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Relationship of the human salivary peroxidase system to oral health
Author(s) -
Tenovuo J.,
Pruitt K. M.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
journal of oral pathology and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.887
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1600-0714
pISSN - 0904-2512
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0714.1984.tb01459.x
Subject(s) - peroxidase , hydrogen peroxide , metabolism , enzyme , saliva , thiocyanate , bacteria , biochemistry , chemistry , biology , salivary gland , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics
The human salivary peroxidase system (SPS) contributes in several ways to the maintenance of good oral health. The SPS is one of the non‐immunoglobulin defense factors which regulate the quantity and species distribution of oral microorganisms. The SPS also prevents toxic accumulations of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and it inactivates many carcinogenic and mulagenic compounds. The salivary glands secrete a peroxidase enzyme (salivary peroxidase) as well as the thiocyanate ion (SCN‐ derived from diet). The enzyme catalyzes the oxidation of SCN‐ by hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ). The H 2 O 2 is excreted by oral bacteria and by host cells in amounts which vary with the state of cellular metabolism, the diet and other factors. Oxidized forms of SCN‐ temporarily inhibit the growth, respiration and metabolism of most species of oral bacteria. The major oxidized form generated in the mouth is the hypothiocyanite ion (OSCN‐) which must reach a minimum threshold concentration before bacterial inhibition occurs. This threshold concentration varies from species to species. The concentration of OSCN‐ in the mouth rises and falls with the availability of H 2 O 2 . This natural rise and fall, together with bacterial variation in sensitivity to OSCN‐ inhibition, suggests a role for the SPS in the regulation of the oral microflora. As a result of the rapid consumption of H 2 O 2 by the SPS, host cells are protected from a toxic build up of this potent oxidizing agent. The major product of the reaction, OSCN‐, does not harm human cells. Many carcinogenic and mutagenic compounds may serve as substrates for the SPS and be oxidized to less harmful compounds.