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World J Diabetes. Dec 15, 2014; 5(6): 730-738
Published online Dec 15, 2014. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v5.i6.730
Published online Dec 15, 2014. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v5.i6.730
Saliva as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for inflammation and insulin-resistance
Gauri S Desai, Suresh T Mathews, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Boshell Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases Research Program, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States
Author contributions: Desai GS and Mathews ST contributed equally to this work.
Supported by Auburn University Intramural Grants Program
Correspondence to: Suresh T Mathews, PhD, FACN, Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Boshell Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases Research Program, Auburn University, 260 Lem Morrison Dr., 101 PSB, Auburn, AL 36849, United States. mathest@auburn.edu
Telephone: +1-334-8447418 Fax: +1-334-8443268
Received: May 29, 2014
Revised: October 20, 2014
Accepted: October 31, 2014
Published online: December 15, 2014
Revised: October 20, 2014
Accepted: October 31, 2014
Published online: December 15, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: Recent studies have shown that salivary concentrations of several inflammatory cytokines and insulin resistance indices (which may be lower than serum concentrations) may mirror alterations in systemic concentrations of such biomarkers. Saliva offers a promising diagnostic alternative, compared to blood sampling, for screening for inflammatory, metabolic, and cardiovascular risk factors particularly among pediatric and geriatric populations where blood sampling may be difficult. Additional research is needed to validate salivary biomarkers and establish reference ranges and characterize the influence of diet, physical activity, and drug treatment.