Salivary Biomarkers for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Overview.

Oral Cancer encompasses an important faction of neoplasms of head and neck. More than 90% of oral cancers are oral squamous cell carcinomas. Ideally, this fatal disease is detected through a comprehensive clinical examination by the oral health care professionals. Regardless of the fact that the oral cavity is easily accessible, most oral cancers are typically detected at an advanced stage. This has attributed to lower survival rate. Saliva, an aqueous biological fluid is in direct contact with the oral cancer lesion. Hence, the abnormal DNA, RNA, protein molecules released by the malignant cells can be easily obtained from saliva. Saliva, being a noninvasive diagnostic aid can be an alternative to serum for early detection, monitoring post therapy status, prognosis of oral cancer patients. This article aims to provide a brief overview of various salivary biomarkers and their implications in oral cancer.

Estimation of salivary neopterin in chronic periodontitis.

Background: Periodontal diseases are the most common bacterial infection predominantly associated with Gram‑negative microorganisms that exist in the subgingival biofilm. Analysis of saliva provides a noninvasive means of evaluating the role of the host response in periodontal disease. Though salivary enzymes can be used as the biomarkers, neopterin has been recently used as one of the important diagnostic tools in the field of periodontics. Hence, we aimed to identify the neopterin levels in unsimulated saliva from the chronic periodontitis patients and compare them with the periodontally healthy subjects. Materials and Methods: Twenty subjects participated in the study and were categorized as the experimental group (chronic periodontitis patients) and control groups (healthy subjects). Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from both the groups for neopterin estimation. Neopterin in saliva was estimated using Shimadzu High Performance Liquid Chromatography with LC‑20AD pump system, equipped with RF‑10 AXL fluorescence detector. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were expressed as mean ± SD and analyzed using GraphPad Prism version 6.0 (California, USA). Statistical analysis was done by Student’s t‑test Results: The neopterin level in unstimulated saliva was found to be higher in the experimental group than the control group with P ≤ 0.05. Conclusions: The chronic periodontitis patients showed higher neopterin level in unstimulated saliva as compared to control. Hence, neopterin can be used as a potential biomarker for identification of the periodontal disease in its initial stage can help in preventing the disease progression.

Analysis of serum and salivary immunoglobulin M in patients with orofacial epithelial cancers.

Context: The physiological changes in the humoral immune system of patients with orofacial epithelial cancers (OECs) are considered key factors in the pathogenesis, prognosis, and management of these individuals. Aim: This study assessed the serum and salivary immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels in patients with OECs. Settings and Designs: This is a cross-sectional study of the serum and salivary IgM profile among patients with OEC and healthy controls. Materials and Methods: There were 78 subjects comprising 30 patients with untreated OEC, 18 patients with OEC receiving treatment and 30 healthy, age and gender matched individuals. The serum and salivary samples from the participants were analyzed for IgM using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay technique. Results: The mean value of serum IgM in OEC patients receiving treatment was significantly lower compared to untreated OEC patients and healthy controls (P = 0.01). However, the mean serum IgM among untreated OEC patients was not significantly different compared with healthy controls. In contrast, the salivary IgM level did not show any significant difference among the three groups (P = 0.06). Furthermore, there was no correlation between the serum and salivary levels of IgM among the subjects. Conclusion: The findings from this study suggest that serum IgM levels in OEC patients receiving treatment might be good biomarker while salivary IgM may not be reliable as a marker in these individuals.

Comparison of some salivary characteristics between children with and without early childhood caries.

Background and Aim: Early childhood caries (ECC) is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases. Saliva as a host factor plays an essential role in maintaining the integrity of oral structures. The aim of the present study was to compare resting salivary pH, buffering capacity, and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), calcium, and phosphate concentrations between children with and without ECC. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, samples of unstimulated saliva of 90 children (45 in ECC group and 45 in caries-free group) were taken with Scully method. The pH and buffering capacity were determined by pH meter. sIgA, calcium, and phosphate concentrations were quantitated with ELISA, CPC photometric, and phosphomolybdate/UV methods. Results: The mean resting salivary pH was significantly higher among children without ECC and the buffering capacity was significantly better among this group (P = 0.002). The mean sIgA concentration was significantly higher among the ECC group (P = 0.015). There were no statistically significant differences between calcium and phosphate concentrations between the two groups. Conclusion: The higher mean resting salivary pH and better buffering capacity found in children without ECC are probably the contributing factors that protect against caries development; but further studies are needed to understand the effects of saliva and its characteristics and components on ECC.

