Salivary lipid peroxidation and total sialic acid levels during healthy gestation and postpartum: a longitudinal study

Inflammatory Response in Oral Biofilm during Pregnancy: A Systematic Review

Understanding the inflammatory response in oral biofilm during pregnancy and its association with oral and maternal health is essential for identifying biomarker patterns that may serve as markers of pregnancy-related complications. We aimed to conduct a systematic review of the available literature to assess: (1) inflammatory responses in oral biofilm during pregnancy, (2) the association between inflammatory responses in oral biofilm during pregnancy and maternal, oral or systemic conditions, (3) changes in the response of inflammatory biomarkers found in the oral biofilm during different pregnancy stages, and (4) the value of other risk factors such as nutrition and lifestyle. PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were systematically searched from inception until April 2022. From 5441 records, 39 studies were included for qualitative assessment. The oral biofilm in pregnant women was associated with increased inflammatory biomarkers when compared to non-pregnant women. Levels of inflammatory biomarkers in the oral biofilm were found to be highest in pregnant women with systemic conditions. Increased inflammatory biomarkers in the oral biofilm were also associated with worse oral health outcomes. Given the importance of nutrition and lifestyle for pregnancy and oral health outcomes and the fact that these factors were largely excluded in the included studies, future research should consider a holistic view of the mother during pregnancy to capture physiological, hormonal, immunologic, and metabolic changes in the context of inflammatory responses.

Sialic acid, the secret gift for the brain

The human brain grows rapidly in early life which requires adequate nutrition. Human milk provides optimal nutrition for the developing brain, and breastfeeding significantly improves the cognition development of infants. These benefits have been largely attributed to human milk oligosaccharides (HMOS), associated with sialic acid (Sia). Subsequently, sialylated HMOS present a vital source of exogenous Sia to infants. Sialic acid is a key molecule essential for proper development of gangliosides, and therefore critical in brain development and function. Recent pre-clinical studies suggest dietary supplementation with Sia or sialylated oligosaccharides enhances intelligence and cognition performance in early and later life. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests the involvement of Sia in brain homeostasis and disbalance correlates with common pathologies such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, this review will discuss early brain health and development and the role of Sia in this process. Additionally, studies associating breastfeeding and specific HMOS to benefits in cognitive development are critically assessed. Furthermore, the review will assess studies implying the potential role of HMOS and microbiota in brain development via the gut-brain axis. Finally, the review will summarize recent advances regarding the role of Sia in neurodegenerative disease in later life and potential roles of dietary Sia sources.

Antioxidative and Oxidative Profiles in Plasma and Saliva in Dairy Cows during Pregnancy

Increased metabolism that occurs during pregnancy can result in oxidative stress which is harmful to cells and, consequently, for the proper functioning of the whole organism. Plasma and recently also saliva are important resources for evaluating physiological and pathological conditions in animals. The study aimed to investigate the influence of the metabolic state on the effectiveness of the antioxidant profile of plasma and saliva during the pregnancy of cows. Seventy-six healthy pregnant and twelve non-pregnant control cows were included in the study. Blood and saliva samples were collected each month of the pregnancy course. Examined body fluids were used to evaluate both the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the oxidative parameters related to protein and lipid peroxidative processes. TAC, the content of hydroperoxides, and SH groups were determined spectrophotometrically while formylokinurenine and bityrosine contents were measured spectrofluorimetrically. The results showed dynamic changes depending on the period of pregnancy course. The highest antioxidant activity in plasma was mostly noted in early pregnancy and advanced pregnant cows. All tested parameters except SH groups expressed higher values in saliva compared to plasma. Obtained results reveal that the increase in oxidative intensity induced appropriate answers of cells reflected in the increase in antioxidative activity of the organism. Moreover, some examined parameters can indicate the intensity of oxidative stress and therefore could be used in a panel of markers of the physiological course of pregnancy. However, with regards to antioxidant/oxidative parameters, saliva reflects the content of plasma only in part, due to the local metabolism of the salivary gland. Further studies are necessary to establish physiological ranges of antioxidative/oxidative profiles in cows and to define the usefulness of saliva as biological material in oxidative stress diagnostics.

