Comparative Evaluation of Saliva and Serum Proteins in Diabetics and Normo-Glycemics

Abstract

One of the most probable markers of inflammatory response is serum protein. Recently, serum levels of these some proteins have been proven to be useful in clinical diagnosis. In this study, we comparatively investigated serum and saliva C - reactive protein (CRP), α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities in type II Diabetic and Normo-glycemic humans. Two hundred and thirteen (213) subjects of 173 Diabetics and 40 Non-diabetics (Control) were ethically recruited from the central hospital, warri, Delta State. For each participant, serum and saliva was collected and laboratorily analyzed for α-amylase, α-glucosidase and CRP levels, while comparing mean differences between groups with a student t-test and statistical measure of association (correlation). Result showed a statistically significant increase in CRP and α-amylase activity of diabetics than non-diabetic subjects, with a statistically significant increase in salivary and serum CRP, α-glucosidase and α-amylase levels across groups. This finding is suggestive that saliva and/or serum levels may be useful bioanalytes for non-invasive, alternative diagnosis of blood glucose levels. Similar studies that corroborate the efforts of this study is recommended. Further studies that assay other saliva and serum biomarkers may also be useful and thus recommended.