Changes in salivary microbial sensing proteins CD14 and TLR2 with aging

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oral Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Soluble toll-like receptor-2 (sTLR2) and soluble CD14 (sCD14) are crucial salivary defense proteins.
• These proteins bind microbe-associated molecular patterns, playing a role in oral immunity.
• Oral flora composition is known to change with aging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine and compare the concentrations of sTLR2 and sCD14 in the saliva of healthy individuals across different age groups (first to sixth decade).
• To investigate the age-dependent variations in these salivary immune markers.

Main Methods:

• Unstimulated whole saliva was collected from healthy participants.
• Concentrations of sCD14 and sTLR-2 were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
• Statistical analyses included ANOVA for group differences and Pearson's correlation/linear regression for marker relationships.

Main Results:

• Salivary sTLR2 concentration was highest in the youngest age group.
• Salivary sCD14 concentration was highest in the oldest age group.
• A moderate negative correlation between sCD14 and sTLR2 was observed in younger individuals, which inverted in the oldest group.

Conclusions:

• Salivary concentrations of sCD14 and sTLR2 exhibit significant age-dependent changes in healthy individuals.
• These age-related variations necessitate adjustments when considering sCD14 and sTLR2 as potential salivary biomarkers.
• Further research is needed to understand the clinical implications of these age-related biomarker shifts.