The comparison of pro- and antioxidative parameters in plasma and placental tissues during early phase of placental development in cows

Physiological balance between pro- and antioxidative processes is crucial for placentation and further development of fetus and placenta. Parameters of pro- and antioxidative profile may serve as markers of proper course of pregnancy. The aim of study was to assess whether the balance between pro- and antioxidative parameters during placentation phase in bovine placenta is maintained. Placental and blood samples were collected from healthy, HF, pregnant (2nd-3rd month) cows (n = 8) in slaughterhouse and in farm, respectively. Formylokinurenine and bityrosine content were measured spectrofluorimetrically in blood plasma and tissue homogenates while metabolites of lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity, SH groups and activity of antioxidative enzymes (glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) were determined in examined tissues by spectrophotometry. Western blotting was used to confirm the presence of enzymatic proteins in placenta. Results: Local profile in tissues was more pronounced than general profile in blood plasma. Activities of antioxidative enzymes were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in 2nd compared to 3rd month of pregnancy in maternal part of placenta while prooxidant parameters showed opposite relationship. Obtained results showed significant differences when compared to data from non-pregnant animals or time of parturition. Further studies are necessary for elucidation of placentation phase in cows.

Oxidative Stress Markers Differ in Two Placental Dysfunction Pathologies: Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension and Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Aim

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are both multisystemic disorders of pregnancy that cause perinatal morbidity and mortality. Recently, researchers focused on the role of oxidative stress (OS) as a pathophysiological mechanism in the development of these pathologies. The aim of this study was to compare OS in placental-related pathologies (PIH and IUGR) and uncomplicated pregnancies. We also investigated which salivary OS markers reflect systemic oxidative status and which only reflect the state of the oral cavity. Material and Methods. A total of 104 pregnant women (n = 104; 27 with PIH, 30 with IUGR, and 47 controls) were evaluated. Malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (ORAC), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), and activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione transferase (GST) in plasma/whole blood and/or saliva were analysed. Dietary nutrient intake was calculated using a Semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SFFQ). Oral health was assessed to eliminate patients with bleeding, severe periodontitis, and other dental pathologies.

Results

In the IUGR group, increased concentration of ORAC was observed both in saliva and plasma. Also, lower plasma levels of MDA in IUGR compared to the control group was detected. No sign of oxidative stress was confirmed in the PIH group. The examined groups did not differ regarding diet and markers of inflammation. ORAC in saliva was correlated with its level in plasma. No such correlations for MDA were observed. In the IUGR group, there were no differences in OS markers in plasma, but there was a lower ALDH level in the blood compared to the control group. It confirms OS occurrence in IUGR. In IUGR, a higher activity of salivary ALDH was probably due to worse oral health.

Conclusion

Oxidative stress differs between IUGR and PIH groups: the presence of oxidative stress was confirmed only in the IUGR group. Salivary ORAC can be used to estimate ORAC in plasma. The activity of salivary ALDH reflects the state of the oral cavity.

Oxidative stress markers in saliva and plasma differ between diet-controlled and insulin-controlled gestational diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVES

The aims of the study were as follows: to investigate possible differences between plasma oxidative status (OS) in late-onset GDM and well-characterized healthy pregnant women (oral health, diet); to verify the existence of possible differences between GDMG1 (diet-treated) and GDMG2 (insulin-treated GDM); to determine whether oxidative stress markers could be detected in saliva.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 89 pregnant women (n = 89; 59 with GDM and 30 controls) were evaluated. Malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (ORAC), inactivation of aldehyde dehydrogenase (I_ALDH), activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione transferase (GST)) in plasma and/or saliva were analyzed.

RESULTS

The activity of GPx and GST in plasma was higher in GDMG2 as compared to GDMG1 and controls. Also, in GDMG2, elevated concentrations of salivary MDA and higher I_ALDH were observed. In contrast, GDMG1 had higher plasma ORAC and lower GPx activity as compared to controls, probably due to low-energy diet, high in antioxidants and fibers. Salivary and plasma OS were correlated and most significant for ORAC.

