Study the activity of salivary amylase and lipase in Iraqi women with systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex multisystem autoimmune disease associated with immune dysregulation, with reported incidences ranging from 1 per 100,000 individuals. The precise cause of SLE is still unknown. However, it is generally accepted that multiple factors, including immunological, genetic, and environmental influences, may interact to produce the disease. Any of these factors may contribute to its chronic course. Saliva contains a range of protective proteins, including high levels of amylase and lipase. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an association between salivary amylase and lipase and systemic lupus erythematosus in women. Ninety Iraqi females aged 20-50 years were included, consisting of 50 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and 40 healthy controls. Salivary amylase and lipase levels were measured by a colorimetric method. Salivary lipase and amylase in females with lupus were higher than those in healthy controls. These findings suggest that salivary amylase and salivary lipase may be associated with disease progression and may serve as potential markers for predicting systemic lupus erythematosus in women.