Salivary levels of hyaluronic acid in female patients with dry mouth compared with age-matched controls: a pilot study

Abstract

Little is known regarding the association between the level of hyaluronic acid (HA) in saliva and dry mouth status. The aim of this study was to evaluate the salivary levels of HA in female patients with dry mouth (perceived xerostomia and hyposalivation) and compare them with agematched controls. We studied 46 females, and classified them into two groups based on perceived xerostomia and salivary flow rate, as well as a control group without symptoms. HA concentrations in unstimulated whole saliva were determined and a significant difference was found between the groups. The statistical association was stronger in patients (perceived xerostomia, normosalivation) administrated xerogenic drugs, while the HA levels in that group were significantly lower than those in the controls when converted to absolute amount of saliva per min. Within the limitations of the present study, patients with dry mouth had lower HA levels in saliva, which may serve as a marker of local dryness or oral mucosa lubrication.

Gene expression in salivary glands: effects of diet and mouse chromosome 17 locus regulating macronutrient intake

“…HA is widely distributed throughout the body, including in the plasma and synovial fluid. There have been only a few investigations of the occurrence and possible role of hyaluronic acid in saliva (Pogrel et al 1996(Pogrel et al , 2003Tishler et al 1998;Higuchi et al 2009), for example, as a marker of dry mouth in human patients (Higuchi et al 2009).…”

Influences of hyaluronic acid on the anticandidal activities of lysozyme and the peroxidase system

“…Because of its viscoelastic properties and non‐immunogenicity (Almond, 2007), HA can be considered a candidate molecule for saliva substitutes for patients with dry mouth, and a certain range of concentration showing similar rheological properties to those of human saliva has been reported (Park et al , 2010). A relationship between decreased salivary levels of HA and the occurrence of dry mouth symptoms has also been reported (Higuchi et al , 2009), suggesting the importance of HA in protecting and lubricating the oral mucosa. In addition, the wound repair activity and potential anti‐ Candida activity of HA (Chen and Abatangelo, 1999; Sakai et al , 2007) can provide additional benefits to patients with dry mouth who are susceptible to developing oral mucosal injuries and candidiasis (Porter et al , 2004).…”

<b>Pilot Study to Assess the Potential of New Moisturizing Agents for Oral Dryness </b>

“…However, betaine lacks the quality of stickiness, and is thus poorly remained in the oral cavity. To allow betaine to remain in the oral cavity, addition of sodium hyaluronate to the test solution improves retention and the moisturizing effect (26).…”