# Generalized gingivitis-related salivary proteomic profile in pregnant women with obesity: insights into biological mechanisms assessed by Tandem Mass Spectrometry

## TL;DR

This study identifies a unique salivary protein profile in pregnant women with obesity and gum disease, which could help detect and manage periodontal inflammation.

## Contribution

The study reveals novel salivary biomarkers linked to immune response and tissue protection in pregnant women with obesity and generalized gingivitis.

## Key findings

- Lactotransferrin, Haptoglobin, and Immunoglobulin J chain were significantly up-regulated in women with severe gingivitis.
- Statherin and Protein S100-A8 were significantly downregulated in the same group.
- The proteomic profile suggests immune-related proteins may serve as biomarkers for periodontal inflammation in this population.

## Abstract

This cross-sectional study investigated the salivary proteomic profile associated with generalized gingivitis in pregnant women with obesity.

Pregnant women in the third trimester (≥27 weeks of gestation) were divided into two groups based on bleeding on probing (BOP): G1 (BOP>50%; n=9) and G2 (BOP 0–30%; n=9). Collected unstimulated saliva samples were individually analyzed using nano liquid chromatography electron spray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Identified proteins were classified according to gene ontology for biological processes, molecular functions, immune system involvement, and cellular components. Differential protein expression was determined using thresholds of p<0.05 for downregulation and 1-p>0.95 for up-regulation proteins.

Of the 183 identified proteins, 100 were shared between groups, totaling 57 up-regulated and 27 downregulated proteins in G1. Key biological processes included antimicrobial humoral response and hydrogen peroxide catabolism, with proteins linked to immune function and endopeptidase regulation. Functional analysis showed that Lactotransferrin (5-fold increase in G1), Haptoglobin (4-fold), and Immunoglobulin J chain (3-fold) were up-regulated, whereas Statherin (5-fold) and Protein S100-A8 (4-fold) were downregulated in G1.

Pregnant women with obesity and generalized gingivitis exhibited a distinct salivary proteomic profile characterized by the up-regulation of immune-related proteins and downregulation of tissue-protective proteins. These findings suggest potential salivary biomarkers for detection and targeted management of periodontal inflammation in this high-risk population.