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Review
. 2021 May 29;22(11):5835.
doi: 10.3390/ijms22115835.

Aging-Related Metabolic Dysfunction in the Salivary Gland: A Review of the Literature

Nguyen Khanh Toan  1 , Sang-Gun Ahn  1
Affiliations
Review

Aging-Related Metabolic Dysfunction in the Salivary Gland: A Review of the Literature

Nguyen Khanh Toan et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

Aging-related salivary dysfunction commonly induces the poor oral health, including decreased saliva flow and dental caries. Although the clinical significance of the salivary glands is well-known, the complex metabolic pathways contributing to the aging-dysfunction process are only beginning to be uncovered. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the metabolic changes in aging-mediated salivary gland dysfunction as a key aspect of oral physiology. Several metabolic neuropeptides or hormones are involved in causing or contributing to salivary gland dysfunction, including hyposalivation and age-related diseases. Thus, aging-related metabolism holds promise for early diagnosis, increased choice of therapy and the identification of new metabolic pathways that could potentially be targeted in salivary gland dysfunction.

Keywords: aging; dysfunction; metabolism; saliva; salivary glands.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Salivary gland innervation. SSN: superior salivary nucleus; ISN: inferior salivary nucleus; TG: thoracic ganglion; SMG: submandibular ganglion; SCG: superior cervical ganglion; OG: otic ganglion; Ach: acetylcholine; VIP: vasoactive intestinal peptide; SP: substance P; CGRP: calcitonin gene-related peptide; NA: neurokinin A; NPY: neuropeptide Y.
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