Short Article
Ludmila Gavriliuc, Elena St
Abstract
Fluorosis, caused by long-term intake of high levels of fluoride, is characterized by clinical manifestations in bones and teeth. However, detrimental effects of high-fluoride intake are observed in soft tissues also. Although fluorosis is irreversible, it could be prevented by appropriate and timely intervention through understanding the process at biochemical and molecular levels. Increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation has been considered to play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic fluoride toxicity. Saliva is a biological liquid of the human organism, and may be a reflection of the metabolic state. The concentration of calcium (Ca2+), proline, hydroxyproline, creatinine and activity of alkaline phosphatase were determined in the saliva of patients with fluorosis. An imbalance has been determined in salivary components of patients with fluorosis. Correlation analysis among some biochemical indexes in the patients with fluorosis indicated metabolic imbalance.