The concentration of anthranilic acid in saliva of orthodontic appliances.

PURPOSE Anthranilic acid is an important, the aromatic intermediate in the degradation of tryptophan in kynurenine pathway. This compound plays an important role in the regulation of immunological processes as well shows antibacterial activity. The aim of our study was to estimate the concentration of anthranilic acid in saliva of young patients with orthodontic apparatus. We also assessed correlation between saliva anthranilic acid concentrations and time of orthodontic treatment. For the first time we have demonstrated the enhanced concentration of anthranilic acid in saliva of young orthodontic appliances. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was performed on non-stimulated, mixed saliva of patients with orthodontic appliances. The concentration of anthranilic acid and was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS The concentration of anthranilic acid was significantly higher in orthodontic patients (p = 0.043) in comparison to healthy volunteers. The mean time of orthodontic treatment was 15.0 +/- 2.03 months. We did not observe existence of correlation between anthranilic acid concentration in saliva and time of orthodontic treatment (r = -0.250; p = 0.517). CONCLUSION These results might indicate that anthranilic acid can be one of many factors initiating of periodontal disease in orthodontic appliances.