Methodological Considerations in Saliva-Based Biomarker Research: Addressing Patient-Specific Variability in Translational Research Protocols.

ABSTRACT: Saliva plays a central role in maintaining oral homeostasis by supporting tooth integrity, providing lubrication, and functioning as an antimicrobial wash. It also serves as a transport medium, carrying byproducts and signaling metabolites across oral niches and through the gastrointestinal tract. Because of its biological relevance and ease of collection, saliva is increasingly used as a noninvasive biospecimen for measuring cortisol, cytokines, and metabolites. However, the validity and reliability of saliva as an indicator of local and systemic biomarkers remain under investigation across diverse populations and research applications. Specific patient populations (e.g., individuals with alcohol use disorder) are particularly vulnerable to oral health problems, periodontal disease, and h

SUBMITTER: Xu S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12560811 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature