ABSTRACT
Although salivary alkaline phosphatase [ALP] can balance de- and remineralization processes of enamel, there is no evidence regarding its effects on the concentrations of calcium and phosphate in saliva. The present study aims to determine the relationship between salivary ALP activity and the concentrations of calcium and phosphate in saliva. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated salivary markers in 120 males, ages 19 to 44 years. All participants provided 5 mL of unstimulated whole saliva and the level of enzyme activity as well as calcium and phosphate concentrations were measured using a colorimetric method. Data were gathered and analyzed by statistical package for social sciences [SPSS] 13.00 using Pearson correlation test. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean age of participants in the present study was 32.95 +/- 8.09 years. The mean pH of saliva was 6.65 +/- 0.62. Salivary parameters included average ALP activity [5.04 +/- 1.866 U/dL], calcium [4.77 +/- 0.877 mg/dL] and phosphate [10.38 +/- 2.301 mg/dL]. Pearson correlation test showed no significant relationship between ALP activity and calcium and phosphate concentrations in saliva [p>0.05]. According to the results of the present study, there was no significant relation between salivary ALP activity and calcium and phosphate concentrations in saliva. However, further research is highly recommended