title: Sex-Based Differences in Smgc Expression in the Submandibular Gland of C57BL/6 Mice.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The decrease in female hormone levels at menopause affects whole-body homeostasis. Various therapies including hormone therapy and treatment with herbal supplements are available to improve menopausal symptoms. However, a method for evaluating their effectiveness has not been established. We sought to identify useful biomarkers to assess therapy efficacy.
  
  
  METHODS
  We searched for salivary proteins affected by changes in female hormone levels in mouse submandibular glands.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The expression of submandibular gland protein C (Smgc) was decreased following ovariectomy, while the expression of the alternative splicing transcript t-Smgc was increased. Notably, Smgc expression increased following β-estradiol administration, and was barely detectable in the submandibular glands of male mice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results suggest that Smgc expression may be estrogen dependent. Moreover, changes in the SMGC protein amount in the saliva were in accordance with those in mRNA expression in the submandibular gland. Our findings suggest that salivary proteins have potential as markers for evaluating therapies for menopausal symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Division of Food Function Research, Food Research Institute, NARO, Tsukuba, Japan.
authors.forename: Yuko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kusakabe
authors.forename: Yumiko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Shindo
authors.forename: Takayuki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kawai
authors.forename: Yoko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Takahashi
authors.forename: Masuko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kobori
authors.forename: Hiroko
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Inoue
authors.forename: Ichiro
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Saito
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004967:Estrogens / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008593:Menopause / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009077:Mucins / Q000378:metabolism*; D010052:Ovariectomy; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides / Q000378:metabolism*; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D013363:Submandibular Gland / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D004967:Estrogens; D009077:Mucins; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides; C491421:Smgc protein, mouse