Clinical characteristics and salivary biomarkers of burning mouth syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical characteristics and salivary biomarkers in each type of burning mouth syndrome (BMS) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-eight postmenopausal female patients with BMS were included. Fifty and 21 patients were assigned to the primary and secondary groups, respectively. Twenty-seven patients with both primary and secondary characteristics were assigned to the intermediate group. Comprehensive clinical characteristics and salivary biomarkers were analyzed. RESULTS: Significant differences in age, proportion of hyposalivator patients based on unstimulated whole saliva (UWS), symptom distribution, severties of burning sensation and effect of oral complaints in daily life (Eff-life), and positive symptom distress index (PSDI) were observed among the three groups. The primary group had significant higher UWS flow rate, fewer UWS hyposalivator proportions, and lesser severity of Eff-life than the secondary group. The intermediate group had significantly greater intensities of burning sensation and Eff-life and higher PSDI score than did the primary group. The primary group had significantly higher cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels in stimulated whole saliva than did the secondary group. CONCLUSIONS: This study's findings show that clinical characteristics differentiate each BMS type. Cortisol and DHEA levels are potential salivary biomarkers for discriminating between the primary and secondary types of BMS.

Effects of Zinc Compounds on the Enzymatic Activities of Lysozyme and Peroxidase and Their Antifungal Activities.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of zinc compounds on the enzymatic activities of lysozyme, peroxidase, and the glucose oxidase-mediated peroxidase (GO-PO) system and their antifungal activities. Four different zinc compounds (zinc chloride, gluconate, lactate, and sulfate) were incubated with hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL), bovine lactoperoxidase (bLPO), the GO-PO system, and human unstimulated whole saliva in solution and on a hydroxyapatite surface. Enzymatic activities of lysozyme, peroxidase, and the GO-PO system were measured through the hydrolysis of Micrococcus lysodeikticus, oxidation of fluorogenic 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin, and glucose assay, respectively. Interactions between zinc and enzymes were analyzed by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and candidacidal activities of zinc compounds were examined against three Candida albicans strains. Zinc gluconate and sulfate significantly increased the enzymatic activities of salivary lysozyme in the solution assay and of HEWL and salivary lysozyme on the hydroxyapatite surface. However, all examined zinc compounds significantly decreased the enzymatic activities of bLPO and salivary peroxidase in solution and on the surface. SPR analyses revealed binding of zinc to lysozyme and peroxidase, with affinity differing according to the zinc compounds. The MIC of zinc compounds against C. albicans was 1.0-2.4 mM. Candidacidal activities were 17.7-38.8% and 23.7-47.0% at 1.0 and 10 mM concentrations, respectively. In conclusion, zinc compounds enhanced lysozyme activity but inhibited peroxidase activity. Zinc compounds exhibited concentration-dependent candidacidal activity against C. albicans. Zinc compounds are potential therapeutic agents for oral health, especially for geriatric patients.

Surface-facilitated formation of polydopamine and its implications in melanogenesis.

This manuscript examines influences of differently functionalized surfaces on the formation of solution-dispersed polydopamine (pDA). Glass vials functionalized with different functional groups provided a set of conditions with which the relationship between the area of active surface and the rate of pDA formation could be systematically studied. The results suggest that charged and polar surfaces accelerate pDA formation in solution, with the effect of -NH2 surfaces being exceptionally strong. In the vials, pDA formed as both forms of dispersions in solution and films at solid-liquid interface. Further analyses confirmed that both forms of pDA formed with -NH2 surfaces were chemically similar to conventional pDA synthesized without help of functional surfaces. Among short peptide-based amyloid fibers with defined surface functional groups, and those displaying lysines (-NH2) greatly accelerated the formation of pDA, consistent with the results of -NH2-functionalized vials. The results suggest that pDA formation may be facilitated by surface functional groups of solid-liquid interfaces, and have implications for the overlooked roles of amyloid fibers in biological melanogenesis.

pH-Sensitive Twin Liposomes Containing Quercetin and Laccase for Tumor Therapy.

