Search Results (59)

Background/Objectives: The increasing prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents is alarming, and the obesogenic environment is considered a major contributing factor to this public health concern. Nevertheless, individuals exposed to the same obesogenic environment exhibit considerable variability in their body weight and eating behaviors. Therefore, this study investigated the relationships between eating behaviors, sensory processing profiles, and peripheral biomarkers in the context of adolescent obesity. Methods: A total of 99 adolescents aged 11–18 years (51 in the obese group and 48 in the control group) were enrolled in the study. Blood and saliva samples were obtained from participants. All participants also completed a Sociodemographic Information Form, the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (A/ASP), and the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ). Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the groups in any of the sensory processing quadrants (p > 0.05). A moderate positive correlation was observed between Sensory Sensitivity (A/ASP) and Emotional Eating (DEBQ) (r = 0.442, p < 0.001), whereas no other associations between A/ASP quadrants and DEBQ subscales reached statistical significance after adjustment for multiple comparisons. After controlling for the effects of sex, BMI and physical activity, plasma leptin, ghrelin, and salivary cortisol levels were not significantly associated with restrained, emotional, or external eating behaviors (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Obese and control group adolescents exhibited similar sensory processing profiles, yet higher sensory sensitivity scores were associated with greater emotional eating. These findings suggest that sensory sensitivity may be relevant for understanding emotional eating in adolescence; however, longitudinal research is required to determine whether this association is causal and to clarify the processes underlying it. Full article

Endometriosis is a common gynecological pathology, with an incidence of nearly 10% in patients of reproductive age, and is still underdiagnosed. A thorough and well-spread diagnostic study of endometriosis based on epigenetic factor dysregulation can highlight potential areas for improvement. To quantify the potential and utility of non-invasive tools in the early diagnosis of endometriosis, an overview of current knowledge on epigenetic factors, based on DNA and RNA, is presented. Among these tools, it is important to highlight the role of miRNAs (microRNAs), cfDNA (cell-free DNA), and rRNAs (ribosomal RNAs), which are small molecules involved in endometriosis and numerous other pathologies. To evaluate their potential and utility in endometriosis, a salivary miRNA diagnostic test was conducted, the cfDNA methylation patterns of fragmented DNA circulating in bodily fluids (e.g., plasma) were analyzed, and cervical and uterine microbiomes were profiled for bacterial rRNA in patients with clinical suspicion of incipient endometriosis. Specific molecular profiles associated with endometriosis were analyzed. The first profile, a 109-miRNA saliva signature, was validated as a product of miRNA biomarkers and artificial intelligence modeling. In addition, peripheral blood cfDNA methylation biomarkers were identified by investigating nine genes in a molecular signature that requires validation. A profile was also obtained from cervical swabs and uterine washes, including molecular analysis of 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to evaluate alterations in the cervical bacterial community. This review aims to optimize the integration of a non-invasive diagnostic tool for early endometriosis diagnosis. Genetic biomarkers can be correlated with clinical factors to improve diagnostic accuracy. Of the assessed diagnostic tools, salivary miRNA tests, a peripheral blood cfDNA methylation biomarker, and a microbiome rRNA signature may be useful for early diagnosis of endometriosis, as well as, implicitly, therapeutic attitude and follow-up. Full article

