Gingival IgE and histamine concentrations in patients with asthma and in patients with periodontitis

In the present study the concentrations of IgE and histamine were determined in gingival tissue of patients with asthma (N = 15), patients with periodontitis (N = 21) and healthy controls (N = 18). Gingival IgE concentrations in the asthma group were markedly elevated confirming the results obtained in previous studies on salivary IgE concentrations. An increase of IgE was also observed in the periodontitis group. Histamine concentrations in the asthma group did not differ from the healthy controls, while in the periodontitis group a significant decrease in gingival histamine concentrations was found.     

Peroxidases, Iactoferrin and lysozyme in peripheral blood neutrophils, gingival crevicular fluid and whole saliva of patients with localized juvenile periodontitis

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the longitudinal association of selected non-immune antimicrobial host factors (peroxidases, lysozyme and lactoferrin) to the localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP) disease status.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Peroxidases, lysozyme and lactoferrin were quantitated from seven patients with LJP before and after periodontal therapy. Analyses were performed from simultaneously collected samples of peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), gingival crevicular fluid (GCF from diseased sites) and paraffin-stimulated whole saliva. Similar assays were done also from seven periodontally healthy controls.
RESULTS During untreated phase of LIP myeloperoxid-ase, lysozyme and lactoferrin concentrations were remarkably elevated in peripheral blood PMNs, also reflected in their high concentrations in GCF. All these values normalised with respect to healthy controls during the periodontal therapy. No similar longitudinal changes were seen in whole saliva but during therapy salivary per-oxidase concentrations declined below the control values, in accordance with our previous observations in parotid saliva samples of LJP patients.
CONCLUSIONS: In LJP the concentrations of lysozyme, lactoferrin and myeloperoxidase are significantly elevated in peripheral blood PMNs, also reflected in GCF. During periodontal therapy these values decline and approach those observed in healthy controls. No similar changes are seen in stimulated whole saliva.     

Saliva composition and caries development in asthmatic patients treated with beta 2-adrenoceptor agonists: a 4-year follow-up study

In an earlier study, we found that chronic treatment with beta 2-adrenoceptor agonists in asthmatic subjects gave an impaired saliva secretion and a higher caries prevalence than in healthy controls. Twenty-one of the asthmatics and their matched controls were examined 4 yr later in a follow-up study. Samples of whole saliva stimulated by chewing and parotid saliva stimulated by citric acid were collected and dental caries was scored. In the asthmatic group the secretory rates of stimulated whole and parotid saliva decreased by 20% and 35%, respectively, compared to the control group. The number of lactobacilli increased. The asthmatic subjects had a decreased output per minute of total protein, amylase, hexosamine, salivary peroxidase, lysozyme, secretory IgA, a bacteria-aggregating glycoprotein, potassium, and calcium in stimulated parotid saliva. Initial and manifest caries lesions as well as the number of DFS were significantly increased in the asthma group. We conclude that asthmatic patients treated with beta 2-adrenoceptor agonists have an increased caries susceptibility due to an impaired saliva secretion caused by the use of beta-adrenergic agonists.     

Effects of the antihypertensive drug captopril on human salivary secretion rate and composition

The effects of the antihypertensive drug captopril on salivary secretion rate and composition was evaluated in 24 healthy adults (18–46 yr) according to a double-blind, cross-over design. Unstimulated and paraffin-chewing stimulated whole saliva and 3% citric acid stimulated parotid and submandibtilar-sublingual (SM-SL) secretion were collected at 10.30 a.m. (about 2h after intake of breakfast) on day 0 (baseline values), day 1 (experimental acute values) and day 7 (experimental chronic values) in each treatment period. In 8 of the subjects, also morning samples were collected at 7.30 a.m., with the test subjects in a fasting condition. Whole saliva was assessed for flow rate and for concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and phosphate. In addition, parotid and SM-SL secretion were assessed for concentrations of total protein, hexosamine. sialic acid, lactoferrin and salivary IgA and for activities of amylase. lysozyme and salivary peroxidase. During treatment with the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor captopril, the secretion rates tended to increase for unstimulated and paraffin-chewing stimulated whole saliva and for parotid secretion. For salivary composition, no alterations were observed in any of the collected secretions.     

Salivary immunoglobulins in children with asthma

Whole saliva of 30 children with extrinsic asthma was analyzed for IgA, IgG and IgE. Salivary albumin concentrations were also determined. The values were compared with those obtained from matched healthy controls. The salivary IgG, IgA and albumin values did not differ from their healthy controls. The IgE concentrations of the asthmatic children, however, were significantly higher. Those children who had recently received hyposensitization therapy showed slightly elevated values of IgE in their saliva. The different medication of the children with asthma did not affect any of the immunoglobulins studied.     

