Saliva contains a variety of hormones, making it a useful diagnostic tool. Several studies highlight the presence of various hormones including peptides, amines, and metabolic hormones.
Peptide Hormones in Saliva
- Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF): This hormone plays a crucial role in promoting cell proliferation and wound healing, particularly within the mouth. [Source: Salivary peptide hormones, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha), and amines such as melatonin, are involved in the regulation of inflammatory processes and in the promotion of cell proliferation, and contribute to a rapid wound healing in the oropharyngeal epithelia.]
- Transforming Growth Factor-alpha (TGF-alpha): Similar to EGF, TGF-alpha contributes to cell growth and repair in the oral cavity. [Source: Salivary peptide hormones, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha), and amines such as melatonin, are involved in the regulation of inflammatory processes and in the promotion of cell proliferation, and contribute to a rapid wound healing in the oropharyngeal epithelia.]
Amine Hormones in Saliva
- Melatonin: This hormone, known for its role in regulating sleep-wake cycles, is also found in saliva. [Source: Salivary peptide hormones, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha), and amines such as melatonin, are involved in the regulation of inflammatory processes and in the promotion of cell proliferation, and contribute to a rapid wound healing in the oropharyngeal epithelia.]
Metabolic Hormones in Saliva
- Leptin: This hormone, primarily released from fat cells, influences appetite and energy expenditure. Saliva has been shown to contain leptin. [Source: Metabolic hormones, leptin, ghrelin, glucagon, and glucagon-like peptide 1, are produced by the salivary glands and taste cells. These salivary...]
- Ghrelin: This hormone, often called the "hunger hormone," is involved in appetite regulation. Studies show its presence in saliva. [Source: Metabolic hormones, leptin, ghrelin, glucagon, and glucagon-like peptide 1, are produced by the salivary glands and taste cells. These salivary...]
- Glucagon: This hormone plays a key role in blood sugar regulation, and its presence in saliva has also been noted. [Source: Metabolic hormones, leptin, ghrelin, glucagon, and glucagon-like peptide 1, are produced by the salivary glands and taste cells. These salivary...]
- Glucagon-like Peptide 1 (GLP-1): This hormone is also involved in blood sugar control and is found in saliva. [Source: Metabolic hormones, leptin, ghrelin, glucagon, and glucagon-like peptide 1, are produced by the salivary glands and taste cells. These salivary...]
- Nesfatin-1: This hormone has been shown to be present in human saliva and is synthesized in the salivary glands. [Source: Nesfatin-1 had been shown to be present in human saliva and also to be synthesized in the striated and interlobular parts of the human SMG (…)]
Sex Hormones in Saliva
- Estradiol: This is the primary estrogen in both men and women, and it can be measured in saliva. [Source: ...saliva. Estradiol is the most important natural estrogen and present in both women and men. The measurement of the hormone level is useful for detection of...]
- Cortisol: This steroid hormone, often associated with stress, is also detectable in saliva. [Source: For example, the steroid hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), similar to cortisol, is an index of the HPA axis stress response found in saliva but is less...]
The presence of these various hormones in saliva provides numerous opportunities for non-invasive hormone testing and research. Several studies have investigated the relationship between salivary hormones and various physiological states, offering insights into health and disease. Remember that the levels of hormones in saliva can vary depending on several factors.
