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J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2011 Oct-Dec; 15(4): 310317.

PMCID: PMC3283925

doi: 10.4103/0972-124X.92560

Saliva: A diagnostic biomarker of periodontal diseases

Priti Basgauda Patil and Basgauda Ramesh Patil1
Department of Periodontology, Tatyasaheb Kore Dental College and Research Centre, Maharashtra, India
1
Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Maharashtra, India
Address for correspondence: Dr. Priti Basgauda Patil, Department of Periodontology, Tatyasaheb Kore Dental College and Research
Centre, New Pargaon - 417 137, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India. E-mail: drpriti28@gmail.com
Received December 6, 2010; Accepted November 11, 2011.
Copyright : Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported, w hich
permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original w ork is properly cited.

Abstract
Early detection of disease plays a crucial role in successful therapy. Early diagnosis and management
reduces the severity and possible complications of the disease process. To overcome this challenge,
medical researchers are devoted to finding molecular disease biomarkers that reveal a hidden lethal
threat before the disease becomes complicated. Saliva, an important physiologic fluid, containing a
highly complex mixture of substances, is rapidly gaining popularity as a diagnostic tool. Periodontal
disease is a chronic disease of the oral cavity comprising a group of inflammatory conditions affecting
the supporting structures of the dentition. In the field of periodontology, traditional clinical criteria are
often insufficient for determining sites of active disease, for monitoring the response to therapy, or for
measuring the degree of susceptibility to future disease progression. Saliva, as a mirror of oral and
systemic health, is a valuable source for clinically relevant information because it contains biomarkers
specific for the unique physiologic aspects of periodontal diseases. This review highlights the various
potentials of saliva as a diagnostic biomarker for periodontal diseases.
Keywords: Biomarker, diagnostic fluid, periodontal diseases, saliva

INTRODUCTION
Early detection of disease plays a crucial role in successful therapy. In most cases, the earlier the disease
is diagnosed, the more likely it is to be successfully cured or well controlled. However, most systemic
diseases are not diagnosed until morbid symptoms become apparent in the late phase. To overcome this
challenge, medical researchers are devoted to finding molecular disease biomarkers that reveal a hidden
lethal threat before the disease becomes complicated.[1]

NEED FOR A NEW BIOMARKER

Currently, three major limitations have prevented people from recognizing the full potential of disease
detection, and have seriously hampered the development of clinical diagnostics, namely:
1. Lack of definitive molecular biomarkers for specific diseases;
2. Lack of an easy and inexpensive sampling method with minimal discomfort; and
3. Lack of an accurate, easy-to-use, and portable platform to facilitate early disease detection.
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Saliva, an oral fluid that contains an abundance of proteins and genetic molecules and is readily
accessible via a totally noninvasive approach, has long been recognized as the potential solution to these
limitations.[1]
Saliva provides an easily available, noninvasive diagnostic medium for a rapidly widening range of
diseases and clinical situations.[2]
In the field of periodontology, traditional clinical criteria are often insufficient for determining sites of
active disease, for monitoring the response to therapy or for measuring the degree of susceptibility to
future disease progression. Saliva as a mirror of oral and systemic health is a valuable source for
clinically relevant information because it contains biomarkers specific for the unique physiological
aspects of periodontal diseases.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE
Periodontal disease is a chronic disease of the oral cavity comprising a group of inflammatory
conditions affecting the supporting structures of the dentition.[3,4] The natural history of periodontitis
follows a discontinuous pattern of exacerbation and remission characterized by disease activity and
inactivity.[5,6] Periodontitis is a multifactorial disease which is affected by both genetic and
environmental factors.[7]
Clinical parameters such as probing depth, attachment level, bleeding on probing, plaque index, and
radiographic assessment of alveolar bone loss provide information on the severity of periodontitis but
they do not measure disease activity, whereas microbiological tests, analysis of host response, and
genetic analyses have been proposed in an effort to monitor and identify patients at increased risk for
periodontitis.[6,8]

SALIVA AS A DIAGNOSTIC FLUID IN PERIODONTAL DISEASES

Proposed salivary diagnostic markers for periodontal diseases have included serum and salivary
molecules such as immunoglobulins, enzymes constituents of gingival crevicular fluid, bacterial
components or products, volatile compounds, and phenotypic markers, such as epithelial keratins.[2,8]

COLLECTION OF SALIVA
The fluid mostly collected for salivary diagnostic purpose is expectorated whole saliva, a mix composed
largely of the secretions from the major salivary glands along with the modest contributions from the
minor salivary glands and gingival crevicular fluid.
Unstimulated or resting saliva is usually collected by passive drooling into a graduated tube or
preweighed vial so that flow rate per unit time can be measured.[2]
When volume measurement is not required, saliva can be collected on cotton swabs, cotton rolls, gauze
or filter paper strips, then eluted or centrifuged or aspirated directly from the floor of the mouth with
plastic pipettes.[2]
When large volumes of saliva are required for analytical purposes, saliva is stimulated by a masticatory
or gustatory stimulus, expectorated and handled in a similar manner as the unstimulated fluid. Softened
paraffin wax or a washed rubber band are the usual masticatory stimuli and 2% citric acid applied
directly to the tongue is the standard gustatory stimulus.[2]
Many a times secretions from individual glands are preferred and this can be accomplished in a
noninvasive manner with suitable collecting devices. Parotid saliva is best collected with plastic
modifications of a single cup first introduced by Carlson and Crittenden in 1910. Now disposable and
individualized collectors have been introduced for this purpose. Submandibularsublingual saliva can be
collected by customization of a basic plastic collector or by aspiration from the duct openings with
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micropipettes [Figure 1].[2]

SALIVARY MARKERS OF PERIODONTAL DISEASES

The various salivary biomarkers are as follows.
Markers affecting the dental biofilm
Specific markers Immunoglobulins (Ig) are important specific defense factors of saliva. The

predominant immunoglobulin in saliva is secretory IgA (sIgA), which is derived from plasma cells in
the salivary glands. Lesser amount of IgG and IgM are also found in saliva. IgA, IgG, and IgM
influence the oral microbiota by interfering with the bacterial adherence or by inhibiting bacterial
metabolism.[3,9] There are two subclasses of IgA: IgA1 and IgA2. IgA1 is predominant in serum while
IgA2 is found in higher concentrations in external secretions, that is, tears, saliva, and milk.[10]
Many studies have been attempted to determine a relationship between salivary levels of sIgA and
various forms of periodontal diseases. It was found that there was a positive correlation between the
severity of inflammation and IgA concentration.[11,12]
Specific immunoglobulins in saliva directed toward periodontal pathogens have also been examined for
their diagnostic potential. Eggert et al.[13] reported that saliva from treated periodontitis patients had
higher IgA and IgG levels to periodontal pathogens porphyromonas. gingivalis and Treponema.
denticola than as compared to saliva from control subjects. Sandholm et al.[14] found increased
concentrations of salivary IgG to Aggregatibacter. actinomycetemcomitans in patients of aggressive
periodontitis.
Salivary enzymes Salivary enzymes can be produced by salivary glands, oral microorganisms,

polymorphonuclear leukocytes, oral epithelial cells derived from gingival crevicular fluid (GCF).
Lysozyme is an antimicrobial enzyme with the ability to cleave chemical bonds in the bacterial cell
wall. It can lyse some bacterial species by hydrolyzing glycosidic linkages in the cell wall peptidoglycan.
It may also cause lysis of bacterial cells by interacting with monovalent anions and with proteases
found in saliva. This combination leads to destabilization of the cell membrane, probably as a result of
the activation and deregulation of endogenous bacterial autolysins. Patients with low levels of lysozyme
in saliva are more susceptible to plaque accumulation, which is considered a risk factor for periodontal
disease.[15]
Peroxidase is a salivary enzyme produced by acinar cells in the salivary glands. This enzyme removes
toxic hydrogen peroxide produced by oral microorganisms and reduces acid production in the dental
biofilm, thereby decreasing plaque accumulation and the establishment of gingivitis and caries. Patients
with periodontal disease have demonstrated high levels of this enzyme in saliva.[16]
Salivary ions Calcium (Ca) is the ion that has been most intensely studied as a potential marker for

periodontal disease in saliva. Sewon et al.[17] reported a higher concentration of Ca detected in whole
stimulated saliva from the periodontitis patients. The authors concluded that an elevated Ca
concentration in saliva was characteristic of patients with periodontitis.
Nevertheless, the importance of the salivary Ca concentration in relationship to progression of
periodontal disease is not defined. Considering the distribution of Ca, this ion appears to hold only
limited promise as a marker for periodontal disease.[8]
Nonspecific markers Other proteins: A number of studies have examined the correlation between

nonenzymatic, nonimmunoglobulin proteins in saliva and periodontal disease.

