Elevation of Urate in Saliva and Serum of Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (knee OA) is the most common joint disease and the leading cause of disability and has a considerable financial burden on the healthcare system. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate urate in saliva and serum of knee OA. METHODS: Serum and saliva urate levels of 30 knee OA and 30 healthy controls were evaluated in a cross-sectional study. Data were analysed by Student's t test, Pearson correlation test, and receiver operating characteristic. RESULTS: The mean serum and both stimulated and unstimulated saliva urate levels were higher in the knee OA than that of the healthy group. WOMAC score positively correlated with serum (r = 0.485; p = 0.004), unstimulated saliva (r = 0.575; p = 0.001) and stimulated saliva (r = 0.453; p = 0.009) levels of urate. The serum level of urate significantly correlated with unstimulated (r = 0.442; p < 0.001) and stimulated (r = 0.563; p < 0.001) saliva urate levels. Serum and saliva urate had significant cutoff values (6.4, 4.9, and 3.3 mg/dL in serum, stimulated, and unstimulated saliva, respectively). CONCLUSION: In this study, urate in serum and saliva was increased in patients with knee OA and positively correlated with WOMAC.

Muscarinic cholinergic receptors in minor salivary gland tissues of patients with oral lichen planus: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a common, chronic immunological and inflammatory condition. Many of the OLP patients complain of xerostomia. The M3 muscarinic cholinergic receptors (MR3) are the main receptors in the salivary glands responsible for water secretion into the saliva. This study aimed to assess the level of M3 muscarinic cholinergic receptors in minor salivary glands of OLP patients. METHODS: This case-control cross-sectional study evaluated 40 OLP patients and 22 controls. All participants completed two questionnaires (xerostomia and xerostomia inventory). Stimulated and unstimulated saliva samples were collected. The saliva flow rate was calculated by dividing the saliva volume (in milliliters) by time (in minutes). Six minor salivary glands were also surgically removed from the lower lip of patients and controls, and weighed using a digital scale with 10-4  g accuracy. They were then frozen at -80°C, and the level of M3 receptors of the glands was determined using the ELISA kit. RESULTS: The unstimulated and stimulated saliva flow rate was significantly lower in OLP patients. The xerostomia inventory score was significantly higher in the OLP group. The level of M3 muscarinic receptors in minor salivary glands of OLP patients was significantly higher than that in controls. CONCLUSIONS: It may be concluded that the reduction in saliva flow significantly increases the number of M3 receptors in an attempt to compensate for this shortage and prevent xerostomia (compensatory upregulation).

The effects of six-week resistance, aerobic and combined exercises on the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers in overweight patients with moderate haemophilia A: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Overweight increases the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and serves as a major risk factor for arthropathy and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This condition is becoming increasingly prevalent among patients with haemophilia (PWH). Different forms of exercise training could favourably modify weight-related complications, cardiovascular risk factors and the inflammation. AIM: To investigate the effects of resistance, aerobic and combined exercises on the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers in overweight patients with moderate haemophilia A. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with moderate haemophilia A, aged 35-55 years, and body mass index (BMI) of 25-30 kg/m2 were randomly assigned to resistance training (RT, n = 12), aerobic (AT, n = 12), combined training (CT, n = 12) and control (n = 12) groups. The patients participated in 45-minutes exercise sessions three times a week for 6 weeks. Waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), fat mass, fat-free mass, interleukin-10 (IL-10), adiponectin, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured before and after the 6 weeks of training. RESULTS: There was significant decrease in WC, WHR, BMI and weight in the AT, RT and CT groups as compared to the control group. Total HJHS scores decreased in the AT, RT, CT groups compared to the control groups (P ≤ 0.001). The decrease in hs-CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α in the CT group was significant compared to the control group (P ≤ 0.02). The increase in IL-10 and adiponectin was not significant in the RT, AT and CT groups compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: CT was the most effective training mode for decreasing the pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing anti-inflammatory markers in overweight patients with haemophilia A.

Arterial indices and serum cystatin C level in individuals with occupational wide band noise exposure.

