A. Belce et al., Evaluation of salivary sialic acid level and Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase activity in type 1 diabetes mellitus, TOH J EX ME, 192(3), 2000, pp. 219-225
In this study, our aim was to determine whether or not type 1 diabetes mell
itus affects salivary sialic acid level and SOD activity. For this purpose,
unstimulated saliva specimen was collected. Saliva sialic acid level and S
OD activity were measured by the methods of Warren and Sun, respectively. W
e found significantly decline in salivary sialic acid level and SOD activit
y. The decrease of salivary sialic acid level in type 1 diabetes may be due
to changes in the activities of the enzymes taking part of in the synthesi
s and catabolism of sialic acid. The main reason for the decrease of saliva
ry SOD activity may be increased glycation of the enzyme and/or deleterious
effect of increased free oxygen radicals by glycated proteins on SOD activ
ity in diabetes. We conclude the decline both in sialic acid and SOD in sal
iva may be a possible factor leading to oral complications of diabetes mell
itus.