Assessment of salivary biomarkers in psoriasis: a comprehensive scoping review.

OBJECTIVE

To map the evidence on altered salivary biomarkers in individuals with psoriasis.

STUDY

DESIGN

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across six databases and gray literature sources using keywords related to psoriasis and salivary biomarkers, with no restrictions on time or language, up to November 2024. Studies evaluating salivary biomarkers in humans with psoriasis were considered eligible. Identified outcomes were categorized based on biomarker type and analyzed descriptively.

RESULTS

A total of 661 studies were initially identified, of which 22 met the inclusion criteria. These comprised 15 cross-sectional studies, 6 cohort studies, and 1 randomized clinical trial, collectively involving 987 individuals with psoriasis. The primary altered salivary biomarkers identified included inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, INF-γ), oxidative stress mediators (nitric oxide, nitrotyrosine), antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase), immunological markers (salivary alpha-amylase, secretory immunoglobulin A), and stress-related hormones. Many of these biomarkers were significantly associated with disease severity and therapeutic response.

CONCLUSION

Cortisol, inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress mediators are the most frequently altered salivary biomarkers in individuals with psoriasis. However, the methodological heterogeneity among the studies highlights the need for well-designed prospective studies with representative sample sizes to validate these findings.