Assessment of the Salivary Concentrations of Selected Immunological Components in Adult Patients in the Late Period after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation-A Translational Study.

(1) The aim of the study was to analyze the salivary concentrations of lysozyme, lactoferrin, and sIgA antibodies in adult patients in the late period after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT). The relationship between these concentrations and the salivary secretion rate and the time elapsed after alloHSCT was investigated. The relationship between the concentrations of lysozyme, lactoferrin, and sIgA and the titer of the cariogenic bacteria S. mutans and L. acidophilus was assessed. (2) The study included 54 individuals, aged 19 to 67 (SD = 40.06 ± 11.82; Me = 39.5), who were 3 to 96 months after alloHSCT. The concentrations of lysozyme, lactoferrin, and sIgA were assessed in mixed whole resting saliva (WRS) and mixed whole stimulated saliva (WSS). (3) The majority of patients had very low or low concentrations of the studied salivary components (WRS-lysozyme: 52, lactoferrin: 36, sIgA: 49 patients; WSS-lysozyme: 51, lactoferrin: 25, sIgA: 51 patients). The levels of lactoferrin in both WRS and WSS were statistically significantly higher in the alloHSCT group than in the control group (CG) (alloHSCT patients-WRS: M = 40.18 µg/mL; WSS: M = 27.33 µg/mL; CG-WRS: M = 17.58 µg/mL; WSS: 10.69 µg/mL). No statistically significant correlations were observed between lysozyme, lactoferrin, and sIgA concentrations and the time after alloHSCT. In the group of patients after alloHSCT a negative correlation was found between the resting salivary flow rate and the concentration of lactoferrin and sIgA. The stimulated salivary flow rate correlated negatively with lactoferrin and sIgA concentrations. Additionally, the number of S. mutans colonies correlated positively with the concentration of lysozyme and sIgA. (4) The concentrations of non-specific and specific immunological factors in the saliva of patients after alloHSCT may differ when compared to healthy adults; however, the abovementioned differences did not change with the time after transplantation.

The impact of saliva collection methods on measured salivary biomarker levels.

Saliva diagnostics have become increasingly popular due to their non-invasive nature and patient-friendly collection process. Various collection methods are available, yet these are not always well standardized for either quantitative or qualitative analysis. In line, the objective of this study was to evaluate if measured levels of various biomarkers in the saliva of healthy individuals were affected by three distinct saliva collection methods: 1) unstimulated saliva, 2) chew stimulated saliva, and 3) oral rinse. Saliva samples from 30 healthy individuals were obtained by the three collection methods. Then, the levels of various salivary biomarkers such as proteins and ions were determined. It was found that levels of various biomarkers obtained from unstimulated saliva were comparable to those in chew stimulated saliva. The levels of potassium, sodium, and amylase activity differed significantly among the three collection methods. Levels of all biomarkers measured using the oral rinse method significantly differed from those obtained from unstimulated and chew-stimulated saliva. In conclusion, both unstimulated and chew-stimulated saliva provided comparable levels for a diverse group of biomarkers. However, the results obtained from the oral rinse method significantly differed from those of unstimulated and chew-stimulated saliva, due to the diluted nature of the saliva extract.

Saliva Sampling Material Matters: Effects on the Results of Saliva Analysis in Pigs.

The use of saliva as a biological sample from pigs is of high practical interest because blood collection from pigs is difficult and stressful. In this study, the influence of two different materials, a cotton roll and a polypropylene sponge, in porcine saliva collection was evaluated. For this purpose, the effect of the material used for sampling was evaluated in a panel of 13 analytes, including those related to stress (cortisol and oxytocin), inflammation and immunity (adenosine deaminase, haptoglobin and myeloperoxidase), redox homeostasis (the cupric reducing ability of saliva, the ferric reducing activity of saliva, and the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity), and sepsis (procalcitonin), as well as other routine analytes related to metabolism and different tissues and organs, such as lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, urea, and total protein concentration. The polypropylene sponge provided a higher sample volume than the cotton roll. Although the results of some salivary analytes were equivalent for both materials, other analytes, such as creatine kinase, haptoglobin and total proteins, showed significant differences depending on the material used for saliva collection. Therefore, the type of material used for salivary collection in pigs should be considered when interpreting the results of analyses of the salivary analytes.

The Role of Uroguanylin in Regulation of Ion Transport in Salivary Glands.

Objectives: Guanylin peptides are considered to be the only intrinsic regulators of salivary glands secretion. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of systemic uroguanylin (UGN) of the salivary flow and ion composition. Besides, the objective was to investigate whether those effects include activation of guanylate cyclase C (GC-C). Material and Methods: This study was conducted on 7 months old C57Bl6NCrl (wild type, WT) and GC-C knockout (KO) mice. Salivary flow rate and ion composition were determined after pilocarpine stimulation with UGN (30 µg/animal) or saline i.p. application. The expression of mRNA for AQPs, NHEs, NBCn1, Slc26a3/a6 and CFTR were determined by qPCR in submandibular salivary glands. Results: When applied i.p., UGN decreased the pilocarpine stimulated saliva flow rate and increased the concentration of Na+, H+ and Cl-. In GC-C KO mice, UGN showed no effect on saliva flow rate, while the concentrations of Na+, H+ and Cl- are the same in GC-C KO littermates when compared to WT mice. UGN increased expression of Slc26a6 while in GC-C KO mice Slc26a6 had a higher expression when compared to WT mice, suggesting involvement of GC-C independent signalling pathway for UGN. The difference in Slc26a6 in GC-C KO mice is not unique for salivary glands because it was also found in duodenum and kidney cortex. Conclusions: The effects of UGN via basolateral membrane of salivary glands cells have not been considered up to date. In our study, UGN, when applied i.p., decreased salivary flow rate, pH, and changed the composition of other ions. Therefore, plasma UGN, an hour after a meal, could have physiological and pathological importance (development of cavities, inflammations or demineralizations), and the inhibition of systemic UGN effects could be considered a new approach in treatment of those conditions.

Effects of Denture Treatment on Salivary Metabolites: A Pilot Study.

Symptoms of oral discomfort such as dry mouth are common in older people wearing dentures. Such symptoms are mainly treated symptomatically. Many of these symptoms are related to saliva, and associations with salivary volume have been reported. Although denture treatment improves symptoms by increasing the amount of saliva, the effects on salivary components remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of denture treatment on salivary metabolite changes based on salivary metabolome analyses. We enrolled 21 patients requiring denture treatment. At the first visit, and after completion of denture treatment, saliva outflow was measured under resting and stimulated conditions, samples for salivary metabolite analysis were collected, and masticatory efficiency was tested. In all participants, masticatory efficiency increased after denture treatment. Moreover, the amounts of resting and stimulated saliva were increased. Using salivary metabolome analysis, 61 salivary metabolites were detected. Substantial concentration changes were observed for 4 and 21 metabolites in resting and stimulated saliva, respectively. The four metabolites common to both saliva tests had significantly lower concentrations after treatment. These results suggest that the improvement in masticatory function by dentures is related not only to salivary secretion volume, but also to salivary metabolite composition.

Can the salivary urea and stimulated saliva concentration be a marker of periodontal diseases in opioid users? A case-control study.

Introduction: & Aim: Microbial plaque is the primary cause of periodontal diseases, and smoking and opioid addiction can accelerate microbial plaque formation and disease progression. Adequate saliva flow and salivary urea concentration are important parameters for a healthy periodontium. In this study, the relationship between Periodontal Diseases and the History of opioid addiction was investigated by measuring the Salivary Urea and Stimulated Saliva Concentration. Materials & methods: This case-control study was conducted on 240 patients (120 cases and 120 controls) in 2021 referred to addiction treatment centers and the dental clinic in Iran, Birjand. The control and case groups were matched in terms of age. Demographic, base data, and clinical examination results were collected by a checklist. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19 and one-way ANOVA and chi-square tests. P-value <0.05 was considered as the significance level. Results: Periodontitis severity was significantly higher in the case group than in the control group (P-value = 0/000). Salivary urea concentration significantly increased in both case and control groups with an increase in periodontitis severity (P-value = 0/003 in the case group and P-value = 0/000 in the control group), but there was no significant relationship between the stimulated saliva flow rate and the severity of periodontitis in these two groups (P-value>0.05). Conclusion: Following the use of opioids, the flow of saliva decreases, and with the exacerbation of the periodontal disease, the concentration of urea in saliva increases. Therefore, it seems that the analysis of saliva parameters, including urea concentration, can be useful for the diagnosis of periodontal disease, and saliva urea concentration is not directly related to opioid use.

Analysis of the Saliva Proteome Using 2D-DIGE.

Saliva is now an established biofluid with a number of important applications in use across research and clinical settings. Saliva contains an assortment of biomolecules, including proteins, metabolites, RNA, DNA, and microorganisms. Numerous biomolecules enter saliva from the blood by passing through the intercellular spaces, reflecting the physiological state of the body. Saliva can be collected directly or using one of the numerous devices/systems that are available, each of which has its own specific applications. The identification and classification of salivary biomolecules, using increasing advanced omics approaches, have contributed to the reality that saliva is a creditable diagnostic fluid for oral and systemic diseases.

A Preliminary Pilot Study: Metabolomic Analysis of Saliva in Oral Candidiasis.

Early detection of oral candidiasis is essential. However, most currently available methods are time-consuming and useful only for screening patients. Previous studies on the relationship between oral candidiasis and saliva have focused on saliva volume and not on its components. Therefore, to clarify the effects of oral candidiasis on salivary metabolites, the relationship between salivary components and oral candidiasis was investigated by comparing the salivary metabolites of oral candidiasis patients and those not previously diagnosed with candidiasis. Forty-five participants visiting our university hospital were included and classified into two groups, the Candida group and the control group, based on the Candida detection test results. The unstimulated saliva was collected using the spitting method over 15 min, and the stimulated saliva was collected using the gum-chewing method over 10 min. The saliva volume was measured, and the saliva samples were frozen and analyzed metabolomically. Metabolome analysis revealed 51 metabolites with peak detection rates exceeding 50%. There was no significant difference in age and sex between the Candida and control groups. In the Candida group, five metabolites (tyrosine, choline, phosphoenolpyruvate, histidine, and 6-phosphogluconate) were significantly elevated in the unstimulated, two (octanoic acid and uridine monophosphate(UMP)) were significantly increased, and four (ornithine, butyrate, aminovalerate and aminolevulinate) were significantly decreased in the stimulated saliva. This study suggests the possibility of identifying metabolites specific to patients with oral candidiasis, which could aid prompt diagnosis.

Effects of Fermented Lingonberry Juice Mouthwash on Salivary Parameters-A One-Year Prospective Human Intervention Study.

A one-year prospective human intervention study was performed to examine the effects of fermented lingonberry juice (FLJ), used as a mouthwash for six months, on salivary parameters. A total of 25 adult participants used 10 mL of FLJ as mouthwash 30 s daily for 6 months in addition to their normal oral homecare routines. Standard oral examinations and gathering of samples were performed at the beginning of the study and after six months and one year. Resting and stimulated saliva secretion rates, resting saliva pH, and stimulated saliva buffering capacity were determined. A questionnaire of participants' subjective sensations of mouth dryness was also recorded at each timepoint. Fermented lingonberry juice mouthwash had positive effect to all five salivary parameters and were, according to the omnibus test, statistically significant during the study period. Analysis of the subjective dry mouth sensation questionnaires revealed that symptoms of xerostomia decreased due to the use of FLJ. This study revealed that the once-a-day use of FLJ mouthwash had a beneficial, increasing effect on salivary flow rates, buffering capacity, and salivary pH. FLJ thus can be safely used as an adjunctive and beneficial therapy in oral homecare, protecting teeth and oral mucosa, including periodontium, and also relieving dry mouth symptoms.

Polypharmacy and saliva volumes in the northeast of Germany - The Study of Health in Pomerania.

