OBJECTIVESThe purpose of this study was to compare the anti-mutagenicity of Salivette and test-tube sampling saliva. In addition, the relation between the inhibiting and pH-buffering capacities of saliva was investigated.

METHODSSubjects were 52 healthy female university students. The collection of saliva samples was carried out using 2 sampling devices; test-tube and Salivette. The anti-mutegenicity of the saliva was measured using the umu test.

RESULTSThe inhibiting capacity of Salivette-saliva was significantly lower compared with that of testube-saliva (p<0.01,t test). However, there was a significant correlation between them (r=0.35; p<0.05). In addition, there was a significant correlation between the inhibiting and pH-buffering capacities of saliva (r=-0.36; p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThese findings suggest that both the Salivette and the test-tube may be appropriate as saliva-sampling devices. In addition, they suggest that the bicarbonates might inhibit the anti-mutagenicity of saliva, or that the activity of substances related to the anti-mutagenicity of saliva might be dependent on pH.

OBJECTIVESThe purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between lifestyle and the antimutagenicity of saliva.

METHODSSubjects were 52 healthy female university students. The collection of the saliva samples and the lifestyle measurements were carried out for them. The anti-mutagenicity of the saliva was measured using the umu test.

RESULTSWith regard to the lifestyle items, only "nutrient balance" tended to contribute positively to the inhibiting capacity of the saliva on the mutagenicity of AF-2. In addition, there was a significant inverse correlation between the score of 7 other items and the inhibiting capacity of the saliva (r=-0.32; p<0.05). We also found a significant relation between their tea and/or coffee consumption and the inhibiting capacity of the saliva.

CONCLUSIONSThese findings suggest that the inhibiting capacity of saliva worked to decrease mutagen levels that were enhanced by poor lifestyle. In addition, "nutrient balance" may contribute to the inhibiting capacity of the saliva independent of 7 other items. With regard to the tea and/or coffee consumption. further studies should be carried out.