Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in saliva--physiological and clinical implications

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) has significant properties in wound healing, tissue regeneration and ulcer repair of the upper digestive tract. The purpose of the present study was to identify and analyse factors affecting the concentration of bFGF in saliva from healthy human individuals. A commercially available enzyme-linked immunosolvent assay kit (ELISA) was used for the analyses of bFGF in saliva. In total, 56 samples were collected from 28 healthy subjects, 15 male and 13 female. Determination of bFGF was performed by spectrophotometer (wavelength 490 nm). bFGF was detected in all samples. Mean bFGF concentration was 0.87 pg/ml (SD 0.49) and the concentration ranged from 0.3 to 1.9 pg/ml. In subjects aged 22 to 49 years, no age-dependent variation in bFGF was present, females did not differ from males, and no difference was evident between European and Asian subjects. Smokers had significantly higher saliva concentrations of bFGF than non-smokers. Since bFGF, together with other growth factors, is involved in wound healing and tissue repair, we suggest that bFGF in saliva is involved in the reparative processes of mucous membranes.