Abstract
Deglycosylation of oral mucins may be a critical initial step leading to their subsequent proteolysis and putrefaction. The present study was undertaken to determine whether activity in saliva of a major glycosidic enzyme (β-galactosidase) is associated with oral malodor in a group of 64 subjects. Enzyme activity was detected by the use of a chromogenic substrate (X-Gal) impregnated on paper discs. Malodor-related measurements included two odor judges' assessments of whole-mouth and tongue malodor, and volatile sulfide levels measured by a portable sulfide monitor (Interscan Corp.). β-galactosidase assay scores were significantly associated with both odor judges' scores for whole-mouth (p ≤ 0.002; Spearman) and tongue malodor (p ≤ 0.001; Spearman). β-galactosidase activity and sulfide monitor measurements both factored significantly into multiple regression equations for odor judge scores, yielding multiple r-values ranging from 0.47 (p = 0.0007) to 0.60 (p < 0.0001). Analysis of the data presented indicates that β-galactosidase activity in saliva is correlated with oral malodor.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 182-185 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Journal of Dental Research |
Volume | 81 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2002 |
Keywords
- Diagnosis
- Glycoproteins
- Oral malodor
- Saliva
- β-Galactosidase