Does the chemistry in the saliva of Down syndrome children explain their low caries prevalence?

AIM

The present study focuses on the relationship between dental caries and saliva components such as phosphate, calcium, potassium, chloride as well as α-amylase in children with Down syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-five Caucasian sibling pairs, with the mean age of 13±4 years compose the final sample. Stimulated whole saliva was collected from DS children and their siblings and an automatic analyser quantified the biochemical parameters.

RESULTS

Down syndrome children presented lower caries rates. The salivary concentration of calcium, phosphate, potassium and chloride did not differ between DS and sibling children. In respect to α-amylases, the absolute salivary concentration as well as salivary secretion rate was similar between DS and sibling controls.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, no correlation between dental caries and salivary ionic composition as well as α-amylase secretion rate was found in DS children.

Nitric oxide and fibrinogen in polycystic ovary syndrome: Associations with insulin resistance and obesity

OBJECTIVE

Nitric oxide (NO) and fibrinogen levels, two markers of vascular disease, are associated with insulin resistance, a common trait in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

STUDY DESIGN

Case-control study including 31 women with PCOS and 21 age-matched women with regular, ovulatory cycles, normal androgen levels and idiopathic hirsutism (control group). Nitrite/nitrate concentration (index of endothelium-derived NO) and fibrinogen plasma levels were assessed and analysed in association with anthropometric, metabolic and hormonal variables.

RESULTS

The groups were similar in terms of age, positive family history of diabetes and Ferriman-Gallwey hirsutism score. Nitrite/nitrate and fibrinogen levels were also similar in the two groups. In contrast, in PCOS patients, insulin levels and the homeostatic model assessment were negatively correlated with NO production (r=-0.39, p=0.03 and r=-0.41, p=0.02, respectively). Age, BMI, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio were positively correlated with fibrinogen in both groups.

CONCLUSION

The present data indicate a negative, BMI-independent association between NO levels and insulin resistance in PCOS patients. Further studies are required to clarify the role of androgens on the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction in PCOS and investigate androgen action and/or the gene receptor modulating NO secretion.