Effect of Storage Time and Temperature on Salivary Total Antioxidant Capacity, Total Oxidant Status, and Oxidant Stress Index.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of short-term storage in two different temperatures on stability of salivary total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidant stress index (OSI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Saliva samples were collected from twenty healthy volunteers for the study. An aliquot was selected for immediate analysis and the rest was stored at -20°C and -80°C for a period of 120 days, and analyzes were performed at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 days. The determination of the TOS and the TAC were performed by colorimetric methods. RESULTS: The results show that the two storage temperatures were able to preserve oxidants and antioxidants up to 60 days with similar levels when compared with fresh samples. When comparing the different storage temperatures at each time point, no significant differences were observed. Finally, the OSI remains constant over time of storage at both temperatures without statistically significant differences between them. The results were expressed as mean ± standard error of mean. Statistical analysis was performed using the repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), the Bonferroni and t-test. A p-value <0.05 was accepted to be statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The two temperatures were able to keep salivary TOS and TAC levels similar to fresh saliva samples. Therefore they are reliable for assessing oxidative stress up to 60 days.

Effect of short-term mechanical stimulation on the salivary concentrations of vitamin C, vitamin E, total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status.

Oxidative stress biomarkers of oral and systemic diseases can be found in saliva. However, there is no uniformity for the saliva collection time in these kinds of analyses and saliva composition may change because of mechanical stimulation. Therefore, the aim of this work was to determine the effect of mechanical stimulation for 10 min on the concentrations of vitamin C, vitamin E, total antioxidants and total oxidants in saliva. Saliva samples from individuals of both sexes, aged between 18 and 38 years, were collected for 10 min at 2 minintervals. Saliva flow rate in each 2 min period was measured, as well the total oxidant state, the total antioxidant capacity, vitamin C and vitamin E concentrations. All analyses were performed in triplicate and were determined using colorimetric tests. The results were analysed using t-test, Friedman's test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures. Mauchly's sphericity test was applied and, if necessary, technical corrections were made using the Greenhouse-Geisser test. We found no significant difference between the amounts of saliva produced across the collection times. Total oxidant status, total antioxidant capacity, vitamin C and vitamin E concentrations remained stable. Based on our findings, saliva can be collected for 10 min or less with masticatory stimulation without any variations in the concentration of the variables analysed. However, we suggest using saliva samples after two minutes of mechanical stimulation.

Oral health status in children and adolescents with Fanconi anemia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the caries experience, dental care level, and oral hygiene in children and adolescents with Fanconi anemia. METHODS: Decay-missing-filled teeth index, restorative index and simplified oral hygiene index were examined in two groups of children and adolescents: FA, diagnosed with Fanconi anemia (n = 35) and a healthy control group, non-FA (n = 35). Oral hygiene habits were assessed through questionnaires completed by parents. RESULTS: FA group presents higher decay-missing-filled teeth index values, dental care index, oral hygiene index. Nevertheless, no statistical difference was observed between the groups. Frequency of visits to the dentist was higher in the non-FA group. Frequency of tooth brushing was higher in FA group and it was performed by the subjects without the help of their parents. CONCLUSIONS: No difference was observed in caries experience, dental care level, and oral hygiene in children and adolescents with FA when compare with non-FA.