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Structural and functional salivary disorders in type 2 diabetic patients
Carmen Carda1, Nezly Mosquera-Lloreda, Lucas Salom
1Catedrática de Histología, Dpto de Patología, Facultad de Medicina y Odontología, Universidad de Valencia, España. carmen.carda@uv.es
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal
|July 4, 2006
Summary
Type 2 diabetes alters parotid gland structure, leading to changes in saliva composition. These salivary biochemical disorders in diabetic patients correlate with observed structural changes in their parotid glands.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
- Oral Medicine
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a prevalent metabolic disorder associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
- Structural changes in the parotid gland (sialosis) are known in diabetic patients, potentially affecting salivary composition and oral health.
- Increased dental and periodontal pathology is frequently observed in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare salivary biochemical findings in type 2 diabetes patients.
- To correlate observed salivary biochemical disturbances with previously described parotid gland morphologic changes.
- To investigate the relationship between metabolic control and salivary alterations.
Main Methods:
- Gathered clinical data from 33 patients, including 17 with type 2 diabetes.
- Collected whole saliva samples for comprehensive biochemical analysis.
- Analyzed serum samples to assess patients' metabolic control.
Main Results:
- Diabetic patients exhibited increased urea and total proteins, with reduced microalbumin in their saliva.
- Elevated salivary glucose levels were detected only in diabetic patients with poor metabolic control.
- 100% of diabetic patients presented with dental and periodontal disease, and 76.4% reported xerostomia.
- Parotid glands showed small acini, intracytoplasmic lipid droplets, and adipose stroma infiltration.
- Acinar cytokeratin expression was heterogeneous, with strong positivity in hyperplastic ducts.
Conclusions:
- Biochemical alterations in the saliva of type 2 diabetes patients are linked to structural modifications in the parotid glands.
- Salivary composition changes may contribute to the increased oral pathology observed in diabetic individuals.
- Morphological changes in parotid glands are a significant feature in type 2 diabetes, impacting salivary function.
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