OBJECTIVES: Associations between saliva volumes or salivary flow rates and potentially xerogenic medication are rarely evaluated in cohorts with a wide age range. This cross-sectional cohort study investigated possible relationships between the regular consumption of potentially xerogenic medication and stimulated saliva volumes. METHODS: Data from the German Studies of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-2 and SHIP-Trend-0) were pooled. Potentially xerogenic medications were identified using the Workshop on Oral Medicine VI criteria. Stimulated saliva was sampled using Salivette®, and saliva volumes expressed as µl/min were determined. Applying linear mixed models with adjustment for time point of saliva collection, associations of (a) age and sex with regularly consumed medication, (b) age and sex with saliva volumes, and (c) the number of regularly consumed xerogenic medications with saliva volumes were evaluated. RESULTS: Six thousand seven hundred and fifty-three participants aged 20-83 years (mean 53.4 ± 14.9) were included. The average number of medications did not differ markedly between females (2.21 ± 2.46) and males (2.24 ± 2.83). Males took more potentially xerogenic medication (1.0 ± 1.3) than did females (0.9 ± 1.3). Also, males took more potentially xerogenic cardiovascular medications than did females (0.9 ± 1.2 versus 0.7 ± 1.1), while females were prescribed a higher number of potentially xerogenic medications affecting the nervous system (0.2 ± 0.5 versus 0.1 ± 0.4). The average stimulated saliva volume was 967.0 ± 433.3 µL/min. Regularly consumed and potentially xerogenic medications were associated with lower saliva volumes. Older age correlated not only with a higher number of total medications and a higher number of xerogenic medications affecting either the cardiovascular (in males) or the nervous system (in females), but also with lower saliva volumes. CONCLUSIONS: Ageing was associated with polypharmacy, especially with the intake of potentially xerogenic medication, and lower average saliva volumes. With regard to complications of dry mouth, anamnesis of medication consumption is of high importance.

Salivary microRNA-126 and 135a: a potentially non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers of type- 2 diabetes.

PURPOSE: Emerging of miRNAs have illustrated the new mechanistic layer to regulate type 2 diabetes process and suggests a possible role of these RNAs in this defect. Thus, we designed this study to improve our understanding of salivary miRNA-126 and 135a expression utility as an easy of collection and non-invasive way in diabetic patients instead of blood sample. METHODS: This case-control study was done on T2D (n = 40) and healthy individuals (n = 40). The level of biochemical parameters were determined by enzymatic methods as well as glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was measured by immunoturbidimetry. We used the pooled whole stimulated saliva sample from cases and controls to assess the differentiation expression of miRNA 126 and 135-a with quantitative RT-PCR method. Unpaired Student's t test, Pearson's correlation coefficient and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis were used. RESULTS: A correlation was observed between the level of HbA1c, glucose and lipid profiles (TG, TC, and LDL) in serum and whole stimulated saliva samples in T2D patients compared to control (p < 0.001). miR-135a expression was considerably higher by 4.7-fold in T2D compared to the control group (1.8-fold) (p < 0.001) while the miR126 expression was significantly decreased by 3.9-fold in T2D compared to the controls (6.3-fold) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this case and control study showed that miR-135a and miR126 expression in saliva fluid as a reliable biomarkers and non-invasive approach in combination by change of lipid profiles, glucose and HbA1c may be used to monitor diabetic and non-diabetic patients, while further research is needed to investigate the relationship of these salivary miRNAs (miR135a, miR126) levels change on shifting the levels of clinical laboratory outcomes.

Specificity of Saliva Esterases by Wine Carboxylic Esters and Inhibition by Wine Phenolic Compounds Under Simulated Oral Conditions.

