Age-related modifications in human unstimulated whole saliva: a biochemical study

Human whole saliva contains a number of antimicrobial agents, and lysozyme, lactoferrin, secretory IgA and peroxidase are among the best known. Peroxidase catalyzes a reaction involved in the inhibition of bacterial growth and metabolism, and the prevention of hydrogen peroxide accumulation, thus pr...

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Published inAging (Milan, Italy) Vol. 12; no. 6; pp. 445 - 448
Main Authors Salvolini, E, Martarelli, D, Di Giorgio, R, Mazzanti, L, Procaccini, M, Curatola, G
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Italy Springer Nature B.V 01.12.2000
Subjects
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aging - metabolism
Antimicrobial agents
Child
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Humans
Lipid Peroxides - analysis
Male
Malondialdehyde - analysis
Middle Aged
Nitric Oxide - analysis
Oxidative stress
Peroxidases - analysis
Reference Values
Saliva - chemistry
Salivary Proteins and Peptides - analysis
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Summary:Human whole saliva contains a number of antimicrobial agents, and lysozyme, lactoferrin, secretory IgA and peroxidase are among the best known. Peroxidase catalyzes a reaction involved in the inhibition of bacterial growth and metabolism, and the prevention of hydrogen peroxide accumulation, thus protecting proteins from the action of oxygen and reactive oxygen species (ROS). To better understand the role played by the oxidative stress in the aging process, we studied the relationship between total protein content, peroxidase activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) content of human unstimulated whole saliva in 169 healthy subjects subdivided into groups according to age. Our results show a significant decrease in peroxidase activity with age. Moreover, the increase in saliva lipid peroxide levels indicates an enhanced free radical production that may contribute to tissue damage. On the other hand, findings concerning human unstimulated whole saliva NO content showed a significant increase in elderly subjects, suggesting that an enhanced NO production might depend on a stimulation of leukocyte-inducible NO synthase (i-NOS) activity. Our results suggest that during aging the oral tissues may become more susceptible to environmental factors due to a modification in the balance between different antimicrobial agents.
ISSN:0394-9532
1594-0667
1720-8319
DOI:10.1007/bf03339875