Avaliação da concentração de proteínas totais na saliva humana frente a diferentes protocolos de tratamento da saliva

Abstract

The need to preserve the stability of saliva samples during and/or after collection has been considered a factor that might influence its analytical results, compromising the reliability and reproducibility of these analytical methods. The main challenges related to saliva preservation include the complexity of saliva composition, and its inherent elevated proteolitic activity. Thus, collection and storage of saliva requires specific precautions to preserve its components. The present study aimed to evaluate the protein concentration of saliva samples obtained from 10 healthy adults, aged 23 – 65 years, with a mean age of 31 years, subject to different pre-analytical sample preparation. Following collection, the salivary flow rate was calculated, and saliva samples from each volunteer were fractioned and divided in six different groups, in which each of these groups corresponded to a different type of pre-analytical sample preparation. The groups were as follows: G1- immediate centrifugation, no addition of protease inhibitor, room temperature during 24 hours; G2- immediate centrifugation, no addition of protease inhibitor, -80oC during 30 days; G3- immediate centrifugation, protease inhibitor added during collection, -80oC during 30 days; G4- immediate centrifugation, protease inhibitor added during analysis, -80oC during 30 days; G5- centrifugation 30 days after collection, no addition of protease inhibitor, -80oC during 30 days; G6- centrifugation 30 days after collection, protease inhibitor added during analysis, -80oC during 30 days. Total protein concentration was analyzed in duplicates, through the bicinchoninic acid assay. After analysis, the total protein concentration in each group was statistically correlated through Pearson and Spearman correlation tests and compared using repeated measure ANOVA (p<0.05). The mean total protein concentrations showed a negative correlation with salivary flow rate in G1 (P= 0,020), G4 (P= 0,027) and G5 (P= 0,05). Total protein concentration and age were only statistically correlated in G3 (P= 0,01). The mean total protein concentrations did not significantly differ between groups, F(5,45)= 1,132, P= 0,358. These results were also observed when comparing the mean total protein concentrations normalized by each individual’s salivary flow rate, F(5,45) = 2,068, P= 0,087. In conclusion, the methodological alterations proposed for the preparation of saliva samples before analysis did not generate significant quantitative alterations in total protein concentration within these samples.