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Review
. 2025 Jan 30;61(2):243.
doi: 10.3390/medicina61020243.

Saliva as a Diagnostic Tool for Systemic Diseases-A Narrative Review

Amelia Surdu  1 , Liliana Georgeta Foia  2   3 , Ionut Luchian  4 , Daniela Trifan  5 , Monica Silvia Tatarciuc  6 , Monica Mihaela Scutariu  1 , Corina Ciupilan  7 , Dana Gabriela Budala  8
Affiliations
Review

Saliva as a Diagnostic Tool for Systemic Diseases-A Narrative Review

Amelia Surdu et al. Medicina (Kaunas). .

Abstract

Saliva has emerged as a powerful diagnostic tool due to its non-invasive collection, straightforward storage, and ability to mirror systemic health. This narrative review explores the diagnostic potential of salivary biomarkers in detecting systemic diseases, supported by examples such as salivary proteomics' role in monitoring endocrine disorders, cancer, and viral infections. Advances in technologies like microfluidics, biosensors, and next-generation sequencing have enhanced the sensitivity and specificity of salivary diagnostics, making it a viable alternative to blood-based diagnostics. The review also evaluates challenges such as the need for standardized collection protocols, variability in salivary composition, and the integration of these technologies into clinical workflows. The findings emphasize the transformative potential of saliva in personalized medicine, especially for early disease detection and real-time health monitoring. Practical applications include its use in mass screenings and public health crises, highlighting saliva as a cornerstone for future advancements in non-invasive diagnostics.

Keywords: genomics; oral diagnosis; periodontitis; proteomics; saliva; systemic disease.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Saliva multifunctionality.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Characteristics that set up saliva as an essential diagnostic tool.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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