Parotid saliva protein profiles in caries-free and caries-active adults.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to determine if there were any differences in the parotid saliva output and composition related to caries activity.


METHODS
Stimulated parotid saliva samples were collected from 85 healthy young adults, caries-active or caries-free. Flow rates were determined, and samples were analyzed for pH and buffer capacity, total protein, electrolytes, proteins with a high performance liquid chromatography method, and histatins.


RESULTS
There were no differences in flow rates or pH, but buffer capacity was higher in women than in men, and K+ and Cl- were both slightly higher in the caries-active group. The women had a significantly higher total protein concentration, as well as higher concentrations of each of the individual protein components assayed. There were no differences attributable to caries activity.


CONCLUSIONS
Significant sex differences in salivary protein concentrations exist. Caries activity may be related to some salivary electrolyte alterations, but not to protein composition.
Dodds
M W
MW
Department of Community Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, USA.
Johnson
D A
DA
Mobley
C C
CC
Hattaway
K M
KM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008297:Male; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides / Q000032:analysis*; D012636:Secretory Rate; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
D004573:Electrolytes; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides