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Exploring Salivary Biomarkers in Pediatric Obesity: A Scoping Review
Fernanda Maria Sabella1, Renata Thomaz Katzenelson1, Fabíola Galbiatti de Carvalho2
1Laboratory of Clinical and Molecular Microbiology, Universidade São Francisco (USF), Bragança Paulista 12916-900, São Paulo, Brazil.
Insights
Saliva contains biomarkers that can indicate childhood obesity. This review found many salivary indicators, suggesting saliva is a promising tool for early detection in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Biomarker Discovery
- Inflammatory Diseases
Background:
- Childhood obesity is associated with subclinical inflammation.
- Early identification of obesity risk is crucial for intervention.
- Salivary biomarkers offer a non-invasive diagnostic approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review on salivary biomarkers for childhood obesity.
- To determine if salivary biomarkers are reliable indicators of childhood obesity.
- To identify specific salivary biomarkers associated with pediatric obesity.
Main Methods:
- Scoping review of studies from 1999-2025 using terms 'obesity and salivary biomarkers and children'.
- Searches conducted in PubMed, Scielo, Scopus, and Embase databases.
- Articles assessed using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and PRISMA guidelines; exclusion criteria applied.
Main Results:
- Thirteen studies appraised, assessing over 30 salivary biomarkers.
- Fourteen biomarkers significantly increased in childhood obesity (e.g., leptin, insulin, CRP).
- Three biomarkers significantly decreased (e.g., adiponectin, secretory IgA).
Conclusions:
- Saliva shows potential as a diagnostic tool for early childhood obesity detection.
- Specific salivary biomarkers are significantly altered in children with obesity.
- Further research can validate saliva as a key source for pediatric obesity biomarkers.
Abstract:
Childhood obesity and overweight are linked to subclinical inflammatory conditions. The present manuscript aimed to undertake a scoping review exploring the relationship between childhood obesity and salivary biomarkers to answer the following question: "Are salivary biomarkers trustful factors/indicators for childhood obesity?" The main search terms used were: "obesity and salivary biomarkers and children" (Pubmed, Scielo, Scopus, Embase databases: 1999-2025). Assessed articles were carefully classified according to a predetermined criterion (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale), and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) were considered. Papers involving children >13 years, duplicates/triplicates, literature reviews, and non-related to the question addressed were excluded. More than 30 salivary biomarkers were assessed in the thirteen studies appraised. Three studies were rated as having a high level of evidence, two as moderate, and eight as having a low level. Fourteen biomarkers were found to be significantly increased in childhood obesity/overweight (p < 0.05): leptin, insulin, α-amylase, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 6, vascular endothelial growth factor-A, C-reactive protein, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, resistin, phosphate, nitric oxide, interleukin 1β, uric acid and fetuin-A; and three were found to be significantly decreased (p < 0.05): adiponectin, secretory immunoglobulin A, and interleukin-12p70. In conclusion, the present review supported the idea that saliva might be a promising diagnostic tool in early life and that it is a significant source of obesity biomarkers in children.