Determinants of oxidative stress and DNA damage (8-OhdG) in squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck.

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN) is a major concern of health risk in developing countries, such as India. Apart from genetic configuration, environmental and lifestyle factors, as well as poor oral hygiene, provide free radical-generating environment, which may contribute to the development of cancer through DNA damage. Materials and Methods: Here we ascertained the various oxidative stress determinants in diagnosed SCCHN patients with health risk addictions. This study further evaluated the incremental effects inflicted by these lifestyle factors on redox status. The study included 100 consenting SCCHN patients and 90 matched healthy controls. Salivary total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione (GSH), free radicals: such as reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) along with oxidative DNA adduct (8-OHdG) were monitored. Results: Our findings indicated altered salivary oxidant-antioxidant status in SCCHN. A substantial rise in ROS (~2.0 folds) and RNS (~1.4 folds), together with significant lowering in TAC (~1.2 folds) and GSH (~1.7 folds) was observed. The 8-OHdG levels were also found to be considerably higher (P < 0.001) in salivary cell's DNA of these patients. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate significant redox imbalance in cancer patients suggesting their paramount importance in the development of SCCHN.

A drop of saliva de-codes the mystery of hanging body.

A Forensic Expert sometimes asked to provide his opinion from the documents alone, particularly when the allegations were raised on the investigations, and the postmortem. Spot examinations were carried out by other doctor(s) and Forensic Scientists respectively. In the instant case there were allegations made on the fellow sports student, coach, and the investigating agencies all in connivance to pronounce the death as of suicidal hanging instead of murder. It is well known that the criminals first kill the person and then hang him to simulate it as hanging. Whenever, alcohol is detected in the blood than it creates a lot of doubts, which result into allegations from the relatives. Beside the examination of clothes, the injuries like ligature mark, their shape, size and location etc., thorough reviewing of documents & photographs plays a pivotal role in reconstructing the scene of crime. This has an importance in forming a conclusive opinion as to the cause and manner of death. In this paper, opinion regarding cause and manner of death to be of ante-mortem hanging was ascertained on reviewing the post-mortem report, photographs showing dribbling of saliva and Forensic Science Laboratory reports.

Saliva as a potential diagnostic tool.

Saliva is a complex fluid consisting of secretions from the major and minor salivary glands. Gland-specific saliva can be used to diagnose any pathology from the specific major salivary gland. Whole saliva has serum constituents that are derived from the local vasculature of the salivary glands and gingival crevicular fluid. Saliva, as a diagnostic fluid, has distinctive advantages over serum as whole saliva can be collected non-invasively by individuals with limited training using simple equipments. This review aimed to explore the diagnostic applications of saliva in systemic and oral diseases. Analysis of saliva can offer a cost-effective approach to screen for a larger population. Salivary analysis may be useful for diagnosing systemic oral disorders, as well as for monitoring hormone and therapeutic levels of drug.

[Comparison of salivary fluoride rate between primary school children using Kimia and Shahre-Darou sodium fluoride mouthwashes]

Using fluoride mouthrinses is one of the most effective ways for prevention of dental caries. For obtaining this benefit, the ministry of health has started using sodium fluoride mouthrinse in primary school children. The aim of this study was evaluation and comparison of salivary fluoride after using Kimia and Share Daroo mouthrinse. In this experimental study, 42 physically and dentally healthy children, used 10 ml of 0.2% sodium fluoride mouthrinse for 1 minute and then expectorated it. Unstimulated whole saliva [in five minute intervals] was taken in baseline, and after 5, 15, 25 and 45 minutes. 7 days after taking the first test, the second test was taken by using the second mouthrinse. After the collection of all of samples, the content of fluoride and volume of samples was determined and the results were statistically analyzed by using the 2-way repeated measure ANOVA. Fluoride concentration of saliva after using Kimia mouthrinse was 0.95 +/- 0.17 and 0.198 +/- 0.18 after using Shahre Darou mouthrinse. Fluoride concentrations of saliva after using mouthrinse, was not statistically significant between the gender and the two ages. Results of this study showed that no statistically significant differences of fluoride retention in children's saliva exist between the two Iranian 0.2% sodium fluoride mouthrinses