BACKGROUND: Chronic exposure to noise is known to cause a wide range of health problems including extracellular matrix (ECM) proliferation and involvement of cardiovascular system. There are a few studies to investigate noise-induced vascular changes using noninvasive methods. In this study we used carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) and aortic augmentation as indices of arterial properties and cystatin C as a serum biomarker relating to ECM metabolism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-three male participants were included in this study from aeronautic technicians: 39 with and 54 without a history of wide band noise (WBN) exposure. For better discrimination, the participants were divided into the two age groups: <40 and >40 years old. Adjusted aortic augmentation index (AI) for a heart rate equal to 75 beats per minute (AIx@HR75) were calculated using pulse wave analysis (PWA). CIMT was measured in 54 participants who accepted to undergo Doppler ultrasonography. Serum cystatin C was also measured. RESULTS: Among younger individuals the mean CIMT was 0.85 ± 0.09 mm and 0.75 ± 0.22 mm in the in the exposed and the control groups respectively. Among older individuals CIMT had a mean of 1.04 ± 0.22 mm vs. 1.00 ± 0.25 mm for the exposed vs. the control group. However, in both age groups the difference was not significant at the 0.05 level. A comparison of AIx@HR75 between exposure group and control group both in younger age group (5.46 ± 11.22 vs. 8.56 ± 8.66) and older age group (17.55 ± 10.07 vs. 16.61 ± 5.77) revealed no significant difference. We did not find any significant correlation between CIMT and AIx@HR75 in exposed group (r = 0.314, P value = 0.145) but the correlation was significant in control group (r = 0.455, P value = 0.019). Serum cystatin C level was significantly lower in individuals with WBN exposure compared to controls (441.10 ± 104.70 ng/L vs. 616.89 ± 136.14, P value < 0.001) both in younger and older groups. CONCLUSION: We could not find any evidence for the association of WBN exposure with arterial properties, but cystatin C was significantly lower in the exposed group.

Serum and Saliva MMP-3 in Patients with OLP and Oral SCC.

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) plays a key role in development of cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess MMP-3 in the serum and saliva of patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with OLP (8 reticular and 22 erosive forms), and 20 patients with OSCC (6 in low stage and 14 in advanced stage), were enrolled in this study, conducted at the Cancer Department, Clinic of Oral Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The serum and saliva MMP-3 was assayed by ELISA method. Statistical analysis of the Student's t-test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient was performed. The mean saliva and serum levels of MMP-3 were significantly higher in patients with OSCC compared with OLP. RESULTS: The serum and saliva MMP-3 concentrations increased from reticular form of OLP to erosive form of OLP, and increased further to low stage of OSCC and advanced stage of OSCC. Serum MMP-3 correlated significantly with unstimulated (r = 0.310, p = 0.038) and stimulated (r = 0.365, p < 0.026) saliva MMP-3. CONCLUSION: Serum and saliva MMP-3 levels appear associated with OLP and OSCC.

Serum and saliva collagenase-3 (MMP-13) in patients with oral lichen planus and oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Oral lichen planus (OLP) has been classified as a pre-malignant condition. Matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) or collagenase-3 may play a key role in cancer development. The aim of this study was to compare serum and saliva MMP-13 between patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODS: This cross sectional study was performed on 30 patients with OLP (8 reticular and 22 erosive forms) and 20 patients with OSCC (6 in low stage and 14 in advanced stage) who were selected randomly. The study was conducted at the Cancer Department, Clinic of Oral Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The serum and saliva MMP-13 were assayed by ELISA method. Statistical analysis of the Student's t-test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient was performed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in mean saliva and serum levels of MMP-13 between patients with OSCC and OLP and their subgroups. Serum MMP-13 correlated significantly with unstimulated (r = 0.307, p= 0.048), but not with stimulated, saliva MMP-13. CONCLUSION: Serum and saliva MMP-13 levels appear to be statistically similar in OLP and OSCC.

Unstimulated whole saliva cortisol levels during Ramadan in Iranian Muslims.

AIMS: Ramadan is a great opportunity for scientific research due to its peculiar nature. This study was designed to investigate whether morning saliva cortisol pick can change during and after Ramadan compared to before it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 healthy volunteer men (aged between 30 and 76 years) were asked to participate in a cross-sectional study between August 12 and September 10, 2010. Saliva was collected 2 weeks before the beginning of Ramadan (BR), during the first week (R1), middle (R2), the last week (R3) of Ramadan and 3 weeks after Ramadan (AR). Cortisol concentration was analyzed by ELISA. Statistical analysis of one-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used. RESULTS: The mean unstimulated saliva cortisol concentration and its output were significantly higher in the BR than during and after Ramadan. CONCLUSION: Mean saliva cortisol concentration and its output tended to be lower during and 3 weeks after Ramadan. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Cortisol as a stress hormone seems to be low during Ramadan.