Background: Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is frequently used in pediatric renal transplantation as part of immunosuppressive therapy, yet therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) remains challenging. Accurate monitoring is essential due to MPA’s narrow therapeutic window, variable pharmacokinetics, and high protein binding. This study examined whether saliva could serve as a non-invasive alternative to plasma for measuring MPA exposure. Methods and Results: Concentrations of MPA and its primary glucuronide metabolite (MPAG) were determined in plasma, capillary blood, plasma ultrafiltrate, wet saliva, and dried saliva collected using volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS). A novel LC–MS/MS method for quantifying MPA and MPAG in dried saliva collected with the Mitra™ device was developed and validated within a 1–700 μg/L calibration range, demonstrating robust analytical performance. Dried and wet saliva showed high correlation (r = 0.99 and 0.98 for MPA and MPAG, respectively). However, both salivary matrices—dried saliva collected with Mitra™ (vsMPA, vsMPAG) and wet saliva (sMPA, sMPAG)—exhibited poor correlation with unbound (fMPA, fMPAG) and total plasma concentrations (tMPA, tMPAG). A modest, yet positive, correlation was observed between the measured concentrations for the following pairs: sMPA versus fMPA (r = 0.376, p = 0.1036), sMPA versus tMPA (r = 0.305, p = 0.1904), sMPAG versus fMPAG (r = 0.205, p = 0.3851), and sMPAG versus tMPAG (r = 0.472, p = 0.0012). Pharmacokinetic parameters supported these findings, highlighting discrepancies between saliva and plasma. Conclusions: From a clinical perspective, saliva sampling—although minimally invasive and patient-friendly—does not offer a reliable substitute for plasma in routine TDM of MPA and MPAG. Capillary blood collected through VAMS remains a promising alternative for long-term monitoring of pediatric patients; however, several considerations still need to be addressed. Full article

Background: Several studies have established correlations between low serum levels of vitamin D and various pathologies, such as diabetes mellitus and its complications. However, few studies analyze its levels in matrices other than blood plasma, such as tears and saliva. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of using tears and saliva as alternative biological matrices for laboratory assessment of vitamin D and glucose concentration in individuals with type II diabetes mellitus and healthy individuals, using the electrochemiluminescence method. Methods: This study included volunteers with type II diabetes and healthy controls, excluding those with certain comorbidities or a BMI ≥ 40. Blood, tear, and saliva samples were taken after 3 h of fasting for biochemical analysis of fasting glucose and vitamin D. Statistical analysis was conducted using GraphPad Prism^® 8.0—with Pearson and other tests to evaluate correlations—at a significance level of 5% and test power > 95%. Results: A negative correlation between serum vitamin D values and those found in saliva (p = 0.041) was found, as well as a positive correlation between serum glucose values and those found in tears (p = 0.0254). Conclusions: Tears and saliva samples can be used as proxies for venous blood samples in specific situations, such as studying blood glucose levels and vitamin D levels. However, expanding the sample size is essential to confirm the correlation and develop an accurate equation for estimating serum levels of these markers using these alternative matrices. Full article

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) impact quality of life and present diagnostic and treatment challenges. Biomarkers may serve as an additional tool to support diagnosis and monitor disease progression, offering supplementary information for treatment strategies in specific and selected patients. This systematic review aimed to assess the role of biomarkers in diagnosing TMD and guiding personalized treatment. It also examined key biomarkers linked to chronic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and how therapies affect biomarker levels and clinical outcomes. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify observational and interventional studies assessing the role of biomarkers in synovial fluid/tissue, saliva, and blood. The research was registered in PROSPERO, adhered to PRISMA guidelines, and employed Cochrane Risk of Bias tools. To assess the effect, only studies examining biomarker levels were considered. A total of forty-six studies met the inclusion criteria: three randomized controlled trials were rated as having some concerns, as were most of the observational studies. Elevated levels of interleukins (1ß and 6), tumour necrosis factor alpha, and prostaglandin E2 in synovial fluid were correlated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) inflammation. Increased matrix metalloproteinases (2, 7, and 9) indicated cartilage deterioration, while oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde were higher in TMD patients. Treatments including hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma, and low-level laser therapy effectively reduced inflammatory biomarkers and improved symptoms. Biomarkers show potential to contribute to the understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms in TMD and may support future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for selected patients. After high-quality studies confirm these findings, this approach will enable personalized medicine by tailoring treatments to individual patient profiles, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and quality of life. Full article