Mucins are glycoproteins produced by submandibular and sublingual salivary glands and numerous
minor salivary glands. The physiological functions of the mucins (MG1 and MG2) are cytoprotection,
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lubrication, protection against dehydration, and maintenance of viscoelasticity in secretions. The mucin,
MG2, affects the aggregation and adherence of bacteria and is known to interact with A.
actinomycetemcomitans, and a decreased concentration of MG2 in saliva may increase colonization
with this periodontopathogen.[3]
Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein produced by salivary glands, which inhibits microbial
growth by sequestering iron from the environment, thus depriving bacteria of this essential element.
Lactoferrin is strongly upregulated in mucosal secretions during gingival inflammation and is detected
at a high concentration in saliva of patients with periodontal disease compared with healthy patients.
[18]
Histatin is a salivary protein with antimicrobial properties and is secreted from parotid and
submandibular glands. It neutralizes the endotoxic lipopolysaccharides located in the membrane of
gram-negative bacteria. Histatin is also an inhibitor of host and bacterial enzymes involved in the
destruction of the periodontium. In addition to its antimicrobial activities, histatin is involved in the
inhibition of the release of histamine from mast cells, affecting their role in oral inflammation.[3,19]
Fibronectin is a glycoprotein that promotes selective adhesion and colonization of certain bacterial
species while inhibiting others. It mediates adhesion between cells and is also involved in chemotaxis,
migration, inflammation, and wound healing and tissue repair.[8]
Cystatins (cysteine proteinases) are proteolytic enzymes originated from pathogenic bacteria,
inflammatory cells, osteoclasts, and fibroblasts. These enzymes have collagenolytic activity, which may
cause tissue destruction.[8] Cystatins are physiological inhibitors of cysteine proteinases, and may
function by modulating enzyme activity in the periodontium.
Cystatins are present in a variety of tissues and body fluids, including saliva. Cystatins were found in
saliva collected from the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands, and to a lesser degree in saliva
from the parotid gland.[20]
Platelet activating factor (PAF) is a potent phospholipid mediator of inflammation. Garito et al. found a
positive correlation between PAF and periodontal inflammation.[21] Various other studies also showed
similar findings but none of the authors discussed the potential diagnostic significance of their findings.
[8]
Amino acids Several studies have examined the levels of free amino acids in saliva in relation to
periodontal status. It appears that in some patients, elevated levels of certain amino acids, especially
proline, may be detected.[22,23] These amino acids probably appear in whole saliva as a result of
bacterial metabolism or degradation of salivary proteins rich in proline. In another study, by the same
investigators, no differences in amino acid concentrations in saliva were found between patients with
progressive periodontitis and controls. The authors concluded that levels of amino acids in oral fluids
(including GCF) has no diagnostic significance for periodontal disease.[24]
Growth factors Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is involved in oral wound healing and functions with

hormone-like properties to stimulate epithelial cells. In humans, the parotid gland is the major source of
EGF.[8]
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), also known as vascular permeability factor or
vasculotropin, is a multifunctional angiogenic cytokine important in inflammation and wound healing.
This cytokine was found to be a component of whole saliva. Higher levels of VEGF were detected in
whole saliva from periodontitis patients.[8]
Epithelial keratins Epithelial cells from the lining of the oral cavity are found in saliva, but the

contribution of crevicular or pocket epithelial cells to the total number of salivary epithelial cells is not
known.[25] Furthermore, detection of keratins by monoclonal antibodies may have diagnostic value in
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the detection of epithelial dysplasia, oral cancer, odontogenic cysts, and tumors.[26]
It has been suggested that phenotypic markers for junctional and oral sulcular epithelia might
eventually be used as indicators of periodontal disease, however, there are no studies that demonstrate
an association between number or type of epithelial cells or specific types of keratins in saliva and
progression of periodontitis.[8]
Hormones Cortisol: Recent studies have suggested that emotional stress is a risk factor for periodontitis.

