Biochemical evaluation in human saliva with special reference to ovulation detection
S Alagendran1, G Archunan, S Velayutha Prabhu
1Department of Animal Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli-24, India.
Summary
Saliva contains specific carbohydrates and hormones that increase during ovulation. These salivary changes may help develop a non-invasive method for detecting ovulation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Salivary composition varies throughout the menstrual cycle.
- Hormonal fluctuations influence biochemical markers in saliva.
- Non-invasive ovulation detection methods are highly sought after.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate salivary sialic acids and glycosaminoglycans in relation to salivary hormones during the normal menstrual cycle.
- To explore the potential of salivary biomarkers for ovulation detection.
Main Methods:
- Saliva samples collected from 50 women across different menstrual cycle phases (prepubertal, pre-ovulatory, ovulatory, postovulatory, menopause).
- Ovulation confirmed using basal body temperature, ultrasound, and salivary ferning.
- Analysis of sialic acids, glycosaminoglycans, and salivary hormones (luteinizing hormone, estrogen).
Main Results:
- Elevated levels of sialic acid and glycosaminoglycans observed during the ovulatory phase.
- Increased luteinizing hormone and estrogen levels correlated with the ovulatory phase.
- Statistical significance (P < 0.001, 0.01, 0.05) established between reproductive phases.
Conclusions:
- Saliva-specific carbohydrates during the ovulatory phase indicate potential as ovulation biomarkers.
- Non-invasive detection of ovulation may be feasible using salivary analysis.
- Further research can validate saliva-based ovulation detection tools.
