Burning mouth syndrome (BMS): sialometric and sialochemical analysis and salivary protein profile.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to analyse the characteristics of salivary production and its composition in individuals with burning mouth syndrome (BMS).

STUDY DESIGN: Salivary flow rate, concentrations of potassium, iron, chloride, thiocyanate, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, glucose, total protein and urea, as well as the expression profile of salivary proteins were analysed by SDS-PAGE.

RESULTS: The mean salivary flow rate among control patients was lower than that of BMS patients. Chloride, phosphorus and potassium levels were elevated in patients with BMS (p = 0.041, 0.001 and 0.034, respectively). Total salivary protein concentration was reduced in individuals with BMS (p = 0.223). Analysis of the expression of salivary proteins by Coomassie blue SDS-PAGE revealed a lower expression of low molecular weight proteins in individuals with BMS compared to healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the identification and characterisation of low molecular weight salivary proteins in BMS may be important in understanding BMS pathogenesis, thus contributing to its diagnosis and treatment.