Relaibility of salivary testosterone measurements in diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of a non-invasive method [saliva] for determination or testosterone level in diagnosing cases of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome [PCOS], and comparing it with serum free testosterone. Fifty women with PCOS and 20 normal women as control group were selected for the study. They all aged between 23-35 years. For all patients serum follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] and lutinizing hormone [LH] were assessed by chemiluminscent assay. Serum free testosterone [FT] was assayed by Radioimmunoassay [RIA] and salivary testosterone [ST] by ELISA technique. BMI was calculated for all participants and transvaginal sonography to determine ovarian morophology and ovarian volume. The present study showed a significant positive correlation between salivary testosterone, as measured by ELISA, and serum free testosterone measured by RIA [P=0.001 and r=0.52]. Using the receiver operator curve, salivary testosterone was found to be more sensitive than serum [FT] [84% VS 66%] in diagnosing PCOS patients. Determination of salivary testosterone is a reliable method to detect changes in the concentration of available biologically active testosterone in the serum. Salivary testosterone provides a sensitive, simple, reliable, non-invasive and uncomplicated diagnostic approach for PCOS

La saliva y su importancia con referencia a la inmunodeficiencia adquirida / Importancy of the saliva with special reference to adquired immunodeficience

La saliva es una secreción que juega un papel muy importante tanto en la salud como en la enfermedad, oral y general. Lubrica y protege las estructuras orales y modifica la naturaleza de la flora oral microbiana u la composición química de los dientes. El papel de la saliva en la formación de la placa y del cálculo es de suma importancia y por lo tanto está intimamente relacionada con la caries y la enfermedad periodontal. Desde el punto de vista inmunológico ayuda al organismo y lo protege contra esas enfermedades

Concentration of salivary A, B and H blood group substances in relation to meals

400 volunteers were chosen for this test [200 females and 200 males]. Their ages ranged from 18 to 22 years old, they were chosen free from diseases [those not taking meals were neglected]. Blood grouping was done for all of them using simple slide method. In female volunteers the following percentages, 29%, 25%, 11% and 35%, were recorded for A, B, AB and O blood groups. In males the percentages of the same blood groups were 31%, 24%, 10%, and 35%, respectively. Secretors status using screening test was done for all of them [males and females]. The results indicated that 77.5% of females and 80% of males were secretors. Quantitative determination of A, B and H substances was done after 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours from intake of the last meal [breakfast]. The results showed that the best time for A, B and H secretions was after lapse of 2-3 hours from meal intake

Development of Eosinophilia in dogs intradermically inoculated with sand fly saliva and Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi stationary-phase promastigotes

Salivary glad lysates of the sand fly Lutzomia longipalpis have been shown to enhance the infectivity of Leishmania in mice. As shown herein, the simultaneous inoculation of Leishmania chagasi stationary-phase promastigotes and L. longipalpis salivary gland by the intradermal route in a group of mongrel dogs induced a statistically significant eosinophilia, in relation to dogs inoculated with Leishmania or with salivary gland lysate only. These dogs had no evidence of infection, in spite of the infectivity of the promastigotes when inoculated by the intravenous route

Determinación de streptococcus mutans en saliva (técnica de Matsukubo) en niños de instituciones infantiles / Determination of streptococcus mutans (Matsukubo technique) in children from day-care centers