[7,27,28] One mechanism proposed to account for the relationship is that elevated serum cortisol levels
associated with emotional stress exert a strong inhibitory effect on the inflammatory process and
immune response.[29] The presence of cortisol in saliva has been recognized for more than 40 years.
[30] Recently, salivary cortisol levels were used to evaluate the role of emotional stress in periodontal
disease. Higher salivary cortisol levels were detected in individuals exhibiting severe periodontitis, a high
level of financial strain, and high emotion focused coping, as compared to individuals with little or no
periodontal disease, low financial strain, and low levels of emotion-focused coping.[31] While it appears
that emotional stress, as reflected by salivary cortisol levels, is a risk factor for periodontal disease,
attempts to diagnose periodontal disease severity or activity based on salivary cortisol levels are
premature. It can be argued that in addition to changes in the host response (ie, smoking, poor oral
hygiene, and poor compliance), stress also leads to behavioral changes, which could have a significant
effect on the periodontium. Additional studies are required to determine the diagnostic value of salivary
cortisol for periodontal disease.[8]
Inflammatory cells The number of leukocytes in saliva varies from person to person, and the cell counts

vary for an individual during the course of the day. The majority of salivary leukocytes enter the oral
cavity via the gingival crevice.[32] Klinkhammer[33] standardized collection and counting of leukocytes
in saliva and developed the orogranulocytic migratory rate (OMR). Raeste et al.,[34] in their study,
indicated that the OMR reflects the presence of oral inflammation, and suggested that this measure can
be used as a laboratory test.
Occult blood in saliva in relation to gingival inflammation has also been examined using a homescreening test.[35]
Bacteria Specific species of bacteria colonizing the subgingival environment have been implicated in the

pathogenesis of periodontal disease.[3638] It has been suggested that microorganisms in dental plaque
can survive in saliva, and can utilize salivary components as a substrate. It was shown that saliva could
serve as a growth medium for oral Streptococus species and Actinomyces. viscous.[39]
In a study by De Jong et al.,[40] microorganisms from supragingival plaque were grown on saliva
agar. When supragingival plaque was plated on saliva and blood agar plates, the composition of the
microflora isolated from the plates were similar. The authors concluded that the supragingival
microflora could utilize saliva as a complete nutrient source. Studies have also shown the presence of
periodontopathic microorganisms, A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and
T. denticola in whole saliva.[41,42]
An oral microbial rinse test (Oratest) was described by Rosenberg et al.[43] In this study Oratest was
found to be a simple method for estimating oral microbial levels. In a companion study, Oratest results
were correlated with plaque index and gingival index scores, and the authors stated that this test
provides a reliable estimate of gingival inflammation.[44]
Volatiles Volatile sulfur compounds, primarily hydrogen sulfide and methylmercaptan, are associated

with oral malodor. Salivary volatiles have been suggested as possible diagnostic markers and
contributory factors in periodontal disease.
In a study of self-estimation of oral malodor, estimation of malodor based on saliva yielded a significant
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correlation with objective parameters.[45]

Markers in saliva via GCF As GCF traverses through inflamed periodontal tissues en route to the sulcus,

biological molecular markers are gathered from the surrounding areas and are subsequently eluted into
whole saliva.
Markers of periodontal soft tissue inflammation Proinflammatory cytokines, such as prostaglandin E2

