Relationship between salivary haemoglobin and number of remaining teeth in older Koreans

Objective

We investigated the relationship between saliva and dental biofilm characteristics, oral hygiene behaviours and the number of remaining teeth in a sample of older Koreans.

Materials and methods

This cross‐sectional study included 133 participants, aged 65 years and older, recruited from senior welfare facilities in Incheon, South Korea. The outcome variable was the number of remaining teeth, and its associations with the independent variables of participants’ general characteristics, salivary haemoglobin level, dental biofilm acidogenicity, salivary flow rate and oral hygiene behaviours were assessed. For statistical analyses, chi‐squared test and step‐wise multiple linear regression were used.

Results

The multiple linear regression model, which included all related factors identified in the bivariate analyses, showed that older adults who had high salivary haemoglobin levels (P < .05), brushed their teeth using the horizontal scrub method (P< .001), and did not use an interproximal cleaning device (P < .01) were more likely to have fewer remaining teeth. However, dental biofilm acidogenicity was not associated with the number of remaining teeth.

Conclusion

The number of remaining teeth was associated with salivary haemoglobin level, appropriate toothbrushing technique and interdental cleaning. These findings suggest that the monitoring of salivary haemoglobin may contribute to the prevention of tooth loss caused by periodontal disease.     

Ageing exacerbates damage of systemic and salivary neutrophils from patients presenting Candida-related denture stomatitis

Background  

Ageing leads to a decline in the function of the immune system, increasing the body's susceptibility to infections through the impairment of T-cells, macrophages, neutrophils and dendritic cells Denture stomatitis is a primary oral disease affecting elderly denture wearers. The major etiologic factor involved in this pathology is the infection by Candida albicans, an opportunistic pathogen that causes local and disseminated diseases in immunosuppressed humans. Neutrophils play a critical role in the immune response against C. albicans and are continually present in the salivary fluid and in the blood. The aim of this study was to determine ageing-related changes in salivary and blood neutrophils and their potential implications in Candida-related denture stomatitis.     

Effect of experimental gingivitis induction and erythritol on the salivary metabolome and functional biochemistry of systemically healthy young adults

Introduction

Understanding the changes occurring in the oral ecosystem during development of gingivitis could help improve prevention and treatment strategies for oral health. Erythritol is a non-caloric polyol proposed to have beneficial effects on oral health.

Objectives

To examine the effect of experimental gingivitis and the effect of erythritol on the salivary metabolome and salivary functional biochemistry.

Methods

In a two-week experimental gingivitis challenge intervention study, non-targeted, mass spectrometry-based metabolomic profiling was performed on saliva samples from 61 healthy adults, collected at five time-points. The effect of erythritol was studied in a randomized, controlled trial setting. Fourteen salivary biochemistry variables were measured with antibody- or enzymatic activity-based assays.

Results

Bacterial amino acid catabolites (cadaverine, N-acetylcadaverine, and α-hydroxyisovalerate) and end-products of bacterial alkali-producing pathways (N-α-acetylornithine and γ-aminobutyrate) increased significantly during the experimental gingivitis. Significant changes were found in a set of 13 salivary metabolite ratios composed of host cell membrane lipids involved in cell signaling, host responses to bacteria, and defense against free radicals. An increase in mevalonate was also observed. There were no significant effects of erythritol. No significant changes were found in functional salivary biochemistry.

Conclusions

The findings underline a dynamic interaction between the host and the oral microbial biofilm during an experimental induction of gingivitis.

     

Individual differences in AMY1 gene copy number, salivary α-amylase levels, and the perception of oral starch

Background

The digestion of dietary starch in humans is initiated by salivary α-amylase, an endo-enzyme that hydrolyzes starch into maltose, maltotriose and larger oligosaccharides. Salivary amylase accounts for 40 to 50% of protein in human saliva and rapidly alters the physical properties of starch. Importantly, the quantity and enzymatic activity of salivary amylase show significant individual variation. However, linking variation in salivary amylase levels with the oral perception of starch has proven difficult. Furthermore, the relationship between copy number variations (CNVs) in the AMY1 gene, which influence salivary amylase levels, and starch viscosity perception has not been explored.

