Evaluation of Salivary Nitric Oxide Levels in Odontogenic Lesions

nitrites undergo chemical reactions that yield both nitrous oxide and nitrous acid.The reaction can be represented as:As nitrous acid is highly unstable, it readily breaks down on its own, producing nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), and water according to the reaction 8 : IntroductIonThe complex development of dental structures is mirrored in the diverse array of cysts and tumors that arise from odontogenic tissues, which result from deviations in the normal pattern of odontogenesis. 1 Odontogenic tumors occur less frequently than odontogenic cysts.Among the cysts, radicular cysts are the most commonly observed, whereas ameloblastoma is the most prevalent form of odontogenic tumor. 2 Human saliva is a transparent, slightly acidic secretion with a typical pH ranging from about 6-7.It is produced by the major salivary glands-parotid, submandibular, and sublingual-as well as by many smaller glands located throughout the oral mucosa.Gingival crevicular fluid also contributes to its overall composition. 3pon stimulation-typically by taste or mastication-the parotid gland alone can produce up to 60% of total saliva.Salivary flow is continuous and largely regulated by sensory and mechanical stimuli. 4alivary glands, with their high permeability and rich capillary networks, facilitate the entry of blood-borne molecules into acinar cells through multiple pathways.These molecules can modify the composition of saliva, enabling the detection of systemic biomarkers and providing important insights into an individual's health status. 5itric oxide (NO) is metabolized into concentrated nitrates, which are prevalent in the human oral cavity.These nitrates originate from dietary sources or are produced by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the salivary glands.Nitrite, a stable form of NO, plays a crucial role in oral defense.As a reactive radical, NO helps inhibit bacterial growth, and research has shown that salivary nitrites significantly contribute to oral health by effectively suppressing cariogenic bacteria, particularly in acidic environments. 6Microorganisms, such as Lactobacillus, Streptococcus mutans, Actinomyces, and other caries-associated bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis contribute to nitrite acidification within the acidic environment of tooth tissues. 7In an acidic environment,