Background: Previous studies suggested that decreased saliva lactoferrin (LF) levels might be used to differentiate subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) from subjects with normal cognitive function (NCF). Here, we aimed to assess differences in plasma LF concentrations between subjects with NCF and MCI. Methods: In total, 113 NCF subjects and 113 MCI individuals were included in this study. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale, and anthropometric parameters, body composition, physical activity, cardio-metabolic parameters, and LF levels were measured. Results: MCI subjects had significantly lower LF levels than NCF participants (p < 0.0001). There were also significant differences between the study groups in the smoking history (p = 0.0190), alcohol consumption (p = 0.0036), intake of hypoglycaemic drugs (p = 0.0140), vigorous activity (MET-min/day: p = 0.0223, min/day: p = 0.0133), and energy expenditure associated with activity (p = 0.0287). Moreover, the MoCA test results significantly correlated with LF levels (p = 0.0026), and there were significant differences between MoCA tertiles and LF levels (p = 0.0189). Also, adjusted logistic regression analysis results showed that LF concentrations (p = 0.0382), alcohol consumption (p = 0.0203), and intake of hypoglycaemic drugs (p = 0.0455) were independent predictors of MCI prevalence. Conclusions: In conclusion, MCI subjects are characterised by lower plasma LF concentrations than NCF individuals, but further studies are needed to confirm these findings. Full article

Background and Objectives: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disease caused by the failure of the skeletal muscle, liver and adipose tissue to respond to insulin. Metformin is the first choice for the treatment of T2DM. Isthmin 1 (Ism1) is a newly discovered adipokine that affects all carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism. This study examines the changes in serum and salivary levels of Ism1 in patients using metformin, considering its potential as a follow-up marker for T2DM if present in the salivary glands. Materials and Methods: The study included 30 newly diagnosed T2DM patients and 30 non-diabetic controls. Ism1 was measured by ELISA in serum and saliva after 3 months and compared with routine biochemical parameters. Immunostaining of Ism1 was performed in salivary glands. Results: Ism1 was immunohistochemically detected in salivary glands for the first time. Serum Ism1 levels increased significantly after 3 months of metformin treatment (p = 0.028). The increase in salivary Ism1 levels did not reach statistical significance. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (p < 0.001), HbA1c (p < 0.001) and LDL (p = 0.015) levels decreased with metformin. There was a significant negative correlation between the increase in Ism1 levels and the decrease in LDL levels (rho = −0.362, p = 0.05). Conclusions: Despite its first detection in salivary glands, the hypothesis that Ism1 may be a surveillance marker in T2DM could not be confirmed. The negative correlation of Ism1 with LDL levels suggests that Ism1 may contribute to the ameliorative effect of metformin on serum lipids. Further studies are needed to support this conclusion. Full article

Integrating behavioral and physiological assessment is critical to improve our ability to assess animal welfare in biomedical settings. Hair, blood, and saliva samples were collected from 40 recently acquired male African green monkeys (AGMs) to analyze concentrations of hair cortisol, plasma β-endorphin, and lysozyme alongside focal behavioral observations. The statistical methodology utilized machine learning and multivariate generalized linear mixed models to find associations between behaviors and fluctuations of cortisol, lysozyme, and β-endorphin concentrations. The study population was divided into two groups to assess the effectiveness of an enrichment intervention, though the hair cortisol results revealed no difference between the groups. The principal component analysis (PCA) with a Bayesian mixed model analysis reveals several significant patterns in specific behaviors and physiological responses, highlighting the need for further research to deepen our understanding of how behaviors correlate with animal welfare. This study’s methodology demonstrates a more refined approach to interpreting these behaviors that can help improve animal welfare and inform the development of better management practices. Full article

In addition to the tumor suppressor role of Cullin 7 (Cul7), one of the proteins belonging to the Cullin (Cul) family, studies have also suggested that Cul7 may act as an oncogene under certain conditions. The role of the Cul7 molecule in breast cancer is still unclear, and understanding its function could have significant implications for identifying novel therapeutic targets or improving diagnostic strategies in breast cancer management. In this study, the levels of the Cul7 molecule in plasma and noninvasive material saliva were investigated, and its possibility as a marker for breast cancer was discussed. Protein levels of blood and saliva samples taken from breast cancer patients and a healthy control group were measured by the ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) method. Gene expression levels between the two groups were analyzed by the qPCR (quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction) method. In our study, Cul7 mRNA and protein expression levels were examined in 60 breast cancer patients and 20 healthy female controls, and a statistically insignificant difference was found between the patient and control groups in both plasma and saliva samples (p > 0.05). No correlation was found between the clinical characteristics of the patients and plasma and saliva Cul7 gene expression and protein levels (p > 0.05). Considering the possibility of Cul7 being a biomarker at the protein and mRNA levels, plasma is thought to be a better study material for Cul7. Our findings suggest that in the context of a study on salivary material, the expression of Cul7 at the mRNA level may have better potential utility as a biomarker. Full article

