Alterations of salivary and serum uric acid concentrations in inflammatory bowel disease

Background. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract that affects millions of people every year. Considering the antioxidant properties of uric acid and its role in removing free radicals in inflammation and the benefits of using saliva as a diagnostic tool, this study was conducted to examine the serum and salivary levels of this marker in patients with IBD. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, 30 patients suffering from IBD and 30 healthy people were included. Serum and unstimulated saliva samples were taken in the morning and the concentration of uric acid was measured photometrically. The data were analyzed by t-test using SPSS version 22.0. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. The results showed that the mean serum level of uric acid was not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.789). However, the salivary level of uric acid in the IBD group was significantly higher than in healthy subjects (P=0.01). This increase was significantly higher in men suffering from IBD than in healthy men (P=0.01), but there was not a significant difference between affected women and healthy women (P=0.865). Conclusion. Salivary uric acid level seems to be increased in men with IBD compared to healthy individuals. Practical Implications. Salivary uric acid levels appear to be altered in IBD patients compared to controls, although further studies are recommended.