Presence of wax esters and squalene in human saliva.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the presence and relative composition of neutral lipids in human saliva.


METHODS
Whole unstimulated saliva was collected from 12 subjects ranging from 21 to 29 years old. Samples were lyophilized, and lipids were extracted using chloroform-methanol. Lipids were analysed by thin-layer chromatography.


RESULTS
Human saliva contains cholesterol, fatty acids, triglycerides, wax esters, cholesterol esters and squalene. The mean total neutral lipid content was 12.1±6.3 μg/ml.


CONCLUSIONS
These lipids in human saliva closely resemble the lipids found on the skin surface. These salivary lipids are most likely produced by the sebaceous follicles in the oral mucosa and sebaceous glands associated with major salivary glands.
Dows Institute for Dental Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
Andrew J
AJ
Brasser
Christopher A
CA
Barwacz
Deborah V
DV
Dawson
Kim A
KA
Brogden
David R
DR
Drake
Philip W
PW
Wertz
D000328:Adult; D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D004952:Esters / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry*; D013185:Squalene / Q000032:analysis*; D014885:Waxes / Q000032:analysis*
D004952:Esters; D014885:Waxes; D013185:Squalene
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