The specificity of human esterase activity (EA) from the stimulated (SS) and non-stimulated (NSS) saliva toward different typical wine odorant carboxylic esters and its inhibition by the wine phenolic compounds has been evaluated. For the specificity, six p-nitrophenyl linked esters with different carbon chain lengths (from 2 to 12 carbons) were employed. The five single phenolic compounds (catechin, quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, and resveratrol) at typical wine concentrations were assayed in the salivary EA inhibition study. Additionally, the inhibition exerted by the mixtures of wine polyphenols was evaluated using four commercial phenolic extracts [a grape seed extract (GSE), the monomers and oligomer fraction of the GSE, and a red wine extract (RWE)]. Finally, the saliva EA under the wine consumption conditions (pH = 5 and 11.3% ethanol) was evaluated. The results showed a higher EA in SS than NSS. It was also shown that the EA was higher toward the smaller than bigger esters regardless of the saliva types (SS or NSS). However, the inhibition exerted on saliva EA by the individual and mixtures of phenolic compounds was proven. Catechin was the phenolic compound that mostly inhibited saliva EA, while resveratrol showed the lowest EA inhibition. This inhibition was mainly related to the concentration of the phenolic compounds, but also with its structure. Finally, under simulated wine consumption, a decrease in EA was produced, which was mainly provoked by the decrease in the salivary pH. Nonetheless, since salivary pH recovers a few seconds after wine consumption, saliva EA might be relevant for the long-lasting perception of wine esters.

Nitrite in paraffin-stimulated saliva correlates with blood nitrite.

Nitrite anion (NO2-) is a circulating nitric oxide (NO) metabolite considered an endothelial function marker. Nitrite can be produced from nitrate (NO3-) secreted from plasma into saliva. The nitrate reductase of oral bacteria converts salivary nitrate to nitrite, which is swallowed and absorbed into circulation. In this study, we aimed to examine the relevance between these species' salivary and blood levels. We collected three whole saliva samples (unstimulated, paraffin-stimulated, and post-chlorhexidine mouthwash stimulated saliva) and blood from 75 healthy volunteers. We measured the nitrite and nitrate by the chemiluminescence method. The nitrite levels in stimulated saliva and post-mouthwash stimulated saliva exhibited weak correlations with blood nitrite. There was no correlation between nitrite in unstimulated saliva with blood nitrite. The baseline platelet activity, determined as P-selectin expression, negatively correlated with nitrite in plasma and post-mouthwash stimulated saliva. The salivary nitrate in all saliva samples showed correlations with its plasma levels. We conclude that nitrite in stimulated saliva correlates with blood nitrite.

Is there difference in the comparative and quantitative salivary proteome between stimulated and unstimulated saliva in head and neck cancer patients treated by radiotherapy?

Stimulation of saliva production is an alternative to improve the quality of life of patients treated by radiotherapy. However, there is no information about changes in the salivary proteome of stimulated and unstimulated saliva in these patients. OBJECTIVES: Thus, we evaluated the difference in the proteomic profile of stimulated and unstimulated saliva in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) treated by radiotherapy. METHODS: Stimulated and unstimulated saliva were collected from 9 patients with HNC before (BRT), during (DRT; 2-5 weeks) and after (ART; 3-4 months) treatment. Healthy patients paired by age and gender also had their saliva collected (C; control group). The stimulated and unstimulated salivary flow were evaluated (p < 0.05). Salivary proteins were extracted and processed for shotgun proteomic analysis. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between stimulated and unstimulated salivary flows for C and BRT (p greater than 0.001), but not for DRT and ART. Proteins involved with apoptosis, antibacterial and acid-resistance were decreased in stimulated saliva in comparison to unstimulated saliva DRT and ART. Isoforms of keratins were not identified in control and BRT. CONCLUSION: there is a marked difference in the protein profile of stimulated and unstimulated salivary flows in HNC patients treated by radiotherapy. In addition, saliva stimulation in patients with HNC decreases important proteins involved with dental protection. The unstimulated salivary flow seems to be the best alternative to search for biomarkers. Our results contribute in an unprecedented way to understand the changes in the salivary proteome of different flows in HNC patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment.