Stimulated saliva aminotransaminase alteration after experiencing acute hypoxia training.

OBJECTIVE: Acute cypobarih hypoxia is generally recognized to be the most serious single physiological hazard during flight at altitude. Simulation of acute hypoxia in an altitude chamber is used for the training of military aircrew. Acute hypobaric hypoxia affects critical organ systems in different manners. The purpose of this study was to investigate stimulated saliva glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) alteration after the hypobaric hypoxia process. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in 44 normal healthy military aircrew conducted at the hypobaric chamber of physiology at the University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. The GPT and GOT activities were assayed in stimulated whole saliva before and after the experience of hypobaric hypoxia by the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry method. Statistical analysis of the Student t-test was performed. RESULTS: The mean stimulated saliva GPT activity was significantly higher after the experience of the hypobaric hypoxia process (2.83 ± 0.34 vs. 0.42 ± 0.029 U/L, respectively; P = .001). Saliva GOT activity was also increased after this process (3.32 ± 0.43 vs. 1.22 ± 0.18 U/L, respectively; P = .001). CONCLUSION: Results suggest that subsequent to the experience of the hypobaric hypoxia process, there is a rise in the salivary activities of aminotransferases.

Salivary troponin I as an indicator of myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Accurate and rapid diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (MI) is of major clinical significance. The troponin is the biomarker of choice for detection of cardiac injury. The objective of this study was to identify salivary levels of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in patients with acute MI. METHODS: Thirty patients with acute MI and 28 normal healthy individuals were included in the study. cTnI levels were assayed in serum and saliva 12 and 24 h of acute MI by ELISA method. RESULTS: In patients with acute MI, the serum and resting (unstimulated) saliva concentrations of cTnI, but not stimulated saliva cTnI, at both 12 and 24 h of onset of MI, were significantly higher than in controls. Resting saliva cTnI concentrations correlated significantly with serum cTnI levels (spearman rho = 0.34 and 0.45 in the total individuals and in the MI patients respectively). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: The present results suggest that saliva can be an analytical matrix for measurement of cTnI in patients with acute MI. Further studies may reveal capability of salivary cTnI for being used for developing point-of-care testing for early detection of MI in pre-clinical settings.

Renal function in a rat model of neurogenic bladder, effect of statins and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors.

PURPOSE: Neurogenic bladder is a common complication of several central nervous system injuries. Statins and phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors are reportedly beneficial in neural injuries and urinary system dysfunction. The effect of simvastatin, sildenafil and tadalafil on several renal function indices of an animal model of neurogenic bladder was investigated. METHODS: Forty male rats were assessed in five equal groups. Dura mater and the cord were injured with an aneurysmal clamp at the level of T9-T10 in all rats except in sham group. The sham and control groups (treated by normal saline), simvastatin (4 mg/kg), sildenafil (5 mg/kg), and tadalafil (2 mg/kg) groups received treatment (i.p.) for seven consecutive days following injury. Renal system and motor functions were assessed at day 28 following injury. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls post hoc test. RESULTS: Simvastatin improved both the renal and the motor function compared with the control group. However, sildenafil and tadalafil could only improve the motor function but could not make any significant differences in renal indices in comparison with the control group. CONCLUSION: Statins can effectively improve the motor and renal functions in a condition of renal dysfunction in a rat model of neurogenic bladder. PDE-5 inhibitors could help to improve motor function, but are not helpful in renal function, at least in short time.

Unstimulated whole saliva 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in patients with xerostomia in menopausal women.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The aim of this study was to compare unstimulated whole saliva 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D) in menopausal women with and without oral dryness (OD) feeling, and evaluate the relationship between saliva 25(OH)D and severity of OD feeling. METHODS: A case-control study was carried out on 70 selected menopausal women aged 41-77 years with or without OD feeling (35 as case and 35 as control) conducted at the Clinic of Oral Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Unstimulated saliva samples were obtained by expectoration. Xerostomia inventory (XI) score was used as an index of OD feeling severity. The saliva 25(OH)D concentration was measured by ELISA. Statistical analysis of Student's t test and Spearman correlation was used. RESULTS: The mean saliva 25(OH)D level was significantly higher in the case group (897.1 ± 128.9 pg/ml), compared with control (156.7 ± 43.4 pg/ml; P < 0.05). XI score correlated significantly with saliva 25(OH)D concentration (r = 0.457, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It seems that the level of salivary 25(OH)D concentration may be higher in menopausal women with OD feeling than in the control group, and there is a positive correlation between OD feeling severity and unstimulated whole saliva 25(OH)D.

p53 as a neoplastic biomarker in patients with erosive and plaque like forms of oral lichen planus.

