Salivary sCD14 as a potential biomarker of dental caries activity in adults.

CD14 is a co-receptor involved in the recognition of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, the latter known to cause dental caries. The aim of this study was to determine whether soluble CD14 (sCD14) in saliva was associated with caries activity and the collection method from the saliva. The study included 55 participants aged 20 to 40 years, 30 with dental caries and 25 caries-free controls. We collected 110 saliva samples in total, 55 of resting saliva and 55 of mechanically stimulated saliva. Median levels of sCD14, measured with a matrix-matched enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), were higher in the caries-active than in the caries-free group in either resting (203.3 vs.167.9 ng mL-1; P<0.01) or stimulated saliva (201 vs.105.7 ng mL-1; P<0.01). The resting salivary flow rate was lower in the caries-active than caries-free group (0.61±0.42 vs. 0.98±0.52 mL min-1; P<0.01). Hyposalivation was observed only in the caries-active group (10 and 13 % in stimulated and resting saliva, respectively). Higher salivary sCD14 levels and secretion rates were clearly associated with dental caries and resting saliva. Future studies should focus on the clinical utility of salivary sCD14 as a potential biomarker and predictor of future caries events.

Caries prevalence in heroin addicts.

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of caries in patients who are heroin addicts and the effects of salivary flow and saliva pH on its prevalence. The study included 200 subjects (100 subjects diagnosed with heroin addiction as the test group and 100 subjects taking no addictive substances as the control group). In both groups, saliva status was established by determining flow rates and pH of stimulated and unstimulated saliva. The total number of dental caries cases was determined using the DMFT index and their more specific detection in the context of localization on the tooth using the DMFS index. The DMFT index was higher in the test group (mean 18.78) than in the control group (mean 5.32), with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.000). The highest caries prevalence in both groups was recorded on occlusal dental surfaces (44.70% in the test group and 16.20% in the control group). The prevalence of caries of vestibular dental surfaces was higher in the test group (9.40%) than in the control group (2.34%), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.000). A statistically significant correlation was established between heroin addiction and reduced production of unstimulated saliva (P < 0.001) and stimulated saliva (P < 0.002), as well as pH values of stimulated saliva (P < 0.001) and unstimulated saliva (P < 0.001). In conclusion, a higher prevalence of caries of hard dental tissue was found in the test group. The flow of stimulated and unstimulated saliva as was as saliva pH was lower in the test group.