.308, P=0.048). Residual urine output was negatively correlated with DTI (r=-0.402, P=0.008), VAS xerostomia score (r=-0.461, P=0.002) and XI (r=-0.403, P=0.008). In the crossover trial, DTI, XI, IDWG2d, IDWG3d, VAS thirst and xerostomia score were significantly reduced by the use of chewing gum (P=0.000, 0.001, 0.009, 0.017, 0.038, 0.001). The VAS thirst score, DTI and IDWG3d were significantly reduced by receiveing straw (P=0.016, 0.003, 0.049). Conclusion: Thirst and xerostomia might affect the quality of life in MHD patients. Both chewing gum and straw could decrease thirst and IDWG.

Clinical and Histological Findings of Denture Stomatitis as Related to Intraoral Colonization Patterns of Candida albicans, Salivary Flow, and Dry Mouth

Multifactorial etiological factors contribute to denture stomatitis (DS), a type of oral candidiasis; however, unlike other oral candidiasis, DS can occur in a healthy person wearing a denture. In this study, we therefore attempt to explore the association between candida, denture, and mucosal tissue using (1) exfoliative cytology, (2) the candidal levels present in saliva, on mucosal tissues and on denture surfaces, and (3) the salivary flow rate and xerostomic symptoms. A cross-sectional study enrolled 32 edentulous participants, 17 without DS as controls and 15 with DS (Newton's classification type II and III). Participants with systemic or other known oral conditions were excluded. Participants completed a xerostomia questionnaire, and salivary flow rates were measured. Samples of unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) and stimulated whole saliva (SWS) were collected. UWS was used for fungal culturing. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain and quantitative exfoliative cytology were performed on samples from affected and unaffected mucosa from each participant. Levels of Candida species (albicans and non-albicans) were determined in salivary samples (expressed as colony-forming units, CFU), as well as from swab samples obtained from denture fitting surfaces, in addition to affected and unaffected mucosa. There were no significant differences in salivary flow rates, mucosal wetness, or frequency of reported dry mouth comparing participants with and without DS. Exfoliative cytology of mucosal smears demonstrated significantly higher (p= 0.02) inflammatory cell counts in DS patients, as compared with smears of healthy denture-wearers. Candida albicans was significantly more prevalent in saliva (p= 0.03) and on denture surfaces (p= 0.002) of DS participants, whereas mucosal candidal counts and the presence of cytological hyphae did not show significant difference comparing DS to healthy participants. In this investigation, we presented a unique group of healthy edentulous patients. This population may reflect the general DS population without systemic or other oral diseases. The prominent etiological factor for DS in this population is the presence of candida in denture and saliva. We found that other factors such as saliva flow/xerostomia, fitting of the denture, and the presence of candida in the mucosa, are less important in this population. Therefore, DS treatments in healthy patients should first focus on sanitization of an existing denture and/or fabrication of a new denture.

Oral fluids that detect cardiovascular disease biomarkers

The aim of this study was to determine the utility of oral fluids for assessment of coronary and cardiovascular (CV) health. Twenty-nine patients with preexisting CV disease underwent an invasive cardiac procedure (alcohol septal ablation or percutaneous coronary intervention) and provided unstimulated whole saliva (UWS), sublingual swabs (LS), gingival swabs (GS) and serum at 0, 8, 16, 24, and 48 hours. Concentrations of 13 relevant biomarkers were determined and correlated with levels in serum and the oral fluids. Concentrations of the majority of biomarkers were higher in UWS than in LS and GS. Coronary and CV disease biomarkers in UWS correlated better with serum than with LS and GS based on group status and measures of time effect. Seven biomarkers demonstrated time effect changes consistent with serum biomarkers, including C-reactive protein and troponin I. Changes in serum biomarker profiles are reflected in oral fluids suggesting that oral fluid biomarkers could aid in the assessment of cardiac ischemia/necrosis.