Sialochemistry of whole, parotid, and labial minor gland saliva in patients with oral lichen planus

This study was undertaken to determine whether oral lichen planus in otherwise healthy patients is associated with sialochemical abnormalities. Unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva, stimulated parotid saliva, and stimulated labial minor gland saliva were collected from 25 patients with oral lichen planus and from 25 age- and sex-matched controls. Flow rate and salivary concentrations of immunoglobulins A and G, albumin, amylase, lysozyme, lactoferrin, and total protein were determined by standard analytical techniques. Concentrations of inorganic components including sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and phosphate were also measured. No significant differences were found between the lichen planus patients and the controls. These findings do not support an association between oral lichen planus and salivary dysfunction in otherwise healthy patients.     

Salivary defense mechanisms in juvenile periodontitis.

The local, saliva-associated defense mechanisms of 28 juvenile periodontitis (JP) patients and their age- and sex-matched controls were studied. Lysozyme, lactoferrin, salivary peroxidase, myeloperoxidase, and thiocyanate concentrations were determined from both whole saliva and parotid saliva. The total concentrations of salivary IgA, IgG, and IgM were assayed. The periodontal condition and the salivary flow rates were registered. Among the JP patients, a significantly elevated concentration of IgG was found in parotid saliva but not in whole saliva. Salivary peroxidase activities were significantly low both in the whole and in the parotid saliva samples of the JP patients, and leukocyte-derived myeloperoxidase was present in significantly low amounts in whole saliva of these patients. Because both glandular (salivary peroxidase) and polymorphonuclear-cell-derived (myeloperoxidase) enzyme activities were low among the JP patients, suppressed peroxidase-mediated host defense mechanisms could be characteristic of JP.     

Protein composition of whole and parotid saliva in healthy and periodontitis subjects

Cystatins are physiological inhibitors of cysteine proteinases and they are widely distributed in human tissues and body fluids including saliva. We previously reported an increased cystatin activity in whole saliva of gingivitis and periodontitis subjects. Based on this result we decided to investigate the type and origin of cystatins involved in this increased cystatin activity by collecting both whole and parotid saliva of 25 healthy and 30 periodontitis subjects. Saliva samples were quantified for cystatins S and C by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and cystatin activities were measured toward papain. Besides, three other salivary proteins were determined: the plasma protein albumin, the typical parotid derived amylase and the salivary immunoglobulin IgA. The present investigation shows that levels of total protein and cystatin activity as well as the levels of glandular derived proteins amylase and cystatin C were significantly higher in whole and parotid saliva of subjects with periodontitis than in healthy controls. Cystatin S, the major salivary cystatin. however was higher in the whole saliva of the healthy group. Whole saliva concentrations of albumin and IgA, originating from sources other than the glandular cells, were not different between healthy and periodontitis subjects and were also not correlated with the typical salivary gland proteins. In conclusion, this study provides additional evidence that the human salivary glands may respond to an inflammatory disease of the oral cavity, periodontitis, by enhanced synthesis of some acinar proteins.     

Saliva composition and caries development in asthmatic patients treated with β2-adrenoceptor agonists: a 4-year follow-up study

Abstract – In an earlier study, we found that chronic treatment with β₂-adrenoceptor agonists in asthmatic subjects gave an impaired saliva secretion and a higher caries prevalence than in healthy controls. Twenty-one of the asthmatics and their matched controls were examined 4 yr later in a follow-up study. Samples of whole saliva stimulated by chewing and parotid saliva stimulated by citric acid were collected and dental caries was scored. In the asthmatic group the secretory rates of stimulated whole and parotid saliva decreased by 20% and 35%, respectively, compared to the control group. The number of lactobacilli increased. The asthmatic subjects had a decreased output per minute of total protein, amylase, hexosamine, salivary peroxidase, lysozymc, secretory IgA, a bacteria-aggregating glycoprotein, potassium, and calcium in stimulated parotid saliva. Initial and manifest caries lesions as well as the number of DFS were significantly increased in the asthma group. We conclude that asthmatic patients treated with β₂-adrenoccptor agonists have an increased caries susceptibility due to an impaired saliva secretion caused by the use of β-adrenergic agonists.     

