Measurements of several metallic elements and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in saliva from patients with taste disorder.

We have measured and compared several metallic elements and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in saliva from patients with taste disorder and healthy subjects. Stimulated whole saliva was collected from 20 patients and 35 healthy subjects. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used for the determination of metallic elements in saliva. Amounts of MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9 and IL-1alpha, IL-6 in saliva were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay systems. Zinc in the serum was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Our results provide evidence that levels of zinc, manganese and the amount of MMP-3 in saliva are significantly decreased in the patients with taste disorder compared to the healthy subjects; Zn (p.p.b.): healthy subjects 79.8 +/- 42.6, patients 47.22 +/- 17.1, (P < 0.001), Mn (p.p.b.): healthy subjects 4.48 +/- 2.46, patients 2.78 +/- 1.23, (P < 0.004), MMP-3 (ng/ml), healthy subjects 0.820 +/- 0.417, patients 0.594 +/- 0.179 (P < 0.01). In contrast, copper is significantly increased in the patients; Cu (p.p.b.): healthy subjects 34.5 +/- 13.5, patients 45.9 +/- 20.8 (P < 0.049). These differences may be closely related with this disease. ICP-MS is an easy and accurate instrument for measurements of salivary metallic elements and may be useful in establishing a diagnosis of taste disorder.