La saliva y los trastornos de las glándulas salivales.

Abstract

Salivary gland diseases can range from inflammatory and infectious lesions to tumor-related and functional conditions. Objective: To identify salivary gland disorders. Methods: The research employs a systematic review design. Systematic reviews include clear and structured summaries of available information aimed at addressing a specific clinical question regarding salivary gland disorders. Results: Alzheimer's disease induces a redox imbalance towards oxidation reactions, both at the oral cavity and systemic levels. General redox balance alterations do not align with salivary redox balance alterations, indicating that both processes occur independently. Reduced antioxidant enzyme activity correlates with the time elapsed since the Alzheimer's diagnosis. Reduced stimulated saliva secretion in Alzheimer's patients reflects a secretory insufficiency of the parotid glands. The function of submandibular salivary glands responsible for unstimulated saliva secretion is completely disrupted during the course of the disease. Salivary gland dysfunction is reflected in poorer hydration of the vermilion zone, oral mucosa, and tongue. Conclusions: This study has yielded several significant findings, identifying a variety of salivary gland disorders more prevalent in Alzheimer's patients, ranging from infectious inflammations to malignant tumors, and analyzing their clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment options. This underscores the need for a personalized approach in the medical care of patients, as indicated by the study, with the most affected age group being 18 – 60 years.