健康人与慢性牙周炎患者唾液蛋白质量浓度及白蛋白与球蛋白比值的变化

目的 对健康人1 d内唾液总蛋白、白蛋白、球蛋白质量浓度的变化及白蛋白与球蛋白比值（A/G）进行检测、分析,确定唾液蛋白成分较稳定的时间段,并比较此时间段健康人与慢性牙周炎患者非刺激性全唾液中的蛋白质量浓度及A/G的变化,为以唾液为基础的疾病诊断学方法建立和临床应用提供参照。方法 分别采集37名健康受试者（健康组）8:00、9:30、11:30、13:00、16:30、21:00的全唾液,并取24名慢性牙周炎患者（牙周炎组）早晨的全唾液。使用BCA法在酶标仪上检测总蛋白质量浓度,用GF-D800型半自动生化分析仪检测唾液白蛋白的质量浓度,然后计算球蛋白质量浓度及A/G。使用SPSS 19.0统计软件对所得数据进行统计学分析。结果 唾液蛋白成分在早晨（8:00）空腹时较为稳定。在这段时间,健康组总蛋白（1 354.35±389.52）μg•mL-1、白蛋白（139.55±27.19）μg•mL-1、球蛋白（1 211.80±360.73）μg•mL-1、A/G 0.126 3±0.041 7;牙周炎组总蛋白（2 611.56±231.62）μg•mL-1、白蛋白（296.27±17.34）μg•mL-1、球蛋白（2 315.69±221.67）μg•mL-1、A/G 0.156 2±0.017 3。健康组总蛋白、白蛋白、球蛋白的质量浓度在1 d内不同时间存在明显差异（P<0.05）,主要体现在饭前与饭后的差异,但A/G在1 d内基本稳定。对健康组与牙周炎组的唾液蛋白及A/G进行比较,牙周炎组的唾液总蛋白、白蛋白、球蛋白质量浓度较健康组明显升高,但A/G无明显差异。结论 唾液蛋白成分在早晨空腹时较其他时段稳定,可为样本采集时间提供参考。慢性牙周炎患者的唾液总蛋白、白蛋白、球蛋白质量浓度较健康人明显升高。     

Increased rate of salivary epidermal growth factor secretion in patients with juvenile periodontitis

We compared salivary epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentrations in patients with juvenile periodontitis (JP) and periodontally healthy controls. In initial screening of 45 JP patients and a group of healthy controls, significantly higher salivary EGF concentrations were measured in the JP patients. Subsequently, 17 JP patients who had high EGF concentrations in some of their salivary samples were chosen, and a group of age- and sex-matched controls was selected. We then examined their EGF concentrations and EGF secretion rates under standardized conditions in stimulated and unstimulated saliva and studied the expression of EGF receptor (EGF-R) in their gingival tissues. The results showed that the mean EGF concentration (pmol/ml) was slightly higher in JP patients than in controls. However, the difference was statistically significant only in stimulated saliva and when calculated per milligram salivary protein. When EGF release was measured as the rate of EGF secretion (pg/min), significantly higher values were observed in JP patients than in controls both in unstimulated and stimulated saliva. Immunofluorescence microscopy (IF) of gingival samples from JP patients and their controls revealed no quantitative or qualitative differences in the expression of EGF-R. Our results demonstrate the complex nature of salivary EGF release. The elevated rate of salivary EGF secretion in JP patients may be associated with the pathogenetic mechanisms of juvenile periodontitis.     

Salivary IgA subclasses and bacteria-reactive IgA in patients with aggressive periodontitis

The local salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) response in patients with aggressive periodontitis to oral microorganisms and its role for the pathogenesis has not been determined. This study investigated the hypothesis that aggressive periodontitis patients have impaired oral secretory immunity. Our test group was made-up of 19 aggressive periodontitis patients and 19 age- and gender-matched periodontally healthy controls. Total IgA, IgA subclass 1, IgA subclass 2 and IgA reactive to Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans Y4, Treponema denticola ATCC 35404 and Candida albicans DSM 3454 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in whole unstimulated and stimulated saliva. A statistically significantly lower concentration and secretion rate of total salivary IgA (P < 0.01) and IgA1 (P < 0.001) was found in the aggressive periodontitis group in resting and stimulated saliva. A decrease of IgA2 (P < 0.05) was seen in resting saliva. Although only minor differences were detected in the concentration and secretion of bacteria-reactive IgA in both groups, the proportion of bacteria-reactive IgA from the total IgA was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the aggressive periodontitis group in all three microorganisms tested. Our results indicate an inhibition of total secretory IgA. In particular an IgA subclass 1-specific decrease in aggressive periodontitis was noted, while the bacteria-reactive humoral immune system in saliva was activated. The role of the decrease of IgA1 immunoglobulins in aggressive periodontitis with respect to susceptibility for periodontal diseases has to be elucidated.     