AIM: Unstimulated whole salivary p53 was assessed in patients suffering from erosive and plaque-like form of oral lichen planus (OLP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with erosive form, 17 patients suffering from plaque-like form and 38 noninvolvement subjects were enrolled. The unstimulated whole saliva p53 level was assayed by ELISA. RESULTS: The mean concentration of salivary p53 was significantly higher in patients with plaque-like form compared to both patients with erosive form and the control group. CONCLUSION: We conclude that plaque like form of OLP is important in view of the potential for malignancy and is not safety form. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: It seems that all forms of OLP must be considered accurately, should be followed up with biannual examinations, and if possible, assessment of salivary p53 every year.

The effects of phase III cardiac rehabilitation in serum and salivary Hs-CRP and anthropometric measurements in patients with coronary artery disease.

AIM: Cardiac rehabilitation is a key part in the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) by its anti-infammatory effects. However, the effect of exercise training programs on salivary concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in patients with coronary artery disease has not been well studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of phase III cardiac rehabilitation on serum and salivary levels of hs-CRP, in relation to the anthropometric measurements of obesity and the relationship between salivary and serum levels of hs-CRP in CAD male patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male volunteers (45-75 years) with CAD participated in 6 to 8 weeks of moderate intensity aerobic exercise training consisting of 45 minutes sessions of treadmill, stationary bicycle and arm ergometer. Anthropometric measurements of obesity, serum level of hs-CRP, stimulated and nonstimulated salivary level of hs-CRP were measured at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of exercise sessions. RESULTS: All anthropometric measurements increased (p < 0.05) following cardiac rehabilitation except waist-hip ratio. Serum hs-CRP level reduced by 36% independent to the anthropometric measurements changes. Stimulated and nonstimulated salivary hs-CRP level decreased 68 and 54%, respectively, after 24 sessions of cardiac rehabilitation. Nonstimulated salivary hs-CRP levels correlated to serum levels of hs-CRP at baseline and after 24 sessions (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Phase III cardiac rehabilitation seems to be effective to improve serum and salivary hs-CRP concentrations independent of anthropometric measurements. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Nonstimulated salivary hs-CRP measurement could be a surrogate for blood measurement of hs-CRP during cardiac rehabilitation in male patients with CAD.

Saliva Levels of Adrenergic Receptors in Relation to Psychological Factors in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the saliva level of α1 and ß1 adrenergic receptors (ARs) in oral lichen planus (OLP) patients. METHODS: This case-control study included unstimulated saliva samples from 33 OLP patients (14 erosive, 19 non-erosive) and 33 healthy controls. All participants were evaluated on psychological conditions via the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 items (DASS 21). The saliva levels of α1 and ß1 ARs was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analysed with a t test using SPSS 25 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). RESULTS: The saliva levels of α1 and ß1 ARs of OLP patients (both erosive and non-erosive forms) were significantly higher than in healthy controls. Stress levels in patients with both forms of OLP were significantly higher than in the healthy group. There was a positive correlation between salivary α1 and ß1 ARs and stress, and this positive correlation was also seen for saliva ß1 ARs between anxiety or depression. The saliva level of α1 ARs was inversely correlated with unstimulated salivary flow rates (r = -0.246; P = 0.046). CONCLUSION: This study indicated that OLP patients with both erosive and non-erosive forms have higher psychological stress and saliva levels of α1 and ß1 ARs than healthy controls; however, the role of α1 and ß1 ARs as salivary markers with regard to the development, severity of symptoms and outcome of OLP needs further investigation.

Saliva and Serum Acetylcholinesterase Activity in Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis is mediated by the immune system that damages the myelin sheath. Most patients experience inflammation. Since one of the factors that have a role in reducing inflammation is acetylcholine, and according to the benefits of saliva, in this study, the level of salivary and serum cholinesterase activity in patients with multiple sclerosis and healthy were evaluated. Thirty women with multiple sclerosis who were hospitalized in the neurology ward of Imam Reza and Hazrat Rasoul Hospitals and 30 healthy females participated in the study. The severity of multiple sclerosis was calculated by expanded disability status scale (EDSS). Saliva and serum samples were collected in the morning. Cholinesterase activity was assessed by a photometric method. The mean cholinesterase activity in stimulated and unstimulated saliva and serum significantly reduced in the multiple sclerosis group. The cutoff for differentiation of multiple sclerosis patients from healthy individuals by assessing cholinesterase activity (IU/L) was 3577 in serum, 241 in unstimulated saliva, and 266 in stimulated saliva. It seems that cholinesterase activity decreases in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Treating Parafunctional Habits for Alleviating Temporomandibular Disorder and Lower Back Pain: A Phase II Clinical Trial.

