Proteomic profiling of whole-saliva reveals correlation between Burning Mouth Syndrome and the neurotrophin signaling pathway

Sci Rep. 2019 Mar 18;9(1):4794. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-41297-9.

Abstract

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is characterized by a spontaneous and chronic sensation of burning in the oral mucosa, with no apparent signs. The underlying pathophysiological and neuropathic mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we attempt to elucidate some of these mechanisms using proteomic profiling and bioinformatic analyses of whole-saliva (WS) from BMS patients compared to WS from healthy individuals. Qualitative and quantitative proteomic profiling was performed using two dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and quantitative mass spectrometry (q-MS). In order to improve protein visibility, 21 high abundance proteins were depleted before proteomic profiling. Quantitative proteomic analysis revealed 100 BMS specific proteins and an additional 158 proteins up-regulated by more than threefold in those with BMS. Bioinformatic analyses of the altered protein expression profile of BMS group indicated high correlations to three cellular mechanisms including the neurotrophin signaling pathway. Based on this finding, we suggest that neurotrophin signaling pathway is involved in the pathophysiology of BMS by amplifying P75NTR activity, which in turn increases neural apoptosis thereby reducing sub-papillary nerve fiber density in the oral mucosa.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Burning Mouth Syndrome / genetics
  • Burning Mouth Syndrome / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nerve Growth Factors / genetics
  • Nerve Growth Factors / metabolism*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism
  • Proteome / genetics
  • Proteome / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor / genetics
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor / metabolism
  • Saliva / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • NGFR protein, human
  • Nerve Growth Factors
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Proteome
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor