Minor salivary gland secretion rates and immunoglobulin A in adults and the elderly

Abstract

Previously published data are conflicting about the effect of various factors on secretions from minor salivary glands. The aim of the present study was to investigate the secretion rate from palatal, buccal, and labial glands, and to analyze the immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentrations in relation to age, gender, circulatory disease, diabetes, medication, smoking, and pregnancy. Resting and stimulated whole-saliva secretion rates, as well as IgA concentration in stimulated whole saliva, were also examined. One-hundred and forty two individuals (96 women and 46 men), 18-82 yr of age, participated. The results did not suggest any effect of aging on the secretion capacity of minor salivary glands, but the IgA concentration seemed to increase with age. Women had lower buccal and labial saliva secretion rates, and lower levels of IgA in buccal saliva, than men. For whole saliva, resting, but not stimulated, saliva secretion rates were reduced with age, and the secretion rate of stimulated whole saliva was lower in women than in men. The IgA concentration in buccal saliva showed a positive correlation with IgA in stimulated whole saliva, and the IgA concentration decreased with increased flow rate in both salivas.

Age and gender related differences in human parotid gland gene expression

“…Previous studies suggest that there may be age and gender related differences in salivary gland function (1)(2)(3)(4)(5). However, the limited and often conflicting information available from healthy populations makes it difficult to confirm these differences (6)(7)(8)(9).…”

“…Both age and gender associated differences in the structure and function of salivary glands have been identified (1,4). Examples of such differences include a decrease in gland size and weight (15), decreased saliva flow rate (1)(2)(3), and an increased concentration of immunoglobulin A (IgA) (3). In humans, decreases in protein synthesis (16) and salivary flow rate (1,2,4,5) have been reported.…”

Determinantes de salud oral en población de 12 años

“…Muchos estudios, como el presente, han mostrado índices de caries más altos en mujeres que en hombres (26) , lo cual puede ser explicado por la influencia de factores de riesgo como: menor flujo salival (27) , diferentes hábitos dietéticos, variaciones genéticas, y asociación con mayor prevalencia de enfermedades sistémicas (28) . Para la autopercepción de salud oral, no se encontraron variables asociadas a la excelente y muy buena autopercepción de salud oral, por lo cual es necesario seguir estudiando este aspecto que puede contribuir a mejorar las actividades preventivas en esta población.…”

The role of exercise on the innate immunity of the elderly

“…Therefore, decreased levels of SIgA contribute to higher susceptibility of elderly to this kind of infections. Studies carried out in elderly people reported lower SIgA secretion rates at rest both in women and in men [41,15].…”