Estimation of kallikrein in saliva of non-insulin dependent diabetic patients

ABSTRACT

Forty male subjects of age ranging between 40-60 years were studied. The subjects were divided into three groups Group I [10 controlled non-insulin- dependent diabetic patients], group II [10 uncontrolled non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients], and group III [20 healthy controls]. All cases were subjected to clinical dental examination [plaque index, gingival index, retention index], and biochemical study of the kallikrein level in the saliva. The biochemical studies of uncontrolled diabetics showed decreased salivary kallikrein level, which in turn decreased the salivary flow. This decrease was statistically significant. From the present study, it could be concluded that the decrease level of salivary kallikrein in uncontrolled diabetics due to its vasodilation effect on the salivary glands, as well as the salivary glands, may cause changes in the systemic conditions and reflect those changes