Principal Findings

Here we demonstrate that saliva containing high levels of amylase has sufficient activity to rapidly hydrolyze a viscous starch solution in vitro. Furthermore, we show with time-intensity ratings, which track the digestion of starch during oral manipulation, that individuals with high amylase levels report faster and more significant decreases in perceived starch viscosity than people with low salivary amylase levels. Finally, we demonstrate that AMY1 CNVs predict an individual''s amount and activity of salivary amylase and thereby, ultimately determine their perceived rate of oral starch viscosity thinning.

Conclusions

By linking genetic variation and its consequent salivary enzymatic differences to the perceptual sequellae of these variations, we show that AMY1 copy number relates to salivary amylase concentration and enzymatic activity level, which, in turn, account for individual variation in the oral perception of starch viscosity. The profound individual differences in salivary amylase levels and salivary activity may contribute significantly to individual differences in dietary starch intake and, consequently, to overall nutritional status.     

Ectopic ossification presenting as osteoid metaplasia in a salivary mucocele in a Shih Tzu dog

Background  

Salivary mucocele is an accumulation of saliva in a single or multiloculated cavity lined by connective tissue that is contiguous to a salivary gland-duct complex and is the most common condition affecting the salivary glands in dogs. Occasionally, different types of metaplastic lesions, such as squamous and osseous metaplasia - which are rare lesions in animals - can be observed in association with salivary mucocele.     

Correlation between Surgeon's Experience,Surgery Complexity and the Alteration of Stress Related Physiological Parameters

Introduction

In the present work we analyzed the hormonal (salivary Cortisol; sC), immune (salivary Immunoglobulin A; sIgA) and cardiovascular (Heart rate, HR, and systolic blood pressure, SBP) responses induced by stress conditions in oral surgeons, randomly recruited according to their expertise level.

Materials and methods

Each surgeon performed three different surgical procedures with increasing degrees of technical difficulty and under time-limited conditions, to assess whether these variants may influence the risks of stress-induced secondary hypertension among the involved health professionals. sC and sIgA samples and cardiovascular function measurements were taken up before, during, and two hours after every surgery. Salivary samples and cardiovascular measurements were taken also during non-surgical days, as baseline controls.

Results

We observed that more experienced surgeons showed a higher stress management ability compared to those with less experience or, generally, younger, which are more exposed to the risks of developing secondary hypertension. Nevertheless, indipendently of sex and experience, oral surgeons are constantly exposed to high risks of developing stress-related diseases.

Conclusions

On the basis of the issues addressed and the results obtained, we have highlighted the importance of the investigated stress biomarkers to monitor and to prevent stress-related pathologies among oral surgeons. This approach is aimed to emphasize the significance of these specific stress-biomarkers, which represent a powerful instrument to evaluate stress levels in oral surgeons, and that may help to reduce the most severe life-threatening risks to which they are daily exposed. In conclusion, final goal of this study is to suggest an useful guideline to monitor the stress levels of oral and maxillofacial surgeons in order to improve their quality of life, which is inevitably reflected on the quality of the performances provided and, finally, to prevent possible mistakes in their daily activities.     

Analysis of age and gender associated N-glycoproteome in human whole saliva

Background

Glycoproteins comprise a large portion of the salivary proteome and have great potential for biomarker discovery and disease diagnosis. However, the rate of production and the concentration of whole saliva change with age, gender and physiological states of the human body. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the salivary glycoproteome of healthy individuals of different ages and genders is a prerequisite for saliva to have clinical utility.

Methods

Formerly N-linked glycopeptides were isolated from the pooled whole saliva of six age and gender groups by hydrazide chemistry and hydrophilic affinity methods followed by mass spectrometry identification. Selected physiochemical characteristics of salivary glycoproteins were analyzed, and the salivary glycoproteomes of different age and gender groups were compared based on their glycoprotein components and gene ontology.