Saliva in Prader–Willi syndrome: Quantitative and qualitative characteristics

ObjectiveTo evaluate salivary flow rates and assess whole salivary total protein, MUC7 and cystatin in individuals with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) compared with healthy controls. DesignThe participants were forty-eight individuals with PWS (mean age 20.2±9.5) and an age- and sex-matched control group. Flow rates of unstimulated whole saliva (UWS), stimulated whole saliva (SWS), submandibular/sublingual (SS), and parotid saliva (PS) were recorded (ml/min) and unstimulated whole saliva used for further protein analysis. Total protein concentration was determined via the bicinchoninic acid method, and MUC7 and cystatin levels via a Dot Blot. ResultsMean UWS (0.12±0.11 vs. 0.32±0.20, p<0.001), SWS (0.41±0.35 vs. 1.06±0.63, p<0.001) and SS (0.27±0.19 vs. 0.50±0.29, p<0.001) salivary flow rates were significantly lower in PWS compared with controls. No significant difference was found in PS flow rate between the two groups. The mean total protein concentration (mg/ml) was 3.19±3.04 in PWS compared with 1.32±1.11 in controls (p<0.001). Median concentration of MUC7 (mg/ml) was 1.29 (0.11–10.85) in the PWS group, and 0.39 (0.03–2.22) in the control group (p<0.001). No significant difference was found in cystatin concentration between the groups. The output of proteins did not differ significantly between PWS and controls. ConclusionWith the exception of parotid saliva, salivary flow rates were lower among individuals with PWS than in their matched controls. Saliva protein concentrations in UWS were high compared with the healthy group, although the protein output did not differ significantly.

Quality assessment of saliva bank samples.

Biospecimens, such as urine, blood, saliva, tissue, cells, DNA, RNA, and protein, are biological material to be stored in a biorepository. They constitute critical resources of molecular data for basic and translational research integrated with diagnostic, therapeutics, and prevention of human diseases. The reliability of the molecular data is dependent on the quality and the consistency of the biospecimen being analyzed. The potential of human saliva as a valuable diagnostic fluid for oral and systemic conditions is being increasingly recognized. The aim of this study is to determine the molecular quality of unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) samples stored over a period of 1 to 5 years. UWS samples collected between 2006 and 2010 (20/year) and stored at -80°C were assessed for molecular integrity. The study was approved by the institutional review board of the Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis. Qualitative and quantitative measurements of salivary proteins were determined by gel electrophoresis and spectrophotometry. The salivary nucleic acid content was determined by the Nanodrop method and genetic analysis. The nature of the cellular sediment in the UWS was determined by amplification of specific gene. No significant differences were observed in the amount of proteins, nucleic acid, or in the number of viable cells in the UWS samples stored for 1 to 5 years. Archived UWS samples could function as excellent biospecimen resources for measurement of protein, DNA, and RNA analytes, and act as an efficient source for human epithelial cells.

노인 대상 입체조 프로그램의 구강건조증 개선 효과

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to confirm effects of oral exercise program intended to improve the condition of salivary hypofunction and to provide basic data for development of oral health program for the elderly Methods : The subjects were 125 elderly women who resided in Gyeong-In area and were aged 65 years and older. During a 2-month period, an oral exercise was conducted twice a week. A survey was conducted by interviewing the selected elders to determine the state of their subjective dry mouth. Unstimulated whole saliva was measured before and after the oral exercise program. Results : There was a significant improvement in subjective dry mouth symptoms, severity scores of dry mouth after the oral exercise, and there were affected by age and income level. There was a significant increase in unstimulated whole-saliva after the oral exercise program. There was positive interrelationship between dry mouth Symptom improvement level and inconvenience improvement level, and between inconvenience improvement level and the increase of unstimulated whole-saliva. Conclusions : This study showed the effects of the oral exercise program. It is suggested that this oral exercise program has positive effects on the condition of dry mouth. For the explicit improvement effect on the condition of dry mouth, the oral exercise program needs to be carried out in consideration of the elderly's general characteristics.

Assessment of some salivary biochemical parameters in cigarette smokers with chronic periodontitis

Background and objectives: Cigarette smoking is an important risk factor that has a clear strong association with the prevalence and severity of chronic periodontitis (CP). Salivary biochemical parameters may be affected by both smoking and CP together. Method: Eighty systematically healthy male, were included in this study. They were grouped based on their periodontal and smoking status. Unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) was collected from all subject. Salivary flow rate (FR) was measured during sample collection. Parameters such as salivary pH, total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), globulin (Glo), total fucose (TF), protein bound fucose (PBF) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were estimated. Results: Salivary flow rate was not altered regarding to periodontal health status. Salivary pH was lower in smokers than in non- smokers, while it was not affected by periodontal health status. TP, Alb and Alb/Glo ratio were higher in CP patients. Saliva Glo and TF levels increased in both CP and smokers with CP, while salivary PBF level decreased in both CP and smokers with CP comparing to healthy control. The concentrations of these parameters did not affect by smoking status except for TP. Regarding CRP, in gen - eral, its level was higher in smokers than in non- smokers, while it was not affected by periodontal health status. Conclusion: Both smoking and chronic periodontitis together affect some salivary biochemical parameters, thus the concentra - tions of these parameters could be used as indicators for periodontal disease progression and severity in smokers with CP. Both smoking and periodontal health status together should be taken in consideration when salivary composition is studied.

