Comparison of Salivary Peroxidase in HIV Positive Patients and Healthy Controls: A Case-Control Study

Saliva, as an easy diagnostic tool, has various defense mecha-nisms such as immunological, enzymatic and antioxidant defense systems. Salivary peroxidase is one of the most important salivary antioxidants. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients have decreased antioxidant and increased oxidative stress levels. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the level of salivary peroxidase in HIV positive patients and healthy controls.

In this case-control study, 49 HIV positive patients and 49 healthy controls were selected as the case and control group, respectively. Demographic, clinical, and paraclinical information was recorded in a checklist. Next, 5 mL of unstimulated whole saliva was collected during 5 min in sterile Falcon tubes. Peroxidase activity of the saliva was measured by the Gelycol method. Data were ana-lyzed by SPSS 11 via t-test and Chi-square test.

The salivary peroxidase level was slightly higher in the case group in comparison with the healthy control group, but this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.157). Dental status of the case group was significantly different from the control group (P=0.029). The mean age of the case group was also significantly higher than the control group (P=0.005). In the case group, females had a higher frequency than males.

The results showed slightly, but not significantly, higher level of peroxidase in the study group than the healthy controls. Minimal change in salivary peroxidase in HIV positive patients may be related to the early stage of their disease and good function of the immune system.