Background: As the burden of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) escalates with an ageing population, the demand for early and accessible diagnostic methods becomes increasingly urgent. Saliva, with its non-invasive and cost-effective nature, presents a promising alternative to cerebrospinal fluid and plasma for biomarker discovery. Methods: In this study, we conducted a comprehensive multi-omics analysis of saliva samples (n = 20 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), n = 20 Alzheimer’s disease and age- and n = 40 gender-matched cognitively normal individuals), from the South Australian Neurodegenerative Disease (SAND) cohort, integrating proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiome data with plasma measurements, including pTau181. Results: Among the most promising findings, the protein Stratifin emerged as a top candidate, showing a strong negative correlation with plasma pTau181 (r = −0.49, p < 0.001) and achieving an AUC of 0.95 in distinguishing AD and MCI combined from controls. In the metabolomics analysis, 3-chlorotyrosine and L-tyrosine exhibited high correlations with disease severity progression, with AUCs of 0.93 and 0.96, respectively. Pathway analysis revealed significant alterations in vitamin B12 metabolism, with Transcobalamin-1 levels decreasing in saliva as AD progressed despite an increase in serum vitamin B12 levels (p = 0.008). Microbiome analysis identified shifts in bacterial composition, with a microbiome cluster containing species such as Lautropia mirabilis showing a significant decrease in abundance in MCI and AD samples. The overall findings were reinforced by weighted correlation network analysis, which identified key hubs and enriched pathways associated with AD. Conclusions: Collectively, these data highlight the potential of saliva as a powerful medium for early AD diagnosis, offering a practical solution for large-scale screening and monitoring. Full article

Introduction: Metal ions, released from dental alloys due to corrosion, come in contact with the cells of the surrounding tissues and may spread throughout the body via the gastrointestinal system, thus inducing dose-dependent cytopathological effects. This study aimed to assess and compare the salivary cobalt and chromium concentrations in individuals aged 18–65 years with and without dental restorations containing metal alloys. Methods: Participants were divided into two main groups according to the existence of metal alloys in the oral cavity—18 patients had fixed prosthetic restorations made of metal alloys, and 17 patients had no metal objects in their oral cavity. Each main group was subdivided into two subgroups according to the type of saliva sample—with or without additional stimulation. Salivary cobalt and chromium concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. A non-parametric Mann–Whitney test and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient were applied, and the level of significance was set to p < 0.05. Results: The results showed that the chromium level in non-stimulated saliva was higher in the group of patients with metal dental restorations. No statistical difference was found in cobalt levels. There was no statistical difference in Co or Cr concentrations in stimulated saliva between the studied groups. A positive correlation was found between Cr and Co concentrations in non-stimulated saliva and between cobalt concentrations in stimulated and non-stimulated saliva. Conclusions: Metal alloys in the oral cavity induced elevated chromium levels in non-stimulated saliva, and a correlation between chromium and cobalt ion concentration was found. A detailed examination of patients and their medical history prior to prosthetic treatment is advisable in order to avoid any undesired health effects. Full article

Keratoconus (KC) is a corneal thinning dystrophy that leads to visual impairment. While the cause of KC remains poorly understood, changes in sex hormone levels have been correlated with KC development. This study investigated circulating gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in control and KC subjects to determine if this master hormone regulator is linked to the KC pathology. Plasma and saliva were collected from KC subjects (n = 227 and n = 274, respectively) and non-KC controls (n = 58 and n = 101, respectively), in concert with patient demographics and clinical features. GnRH levels in both plasma and saliva were significantly lower in KC subjects compared to controls. This finding was retained in plasma when subjects were stratified based on age, sex, and KC severity. Control and KC corneal fibroblasts (HKCs) stimulated with recombinant GnRH protein in vitro revealed significantly increased luteinizing hormone receptor by HKCs and reduced expression of α-smooth muscle actin with treatment suggesting that GnRH may modulate hormonal and fibrotic responses in the KC corneal stroma. Further studies are needed to reveal the role of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis in the onset and progression of KC and to explore this pathway as a novel therapeutic target. Full article

