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A tentative model for (D)-glucose turnover in human saliva
Sibel Cetik1, Ying Zhang, Emeline Hupkens
1Laboratory of Experimental Hormonology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium. Sibel.Cetik@ulb.ac.be
Archives of Oral Biology
|September 10, 2013
Summary
This study models d-glucose turnover in human saliva, revealing glucose utilization by oral bacteria and secretion rates from salivary glands. Findings support a tentative model for salivary glucose metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Oral biology
- Human physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral homeostasis.
- Understanding glucose metabolism in saliva is important for oral health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a tentative model for d-glucose turnover in human saliva.
- To quantify glucose concentrations and bacterial utilization in saliva.
Main Methods:
- Collection of whole, parotid, and submandibular/sublingual saliva using Salivette™.
- Measurement of saliva glucose concentration via hexokinase method.
- Assessment of saliva bacteria glycolysis using d-[5-(3)H] glucose and ATP content via luciferase method.
Main Results:
- Saliva glucose concentrations varied: whole saliva (43.9±6.3 μM), parotid saliva (197.5±17.3 μM), and submandibular/sublingual saliva (104.0±12.4 μM).
- The rate of d-glucose utilization by oral bacteria at physiological concentration (50μM) was 0.047±0.003 nmol/min per 10(6) bacteria.
- Unstimulated salivary d-glucose turnover rate was estimated at 214.6±19.1%/min, with an oral bacterial population of approximately 2.0×10(9).
Conclusions:
- The study supports a tentative model for d-glucose turnover in human saliva.
- The findings provide insights into the dynamic relationship between salivary glucose secretion and bacterial utilization.