Objectives: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) include a series of signs and symptoms in the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and muscles of mastication, which are associated with or caused by parafunctional habits. Many of these patients also suffer from lumbar pains. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of treating parafunctional habits in alleviating symptoms of TMD and lower back pain. Materials and Methods: This phase II clinical trial was conducted on 136 patients suffering from TMDs and lumbar pain, who consented to participate in this study. They were provided with instructions on how to discontinue their parafunctional habits including clenching and bruxism. The Helkimo and Rolland Morris questionnaires were used to assess TMD and lower back pain, respectively. Data were statistically analyzed using paired Student's t-test, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney, and Spearman correlation tests, with the significance level set at P<0.05. Results: The mean severity score of TMD significantly decreased after the intervention. Following treatment of TMD, the mean severity score of lumbar pain decreased from 8 to 2 (P=0.0001). Conclusion: Based on our findings, it appears that the elimination of parafunctional habits improves TMD and lumbar pain.

Oxidative stress status and DNA damage in saliva of human subjects with oral lichen planus and oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate oxidative stress status in the saliva of patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODS: Thirty-two patients with OLP, 26 patients with OSCC, and 30 non-involved subjects were enrolled in this study. The study was conducted at the Cancer Department, Clinic of Oral Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The unstimulated whole saliva malondialdehyde (MDA), as an indicator of lipid peroxidation, the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were assayed by thiobarbituric acid, ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP), and ELISA method, respectively. The TAC/MDA ratio was used as an index of oxidative stress status. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by the Tukey's post hoc test. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in saliva TAC and MDA levels between OLP and control, and also between OLP and OSCC patients. MDA and 8-OHdG were significantly higher but TAC was lower in OSCC patients than control. TAC/MDA ratio was significantly lower in patients with OSCC than both OLP patients and control. TAC/MDA ratio was significantly lower but 8-OHdG was higher in patients with OLP compared to control. This suggests that patients with OLP and OSCC are more susceptible to an imbalance of antioxidant-oxidative stress status.

Unstimulated saliva 17ß-estradiol and xerostomia in menopause.

One of the most common oral manifestations of menopause is xerostomia. As gingival tissue is sensitive to changes in the female sex steroids; the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between saliva 17ß-estradiol and severity of xerostomia. A case-control study was carried out in 64 selected menopausal women aged 42-75 years with or without xerostomia (32 as case and 32 as control) conducted at the Clinic of Oral Medicine, Tehran university of medical sciences. Xerostomia inventory (XI) score was used as an index of xerostomia severity. The saliva 17ß-estradiol was measured by an enzyme immunoassay kit. The mean unstimulated saliva flow rate and concentration of 17ß-estradiol were significantly lower in case than control. There were significant negative correlation between XI score and unstimulated whole saliva flow rate and also concentration of 17ß-estradiol in menopausal women. It seems that there is a negative correlation between xerostomia severity and saliva 17ß-estradiol in menopausal women.

Saliva-based creatine kinase MB measurement as a potential point-of-care testing for detection of myocardial infarction.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the main cause of death all over the world. Biomarkers of cardiac necrosis are of great importance in the diagnosis of MI. The aim of this study was to determine probable changes of creatine kinase MB isoform (CK-MB) levels in saliva of patients with acute MI. A case-control study was carried out on 30 patients with acute MI who were hospitalized in Kamkar-Arabnia Hospital of Qom City and 30 healthy control subjects. CK-MB levels were measured by immunoinhibition assay in saliva and serum of patients and healthy individuals. Statistical analysis of the Student's t test and Pearson correlation coefficient was used. CK-MB levels showed a significant elevation in saliva and serum of patients with acute MI compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, there was a strong correlation between salivary levels of CK-MB and its serum values. Subsequent to an acute MI, there is a rise in salivary levels of CK-MB just as what occurs in the serum. Moreover, salivary levels of CK-MB reflect well its serum values. It seems that cardiac biomarker CK-MB is measurable in the saliva of patients with acute MI. Salivary CK-MB may serve as an easy-to-use diagnostic tool for point-of-care testing of acute MI.