In this study, functional twin liposomes (TLs) were designed by linking avidin-anchored single liposomes and biotin-anchored single liposomes via avidin-biotin interactions. Here, we first punched a hole on the liposome surface using the liposome magnetoporation method to prepare functional single liposomes, which were used for safely encapsulating quercetin (QER, as a model prodrug) or laccase (LAC, as a bioactive enzyme) inside the liposomes without the use of organic solvents; the pores were then plugged by pH-sensitive glycol chitosan grafted with 3-diethylaminopropylamine (GDEAP) and avidin (or biotin). As a result, single liposomes with QER and biotin-GDEAP were efficiently coupled with other liposomes with LAC and avidin-GDEAP. We demonstrated that the TLs could accelerate QER and LAC release at acidic pH (6.8), improving the LAC-mediated oxidization of QER and significantly elevating tumor cell death, suggesting that this strategy can be used as an efficient method for the programmed action of prodrugs.

Hypoxia-Responsive Azobenzene-Linked Hyaluronate Dot Particles for Photodynamic Tumor Therapy.

In this study, we developed ultra-small hyaluronate dot particles that selectively release phototoxic drugs into a hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Here, the water-soluble hyaluronate dot (dHA) was covalently conjugated with 4,4'-azodianiline (Azo, as a hypoxia-sensitive linker) and Ce6 (as a photodynamic antitumor agent), producing dHA particles with cleavable Azo bond and Ce6 (dHA-Azo-Ce6). Importantly, the inactive Ce6 (self-quenched state) in the dHA-Azo-Ce6 particles was switched to the active Ce6 (dequenched state) via the Azo linker (-N=N-) cleavage in a hypoxic environment. In vitro studies using hypoxia-induced HeLa cells (treated with CoCl2) revealed that the dHA-Azo-Ce6 particle enhanced photodynamic antitumor inhibition, suggesting its potential as an antitumor drug candidate in response to tumor hypoxia.

Transcriptome Analyses Identify Potential Key microRNAs and Their Target Genes Contributing to Ovarian Reserve.

Female endocrinological symptoms, such as premature ovarian inefficiency (POI) are caused by diminished ovarian reserve and chemotherapy. The etiology of POI remains unknown, but this can lead to infertility. This has accelerated the search for master regulator genes or other molecules that contribute as enhancers or silencers. The impact of regulatory microRNAs (miRNAs) on POI has gained attention; however, their regulatory function in this condition is not well known. RNA sequencing was performed at four stages, 2-(2 W), 6-(6 W), 15-(15 W), and 20-(20 W) weeks, on ovarian tissue samples and 5058 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Gene expression and enrichment were analyzed based on the gene ontology and KEGG databases, and their association with other proteins was assessed using the STRING database. Gene set enrichment analysis was performed to identify the key target genes. The DEGs were most highly enriched in 6 W and 15 W groups. Figla, GDF9, Nobox, and Pou51 were significantly in-creased at 2 W compared with levels at 6 W and 20 W, whereas the expression of Foxo1, Inha, and Taf4b was significantly de-creased at 20 W. Ccnd2 and Igf1 expression was maintained at similar levels in each stage. In total, 27 genes were upregulated and 26 genes interacted with miRNAs; moreover, stage-specific upregulated and downregulated interactions were demonstrated. Increased and decreased miRNAs were identified at each stage in the ovaries. The constitutively expressed genes, Ccnd2 and Igf1, were identified as the major targets of many miRNAs (p < 0.05), and Fshr and Foxo3 interacted with miRNAs, namely mmu-miR-670-3p and mmu-miR-153-3p. miR-26a-5p interacted with Piwil2, and its target genes were downregulated in the 20 W mouse ovary. In this study, we aimed to identify key miRNAs and their target genes encompassing the reproductive span of mouse ovaries using mRNA and miRNA sequencing. These results indicated that gene sets are regulated in the reproductive stage-specific manner via interaction with miRNAs. Furthermore, consistent expression of Ccnd2 and Igf1 is considered crucial for the ovarian reserve and is regulated by many interactive miRNAs.

Epigenetic Regulation of Cardiomyocyte Differentiation from Embryonic and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells.

