Salivary Metabolites from Uttered Cradles

Eelis Hyvärinen^*
*Correspondence: Eelis Hyvärinen, Department of Oral Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland, Email:

Introduction

Salivary metabolites refer to the molecules present in human saliva that are produced during various metabolic processes within the body. The use of oral sources of salivary metabolites in clinical research has been increasing in recent years. Saliva is an easily accessible and non-invasive source of biological samples that can be collected without causing any discomfort to the patient. In this article, we will discuss the various oral sources of salivary metabolites and their potential use in clinical research. The salivary glands are the major source of saliva in the human body. The three major pairs of salivary glands are the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. These glands secrete saliva that contains various metabolites, including proteins, enzymes, electrolytes, hormones, and metabolites of drugs and xenobiotics.

Description

The parotid gland produces the largest volume of saliva, and it is mainly responsible for the production of alpha-amylase, a digestive enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates. The submandibular gland produces saliva that contains high concentrations of proteins and glycoproteins, including the mucin family of glycoproteins, which provide lubrication to the oral cavity. The sublingual gland produces saliva that is rich in mucus and bicarbonate ions, which help to neutralize the acidic environment in the mouth. The oral microbiome refers to the diverse community of microorganisms that inhabit the oral cavity. These microorganisms include bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and they play an important role in maintaining oral health. The oral microbiome produces various metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), amino acids, and polyamines [1].

SCFAs, such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate, are produced by the fermentation of dietary fibers by oral bacteria. These SCFAs have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, and they may play a role in the prevention and treatment of various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease and type 2 diabetes. Amino acids, such as arginine, glutamine, and histidine, are also produced by oral bacteria. These amino acids are essential for the growth and survival of the oral microbiome, and they may also have therapeutic potential. For example, arginine has been shown to have anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects, while histidine has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. Polyamines, such as putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, are also produced by oral bacteria. These polyamines have been shown to have various biological functions, including cell growth and differentiation, and they may also have therapeutic potential. For example, spermidine has been shown to have anti-aging effects in various model organisms, including mice and fruit flies [2-5].

Salivary metabolites can be derived from a variety of sources, including dietary intake, microbial metabolism, and host metabolism. Dietary intake can influence the composition of saliva, as nutrients and other bioactive compounds are absorbed and metabolized by the body. For example, carbohydrates can be metabolized by oral bacteria to produce organic acids, such as lactate and acetate, which can be detected in saliva. Similarly, polyphenols and other dietary compounds can be metabolized by oral bacteria to produce bioactive metabolites that can have beneficial effects on health. Microbial metabolism is another important source of salivary metabolites. The oral microbiota is a complex community of microorganisms that can metabolize a variety of compounds, including carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. The metabolites produced by these microorganisms can have both positive and negative effects on health. For example, some oral bacteria produce volatile sulfur compounds that can contribute to bad breath, while others produce enzymes that can break down dietary polyphenols, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), into smaller, more bioavailable compounds.

Host metabolism is also an important source of salivary metabolites. The salivary glands secrete a variety of enzymes, such as amylase, lipase, and protease, which can metabolize dietary and endogenous compounds. In addition, the oral epithelium can metabolize compounds through a variety of enzymatic pathways, including the cytochrome P450 system. The metabolites produced by these pathways can be detected in saliva and can provide valuable information about an individual's health status. The analysis of salivary metabolites has the potential to revolutionize clinical practice, as it can provide a non-invasive, low-cost, and real-time assessment of an individual's health status. Salivary metabolites have been shown to be useful biomarkers for a variety of health conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. One of the most well-studied salivary metabolites is glucose. Glucose is a simple sugar that is the primary source of energy for the body. Elevated levels of glucose in the blood can be a sign of diabetes, a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The measurement of salivary glucose has the potential to provide a non-invasive, low-cost, and real-time assessment of an individual's blood glucose levels. Several studies have shown that salivary glucose levels are correlated with blood glucose levels and can be used to monitor glucose fluctuations in patients with diabetes.

Conclusion

In addition to glucose, other salivary metabolites have been shown to be useful biomarkers for diabetes. For example, salivary lactate levels have been shown to be elevated in patients with diabetes and can be used as a marker of disease severity. Similarly, salivary cortisol levels have been shown to be elevated in patients with diabetes and can be used as a marker of stress, which can exacerbate the symptoms of diabetes. Salivary metabolites have also been studied as biomarkers for cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, and early detection of risk factors can be critical for the prevention and management of this disease.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

There are no conflicts of interest by author.

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