Inter-individual variation in saliva antioxidant status in relation to periodontal disease

Abstract

Free radicals have been implicated in the aetiology of many human disease states, including periodontal disease (PD). Saliva contains an array of antioxidants that neutralise the harmful effects of free radical formation within the oral cavity. Increased salivary antioxidant capacity may limit oxidative tissue damage and improve the health of the gingival tissues. In this thesis, the antioxidant profile of saliva was assessed in relation to PD severity. Salivary protein carbonyl concentration was assessed as a biomarker of oxidative tissue damage. Urate, ascorbate and albumin contributed 85% of the total scavenging antioxidant capacity (TAA) which followed a diurnal rhythm (peak 5.OOpm, nadir 3.OOam). Salivary antioxidant flow rate was significantly lower in individuals with severe PD (TAA 0.2 10 ± 0.02 M/ml/min) than those with healthy gingivae (TAA 0.270 ± 0.02 iiM/ml/min) (p

Date of Award	2004
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Northampton
Supervisor	Simon C Langley-Evans (Supervisor) & Jackie Campbell (Supervisor)