PH salivary analysis of subjects suffering from Sjögren's Syndrome and laryngopharyngeal reflux

Saliva is one of the components for the digestive homeostasis. Recent studies have shown that patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) present a drop in salivary pH. Patients with Sjögren´s syndrome (SS) are a potential clinical research model for xerostomia and its laryngeal and pharyngeal consequences. The aim was to evaluate the characteristics of saliva of patients with SS and LPR. Methods19 patients with SS plus LPR, and 12 healthy controls had their saliva studied prospectively for volume and pH. Two salivary samples were obtained from each participant: whole unstimulated saliva(WUS) and whole stimulated saliva(WSS) while chewing parafilm M®. All the participants were females. ResultsMean age was 60 years (study group) and 44 years (control). LPR was diagnosed on all 19 subjects. The mean pH of WUS was 7.53 (SS) and 7.57 (controls), raising to 7.87 and 7.83 respectively after stimulation. The mean salivary volume of patients with SS was 1.27 mL (WUS) and 3.78 mL (WSS), whereas controls had a significantly higher salivary volume both before and after stimuli. ConclusionA very high prevalence of LPR was found in patients with SS, which is probably caused by a uniform drop in salivary volume and all its contents, rather than a specific deficiency in its components, as shown previously in patients without SS.

Detection of single and mixed colonization of Candida species in patients with denture stomatitis

Aim: To evaluate the profile of the colonization by Candida spp. using presumptive identification to classify the patients with denture stomatitis as having single or mixed colonization, correlating with oral and systemic status. Methods: The CHROMagar Candida™ Medium (CC) for yeast culture and exfoliative cytology was used to identify colonization by Candida spp. and distinguish the different species of the Candida genus from patients with denture stomatitis (DS) and denture wearers without DS (control group). In addition, colonization was correlated with specific habits, such as tobacco and alcohol use, as well as with the use of systemic drugs. Results: Direct swabbing of whole unstimulated saliva (WUS) and palatal mucosa revealed colonization in 97.3% of the patients with DS. In the control group, 55.0% patients presented colonization. The presumptive identification found C. albicans as the most prevalent between both groups, respectively in 89.4% of the DS group and 40.0% from the control group. Regarding the nonalbicans species in the DS group, the most frequent were C. krusei (31.5%), C. glabrata (21.0%) C. tropicalis (15.7%) and Candida spp (2.6%). Smokers presented 90% of mixed isolates, and no C.albicans single colonization in the DS group, with statistically significant difference between smokers and non-smokers (p=0.0051). In the control group, the non-albicans species were C.glabrata (23.0%) and C.tropicalis (23.0%). The results of cytology from the DS group showed positive results in 22.2% of the cases. Conclusions: The use of CC was effective as a complementary method for the diagnosis of colonization by Candida spp. and DS, with the additional advantage of enabling a rapid presumptive identification of the specie. Smoking seemed to play a role in the colonization of oral mucosa by mixed albicans and non-albicans species. Mixed colonization seems to be more prevalent between patients with DS.

Saliva nitric oxide levels in relation to caries experience and oral hygiene

The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between nitric oxide (NO) concentration/rate in the unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) and stimulated whole saliva (SWS) with the decay-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) and simplified oral hygiene (OHI-s) scores. Forty adults were included in the study. Half of the participants ( n = 20) had high DMFT-OHI-s compared to the other half. UWS and SWS flow rates, initial and final pHs were also measured. NO concentrations in the UWS and SWS of high and low DMFT-OHI-s groups were determined using modified Griess reaction and NO rates were calculated. The two groups revealed no significant differences in their salivary flow rates and their initial pH. NO concentrations/rates in the UWS and SWS of high and low DMFT-OHI-s groups were not statistically different ( p > 0.05). There was no significant correlation between NO concentration or NO rate and other tested variables (DMFT-OHI-s, initial pH and final pH). However, a significant correlation was found between UWS NO rate and UWS flow rate ( r = 0.921, p = 0.0001) and SWS NO rate and between SWS flow rate ( r = 0.921, p = 0.0001). It could be concluded that neither NO concentration nor NO rate correlates with the dental status. As the exposure to any salivary component (including NO) depends not only on its concentration but also on the rate of production of such concentration, it would be of value when determining individuals’ salivary components to consider their rate values rather than their absolute concentrations.

