Saliva changes in composition associated to COVID-19: a preliminary study.

Area of Science:

• Proteomics
• Biochemistry
• Immunology

Background:

• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents with diverse clinical symptoms.
• Saliva is a valuable biofluid for investigating immune responses and quantifying antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.
• Salivary proteomics enhances understanding of disease pathophysiology, offering new diagnostic and monitoring perspectives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the salivary proteome of patients with mild and severe COVID-19 against healthy controls.
• To identify potential salivary biomarkers for COVID-19 diagnosis, monitoring, and understanding disease mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• Proteomic analysis of saliva samples from 10 COVID-19 patients (5 mild, 5 severe) and 10 healthy controls.
• Validation of identified proteins (TGM3 and carbonic anhydrase-CA6) using gGT and TEA measurements in 98 additional saliva samples (66 COVID-19, 32 controls).
• Analysis of protein abundance changes related to immune response, oxidative damage, and sensory perception.

Main Results:

• Identified 30 differentially abundant proteins between COVID-19 patients and controls.
• Observed upregulation of proteins (CAZA1, ACTN4, ANXA4) associated with protective responses and TGM3 linked to oxidative damage.
• Detected downregulation of cystatins and CA6, potentially related to anosmia/dysgeusia, and presence of FGB in severe COVID-19 patients.

Conclusions:

• Salivary proteome alterations in COVID-19 patients reflect changes in protective responses and sensory perception.
• gGT and TEA show potential as biomarkers for respiratory complications in COVID-19, warranting further investigation.
• Proteomics of saliva provides valuable insights into COVID-19 pathophysiology and potential clinical applications.