Salivary proteomic profile related to excessive gingival bleeding in pregnant women with obesity: insights into biological mechanisms assessed by Tandem Mass Spectrometry

ABSTRACT: Objective: To investigate the salivary proteomic profile associated with excessive gingival bleeding in pregnant women with obesity. Methods: Participants were divided into two groups based on Bleeding on Probing (BOP): excessive gingival bleeding (BOP > 50%, G1 = 9) and no excessive gingival bleeding (BOP 0–30%, G2 = 9). Unstimulated saliva samples were collected and individually analyzed using Nano Liquid Chromatography Electron Spray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry (nLC-ESI-MS/MS). Proteins were classified by Gene Ontology (GO) analysis for biological process, molecular function, immune system involvement, and cellular component. Differences in protein expression were identified using thresholds of p > 0.05 for downregulation and 1-p < 0.95 for upregulation. Results: Among 183 identified proteins, 100 were shared between groups, with 57 up-regulated and 27 down-regulated in G1. Key biological processes included the antimicrobial humoral response and hydrogen peroxide catabolism, with proteins linked to immune function and endopeptidase regulation. Interaction network analysis revealed Lactotransferrin (increased 5-fold in G1), Haptoglobin (4-fold), and Immunoglobulin J chain (3-fold) as up-regulated, while Statherin (5-fold) and Protein S100-A8 (4-fold) were down-regulated. These proteins were associated with defense response and antimicrobial activity. Conclusions: Pregnant women with obesity and excessive gingival bleeding exhibited distinct salivary proteomic profiles, characterized by upregulation of immune-related proteins and downregulation of tissue-protective proteins. These findings highlight potential biomarkers for early detection and targeted management of periodontal inflammation in this high-risk group.

INSTRUMENT(S):

ORGANISM(S): Homo Sapiens (human)

TISSUE(S): Saliva

SUBMITTER: Gerson Foratori Junior  

LAB HEAD: Gerson Aparecido Foratori Junior

PROVIDER: PXD058171 | Pride | 2025-06-23

REPOSITORIES: Pride