Effect of beta 2-adrenoceptor agonists on saliva proteins and dental caries in asthmatic children

Twenty-four children, from 10 to 20 years old, with asthma treated with beta 2-adrenoceptor agonists were matched with healthy controls of the same age, sex, and social background. Stimulated whole and parotid saliva was collected, and decayed and filled tooth surfaces as well as oral hygiene habits were recorded. The dietary and sugar intake was carefully checked by a four-day dietary record. The asthmatic children had a 26% lower (p less than 0.05) value for secretion rate of whole saliva. Seventy percent of the children with Streptococcus mutans counts greater than 2 X 10(5) colony-forming units/mL of whole saliva belonged to the asthmatic group (p less than 0.05). The concentrations of total protein and amylase in parotid saliva were significantly lower for the asthmatic children. The concentrations of potassium, salivary peroxidase, bacteria-aggregating glycoproteins, and secretory IgA were not affected, but the secretion rate of parotid saliva was 36% lower in the asthma group (p less than 0.05). Oral hygiene and dietary habits did not differ between the groups. The asthmatic children had higher DFS scores, but these were not significantly different from those of the healthy controls (p = 0.07). We suggest that subjects with asthma treated with beta 2-receptor agonists should receive special prophylactic attention.     

Changes in composition of whole saliva in patients with fissured tongue

Both resting and paraffin-stimulated whole saliva were studied in 25 patients with fissured tongue and in their age and sex-matched healthy controls. The groups did not differ in dental or periodontal health. No significant differences were found between the groups in the salivary secretion rate, pH and buffer capacity, or in the frequency of lactobacilli and yeasts in saliva samples and scrapings from tongue surface. In patients with fissured tongue, unstimulated whole saliva displayed significantly elevated levels of sodium, lysozyme, myeloperoxidase and all immunoglobulins (isotypes A, G and M) when compared with the controls. These changes most likely reflect the inflammation frequently seen in the biopsies of fissured tongue. No differences between the groups existed in the amounts of salivary potassium, calcium, inorganic phosphate, amylase and total protein. Our study shows that in patients with fissured tongue the salivary secretion and composition are normal. However, components from plasma and inflammatory cells are diagnostically elevated in the whole saliva samples of patients with fissured tongue when compared with the healthy controls.     

鼻咽癌患者放射治疗前后龋活性及唾液中钙、磷质量浓度的变化

目的 探讨鼻咽癌患者放射治疗前后龋活性的变化,定量分析鼻咽癌患者放射治疗前后唾液中的钙、磷质量浓度的变化。方法 选择鼻咽癌患者28例为试验组,健康志愿者20例为对照组。采用刃天青纸片法检测试验 组放射治疗前、放射治疗（放射剂量为70 Gy）后龋活性的变化;采用火焰原子吸收光谱法和钼锑抗分光光度法测定试验组放射治疗前、放射治疗（放射剂量为70 Gy）后及对照组非刺激性唾液中钙、磷的质量浓度。结果 试验组放射治疗后龋活性增加,与治疗前的差异有统计学意义（P＜0.01）。试验组放射治疗前唾液中钙质量浓度为（63.19± 3.27）mg·L-1,治疗后为（33.38±0.32）mg·L-1;放射治疗前磷质量浓度为（132.96±5.13）mg·L-1,治疗后为（49.18±2.66）mg·L-1。放射治疗前后唾液中钙、磷质量浓度的差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.01）,放射治疗后低于治疗前。结论 鼻咽癌患者放射治疗后的龋活性增加,唾液中钙、磷质量浓度降低。     

Changes in composition of whole saliva in patients with fissured tongue

Both resting and paraffin-stimulated whole saliva were studied in 25 patients with fissured tongue and in their age and sex-matched healthy controls. The groups did not differ in dental or periodontal health. No significant differences were found between the groups in the salivary secretion rate, pH and buffer capacity, or in the frequency of lactobacilli and yeasts in saliva samples and scrapings from tongue surface. In patients with fissured tongue, unstimulated whole saliva displayed significantly elevated levels of sodium, lysozyme, myeloperoxidase and all immunoglobulins (isotypes A, G and M) when compared with the controls. These changes most likely reflect the inflammation frequently seen in the biopsies of fissured tongue. No differences between the groups existed in the amounts of salivary potassium, calcium, inorganic phosphate, amylase and total protein. Our study shows that in patients with fissured tongue the salivary secretion and composition are normal. However, components from plasma and inflammatory cells are diagnostically elevated in the whole saliva samples of patients with fissured tongue when compared with the healthy controls.     

