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Radiation-induced increased platelet-activating factor activity in mixed saliva
L M McManus1, K K Ostrom, C Lear
1Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio.
Summary
Salivary platelet-activating factor (PAF) levels significantly increase in patients with oral mucositis after radiation therapy. This suggests PAF may contribute to inflammation and tissue damage in oral cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oral biology
- Inflammation research
- Oncology
Background:
- Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a family of phospholipid mediators involved in inflammation.
- PAF is present in normal human saliva, but its role in oral homeostasis is unclear.
- Oral mucositis is a common complication of head and neck radiation therapy for oral cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate salivary PAF levels in patients with oral mucositis.
- To investigate the potential role of PAF in radiation-induced oral mucositis.
Main Methods:
- Salivary PAF levels were measured using a platelet bioassay.
- PAF activity was quantified relative to authentic 1-O-hexadecyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (C16:0-AGEPC).
- Phospholipid fractionation was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography.
Main Results:
- Salivary PAF levels were significantly elevated in patients with mucositis compared to normal subjects.
- The predominant PAF molecular species in mucositis patients was C16:0-AGEPC.
- Normal saliva contained multiple PAF molecular species, while mucositis saliva showed a single dominant species.
Conclusions:
- Elevated salivary PAF levels suggest a role in the inflammation and tissue injury of oral mucositis.
- PAF may be a key mediator in the pathogenesis of radiation-induced oral mucositis.
- Further research is warranted to explore PAF's specific mechanisms in oral inflammation.