(PGE2), interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha are released from cells of the
junctional epithelium, connective tissue fibroblasts, macrophages, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes.
Enzymes, such as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, MMP-9, and MMP-13, produced by
polymorphonuclear leukocytes and osteoclasts, all lead to the degradation of connective tissue collagen
and alveolar bone. Studies have shown that PGE2 acts as a potent vasodilator and increases capillary
permeability, which elicits clinical signs of redness and edema. It also stimulates fibroblasts and
osteoclasts to increase the production of MMPs.[46]
Markers of alveolar bone loss Many different biomarkers associated with bone formation, resorption, and

turnover, such as alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, osteonectin, and collagen telopeptidases, have been
evaluated in GCF and saliva.[47] These mediators are associated with local bone metabolism as well as
with systemic conditions.
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP): They are host proteinases responsible for both tissue degradation
and remodeling. During progressive periodontal breakdown, gingival and periodontal ligament
collagens are cleaved by host cellderived interstitial collagenases.
MMP-8: It is the most prevalent MMP found in diseased periodontal tissue and GCF. Recently, the level
of MMP-8 was demonstrated to be highly elevated in saliva from patients with periodontal disease using
a rapid point-of-care microfluidic device.[48] Studies are required to evaluate MMP-8, either alone or in
conjunction with other molecular biomarkers, to predict the risk of future disease occurrence and to
monitor treatment interventions.
Gelatinase (MMP-9): Another member of the collagenase family, is produced by neutrophils and
degrades collagen intercellular ground substance. In their study, Teng et al.[49] found a twofold
increase in the mean MMP-9 levels in patients with progressive attachment loss. Given these results,
future use of MMP-9 in oral fluid diagnostics may serve as a guide in periodontal treatment monitoring.
Collagenase-3: Also referred to as MMP-13, is another collagenolytic MMP with an exceptionally wide
substrate specificity. In the future, MMP-13 may be useful for diagnosing and monitoring the course of
periodontal disease as well as for tracking the efficacy of therapy.[50]
Telopeptide: Given the specificity and sensitivity for bone resorption, pyridinoline cross-links, such as
pyridinoline cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen represent a potentially valuable
diagnostic aid for periodontal disease. Several investigations have explored the ability of pyridinoline
cross-links to detect bone resorption in periodontitis as well as in response to periodontal therapy.[51,52]
These studies assessing the role of GCF carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen levels as a
diagnostic marker of periodontal disease activity have produced promising results to date.
Carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen has been shown to be a promising predictor of both
future alveolar bone and attachment loss.
Controlled human longitudinal trials are needed to establish fully the role of salivary carboxyterminal
telopeptide of type I collagen as a predictor of periodontal tissue destruction, disease activity and
response to therapy in periodontal patients.
Osteocalcin: Elevated serum osteocalcin levels have been found during periods of rapid bone turnover,
such as in osteoporosis and multiple myeloma and during fracture repair. Therefore, studies have
investigated the relationship between GCF osteocalcin levels and periodontal disease.
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When a combination of the biochemical markers osteocalcin, collagenase, prostaglandin E2, alpha-2
macroglobulin, elastase, and alkaline phosphatase was evaluated, increased diagnostic sensitivity and
specificity values of 80% and 91%, respectively, were reported.[53]
Osteopontin: It is a single-chain polypeptide with a molecular weight of approximately 32,600. In bone
matrix, osteopontin is highly concentrated at sites where osteoclasts are attached to the underlying
mineral surface (ie, the clear zone attachment areas of the plasma membrane). Results from
periodontal studies indicated that osteopontin concentrations in GCF increased proportionally with the
progression of disease; and when nonsurgical periodontal treatment was provided, the osteopontin levels
in GCF were significantly reduced. Although additional long-term prospective studies are needed, at this
point osteopontin appears to hold promise as a possible salivary biomarker of periodontal disease
progression.[54]
Systemic markers C-reactive protein is produced by the liver and is stimulated by circulating

cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1, from local and/or systemic
inflammation such as periodontal inflammation. Circulating C-reactive protein may reach saliva via
GCF or the salivary glands. High levels of C-reactive protein have been associated with chronic and
aggressive periodontal diseases and with other inflammatory biomarkers.[19] C-reactive protein has
recently been shown to be measurable in saliva from periodontal patients using a lab-on-a-chip method.
[3]
Oxidative stress marker Oxidative stress is defined as the result of an imbalance between oxidant factors

and protective antioxidant systems; it may occur due to an excess of free radicals, or by the diminishing
of the antioxidant systems. Oxidative stress is enhanced during periodontitis.[55] Oxidative stress can
result in DNA damage, including oxidation of nucleosides. 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is an
oxidized nucleoside that is excreted in the bodily fluids with DNA repair. It has been demonstrated that
the 8-OHdG in bodily fluids can act as a biomarker of oxidative stress.[56]
Studies have shown that saliva is a biological product that can be easily collected and may be used for
the quantification of 8-OHdG as an oxidative stress biomarker in the diagnosis and monitorization of
the treatment in periodontitis.[57,58]
Antioxidative capacity of saliva