Enzyme activities in parotid saliva of patients with the restrictive type of anorexia nervosa

ObjectiveIn patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) specific signs may occur in the oral cavity, but there are conflicting reports about their significance, especially concerning changes in salivary composition.The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the resting parotid flow rate (PFR) and the activity of the following enzymes in parotid saliva: amylase, aspartate amino transferase (AST), lysozyme, peroxidase, serine and acidic proteases in the acute phase of the restrictive type of AN and to compare the findings with those in healthy controls.DesignForty-one subjects participated (20 patients with AN, 21 matched healthy controls), parotid saliva was collected using a modified Lashley cap at rest. Enzyme activities were measured with fluorimetric and photometric assays.ResultsThe unstimulated PFR was significantly lower than in the controls, lysozyme and AST activity was significantly lower, and amylase showed a high inter-individual variability. A positive correlation for amylase and lysozyme and negative ones for lysozyme and BMI, lysozyme and IBW%, serine protease and salivary flow were observed.ConclusionsThe reduced PFR and enzyme activities levels suggest that AN does not only affect the quantity of the saliva but also its quality and, its biological functions. The results obtained should help to provide a better understanding of the effect of AN disease on the pathogenesis of at least some oral diseases. Further research is needed on any possible role of reduced lysozyme and transaminase activity in maintaining oral protection against external toxic agents and bacteria.     

Salivary enzymes

Seventy-six enzyme activities of mixed whole saliva, parotid saliva, serum, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes were examined in 10 individuals with healthy periodontium, 10 adult periodontitis patients, and 4 localized juvenile periodontitis patients by using the API ZYM (Analytab Products Inc., Plainview, N. Y.) and API ZYM AP (API System, La Balme les Grottes, France) semi-quantitative micromethod systems. Enzymes assayed included phosphatases, esterase, lipase, glycosidases, and proteases including numerous aminopeptidases.
Among the three study groups, mixed whole saliva of adult periodontitis patients revealed the highest and mixed whole saliva of healthy individuals the lowest enzyme activities. Statistically significant differences were found for alkaline phosphatase, esterase, β-glucuronidase, α-glucosidase, and some aminopeptidases. Bacterial sediment of whole saliva exhibited higher enzyme activities than whole saliva supernatant. Serum contained numerous aminopeptidases which were virtually undetectable in whole saliva. Some enzyme activities found in mixed whole saliva could not be detected in parotid saliva. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes demonstrated a distinct enzyme profile.
The present study shows that varying enzyme profiles exist among the various components which make up whole saliva. It also indicates that numerous salivary enzymes originate from oral microorganisms and that the enzyme activity of whole saliva is higher in individuals with periodontal disease than in periodontally healthy subjects.     

Chitinase in whole and glandular human salivas and in whole saliva of patients with periodontal inflammation

In recent studies the existence of a chitinase in various mammals, like man, was described. The aim of the present study was to find out whether salivas of periodontally healthy and inflamed humans also contain chitinase activity. Chitinase activity, assayed with the substrate 4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-D-N,N',N"-triacetylchitotrioside, was shown to be present in human whole saliva, with an activity level and apparent molecular mass (35 kDa) that were comparable with those of the human serum enzyme. Both lysozyme and beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase could be separated from chitinase by means of Bio-Gel P-100 gel filtration chromatography. The enzyme was also present in glandular saliva of parotid, palatine, submandibular and sublingual glands. The chitinase activity was not of oral epithelial, bacterial or plaque bacterial origin and was not correlated with the activity of salivary amylase. A comparative study of whole salivas of periodontally healthy controls and gingivitis and periodontitis subjects showed that only in the case of periodontitis there was a significant increase of the specific chitinase activity. The latter enzyme showed a gel filtration pattern that was comparable with that of the enzyme from controls. The measured albumin levels in saliva and the absence of correlation between the chitinase activity levels in plasma and saliva from periodontitis patients indicated that the (increased) chitinase activities did not originate from blood leakage to the oral cavity.     

Salivary IgA, lysozyme and beta 2-microglobulin in periodontal disease

The concentrations of IgA, lysozyme and beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-m) were quantitated in wax-stimulated mixed saliva from 28 patients with severe periodontitis and from 28 healthy controls. The mutual correlations between IgA, lysozyme and beta 2-m were determined. In patients with periodontitis decreased lysozyme concentrations were detected when compared with controls (P less than 0.05). The correlation between IgA and beta 2-m concentrations was highly significant in both groups studied (P less than 0.0001, and P less than 0.002), whereas beta 2-m and lysozyme concentrations were positively correlated in patients but not in controls. In addition, a significant correlation between IgA and lysozyme was found only in periodontal patients (P less than 0.001).