SALIVARY URIC ACID – THE FRIEND HIDDEN BEHIND THE CURTAIN

Abstract

Saliva is the first line of defense against oxidative stress. The salivary antioxidant system includes different categories of molecules, the most important of these being the uric acid molecule and the salivary peroxidase system, both hydrosoluble. Our experimental data revealed significant reductions in salivary uric acid levels in the context of severe oral conditions, such as periodontal disease, oral lichen, oral cancer, compared to controls. The analysis of our results led us to the conclusion that chronic inflammation, as well as premalignant and/or malignant lesions, can significantly reduce the salivary antioxidant potential, supported primarily by uric acid, thus causing the oral environment to become more vulnerable to oxidative stress, which explains the progression of oral affections and the emergence of resistance to treatment.

Keywords

• uric acid
• oxidative stress
• saliva