Saliva: A diagnostic biomarker of periodontal diseases

Abstract

Early detection of disease plays a crucial role in successful therapy. Early diagnosis and management reduces the severity and possible complications of the disease process. To overcome this challenge, medical researchers are devoted to finding molecular disease biomarkers that reveal a hidden lethal threat before the disease becomes complicated. Saliva, an important physiologic fluid, containing a highly complex mixture of substances, is rapidly gaining popularity as a diagnostic tool. Periodontal disease is a chronic disease of the oral cavity comprising a group of inflammatory conditions affecting the supporting structures of the dentition. In the field of periodontology, traditional clinical criteria are often insufficient for determining sites of active disease, for monitoring the response to therapy, or for measuring the degree of susceptibility to future disease progression. Saliva, as a mirror of oral and systemic health, is a valuable source for clinically relevant information because it contains biomarkers specific for the unique physiologic aspects of periodontal diseases. This review highlights the various potentials of saliva as a diagnostic biomarker for periodontal diseases.

The Significance of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Oral Diseases

“…The serum and salivary molecules contain immunoglobulins, enzymes, bacteria or bacterial products, volatile compounds and phenotypic markers [35]. The prevalent matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, -8, -9 and -13) are produced by polymorphonuclear leukocytes or osteoclasts, and interfere in local bone metabolism as well as being involved in the destruction of connective tissues.…”

“…That is why saliva is gaining popularity as a source of data. It is regarded as a valuable biomarker providing information about oral and systemic human health [35,36].…”

“…Most extracellular matrix components undergo digestion to lower molecular weight forms. Conventional periodontal treatment successfully reduces the MMP levels and inhibits the progressive breakdown of gingival and periodontal ligament collagens [35,37,38].…”

Gingivitis and periodontitis in children and adolescents suffering from type 1 diabetes mellitus

“…Basic and regular clinical and radiolographic measurements are useful for the detection and the diagnosis of the disease, but nowadays disease markers in saliva are increasingly used as diagnostic tests for periodontitis 33 . Basic and regular clinical and radiolographic measurements are useful for the detection and the diagnosis of the disease, but nowadays disease markers in saliva are increasingly used as diagnostic tests for periodontitis 33 .…”

"Quantification of Creatine Phosphokinase Levels in Chronic Periodontitis"

“…To rise above this challenge, medicinal researchers are committed for finding molecular disease biomarker that gives information about the unseen lethal threat before the condition becomes problematical. [1] Periodontal disease, a bacterial infection is a chronic multifactorial inflammatory condition, characterised by complex host-parasite interactions leading to annihilation of both hard and soft tissue. [2] Plaque is a most important etiological factor effecting the prevalence and severity of the periodontal destruction.…”