Physiologically free radical/reactive oxygen species in the mouth are derived mainly from
polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), which may also help to control bacterial growth by the wellknown respiratory burst (RB). Such physiological processes are usually efficiently counteracted by
intrinsic antioxidant systems: if such systems fail, tissue damage can result.[59]
Saliva may constitute a first line of defence against free radical-mediated oxidative stress, since the
process of mastication promotes a variety of such reactions, including lipid peroxidation.[60] Moreover,
during gingival inflammation, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) flow increases, adding to saliva with
products from the inflammatory response. This is why the antioxidant capacity of saliva is of increasing
interest.
Saliva is rich in antioxidants, mainly uric acid, with lesser contributions from albumin, ascorbate and
glutathione.[61] It has been reported that uric acid is the major antioxidant in saliva, accounting for
more than 85% of the total antioxidant activity of resting and stimulated saliva from both healthy and
periodontally compromised subjects.[61]
Antioxidants such as albumin, ascorbic acid, glutathione and traces of transferrin, lactoferrin, and
caeruloplasmin are also found in saliva.[59]
Emerging salivary diagnostic tools
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The use of saliva for translational and clinical application has emerged at the forefront. Most relevant to
periodontal diseases are the emerging toolboxes of the salivary proteome and the salivary transcriptome
for early detection, disease progression, and therapeutic monitoring. Using these emerging technologies,
it has been shown that salivary proteins and RNAs can be used to detect oral cancer[62,63] and
Sjogren's syndrome.[64] The stage is now poised to use these technologies for translational and clinical
applications in periodontal diseases.
Salivary proteome: The proteome is the protein complement of the genome, and proteomics is analysis
of the portion of the genome that is expressed. The proteomes in body fluids are valuable due to their
high clinical potential as sources of disease markers. In principle, a global analysis of the human
salivary proteomes can provide a comprehensive spectrum of oral and general health. Furthermore,
analysis of salivary proteomes over the course of complications may unveil morbidity signatures in the
early stage and monitor disease progression. Significant progress has been made in cataloguing human
saliva proteins and exploring their post-translational modifications. By using both two-dimensional gel
electrophoresis/mass spectrometry and shotgun proteomics approaches, Hu et al.[64,65] identified
309 distinct proteins in human whole saliva.
Collectively, 1166 salivary proteins have been identified: 914 from the parotid fluid and 917 from the
combined submandibular and sublingual fluids by Denny et al.[66]
Salivary transcriptome: Salivary transcriptome is an emerging concept. In addition to salivary
proteome, salivary transcriptomes (RNA molecules) were discovered that are unusually stable in saliva.
[67] They included mRNA molecules that cells use to convey the instructions carried by DNA for
subsequent protein production. This discovery presented a second diagnostic alphabet in saliva and
opened a door to another avenue of salivary transcriptomic diagnostics.[1]
Li et al.[67] found that RNA molecules elevated in oral cancer tissues are also elevated in saliva, which
prompted them to examine the scope and complexity of RNA present in human saliva. Other research
groups, particularly from forensic sciences, are focusing on multiplex mRNA profiling for the
identification of body fluids, including saliva.[68,69]
Possible testing for HIV

To expedite screening and accurately diagnose HIV infection, rapid point-of-care HIV tests have been
developed. Majority of these rapid tests utilize whole blood, plasma, and finger stick blood specimens,
whereas a few tests employ nonconventional specimens, such as saliva, oral mucosal fluid and urine.
[70,71] Although salivary and oral fluid-based tests have been in development for the past 20 years, it is
only recently that oral fluid-based, rapid point-of-care tests have increased in popularity.[71] Oral fluid
tests are based on a salivary component, the oral mucosal transudate or crevicular fluid, an interstitial
transudate rich in IgG antibodies, used for diagnosing HIV infection.[7072] Although accuracy is very
high, oral fluid test results are considered preliminary. Therefore, the results of oral fluid tests require
confirmatory testing with conventional tests, such as ELISA and/or western blot.[73]

