Objective:
The aim of this study is to evaluate the implication of salivary glands in anorexia with or without vomiting phase using the dosage of the salivary aminotransferases (TGO and TGP) considered as markers of the salivary gland suffering (Musumeci, 1993).
Methods:
18 young women were investigated and separated in two groups: anorexic with or without vomiting. An healthy control group of 15 women matched in age has been constituted. Saliva samples were collected after parafilm stimulation during 3 minutes, 2 hours after breakfast and after rinsing mouth with a glass of water. Salivary TGO, TGP and amylase were measured using a Sigma diagnostic kit and a spectrophotometer Jenway. Saliva pH was determined by Ph meter (labmeter 220).
Results:
The results have shown an increase in TGO (41,54 UI/L +/- 9.1 UI/L) for both anorexic stage compare to control (32,3 UI/L +/- 6.5 UI/L) and an increase in TGP for vomiting anorexic (22 UI/L +/- 5.2 UI/L) compare to non vomiting anorexic (12 UI/L +/- 3,8) and to control (6,1 UI/L +/- 1,5 UI/L). Salivary amylase activity has also been found increased for vomiting anorexic compare to control (173 592 UI/L +/- 22341 UI/L Vs 116 024 UI/L +/- 17654 UI/L).
Conclusion:
Our result showed that salivary amylase and TGP appears to be an interesting new tool for the identification of vomiting habits in anorexic disorders. Further studies should be necessary to confirm the use of saliva as a good biological diagnostic fluid in psychological eating disorders