Method: This was a cross-sectional study (ethical approval: LRS/10/09/034) in which saliva proteins were investigated in saliva rinse samples obtained from 20 individuals with self-reported dry mouth and from matched controls. Saliva samples were subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis and were visualized with a Coomassie Blue-based stain (EZBlueTM) and a more sensitive silver stain. Protein profiles were analyzed and compared both by visual comparison to an internal standard and by using an automated image analysis system (Gel DocTMEZ).
Result: Protein profile analysis confirmed the utility of an automated image analysis system. Although the Gel DocTMEZ system allowed rapid comparison of gels and determination of the molecular weights of individual proteins, it had less sensitivity than the use of a digital imaging system and visual analysis of images. However, neither method revealed any consistent differences between the salivary protein profiles of the two subject groups, or those that were yeast carriers.
Conclusion: No significant differences in the salivary protein profiles of xerostomia subjects and healthy controls were observed, and the correlation of increased prevalence of oral yeast colonisation with salivary protein profiles in individuals with xerostomia requires further study.