Saliva composition in children and young adults with Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the salivary secretion rate and composition in a group of 16 children and young adults (6-27 years) with Papillon-Lefèvre Syndrome (PLS), and to compare the findings with a group (n = 16) of healthy controls. Unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva was collected at least 2 h after meals and the secretion rate determined. The stimulated saliva was assessed for buffer capacity, total protein, peroxidase and hexosamine, while the unstimulated samples were evaluated for total protein, lysozyme, thiocyanate, lactoferrin and salivary IgA. Both the unstimulated (p < 0.01) and stimulated (p < 0.05) saliva secretion rates were significantly lower among the PLS patients compared with the controls. Furthermore salivary buffer capacity was significantly (p < 0.01) lower in the PLS patients. The total protein content in saliva was comparatively high in the study group, while the concentrations of immunoglobulins and non-immunoglobulins were within normal ranges. When calculating the output of the assessed antimicrobial factors, the mean peroxidase level in stimulated whole saliva was found to be significantly (p < 0.01) lower in the PLS patients than in the healthy controls. In conclusion, the present study indicates an impaired water secretion and a somewhat altered saliva gland function in children and young adults with PLS.