With the intent to achieve the best modalities for myocardial cell therapy, different cell types are being evaluated as potent sources for differentiation into cardiomyocytes. Embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells have great potential for future progress in the treatment of myocardial diseases. We reviewed aspects of epigenetic mechanisms that play a role in the differentiation of these cells into cardiomyocytes. Cardiomyocytes proliferate during fetal life, and after birth, they undergo permanent terminal differentiation. Upregulation of cardiac-specific genes in adults induces hypertrophy due to terminal differentiation. The repression or expression of these genes is controlled by chromatin structural and epigenetic changes. However, few studies have reviewed and analyzed the epigenetic aspects of the differentiation of embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells into cardiac lineage cells. In this review, we focus on the current knowledge of epigenetic regulation of cardiomyocyte proliferation and differentiation from embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells through histone modification and microRNAs, the maintenance of pluripotency, and its alteration during cardiac lineage differentiation.

Endosomal pH-Responsive Fe-Based Hyaluronate Nanoparticles for Doxorubicin Delivery.

In this study, we report pH-responsive metal-based biopolymer nanoparticles (NPs) for tumor-specific chemotherapy. Here, aminated hyaluronic acid (aHA) coupled with 2,3-dimethylmaleic anhydride (DMA, as a pH-responsive moiety) (aHA-DMA) was electrostatically complexed with ferrous chloride tetrahydrate (FeCl2/4H2O, as a chelating metal) and doxorubicin (DOX, as an antitumor drug model), producing DOX-loaded Fe-based hyaluronate nanoparticles (DOX@aHA-DMA/Fe NPs). Importantly, the DOX@aHA-DMA/Fe NPs improved tumor cellular uptake due to HA-mediated endocytosis for tumor cells overexpressing CD44 receptors. As a result, the average fluorescent DOX intensity observed in MDA-MB-231 cells (with CD44 receptors) was ~7.9 × 102 (DOX@HA/Fe NPs, without DMA), ~8.1 × 102 (DOX@aHA-DMA0.36/Fe NPs), and ~9.3 × 102 (DOX@aHA-DMA0.60/Fe NPs). Furthermore, the DOX@aHA-DMA/Fe NPs were destabilized due to ionic repulsion between Fe2+ and DMA-detached aHA (i.e., positively charged free aHA) in the acidic environment of tumor cells. This event accelerated the release of DOX from the destabilized NPs. Our results suggest that these NPs can be promising tumor-targeting drug carriers responding to acidic endosomal pH.

Comparison of Genetically Engineered Immunodeficient Animal Models for Nonclinical Testing of Stem Cell Therapies.

For the recovery or replacement of dysfunctional cells and tissue-the goal of stem cell research-successful engraftment of transplanted cells and tissues are essential events. The event is largely dependent on the immune rejection of the recipient; therefore, the immunogenic evaluation of candidate cells or tissues in immunodeficient animals is important. Understanding the immunodeficient system can provide insights into the generation and use of immunodeficient animal models, presenting a unique system to explore the capabilities of the innate immune system. In this review, we summarize various immunodeficient animal model systems with different target genes as valuable tools for biomedical research. There have been numerous immunodeficient models developed by different gene defects, resulting in many different features in phenotype. More important, mice, rats, and other large animals exhibit very different immunological and physiological features in tissue and organs, including genetic background and a representation of human disease conditions. Therefore, the findings from this review may guide researchers to select the most appropriate immunodeficient strain, target gene, and animal species based on the research type, mutant gene effects, and similarity to human immunological features for stem cell research.

Tumor-Targeting Liposomes with Transient Holes Allowing Intact Rituximab Internally.

In this study, the strategy of transient generation of holes in the liposome surface has been shown to enable safe encapsulation of a high-molecular weight antibody (rituximab, Mw ∼140 kDa) within liposomes. These transient holes generated using our magnetoporation method allowed rituximab to safely enter the liposomes, and then the holes were plugged using hyaluronic acid grafted with 3-diethylaminopropylamine (DEAP). In the tumor microenvironment, the resulting liposomal rituximab was destabilized because of the ionization of the DEAP moiety at the acidic pH 6.5, resulting in extensive release of rituximab. Consequently, the rituximab released from the liposomes accumulated at high levels in tumors and bound to the CD20 receptors overexpressed on Burkitt lymphoma Ramos cells. This event led to significant enhancement in tumor cell ablation through rituximab-mediated complement-dependent cytotoxicity and Bcl-2 signaling inhibition-induced cell apoptosis.

Transferrin-Conjugated pH-Responsive γ-Cyclodextrin Nanoparticles for Antitumoral Topotecan Delivery.

In this study, we developed γ-cyclodextrin-based multifunctional nanoparticles (NPs) for tumor-targeted therapy. The NPs were self-assembled using a γ-cyclodextrin (γCD) coupled with phenylacetic acid (PA), 2,3-dimethylmaleic anhydride (DMA), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), and transferrin (Tf), termed γCDP-(DMA/PEG-Tf) NPs. These γCDP-(DMA/PEG-Tf) NPs are effective in entrapping topotecan (TPT, as a model antitumor drug) resulting from the ionic interaction between pH-responsive DMA and TPT or the host-guest interaction between γCDP and TPT. More importantly, the γCDP-(DMA/PEG-Tf) NPs can induce ionic repulsion at an endosomal pH (~6.0) resulting from the chemical detachment of DMA from γCDP, which is followed by extensive TPT release. We demonstrated that γCDP-(DMA/PEG-Tf) NPs led to a significant increase in cellular uptake and MDA-MB-231 tumor cell death. In vivo animal studies using an MDA-MB-231 tumor xenografted mice model supported the finding that γCDP-(DMA/PEG-Tf) NPs are effective carriers of TPT to Tf receptor-positive MDA-MB-231 tumor cells, promoting drug uptake into the tumors through the Tf ligand-mediated endocytic pathway and increasing their toxicity due to DMA-mediated cytosolic TPT delivery.

Energy-resolved distribution of electron traps for O/S-doped carbon nitrides by reversed double-beam photoacoustic spectroscopy and the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(vi).

We report for the first time to our knowledge the identification of heteroatom-doped and undoped C3N4 with the energy-resolved distribution of electron traps (ERDT) near the conduction band bottom position (CBB) using reversed double-beam photoacoustic spectroscopy. The ERDT/CBB pattern is used to classify the type of elemental doping in C3N4, related to photocatalytic efficiency.

Viscosities of mixtures of hyaluronic acids with different molecular weights and their effects on enzymatic activities of lysozyme and peroxidase.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the viscosity values of mixtures of hyaluronic acids with different molecular weights and the effects of these mixtures on the enzymatic activities of lysozyme and peroxidase. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mixtures of high molecular weight (1 or 2 MDa) and low molecular weight (10 or 100 kDa) hyaluronic acids at different concentrations were used for viscosity measurements. Hyaluronic acid mixtures showing viscosity values similar to those of human whole saliva were used for enzyme experiments in solution and on hydroxyapatite surface. Hen egg-white lysozyme, bovine lactoperoxidase, and human whole saliva were used as enzyme sources. Lysozyme activity was measured by hydrolysis of fluorescein-labeled Micrococcus lysodeikticus. Peroxidase activity was measured by oxidation of fluorogenic 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein to fluorescing 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein. RESULTS: The mixtures of 1 MDa (0.5 mg/mL) or 2 MDa (0.2 mg/mL) hyaluronic acid with 10 kDa (2.0 mg/mL) or 100 kDa (0.1 mg/mL) hyaluronic acid had viscosity values similar to those of human whole saliva at shear rates, reflecting normal oral functions. Compared with single molecular weight hyaluronic acids, these mixtures showed viscosity values more similar to those of human whole saliva. The mixtures inhibited lysozyme and peroxidase activities on the hydroxyapatite surfaces; however, the degree of inhibition did not differ from that of hyaluronic acid of 1 or 2 MDa only. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with single molecular weight hyaluronic acids, hyaluronic acid mixtures showed viscosity values more similar to those of human whole saliva, without additional inhibitory effects on lysozyme and peroxidase activities. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hyaluronic acid mixtures offer distinct advantages for the development of saliva substitutes.

Multifaceted Influences of Melanin-Like Particles on Amyloid-beta Aggregation.

The properties of eumelanin-like particles (EMPs) and pheomelanin-like particles (PMPs) in regulating the process of amyloid formation of amyloid-beta 42 (Aß42) were examined. EMPs and PMPs are effective both in interfering with amyloid aggregation of Aß42 and in remodeling matured Αß42 fibers. The results suggest that some (but not all) molecular species consisting of melanin-like particles (MPs) are responsible for their inhibiting property toward amyloid formation, and the influence is likely manifested by long-range interactions. Incubating preformed Aß42 fibers with catechols or MPs leads to the formation of mesh-like, interconnected Aß42 fibers encapsulated with melanin-like material. MPs are kinetically more effective than catechol monomers in this process, and a detailed investigation reveals that 4,5-dihydroxyindole, a major intermediate in the formation of melanin-like species, and its derivatives are mainly responsible for remodeling amyloid fibers.

