Saliva-based Hormone Diagnostics: advances, applications, and future perspectives

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Biomarker Discovery
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• Saliva is an emerging biological fluid for diagnostics, especially for hormone analysis.
• Its noninvasive collection offers a practical alternative to blood-based diagnostics.
• Saliva biomarkers reflect physiological and pathological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review hormones measurable in saliva.
• To examine analytical methods for salivary hormone detection.
• To explore clinical applications and challenges of salivary diagnostics.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature on salivary hormone analysis.
• Examination of techniques including Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Radioimmunoassay, and Liquid Chromatography coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
• Discussion of advantages, limitations, and clinical applications.

Main Results:

• Identified key hormones like cortisol, testosterone, and estradiol in saliva.
• Evaluated sensitivity and challenges of various analytical methods.
• Highlighted clinical uses in stress monitoring, hormonal dysfunction diagnosis, and personalized medicine.

Conclusions:

• Salivary diagnostics show significant potential in clinical and research settings for hormone analysis.
• Ongoing research and standardization are crucial for overcoming challenges like hormonal variability.
• Noninvasive saliva collection advances diagnostic innovation for personalized medicine.