CONCLUSION

Oxidative stress were not observed in GDMG1 but were confirmed to be moderate in GDMG2. However, large variability of the analyzed markers in GDM groups encourages screening of all patients, regardless of the treatment option. Saliva may be considered useful for the estimation of oxidative stress levels in GDM populations.

Preliminary analysis of the protein profile in saliva during physiological term and preterm delivery

From a clinical point of view, easily obtainable and useful markers of a particular pathological status are required for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Analysis of the proteomic profile of saliva may allow for the selection of potential marker of preterm delivery in humans. Saliva samples were collected from 12 patients diagnosed with threatened preterm delivery and 10 controls with uncomplicated pregnancies at the same gestational age. Samples were analysed using 2D electrophoresis. Based on statistical analysis, spots of interest were selected and collected from gels. Subsequently, spots were decoloured and proteins were identified by mass spectrometry using the matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight technique. The results of identification were compared with the Swiss-Prot database. A total of 1,393 spots were detected in the present study with 59 significantly different between control and preterm samples. Increased intensity of staining of 32 spots was observed in the premature delivery group compared with control patients and 27 spots were stained more intensely in the control group compared with the premature delivery group. A total of nine spots, which were significantly different between examined samples were identified and three of them exhibited increased intensity of staining in premature delivery group compared with controls, including dedicator of cytokinesis protein 1, metallothionein-2, guanylyl cyclase-activating protein 1. The six remaining spots included, epithelial-stromal interaction protein 1, serum albumin, tyrosine-tRNA ligase, cytoplasmic, protein chibby homolog 3, leukemia inhibitory factor receptor and adenosylhomocysteinase 3, and exhibited increased intensity of staining in healthy controls compared with premature delivery group. Further studies with an increased number of patients and identification of the complete protein profile are required to confirm the results of the present study and applicability of saliva as a source of disease biomarkers.

The activity of salivary aldehyde dehydrogenase during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to describe the changes in the activity of ALDH3A1 in saliva in relation to the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. We also measured major salivary antioxidants, salivary peroxidase (SPO) activity and uric acid (UA) concentration.

DESIGN

Fasting saliva samples were collected from 63 women with uncomplicated pregnancies and from 39 healthy women of reproductive age, but not pregnant. Saliva samples were also collected from 10 healthy women with regular menstrual cycles in the early follicular, the mid-cycle and the mid-luteal phase during one menstrual cycle. SPO and ALDH3A1 activity was determined fluorimetrically, whereas UA concentration photometrically.

RESULTS

The ALDH3A1 did not vary significantly among phases of menstrual cycle. However, the enzyme activity decreased with the length of pregnancy and in the third trimester is significantly lower than that in the saliva of non-pregnant women.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower concentration of UA and in the third trimester the activity of ALDH3A1 in saliva of pregnant women could be a risk factor of, e.g. oral pathologies.

Salivary lipid peroxidation and total sialic acid levels in smokers and smokeless tobacco users as Maraş powder

Maraş powder (MP), a different type of smokeless tobacco (ST) and prepared from a tobacco of species Nicotiana rustica Linn, is widely used in Turkey. We aimed to investigate the effects of MP on salivary total sialic acid (TSA) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and to compare these parameters in smokers and MP users (MPUs). The salivary TSA and MDA concentrations were significantly higher in the smokers and MPU than those of control subjects and also in MPU than that of smokers. We have also observed that as the number of cigarettes consumed and MP amount increases, TSA and MDA levels increase too. In smokers, MDA values were significantly correlated with the number of cigarettes smoked and the duration of smoking. In MPU, both MDA and TSA levels were significantly correlated with the duration of MP use and the amount of daily consumed MP. We have concluded increased salivary TSA and MDA levels associated in MPU and smokers. Results can help to evaluate harmful effects of these habits. It is important to point out that bigger change in the measured parameters has been observed for MP use. This observation may be an important indication of harmful effects of ST use as MP.