Se estudiaron 60 niños procedentes de instituciones infantiles para la determinación de Streptococcus mutans en saliva, mediante la aplicación de la técnica de Matsukubo et al. (modificada); se recogieron datos generales, y de la exploración de la cavidad bucal. Se concluyó que esta técnica es de gran utilidad porque nos permite, de forma masiva, determinar el grado de infección por este microorganismo, además de detectar que existe una alta correlación entre el grado de infección por el Streptococcus mutans y la presencia de caries dentales. Es una técnica sencilla y fácil de realizar

Niveles salivales de teofilina en niños asmáticos: una alternativa para el monitoreo terapéutico / Salivary levels on theofilin asthmatic children: alternative for terapeutic monitory

Con el objetivo de evaluar la aplicabilidad del monitoreo terapeútico de teofilina en muestras de saliva, se estudió la relación entre niveles séricos y salivales de la droga en un grupo de 20 niños asmáticos entre 7 y 18 años de edad, en tratamiento con una teofilina de liberación lenta. En muestras simultáneas de sangre y de saliva extraídas en estado estacionario y 6 horas después de una dosis se encontró una relación lineal, con una correlación significativa (r=0,96, SD 1,4 mcg/ml). Si bien se obtuvo una buena correlación entre niveles séricos y salivales, la variabilidad del 56%del rango terapeútico, no ofrece la precisión requerida para estimar niveles séricos de teofilina a partir de niveles salivales

ABO blood groups in natural populations of callitrichidae (Platyrrhini, primates)

Foram coletadas amostras de sangue e saliva de 88 Saguinus fuscicollis weddelli e 47 Callithrix emiliae, capturados às margens do rio Jamari (Rondônia), e 35 Callithrix jacchus, capturados no estado do Rio Grande do Norte. A existência de substâncias ABH foi investigada em amostras de saliva, através do método convencional de inibiçäo da hemaglutinaçäo. As três espécies apresentaram-se monomórficas para o sistem ABO,s endo os indivíduos classificados como pertencentes ao grupo sangüneo A. Esses resultados säo semelhantes a maioria dos estudos realizados anteriormente na família Callitrichidae. As amostras de plasma foram utilizadas na detecçäo de aglutininas naturais do sistema ABO, tendo-se observado discrepâncias entre os fenótipos salivar e séricos nas três espécies

Aislamiento y caracterizaciónm de cepas de streptococcus mutaus en niños de 3 a 7 años de edad / Isolation and characterization of strains of streptococcus mutans in children aged 3-7 years

En este trabajo se realiza el aislamiento y caracterización de 40 cepas de Streptococcus mutans a partir de salivas de niños comprendidos en las edades de 3 a 7 años basándonos en el esquema bioquímico propuesto por Perch et al en 1974. En esta población estudiada se encontró que predominaba el serotipo c y sólo se aisló una cepa perteneciente al serotipo b. Se muestran además las diferentes características y respuestas bioquímicas de las cepas aisladas

Alteraciones electrolíticas en la hipertensión arterial esencial / Electrolytic changes in essential arterial hypertension

Se determinaron las concentraciones de sodio y potasio en plasma sanguíneo, saliva y eritrocitos en 3 grupos de pacientes. Grupo A (n=27) normotensos sin antecedentes familiares de hipertensión arterial y grupo C (n=35), individuos que padecían de hipertensión arterial. Se encontró un aumento estadísticamente significativo (p < 0,05) del sodio y una disminución del potasio intraeritrocitario, así como un aumento del sodio y potasio en la saliva en el grupo C con respecto a los demás grupos estudiados. No hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos A y B en ninguno de los parámetros.

Diagnóstico de infección por citomegalovirus: estudio de un año, 1987 / Diagnostic of infection by cytomegalovirus: one year study, 1987

Se analizaron muestras de 33 pacientes (niños y adultos) con sospecha clínica de infección por citomegalovirus, para determinar por examen virológico (aislamiento e inmunofluorescencia) la presencia de dicha infección. Se obtuvo el 85 % de positividad de aislamiento del virus en dichos pacientes. La fluorescencia con anticuerpos monoclonales resultó de gran utilidad para la identificación de dichos aislamientos. Las muestras de orina resultaron más efectivas desde el punto de vista de la positividad que las muestras de saliva