Results and discussion

Among 85 N-glycoproteins identified in healthy human saliva, the majority were acidic proteins with low molecular weight. The numbers of salivary N-glycoproteins increased with age. Fifteen salivary glycoproteins were identified as potential age- or gender-associated glycoproteins, and many of them have functions related to innate immunity against microorganisms and oral cavity protection. Moreover, many salivary glycoproteins have been previously reported as disease related glycoproteins. This study reveals the important role of salivary glycoproteins in the maintenance of oral health and homeostasis and the great potential of saliva for biomarker discovery and disease diagnosis.     

Pleomorphic adenoma of minor salivary gland in the parapharyngeal space

Background  

Majority of tumours occurring in minor salivary gland are malignant. Pleomorphic adenoma is of rare occurrence in parapharangeal space.     

Changes in mouse whole saliva soluble proteome induced by tannin-enriched diet

Background  

Previous studies suggested that dietary tannin ingestion may induce changes in mouse salivary proteins in addition to the primarily studied proline-rich proteins (PRPs). The aim of the present study was to determine the protein expression changes induced by condensed tannin intake on the fraction of mouse whole salivary proteins that are unable to form insoluble tannin-protein complexes. Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis protein separation was used, followed by protein identification by mass spectrometry.     

Aquaporins in salivary glands and pancreas

Background

Salivary glands and pancreas are involved in saliva secretion, pancreatic fluid secretion and insulin secretion. These functions are essential for proper oral, pancreatic and glucose homeostasis. Aquaporins are water-permeable transmembrane protein involved in the physiology of these secretory gland functions.

Scope of review

This review gives an overview of the morphology of salivary glands and pancreas, the expression and localization of aquaporins, the secretion roles and mechanisms, the physiological roles of aquaporins, and the role of aquaporins in pathophysiological conditions.

Major conclusions

Several aquaporins are expressed in salivary glands and pancreas, and some play important physiological roles. Modulation of aquaporin expression and/or trafficking may contribute to the pathogenesis of diseases affecting salivary glands and pancreas glands such as xerostomic conditions, pancreatic insufficiencies and diabetes.

General significance

Aquaporins are involved in physiological and pathophysiological processes in salivary glands and pancreas. They could represent therapeutic targets for the treatment of diseases affecting the salivary glands and pancreas. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Aquaporins.     

Synchronous sebaceous lymphadenoma with squamous cell carcinoma – case report

Background  

Sebaceous lymphadenoma is a rare benign salivary gland tumour of uncertain histogenesis. So is synchronous occurrence of two benign or malignant neoplasms.     

Genetic transformation of novel isolates of chicken Lactobacillus bearing probiotic features for expression of heterologous proteins: a tool to develop live oral vaccines

Background  

The use of lactic acid bacteria as vehicles to delivery antigens to immunize animals is a promising issue. When genetically modified, these bacteria can induce a specific local and systemic immune response against selected pathogens. Gastric acid and bile salts tolerance, production of antagonistic substances against pathogenic microorganisms, and adhesive ability to gut epithelium are other important characteristics that make these bacteria useful for oral immunization.     

Effect of day-to-day variations in adrenal cortex hormone levels on abdominal symptoms

Introduction  

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is known to be related to abdominal symptoms, and the relationship between abdominal pain and cortisol secretory patterns has been previously investigated using a cross-sectional approach. Here, we investigated the effect of day-to-day variations in salivary cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate levels on abdominal symptoms in healthy individuals.     

Defining the healthy "core microbiome" of oral microbial communities

Background  

Most studies examining the commensal human oral microbiome are focused on disease or are limited in methodology. In order to diagnose and treat diseases at an early and reversible stage an in-depth definition of health is indispensible. The aim of this study therefore was to define the healthy oral microbiome using recent advances in sequencing technology (454 pyrosequencing).     

Salivary metabolic profile of children and adolescents after hemodialysis

Introduction

The application of metabolomic analysis in the pediatric nephrology field may offer an innovative approach to profile analysis of renal diseases.

Objective

We aimed to analyze the salivary the major metabolites in the saliva of children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease (CKD) before and after hemodialysis.

Method

Thirty-six children diagnosed with CKD and forty healthy children were recruited for the study. ¹H-NMR spectra were analyzed using multivariate and univariate approaches.

