Conclusions
Collectively, our studies identify a range of putative CP biomarkers and alterations in human saliva requiring further validation. The biomarker discovery approaches we used might lead to identification of biomarkers useful for CP diagnosis and monitoring.
Methods
Here, we analyzed the proteome by quantitative proteomics, cytokine/chemokine levels by Luminex analysis, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels by a mass spectrometry-based assay, and bacterial species diversity by 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid sequencing in saliva samples from confirmed CP patients and healthy controls.
Results
Our results indicate the presence of various differentially expressed proteins, cytokines/chemokines, and a loss of oral bacterial diversity in the saliva of CP patients. The PGE2 levels trend toward elevation in CP patients. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve models for proteomic, cytokine, and PGE2 assays ranged from 0.59 to 0.90. Conclusions: Collectively, our studies identify a range of putative CP biomarkers and alterations in human saliva requiring further validation. The biomarker discovery approaches we used might lead to identification of biomarkers useful for CP diagnosis and monitoring.