Does hyperbaric oxygen treatment have the potential to increase salivary flow rate and reduce xerostomia in previously irradiated head and neck cancer patients? A pilot study

Irradiated head and neck cancer survivors treated in the Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, spontaneously reported improvement of radiation-induced dry mouth feeling. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate salivary flow rate and xerostomia before and after HBO in irradiated head and neck cancer patients. Eighty patients eligible for HBO treatment on the indication of prevention/treatment of osteoradionecrosis or soft tissue radiation injury were consecutively sampled, of whom 45 had hyposalivation (i.e. unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) flow rate <0.1ml/min), and 69 complained of xerostomia. UWS and stimulated whole saliva (SWS) were collected prior to and after 30 sessions of hyperbaric oxygen treatment over 6weeks. Xerostomia was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Each HBO session involved compression to 243kPa (2.4 ATA) for 90min while breathing 100% oxygen from a facemask or hood. There was a significant decrease in xerostomia (p<0.001) and slight increase in UWS (p<0.001) and SWS (p<0.001) flow rate, from before HBO as compared to after. Twenty-five of 45 patients with hyposalivation achieved an increased UWS flow rate after HBO. In 12 of these, the flow rates increased to levels not associated with hyposalivation. Patient-assessed improvement of xerostomia and slightly increased UWS and SWS secretion after HBO treatment suggest that HBO may have a beneficial effect on radiation-induced salivary gland damage.

Effect of orthodontic bonding steps on the initial adhesion of mutans streptococci in the presence of saliva

To test the hypothesis that orthodontic bonding has no effect on the initial adhesion of mutans streptococci (MS) in the presence of saliva. Hydroxyapatite (HA) and orthodontic adhesive (AD) disks were prepared to a uniform size. HA disks were etched with 37% phosphoric acid (HE, etched group). Some of the HE disks were coated with Transbond XT primer and light cured (HP, primed group). Transbond Plus SEP was applied to a third set of HA disks, dried, and light cured (SEP, self-etching primer group). Adhesion assays were performed using two MS strains in the presence of fluid-phase or surface-adsorbed unstimulated whole saliva (UWS). The MS adhesion patterns were examined by scanning electron microscopy. MS adhesion was influenced by the bonding steps and the presence of UWS. UWS treatment decreased MS adhesion. However, surface-adsorbed UWS resulted in slightly less inhibition of MS adhesion than fluid-phase UWS. MS adhesion was significantly greater for HE than for the other groups. There were interaction effects between the UWS treatment and surface groups. MS adhesion to HP and AD was significantly diminished in the presence of surface-adsorbed or fluid-phase UWS compared with adhesion to HA, HE, or SEP. The hypothesis is rejected. Our results suggest that MS adhesion is significantly influenced by the bonding procedure used, and the application of conventional primers for the bracket bonding can inhibit MS adhesion to tooth surfaces in the presence of UWS.

Treatment of severe drooling with botulinum toxin in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinson's disease: Efficacy and possible mechanisms

Objective. Drooling in neurodegenerative diseases is associated with social impediment. Previous treatments of drooling have little effect or are effective but with severe side effects. Therefore, there is a need to test new methods such as the use of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A). Material and methods. This open, prospective study deals with treatment of drooling in 12 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and three with Parkinson's disease. Injections of BTX-A (Botox) were given into the parotid (25–40 units) and submandibular (15–30 units) glands with ultrasonographic guidance. After BTX-A treatment, the patients were followed for 2 months with evaluations every second week by means of self-assessed rating scales for drooling intensity, discomfort and treatment effect, and determination of unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) flow rate, and inorganic and organic UWS composition. The treatment was repeated up to four times, but seven patients dropped out shortly after the first treatment due to marked worsening of their disease-related condition. Results. Drooling and flow were reduced (P < 0.05) 2 weeks after treatment, without side-effects. The maximal reductions during the observation period were 40% for drooling and 30% for flow. There was a systematic variation in flow during the observation period, with an initial decrease and then an increase followed by a second decrease. Amylase activity and total protein concentration generally increased with decreasing flow (P ≤ 0.03). Conclusion. Inhibition of acetylcholine release from postganglionic parasympathetic nerve endings by injection of BTX-A into salivary glands seemed useful for secondary sialorrhoea, although cyclic variations in flow may occur, possibly due to transitory sprouting and regeneration.

