Salivary levels of hyaluronic acid in female patients with dry mouth compared with age-matched controls: a pilot study.
Little is known regarding the association between the level of hyaluronic acid (HA) in saliva and dry mouth status. The aim of this study was to evaluate the salivary levels of HA in female patients with dry mouth (perceived xerostomia and hyposalivation) and compare them with age-matched controls. We studied 46 females, and classified them into two groups based on perceived xerostomia and salivary flow rate, as well as a control group without symptoms. HA concentrations in unstimulated whole saliva were determined and a significant difference was found between the groups. The statistical association was stronger in patients (perceived xerostomia, normosalivation) administrated xerogenic drugs, while the HA levels in that group were significantly lower than those in the controls when converted to absolute amount of saliva per min. Within the limitations of the present study, patients with dry mouth had lower HA levels in saliva, which may serve as a marker of local dryness or oral mucosa lubrication.
Higuchi
Yasushi
Y
Division of Community Oral Health Science, Kyushu Dental College, Kitakyushu, Japan.
Ansai
Toshihiro
T
Awano
Shuji
S
Soh
Inho
I
Yoshida
Akihiro
A
Hamasaki
Tomoko
T
Kakinoki
Yasuaki
Y
Takehara
Tadamichi
T
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008954:Models, Biological; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism*; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000378:metabolism*
D015415:Biomarkers; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid