This study concluded that saliva-specific carbohydrates in the ovulatory saliva make the possibility to develop a biomarker for detection of ovulation by non-invasive methods.

Abstract:There is evidence to imply that estrogen influences salivary electrolytes activity in women. Problem statement: In this study we investigated changes in sodium, potassium and inorganic phosphorus, calcium and magnesium which related to find out the precise day of ovulation. These changes might help to explain the fluctuation of ovarian hormones such as preovulatory estrogen surge. Approach: Human whole saliva was collected from 48 healthy subjects of women (age range 20-30 years) during reproductive phases of menstrual cycle were assayed using atomic absorption spectrometer and enzyme immune assay. Amongst a range of electrolytes have been identified such as sodium, potassium, inorganic phosphorus and calcium were comparatively found to be higher during ovulatory phase when compared to that of other phases. Changes were attributed to a probable hormonal outcome on salivary composition. Results: Conversely, in other phases (preovulatory and postovulatory) electrolytes activity like magnesium and calcium decreased later, declining significantly (p<0.05). The increase of electrolytes like sodium and potassium in human saliva, during ovulatory phase might be due to the circulation of steroid hormones. Conclusion: Further, the presence of particular salts influence by ovarian hormones like LH and progesterone in ovulatory saliva makes the possibility to expand a sign for spotlight of ovulation by means of noninvasive method.

Problem statement:The present investigation carry out a pilot study of a novel method to identify the salivary volatiles in different phases of menstrual cycle for the assessment of ovulation detection using gas chromatography and mass spectrophotometer. Approach: The profiles from follicular phase (6-12 days); ovulatory phase (13-14 days) and luteal phase (15-26 days) of menstrual cycle samples were compared to establish any qualitative and quantitative differences that might have potential value in human olfactory communication. Dichloromethane was used as the solvent for extraction of the compounds. Results: Fifteen compounds were identified. They include organic compounds like, acid, aldehyde, amine and alcohol. The most important constituent was 2-nonenal, which usually comprised 75% or more of the total volatiles observed in ovulatory phase. The concentration of many constituents varied widely. This appeared to be periodically in three cycles for five of the constituents, with a period of a few weeks and with pronounced maxima at the peak of ovulatory period of which only two were common to all the chromatograms. The chemical profile of ovulatory phase saliva was distinguished by the presence of two specific compounds, viz. 2-Nonenal, Acetic acid and Acetaldehyde that were not found in the other reproductive phases of saliva sample in women. Apparently these compounds are 2-nonenal, dodecanol, acetic acid and acetaldehyde. One or more of these compounds may have pheromonal activity in human body odor. Conclusion: Differentiation of the volatile patterns among reproductive phases in women may help to find the diagnostic marker for ovulation detection.

Human saliva was analyzed by Gas-Chromatography (GC) for fatty acids study throughout menstrual cycle. The
fatty acid profiles from preovulatory, ovulatory and postovulatory phase’s sample were compared to establish
any qualitative and quantitative differences that might have potential value in detection of ovulation in women.
In the present study, 17 different types of fatty acids were identified. The fatty acids resembling as Oleic acid,
Palmitic acid and acetic acid were comparatively higher in concentration than the other fatty acids. These three
fatty acid were mostly present in ovulatory phase, to be higher when compared to follicular and luteal phases of
menstrual cycle bear out the cyclic fluctuations in lipid levels do occur under the influence of both endogenous
and exogenous sex hormones. The results imply that the variation in the fatty acids is unswervingly/ obliquely
correlated to the phase of menstrual cycle.

Among the proteins, 48 kDa protein was more predominantly exhibited during ovulatory phase than pre and post-ovulatory phase. The present study indicates that the protein level and the specific protein band (48 kDa) through MALDI-TOF MS analysis might serve as an indicator for ovulation.