title: S100B protein levels in saliva: correlation with gestational age in normal term and preterm newborns.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  S100B is an acidic calcium-binding protein of the EF-hand family present in the central nervous system, where it is concentrated in glial cells. It has been suggested to act as a cytokine with neurotrophic effects at physiological concentrations.
  
  
  METHODS
  S100B concentration was assessed in saliva by western blot analysis and an immunoluminometric assay. A reference curve of the protein was established in 216 preterm and term newborns.
  
  
  RESULTS
  S100B levels were significantly higher in saliva taken from the preterm group, and the highest S100B levels were found in newborns who were delivered in the earlier weeks of gestation, exhibiting a progressive decrease nearer to term. S100B concentration in saliva was correlated with gestational age (r = -0.69; P < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study offers data consistent with the putative neurotrophic role of S100B and suggests the usefulness of saliva in the clinical monitoring of S100B levels.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Service of Epidemiology and Biostatistics Scientific Direction, Giannina Gaslini Children's University Hospital, Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: Diego
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gazzolo
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lituania
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bruschettini
authors.forename: Sabina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ciotti
authors.forename: Renata
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sacchi
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Serra
authors.forename: Maria Grazia
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Calevo
authors.forename: Valentina
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Corvino
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Buonocore
authors.forename: Fabrizio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Michetti
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis*; D015153:Blotting, Western; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000378:metabolism*; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D012016:Reference Values; D064568:S100 Calcium Binding Protein beta Subunit; D009418:S100 Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D064568:S100 Calcium Binding Protein beta Subunit; D009418:S100 Proteins; C579160:S100B protein, human