Effect of fluoride preparations on the activity of human salivary cathepsin C

Dąbrowska E, Letko M, Roszkowska-Jakimiec W, Letko R, Jamiołkowski J 

Preparations containing organic and inorganic fluorine compounds are used for ora hygiene. Fluoride ions contained in these preparations display high bioactivity and can alter the environment of the mouth.
The aim of the study was to determine the effect of preparations containing aminofluorides, commony used in oral hygiene, on the activity of salivary cathepsin C (EC  3.4.14.1). The research material included mixed saliva, collected at rest before and after the application of the following preparations: Elmex gelee, Elmex red fluid, Elmex green fluid, Fluormex rinse. The salivary pH, concentration of fluoride ions and activity of cathepsin C were determined.
Fluoride preparations inhibit the activity of cathepsin C and cause changes in human salivary pH. Saliva can serve as a diagnostic materia in the examination of the environmental exposure to fluorides.