Patients with oral lichen planus display lower levels of salivary acidic glycoproteins than individuals without oral mucosal disease

OBJECTIVES: Salivary proteins, acidic glycoproteins, and free calcium might take part in oral mucosal defence against inflammation in oral lichen planus (OLP). The study aimed to investigate whether the levels of sulfated and sialylated glycoproteins, total protein, and free calcium in saliva from patients with OLP differ from those of individuals without oral mucosal diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with OLP (n = 25) and two control groups without any oral mucosal disease; age- and gender-matched controls (n = 25, 65.6 ± 2.9 years), and younger controls (n = 25, 41.8 ± 2.5 years) were included. Subjective dry mouth (xerostomia) was assessed by asking a single-item question. Chew-stimulated whole saliva was collected to measure sulfated and sialylated glycoproteins by the Alcian Blue method. The total protein was determined spectrophotometrically, and the free calcium measured using an electrode. RESULTS: The output of salivary sulfated and sialylated glycoproteins in the OLP group (21.8 ± 2.4 µg/min) was lower than in the age- and gender-matched controls (43.0 ± 2.9 µg/min, p = 0.0002), whereas the total protein and calcium output did not differ between the three groups (p > 0.05). The prevalence of xerostomia was significantly higher in the OLP group compared to both control groups (p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with OLP showed a high prevalence of xerostomia and lower levels of salivary acidic type glycoproteins compared to the individuals without oral mucosa disease. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: It is relevant to investigate the role of acidic glycoproteins in the pathogenesis of OLP

Patients with oral lichen planus display lower levels of salivary acidic glycoproteins than individuals without oral mucosal disease

OBJECTIVES: Salivary proteins, acidic glycoproteins, and free calcium might take part in oral mucosal defence against inflammation in oral lichen planus (OLP). The study aimed to investigate whether the levels of sulfated and sialylated glycoproteins, total protein, and free calcium in saliva from patients with OLP differ from those of individuals without oral mucosal diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with OLP (n = 25) and two control groups without any oral mucosal disease; age- and gender-matched controls (n = 25, 65.6 ± 2.9 years), and younger controls (n = 25, 41.8 ± 2.5 years) were included. Subjective dry mouth (xerostomia) was assessed by asking a single-item question. Chew-stimulated whole saliva was collected to measure sulfated and sialylated glycoproteins by the Alcian Blue method. The total protein was determined spectrophotometrically, and the free calcium measured using an electrode. RESULTS: The output of salivary sulfated and sialylated glycoproteins in the OLP group (21.8 ± 2.4 µg/min) was lower than in the age- and gender-matched controls (43.0 ± 2.9 µg/min, p = 0.0002), whereas the total protein and calcium output did not differ between the three groups (p > 0.05). The prevalence of xerostomia was significantly higher in the OLP group compared to both control groups (p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with OLP showed a high prevalence of xerostomia and lower levels of salivary acidic type glycoproteins compared to the individuals without oral mucosa disease. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: It is relevant to investigate the role of acidic glycoproteins in the pathogenesis of OLP

Cholecystokinin- and Melatonin-receptors in human and rat salivary glands

Recent observations of ours show the rat parotid gland to respond, in vivo, to gastrin, cholecystokinin and melatonin with protein secretion, without any accompanying overt fluid secretion. Moreover, we do also find pieces of human parotid tissue to secrete protein in vitro and to display ultrastructural changes associated with secretory activity. OBJECTIVES: To visualize the receptor-substrate for the action of these hormones in parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands of humans and rats. METHODS: Immunochemistry was applied, using antibodies for cholecystokinin (CCK)-A, CCK-B and melatonin 2-receptors (including negative controls). The sections were examined under light microscopy. The specimens from humans were obtained at benign salivary gland surgery (15 patients), while glands of 8 rats of both sexes were used. RESULTS: The pattern of immunoreactivity was similar in humans and rats. In all types of glands, the acinar serous cells (but not the mucous cells) and the striated duct cells stained for the three receptors under study. The staining for CCK-A receptors of acinar cells was stronger than for duct cells, while the opposite was the case for the two other receptors. CONCLUSION: A hormonal influence on the secretory activity of salivary glands may be a general phenomenon. In response to a meal, the glands are probably not only regulated by the well-known cephalic phase (nerves) but also by a gastric (gastrin) and an intestinal phase (cholecystokinin and melatonin), the three phases overlapping each other