Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 25, 2026
Examination of Oral Candida Infection in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome Patients
Published on: March 1, 2024
Stimulated whole saliva components in children with Down syndrome
Walter Luiz Júnior Siqueira1, José Nicolau
1Oral Biology Research Center, Faculty of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Ave. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2227, 05508-900 São Paulo, Brazil.
Insights
Children with Down syndrome exhibit altered saliva composition, including lower flow rate, pH, and enzyme activity, but higher protein levels. These findings highlight key differences in oral health indicators for this population.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Genetics
Background:
- Down syndrome is associated with various health complications, including potential oral health issues.
- Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health through its protective and buffering capacities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the biochemical components of stimulated whole saliva in children with and without Down syndrome.
- To identify potential salivary biomarkers associated with Down syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Saliva samples were collected from 35 children (aged 6-10 years), with 17 having Down syndrome.
- Stimulated whole saliva was collected after chewing parafilm.
- Analysis included pH, flow rate, sialic acid, total protein, amylase activity, and peroxidase activity.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in sialic acid levels (free and total) between groups.
- Protein concentration was approximately 36% higher in children with Down syndrome.
- Significantly lower salivary flow rate, pH, amylase, and peroxidase activity were observed in children with Down syndrome.
Conclusions:
- Children with Down syndrome present with distinct salivary profiles compared to their peers.
- Reduced salivary function and altered protein content may have implications for oral health in children with Down syndrome.
Abstract:
The authors report on the components of stimulated whole saliva from children with Down syndrome--including pH, flow rate, sialic acid and protein concentrations, and amylase and peroxidase activity. Saliva samples were collected from 35 children aged 6-10 years. Of the participants, 17 had Down syndrome and 18 did not. To stimulate saliva production, the children chewed a piece of parafilm for 10 minutes before the sample was collected. Soon after collecting the saliva sample, the authors measured pH using a portable pH-meter. Sialic acid levels were determined with a thiobarbituric acid assay. Protein content was determined with Folin's phenol reagent. Amylase was assayed and the authors measured the maltose produced by the breakdown of starch and peroxidase using orthodianisidine. No statistically significant difference was observed in levels of sialic acid (free and total) between the two groups. Protein concentration was about 36% higher in the group with Down syndrome. However, the salivary flow rate, pH, and amylase and peroxidase activities were lower among the children with Down syndrome.
More Related Videos
06:13Two-layered Membrane Sandwich Method for Laodelphax striatellus Saliva Collection
Published on: August 27, 2021
08:37Sampling Human Indigenous Saliva Peptidome Using a Lollipop-Like Ultrafiltration Probe: Simplify and Enhance Peptide Detection for Clinical Mass Spectrometry
Published on: August 7, 2012
