[Saliva and wound healing].

Abstract

The oral mucosa is frequently exposed to mechanical forces, which may result in tissue damage. Saliva contributes to the repair of the oral mucosa in several ways. In the first place, it creates a humid environment to improve the function of inflammatory cells. During the last few years, it has been shown that saliva also contains a large number of proteins with a role in wound healing. Saliva contains growth factors, especially Epidermal Growth FACTOR, which promotes the proliferation of epithelial cells. Trefoil factor 3 and histatin promote the process of wound closure. The importance of Secretory Leucocyte Protease Inhibitor is demonstrated by the fact that in the absence of this salivary protein, oral wound healing is considerably delayed. Understanding these salivary proteins opens the way for the development of new wound healing medications.

• Authors: E C I Veerman, M J Oudhoff, H S Brand
• Journal: Nederlands tijdschrift voor tandheelkunde (Ned Tijdschr Tandheelkd) Vol. 118 Issue 5 Pg. 253-6 (May 2011) ISSN: 0028-2200 [Print] Netherlands
• Vernacular Title: Speeksel en wondgenezing.
• PMID: 21661245 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Histatins
• Peptides
• Secretory Leukocyte Peptidase Inhibitor
• TFF3 protein, human
• Trefoil Factor-3
• Epidermal Growth Factor

Topics

• Epidermal Growth Factor (physiology)
• Histatins (physiology)
• Humans
• Oral Health
• Peptides (physiology)
• Saliva (physiology)
• Secretory Leukocyte Peptidase Inhibitor (physiology)
• Trefoil Factor-3
• Wound Healing (physiology)