Genetic and physiological analyses of root cracking in radish (Raphanus sativus L.).

KEY MESSAGE: A major QTL conferring tolerance to radish (Raphanus sativus) root cracking was mapped for the first time and two calcium regulatory genes were identified that positively associated with the cracking phenomenon. Root cracking is a severe physiological disorder that significantly decreases the yield and commercial value of radish. The genetic and physiological mechanisms underlying this root cracking disorder have not been characterized. In this study, quantitative trait loci (QTLs) putatively associated with radish root cracking were mapped. Ten QTLs were distributed in six linkage groups, among these QTLs, 'RCr1' in LG1 was detected over 3 consecutive years and was considered to be a major QTL for root cracking. The QTL 'RCr1' was responsible for 4.47-18.11% of variance in the root cracking phenotype. We subsequently identified two candidate genes, RsANNAT and RsCDPK. Both genes encode proteins involved in calcium binding, ion transport, and Ca2+ signal transduction, which are important for regulating plant development and adaptations to the environment. These genes were co-localized to the major QTL region. Additionally, we analyzed physiological changes (i.e., root firmness, cell wall content, and cell-wall-bound calcium content) in two parental lines during different developmental stages. Moreover, we observed that the RsANNAT and RsCDPK expression levels are positively correlated with Ca2+ contents in the roots of the cracking-tolerant '835' cultivar. Thus, these genes may influence root cracking. The data provided herein may support the useful information to understand root cracking behavior in radish and may enable breeders to develop new cultivars exhibiting increased tolerance to root and fruit cracking.

Salivary biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in healthy adults.

OBJECTIVES: Diagnostic value of saliva depends on the reproducibility of data in repeatedly collected samples and predictable correlations between saliva and blood. We aimed to investigate the reliability, blood reflectance, and influence of blood contamination in the analysis of inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in saliva samples. DESIGN: In total, 37 healthy young male participants (26.7 ± 2.2 years) were included. Unstimulated whole saliva and blood samples were collected on the first visit, and saliva samples were collected again after 2-3 days. The concentrations of total protein and inflammatory [C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α] and oxidative stress [8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)] biomarkers in saliva and blood, and as well as blood contamination biomarkers (transferrin and hemoglobin) in saliva were analyzed. RESULTS: The intra-class correlations of all examined biomarkers except TNF-α were fair to excellent. Significant positive correlations between CRP and IL-6 and between total protein and TAC were stable in the saliva samples collected on different days. Notably, IL-6 was the only biomarker that showed a significant correlation between saliva and blood. As the concentration of salivary transferrin increased, the saliva/blood ratios of total protein and TAC also increased. The concentration of salivary hemoglobin did not affect the saliva/blood ratios of biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study are limited to healthy young males. For clinical applications, studies on salivary diagnostics should be performed for individual disease and health conditions, demographic characteristics, and biomarkers.

Neurite Guidance on Laser-Scribed Reduced Graphene Oxide.

This paper describes a one-step, chemical-free method to generate micropatterned in vitro neuronal networks on chemically unmodified reduced graphene oxide. The suggested method relies on infrared-based photothermal reduction of graphene oxide, which concurrently leads to the formation of submicrometer-scale surface roughness that promotes neuronal adhesion and guides neurite outgrowth. A commercially available laser source (LightScribe DVD drive) controlled by a computer software can be used to reduce graphene oxide (GO), and its repetitive scribing to a GO film brings about gradual increase and decrease in electrical conductivity and neurite guiding ability of the scribed regions, respectively. Our results also indicate that the observed adhesion-promoting and neurite guiding effect originate from the contrast in surface nanotopography, but not that in conductivity. This method is readily applicable to diverse graphene-based biomedical devices.

CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Knockout of DGK Improves Antitumor Activities of Human T Cells.