Assessment of Salivary Flow Rate in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic periodontitis (CP) is an infectious disease, primarily affecting the attachment apparatus of the dentition, and is categorized into mild, moderate, and severe periodontitis on the basis of its severity. It is a well-established and proven fact that an adequate level of saliva is essential for maintaining the integrity of oral tissues including the periodontium. Although various factors, such as stimulation, circadian rhythm, diet, age, and drugs, can affect the salivary flow rate, many recent studies have provided evidence that it can be altered by pathological inflammatory conditions such as periodontal diseases. Therefore, this study has been undertaken to assess the unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rate in the different clinical stages of chronic periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study comprised 60 study participants, who were divided into four groups depending on clinical attachment level (CAL). In all, both unstimulated and stimulated saliva were collected, and the flow rate was expressed in milliliter per minute. RESULTS: Statistical analysis was accomplished with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze differences in salivary flow rate among the groups. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. The amount of unstimulated saliva in healthy subjects, in mild, moderate, and severe periodontitis was 0.766, 0.400, 0.270, and 0.146 mL/min, respectively. Likewise, the amount of stimulated saliva in healthy subjects, in mild, moderate, and severe periodontitis was 1.017, 0.494, 0.347, and 0.236 mL/min, respectively. CONCLUSION: The study identified a significant decrease in both unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rate with the severity of progression of chronic periodontitis.

Comparative Evaluation of Xerostomia among Diabetic and Nondiabetic Subjects Wearing Complete Denture.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus represents a group of metabolic diseases that are characterised by hyperglycaemia due to a total or relative lack of insulin secretion and insulin resistance or both. Diabetes mellitus patients present with a higher susceptibility to infections due to a deficiency in polymorphonuclear leukocytes, as a result of vascular alterations and neuropathies. An increased risk of infections has been observed in complete denture wearing subjects with xerostomia. The objective of this study was to compare diabetic and non-diabetic subjects wearing complete dentures regarding xerostomia of different age group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 subjects, 25 with and 25 without a diagnosis of diabetes, were matched for gender, race, and age. RESULTS: In this study we intended to compare diabetic and non-diabetic subjects wearing complete dentures regarding xerostomia and we found that xerostomia was more associated with diabetic denture wearer group in comparison with the non-diabetic denture wearers with a significant P value of <0.05. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that xerostomia should be diagnosed and effectively managed before any complete denture therapy is initiated in diabetic denture wearing patients to improve the quality of life.

The Efficacy of a Dietary Supplement with Carnosine and Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. (AqualiefTM) in Patients with Xerostomia: a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Trial.

The purpose of this study was to test the safety and efficacy of AqualiefTM in patients affected by xerostomia. The main ingredients of AqualiefTM are carnosine and dried calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (karkadè) for their buffering effect at pH 7 as well as for their antioxidant, antimicrobial and lenitive properties. In a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Trial, sixty patients with xerostomia (RTOG/EORTC grade 1-2) were randomly assigned to receive either placebo, or AqualiefTM tablets (three times/day after meals) for 6 consecutive days. A questionnaire was used to evaluate dry mouth symptoms before and after 6 days of AqualiefTM or placebo application. Unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates and pH were measured before and after application. Treatment with AqualiefTM for 6 days induced a significant increase in saliva pH from 6.2 ± 0.5 to 6.4 ± 0.6 (P < 0.05) while placebo was ineffective (from 6.2 ± 0.5 to 6.3 ± 0.5). AqualiefTM also induced a significant increase in the pH of stimulated saliva from 6.3 ± 0.5 to 6.6 ± 0.5 (P < 0.01). Placebo was ineffective also in this setting (from 6.2 ± 0.5 to 6.3 ± 0.5). Besides an expected normalization of the saliva pH value, AqualiefTM treatment for 6 days greatly increased (56%, P < 0.0001) saliva production. Placebo induced a 19% increase (P < 0.05), which was likely due to mechanical stimulation. AqualiefTM also increased stimulated saliva production (27% increase with respect to day 0, P < 0.05), while placebo was ineffective. AqualiefTM was effective in regulating the saliva pH, in increasing saliva production and improving dry mouth symptoms in xerostomic patients.