Results

The CKD and the healthy control groups presented with similar numbers of dental caries (p?>?0.05) as determined by the number of decayed, missing, or filled deciduous teeth (0.87?±?2.2 and 0.67?±?2.1, respectively) or permanent teeth (0.79?±?1.30 and 0.90?±?1.7, respectively). The amount of dental calculus was significantly higher in the CKD group than in the healthy control group (p?<?0.001). Multivariate analyses using PLS-DA and O-PLS-DA demonstrated differences in the salivary metabolome of CKD patients before and after hemodialysis, as well as between post-dialysis CKD patients and healthy controls, suggesting that HD was not able to recover oral homeostasis. PLS-DA and OPLS-DA models showed satisfactory accuracy (ACC?=?0.72) and prediction (0.64). On multivariate and univariate analyses, urea, acetate, ethanol, and fatty acid were significantly decreased in CKD saliva after hemodialysis. By contrast, saliva from the healthy controls had significantly higher levels of acetate and propionate and lower levels of ethanol, lactate, butyrate, phenylalanine, and creatinine than saliva from post-dialysis CKD patients.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that hemodialysis alters the expression of salivary metabolites; however, this alteration does not reestablish the healthy salivary metabolome, as the salivary metabolomic profile of healthy children is significantly different from that of children and adolescents with CKD, both before and after hemodialysis. The unique salivary characteristics of children with CKD may influence their oral health status.

     

First Attempt To Validate Human IgG Antibody Response to Nterm-34kDa Salivary Peptide as Biomarker for Evaluating Exposure to Aedes aegypti Bites

Background

Much effort is being devoted for developing new indicators to evaluate the human exposure to Aedes mosquito bites and the risk of arbovirus transmission. Human antibody (Ab) responses to mosquito salivary components could represent a promising tool for evaluating the human-vector contact.

Methodology/Principal findings

To develop a specific biomarker of human exposure to Aedes aegypti bites, we measured IgG Ab response to Ae. aegypti Nterm-34 kDa salivary peptide in exposed children in 7 villages of Southern Benin (West Africa). Results showed that specific IgG response presented high inter-individual heterogeneity between villages. IgG response was associated with rainfall and IgG level increased from dry (low exposure) to rainy (high exposure) seasons. These findings indicate that IgG Ab to Nterm-34 kDa salivary peptide may represent a reliable biomarker to detect variation in human exposure to Ae. aegypti bites.

Conclusion/Significance

This preliminary study highlights the potential use of Ab response to this salivary peptide for evaluating human exposure to Ae. aegypti. This biomarker could represent a new promising tool for assessing the risk of arbovirus transmission and for evaluating the efficacy of vector control interventions.     

Oral intake of Lactobacillus pentosus strain b240 accelerates salivary immunoglobulin A secretion in the elderly: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial

Background

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) secretion in saliva decreases with age and may be the cause of increased vulnerability of the elderly to respiratory infections. The effect of oral intake of lactic acid bacteria on salivary secretory IgA (SIgA) in the elderly has not been reported. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the acceleration of salivary SIgA secretion by oral intake of Lactobacillus pentosus strain b240 (b240) in the elderly.

Results

A total of 80 healthy elderly individuals were randomly allocated to either an intervention (i.e., b240) or a control (i.e., placebo) group. The elderly individuals in the b240 group were given a sterile water beverage (125 mL) containing heat-killed b240 (4 × 10⁹ cells), while those in the placebo group were given only a sterile water beverage (125 mL); both groups received their respective beverages once daily for 12 weeks. Saliva was collected before initiation of the study and every 2 weeks thereafter. Saliva flow rate and SIgA concentration were determined, and the SIgA secretion rate was calculated. The mean salivary SIgA secretion rate in the b240 group steadily increased until week 4 (exhibiting a 20% elevation relative to that at week 0), and then remained stable until week 12. Changes in SIgA secretion rate over the intervention period were significantly greater in the b240 group than in the placebo group. The treatment groups exhibited no significant differences in adverse events.

Conclusions

Oral intake of L. pentosus strain b240 for 12 weeks significantly accelerated salivary SIgA secretion, thereby indicating its potential utility in the improvement of mucosal immunity and resistance against infection in the elderly.