The efficacy of T-cell therapy is inhibited by various tumor-associated immunosuppressive ligands and soluble factors. Such inhibitory signals turn specific T-cell signaling pathways on or off, impeding the anticancer functions of T cells. Many studies have focused on PD-1 or CTLA-4 blockade to invigorate T-cell functions through CD28/B7 signaling, but obtaining robust clinical outcomes remains challenging. In this study, we use CRISPR/Cas9 to potentiate T-cell function by increasing CD3 signaling via knockout of diacylglycerol kinase (DGK), an enzyme that metabolizes diacylglycerol to phosphatidic acid. Knockout of DGK augmented the effector functions of CAR-T cells in vitro via increased TCR signaling. DGK knockout from CAR-T cells rendered them resistant to soluble immunosuppressive factors such as TGFß and prostaglandin E2 and sustained effector functions under conditions of repeated tumor stimulation. Moreover, DGK knockout caused significant regression of U87MGvIII glioblastoma tumors through enhanced effector functions in a xenograft mouse model. Collectively, our study shows that knockout of DGK effectively enhances the effector functions of CAR-T cells, suggesting that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of DGK could be applicable as part of a multifaceted clinical strategy to treat solid cancers.Significance: This novel study demonstrates efficient ablation of diacylglycerol kinase in human CAR-T cells that leads to improved antitumor immunity and may have significant impact in human cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Res; 78(16); 4692-703. ©2018 AACR.

Effects of molecular weight of hyaluronic acid on its viscosity and enzymatic activities of lysozyme and peroxidase.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of the molecular weight of hyaluronic acid on its viscosity and enzymatic activities of lysozyme and peroxidase in solution and on the hydroxyapatite surface. DESIGN: Hyaluronic acids of four different molecular weights (10 kDa, 100 kDa, 1 MDa, and 2 MDa), hen egg-white lysozyme, bovine lactoperoxidase, and human whole saliva were used. Viscosity values of hyaluronic acids were measured using a cone-and-plate viscometer at six different concentrations (0.1-5.0 mg/mL). Enzymatic activities of lysozyme and peroxidase were examined by hydrolysis of fluorescein-labeled Micrococcus lysodeikticus and oxidation of fluorogenic 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein to fluorescing 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein, respectively. RESULTS: In solution assays, only 2 MDa-hyaluronic acid significantly inhibited lysozyme activities in saliva. In surface assays, hyaluronic acids inhibited lysozyme and peroxidase activities; the inhibitory activities were more apparent with high-molecular-weight ones in saliva than in purified enzymes. The 100 kDa-hyaluronic acid at 5.0 mg/mL, 1 MDa-one at 0.5 mg/mL, and 2 MDa-one at 0.2 mg/mL showed viscosity values similar to those of human whole saliva at a shear rate range required for normal oral functions. The differences among the influences of the three conditions on the enzymatic activities were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: High-molecular-weight hyaluronic acids at low concentration and low-molecular-weight ones at high concentration showed viscosity values similar to those of human whole saliva. Inhibitory effects of hyaluronic acids on lysozyme and peroxidase activities were more significant with high-molecular-weight ones on the surface and in saliva compared with in solution and on purified enzymes.

Relationships between oral MUC1 expression and salivary hormones in burning mouth syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate possible relationships among oral mucosal epithelial MUC1 expression, salivary female gonadal hormones and stress markers, and clinical characteristics in patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS). DESIGN: Thirty post-menopausal female patients with BMS (60.0±5.0 years) were included. Clinical and psychological evaluations were performed and the expression level of oral mucosal epithelial MUC1 was analyzed. The levels of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), 17ß-estradiol, progesterone, chromogranin A, and blood contamination were determined from unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) and stimulated whole saliva (SWS) samples. RESULTS: Salivary progesterone level had significant positive correlations with oral mucosal epithelial MUC1 expression level and with salivary cortisol and DHEA levels. The salivary level of 17ß-estradiol showed significant positive correlations with period of symptom duration, severity of effects of oral complaints on daily life, and results from psychological evaluations. Cortisol level in UWS and cortisol/DHEA ratio in UWS and SWS had negative correlations with severity of oral burning sensation significantly. The severity of taste disturbance had positive correlations with results from psychometry significantly. CONCLUSION: Dysregulated psychoendocrinological interactions might affect oral mucosal MUC1 expression and severity of oral burning sensation in post-menopausal BMS patients.