Chronic liver diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), continue to be a global health burden with a rise in incidence and mortality, necessitating a need for the discovery of novel biomarkers for HCC detection. This study aimed to identify novel non-invasive biomarkers for these different liver disease states. We performed untargeted metabolomics in plasma (Healthy = 9, NAFLD = 14, Cirrhosis = 10, HCC = 34) and saliva samples (Healthy = 9, NAFLD = 14, Cirrhosis = 10, HCC = 22) to test for significant metabolite associations with each disease state. Additionally, we identified enriched biochemical pathways and analyzed correlations of metabolites between, and within, the two biofluids. We identified two salivary metabolites and 28 plasma metabolites significantly associated with at least one liver disease state. No metabolites were significantly correlated between biofluids, but we did identify numerous metabolites correlated within saliva and plasma, respectively. Pathway analysis revealed significant pathways enriched within plasma metabolites for several disease states. Our work provides a detailed analysis of the altered metabolome at various stages of liver disease while providing some context to altered pathways and relationships between metabolites. Full article

Glypican-4 belongs to a group of poorly understood adipokines, with potential importance in people with metabolic syndrome, especially in groups of patients with glucose metabolism disorder. This study aimed to assess the effect of physical activity on serum glypican-4 and irisin levels and total antioxidant status (TAS) in plasma and saliva in women with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Seventy-two Caucasian women aged 25–60 were included in the study (36 women with MetS and 36 women without MetS (control group, CONTR)). The glypican-4 and irisin concentrations, total antioxidant status, glycemia, lipid profile, anthropometric parameters, and blood pressure were analyzed before and after 28 days of controlled physical activity. Serum glypican-4 and plasma TAS levels were higher (p = 0.006 and p = 0.043, respectively) on the 28th day than on the first day of the study only in the CONTR group. In the MetS group, 28 days of physical activity caused a reduction in body fat mass (p = 0.049) without changes in glypican-4, irisin, or TAS levels. In both groups, glypican-4 levels correlated positively with irisin levels and negatively with Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR), while irisin levels correlated positively with High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and negatively with waist circumference (WC) and WHR values on the 28th day of the study. To summarize, a 28-day moderate training, accompanied by a reduction in body fat mass, stabilized glypican-4 levels and TAS in female patients with MetS. Full article

Background: Microbial dysbiosis may contribute to alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) homeostasis disruption, yet the burden of inflammatory periodontal infection and its treatment have never been studied in this regard. We aimed to compare the cytokine and α-Syn levels in the saliva and blood of patients with periodontitis who underwent non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) and those of their healthy counterparts. Methods: Periodontal examination and saliva and blood sample collection were carried out in incoming patients at a university clinic. The periodontitis group (PG) received NSPT. The sample collection and periodontal observation were repeated 30 days after. IL-6, IL1-β and total α-Syn were quantified using immunoassay methods. The periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) was calculated as a proxy for periodontal inflammation. Results: Eleven participants formed the PG, and there were fifteen healthy controls (HC). At baseline, no correlation between salivary and plasma α-Syn was found. The salivary α-Syn levels revealed a tendency to decrease 30 days after, particularly in the PD cases. The variation in PISA and α-Syn showed significant correlation. Salivary α-Syn correlated negatively with salivary IL-6 levels at both timepoints in the total sample (rho = −0.394 and rho = −0.451) and in the HC (rho = −0.632 and rho = −0.561). Variations in plasma IL-6 and α-Syn were negatively correlated (rho = −0.518) in the healthy participants. Baseline plasma IL1-β negatively correlated with plasmatic α-Syn at 30 days in the HC (rho = −0.581). Conclusions: Salivary and plasma α-Syn bioavailability operate independently, and periodontal diagnosis was not a confounding factor. Salivary α-Syn levels were significantly affected by NSPT, contrary to plasma levels. These results should be confirmed in future larger and prospective studies. Full article