Salivary characteristics in patients with familial alzheimer's disease due to e280a mutation / Características salivares en personas con enfermedad de alzheimer familiar por la mutación e280a

ABSTRACT Introduction: Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of cognitive functions. The prevalence of this disease worldwide is high, and therefore it is important to have a better understanding of the oral health needs and conditions of individuals with this disorder. The present study was carried out in a population with E280A mutation for Alzheimer's disease. The goal was to describe the salivary characteristics of persons with early familial Alzheimer's disease, in order to detect changes in the oral microbiome that can guide the dental management of these patients. Methods: transversal study in 37 participants living in the Metropolitan Area of the city of Medellín, aged 53 ± 6 years in average, in different stages of the disease: mild: 8, moderate: 7, and severe: 22, and evaluated by neuropsychological tests. Salivary samples were collected, evaluating saliva secretion rate and saliva buffer capacity, and conducting microbial analysis of the species most commonly found in the mouth. Results: 45.9% of participants showed a decreased rate of stimulated salivary secretion; salivary buffer capacity was decreased in 83.87% of participants, with average pH values of 3.449 ± 0.89 after the Ericsson test. Buffer capacity was altered in participants with decreased secretion rate and in those with no alteration in salivary secretion rate. High levels of microbial growth were observed, mainly for Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. Conclusions: This study suggests that other factors besides the pharmacological ones, like age and disease severity, may affect the salivary rate flow in patients with early familial Alzheimer's disease.

RESUMEN Introducción: la enfermedad de Alzheimer es una alteración neurodegenerativa caracterizada por la pérdida de funciones cognitivas. Existe una alta prevalencia de esta enfermedad a nivel mundial, por lo que resulta oportuno tener una mayor comprensión de las necesidades y condiciones de salud bucal de los sujetos con este desorden. El presente estudio se llevó a cabo en una población con mutación E280A para la enfermedad de Alzheimer. El objetivo consistió en describir las características salivares de las personas con enfermedad de Alzheimer familiar precoz, con el fin de detectar cambios en el microbioma bucal que puedan orientar el manejo odontológico de estos pacientes. Métodos: estudio transversal en 37 participantes que habitan el Área Metropolitana de la ciudad de Medellín, con una edad promedio de 53 ± 6 años, en diferentes estadios de la enfermedad: leve: 8, moderada: 7 y grave: 22, evaluados mediante pruebas neuropsicológicas. Se tomaron muestras salivares, se evaluó la tasa de secreción salivar y la capacidad buffer de la saliva y se efectuó un análisis microbiano de las principales especies presentes en boca. Resultados: el 45,9% de los participantes presentaron una tasa disminuida de secreción salivar estimulada; la capacidad buffer salivar estuvo disminuida en el 83,87% de los participantes, con valores promedios de pH luego de la prueba de Ericsson de 3,449 ± 0,89. La capacidad buffer se encontró alterada tanto en los participantes con tasa de secreción disminuida como en aquellos con tasa de secreción salivar no alterada. Se observó alto crecimiento microbiano, principalmente de Streptococcus mutans y Candida albicans. Conclusiones: este estudio sugiere que pueden existir otros factores, además de los farmacológicos, que afectan la tasa de flujo salivar en los pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer familiar precoz, como la edad y la severidad de la enfermedad.

Real-time formation of salivary films onto polymeric materials for dental applications: Differences between unstimulated and stimulated saliva.

The formation of salivary films onto oral prostheses materials is of central importance for understanding their performance and interaction with oral tissue and flora. The aim of this work was to study and compare the salivary films formed from unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva on two common polymeric materials, polycarbonate and poly(methyl methacrylate). Irradiating these materials with UV light is a simple way to modify their wettability, roughness and ζ-potential. Therefore, the effect of UV exposure of polycarbonate and poly(methyl methacrylate) on saliva adsorption was also investigated. For this purpose a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation and SDS-PAGE have been combined in order to associate the thicknesses and viscoelastic properties of the salivary films with their protein composition. SDS-PAGE results suggest that a larger diversity of proteins is involved in the formation of stimulated saliva pellicles. Furthermore, according to QCM-D, pellicles formed from stimulated saliva are thinner and stiffer than the ones formed from unstimulated saliva if the polymeric materials have not been exposed to UV light although both types of saliva form a biphasic layer. For UV-treated materials, the same is applied to polycarbonate but not to poly(methyl methacrylate) where stimulated saliva yields thicker and softer films than unstimulated saliva being the adsorption process of a multiphasic nature. These results highlight the importance of choosing the appropriate sample depending on the type of study to be performed.

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.