Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) stimulates the growth and differentiation of various tissues. To study the kinetics of hEGF in saliva of normal subjects and patients with oral disease, we measured EGF levels in saliva (n=128), urine (n=94), and serum (n=99) using radioimmunoassay. Salivary EGF level showed apparent diurnal rhythm related to taking of meals. Urinary and serum EGF levels showed no obvious diurnal rhythm. There was no significant correlation between salivary and urinary EGF levels, or between salivary and serum EGF levels. Salivary EGF level in adults (10 to 79 years old) was not correlated with age, but it was significantly lower (3.06±0.32 ng/ml) in children (0 to 9 years old) than in adults. Urinary EGF level in children, however, was significantly higher than that in adults. Moreover, there was no significant difference between males and females in EGF level in saliva, urine, or serum. The relative proportions of EGF levels in the submaxillary gland saliva, parotid saliva, and whole saliva were 1: 6: 4. Salivary EGF level of patients with intraoral inflammation (stomatitis aphthosa or peritonsillitis) or intraoral tumor (cancer of the tongue, oral cavity, hypopharynx, or larynx) was markedly low. The pathophysiologic significance of this finding is worthy of study. Low salivary EGF level may reduce the capacity of the oral mucosal defense mechanisms against injury by physiochemical agents.