DISCUSSION
In the field of periodontal diagnosis, there has been a steady growing trend during the last 2 decades to
develop tools to monitor periodontitis. Currently, diagnosis of periodontal disease relies primarily on
clinical and radiographic parameters. These measures are useful in detecting evidence of past disease, or
verifying periodontal health, but provide only limited information about patients and sites at risk for
future periodontal breakdown. Numerous markers in saliva have been proposed and used as diagnostic
tests for periodontal disease.
Ideally, diagnostic tests should demonstrate high specificity and sensitivity. Given the complex nature of
periodontal disease, it is unlikely that a single marker will prove to be both sensitive and specific. A
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combination of two or more markers may provide a more accurate assessment of the periodontal
patient.
Interest in saliva as a diagnostic medium is escalating due to its many advantages over other diagnostic
biofluids. Both saliva and blood serum contain similar proteins and RNA, which is why saliva is
considered a mirror to the body.[74] Saliva is readily available which makes the collection process
fairly straightforward, even when multiple samples are needed. Its collection is noninvasive, which
makes the procedure more acceptable to patients and more conducive to a stress-free appointment.
Many of the hazards associated with blood collection do not apply to saliva. There is no potential for
cross-contamination among patients when used improperly and present a danger to health care
personnel. Because of the low concentrations of antigens in saliva, HIV, and hepatitis infections are
much less of a danger from saliva than from blood.[75] Saliva is also easier to handle because it does
not clot. As salivary testing becomes more commonplace, the costs could drop below those currently
incurred for urine/blood sampling. However, due to the uniqueness of the technique, the analysis today
is still quite expensive.
GCF has several diagnostic advantages, such as contributing inflammatory mediators and tissuedestructive molecules associated with periodontitis that appear, and can be detected, in GCF. However,
GCF analyses are time consuming, requiring multiple sampling of individual tooth sites. The procedure
is labor intensive and somewhat technically demanding, requiring equipment for calibrating and
measuring fluid volumes. Finally, analysis is expensive, requires laboratory-based assays and generally
cannot be done chairside. In addition, GCF analyses involve miniscule amounts of fluid, often
approximately 1 L, which has an impact on laboratory analysis, and can be contaminated with blood,
saliva, or plaque.[76] Given some of the problems inherent in sampling GCF, the analysis of salivary
biomarkers offers some advantages. Acquisition of saliva is easy, noninvasive, rapid, and requires less
manpower and materials than GCF. However, in contrast with GCF, whole saliva clearly provides
different diagnostic information.[7779]
Because of the simple and noninvasive method of collection, salivary diagnostic tests appear to hold
promise for the future.
Novel technologies such as lab-on-a-chip and microfluidic devices have the potential to manage
complex oral fluids, such as saliva and GCF, and to provide a determination of a patient's periodontal
disease-risk profile, current disease activity, and response to therapeutic interventions. This approach
should accelerate clinical decision-making and monitoring of episodic disease progression in a chronic
infectious disease such as periodontitis.[8]

CONCLUSION
Saliva, like blood, contains an abundance of protein and nucleic acid molecules that reflects
physiological status; however, unlike other bodily fluids, salivary diagnostics offer an easy, inexpensive,
safe, and noninvasive approach for disease detection, and possess a high potential to revolutionize the
next generation of diagnostics.
Although challenges remain ahead, the use of saliva-based oral fluid diagnostics appear promising for
future application to diagnose periodontal diseases and to prognosticate periodontal treatment
outcomes.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors would like to thank Dr. Hari Menon, Dr. Abhijit Gurav, and Dr. Abhijeet Shete for
thoughtful discussions, and assistance in preparation of the manuscript.

Footnotes
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Source of Support: Nil

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

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Figures and Tables

Figure 1

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Biomarkers seen in saliv a

Articles from Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology are provided here courtesy of Medknow Publications

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