Saliva as an analytical matrix: state of the art and application for biomonitoring

Abstract

Analytical tests to measure chemicals in saliva can be employed for numerous analytes, endogenous compounds or xenobiotics. The objective was to determine which chemicals can be analysed with this matrix, which analytical methods are applicable, and what application is possible for biomonitoring. We reviewed the literature using three databases, MEDLINE, PubMed and Scopus, collecting articles on different kinds of analysis in saliva. Studies were principally about molecules of clinical interest, xenobiotics, especially drugs of abuse, and chemicals used at workplaces; some substances show no relevant correlation with exposure data while others seems to be of particular interest for systematic use for biomonitoring. Currently, saliva is used far less than other biological fluids but its use for biomonitoring of exposure to chemicals might open up new areas for research and would certainly simplify the collection of biological samples.

Defining Salivary Biomarkers Using Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics: A Systematic Review

“…Nineteen out of 21 studies used whole saliva samples (Table 1), representing a complex fluid from both local and systemic sources (Caporossi et al, 2010). This could have possible applications in the diagnosis of oral diseases, salivary gland disorders, and systemic conditions (Lee et al, 2009).…”

“…Salivary contents can be altered as a result of physiological processes occurring at different points during the day, as well as due to oral stimuli (Caporossi et al, 2010). The majority of studies in our review required subjects to refrain from oral stimuli such as eating, drinking, and oral hygiene practices for varied periods of time prior to sample collection.…”

“…Whole saliva therefore represents a complex balance among local and systemic sources. This allows for the application of saliva in the diagnosis not only for salivary gland disorders but also for oral diseases and systemic conditions (Caporossi et al, 2010;Good et al, 2007;Hu et al, 2007a;Lee et al, 2009).…”

“…Mass spectrometry (MS) allows us to examine a salivary proteome in minute details. The presence or absence, level of expression, as well as posttranslational modifications of multiple biomarkers in a salivary proteome theoretically altered by diseases or interventions can be detected with modern MS (Caporossi et al, 2010;Good et al, 2007;Hu et al, 2007a;Lee et al, 2009).…”

Development of a microfluidic paper-based analytical device for the determination of salivary aldehydes

“…Therefore, it has the potential to provide a cleaner and non-invasive alternative to blood in M A N U S C R I P T A C C E P T E D ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT 4 terms of sampling and clinical diagnosis [13][14][15]. However, the limited sample volume collected, and the minute concentrations of biomarkers present there, are among the main key challenges to salivary analysis [15].…”