Salivary changes and dental erosion in bulimia nervosa

Our aim was to study if bulimia nervosa (BN) has an impact on salivary gland function and if such changes are related to dental erosion. Twenty women with BN and twenty age- and gender-matched controls participated. Flow rate and composition of whole and glandular saliva, as well as feeling of oral dryness were measured. Dental erosion was measured on casts. Compared with control subjects, unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) flow rate was reduced in persons with BN, primarily owing to intake of medication (P = .007). No major compositional salivary changes were found. In the BN group, the dental erosion score was highest and complaints of oral dryness were more frequent. The BN persons had impaired UWS, mainly owing to medication; increased feeling of oral dryness; and more dental erosion. Dental erosion was related to the duration of eating disorder, whereas no effect of vomiting frequency or intake of acidic drinks on reduced UWS was observed.

Unstimulated whole saliva flow rate in relation to sicca symptoms in Hungary

To assess the prevalence of xerostomia and the related oral and extraoral dryness symptoms in Hungary, to evaluate the association of those symptoms with the unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) flow rate, and to find correlation between the level of UWS flow rate and the oral health status of the questioned patients. A total of 600 patients between the age of 18 and 92 years, 265 male, 335 female, were selected in accordance with the current regional age and residence distribution scheme of the Hungarian Statistical Office. A questionnaire was designed to determine the subjective presence or absence of the sicca symptoms. UWS flow rate and the dental and periodontal status were determined. The percentages of subjective symptoms in the questioned subjects were oral dryness, 34%; reduced salivation, 11%; mucous saliva, 15%; dysphagia, 13%; glossopyrosis, 7%; dysphonia, 31%; dysgeusia, 9%; nasal dryness, 32%; ocular dryness, 21%; itching, 40% and xeroderma, 60%. Vaginal dryness was 14%, vaginal itching was 16% in the interviewed women. The grade of xerostomia, dysphagia, tiredness, and additionally the gingival bleeding index showed a negative correlation with the UWS flow rate. After all decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMF-T) mean values, gingival bleeding index and plaque index were significantly higher in hyposalivators, compared with those who had normal flow rates This cross sectional study, representative of the Hungarian population, clearly shows that one-third of the adult population suffers from xerostomia. The clinical severity of the xerostomia demonstrated a strong relationship with the lower levels of UWS flow rate. Reduced levels of UWS flow rate in this study were also shown to be associated with dysphagia, fatigue, and increased DMF-T numbers. The data show that oral dryness, its associated desiccation symptoms and its clinical manifestations are significant health problems in Hungary.

α-Galactosidase activity in human saliva

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate whether α-galactosidase activity is present in whole and glandular saliva and whether α-galactosidase activity depends on blood type and secretor status. Design For the first experiments, 30 healthy participants (15 men, 15 women; mean age, 24.2 ± 1.5 years) who were 10 A, 10 B, and 10 O blood type subjects were included. α-Galactosidase activity in unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) was assayed by using 4-methylumbelliferyl-α- d-galactopyranoside as a substrate. Total protein concentration was determined by bicinchoninic acid assay. The secretor status of the blood group antigens was determined by immunoblotting. α-Galactosidase activity in UWS according to gender, blood type, secretor status, sample clarification, and buffer was investigated. Daily variations of α-galactosidase activity and α-galactosidase isozyme activity were also investigated. For the second experiments, 10 healthy blood type B participants (5 men, 5 women; mean age, 27.0 ± 2.7 years) were enrolled. α-Galactosidase activity in whole and glandular saliva was investigated. Results α-Galactosidase activity was detected in UWS and was mainly isozyme A activity. There was no difference in α-galactosidase activity according to gender, blood type, and secretor status. α-Galactosidase activity in UWS was higher in unclarified samples than in clarified ones and showed wide daily variations. α-Galactosidase activity in whole saliva was significantly higher than that in glandular saliva. Conclusions α-Galactosidase activity which is mainly isozyme A activity was detected in human whole and glandular saliva. α-Galactosidase activity in UWS did not differ according to blood type and secretor status.

Exocrine function in primary Sjögren syndrome: natural course and prognostic factors

Objectives:Few studies have addressed the natural course of, or prognostic factors for the salivary and lacrimal function in primary Sjögren syndrome (SS). Except for the early stages, glandular function has...