Salivary biomarkers in the diagnosis and monitoring of systemic diseases

Abstract

Objective: Analyze the use of salivary biomarkers in the diagnosis and monitoring of systemic diseases. Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted using the PubMed and CAPES Periodicals Portal databases. The descriptors “Saliva,” “Salivary Proteins and Peptides,” “Dentistry,” “Early Diagnosis,” and “Disease Monitoring”. Eight primary studies published between 2019 and 2026, available in full text and free of charge, were selected. The included studies addressed the use of salivary biomarkers for the diagnosis and/or monitoring of systemic diseases. Results: The selected studies demonstrated that salivary biomarkers, including redox biomarkers, proteins, microRNAs, the microbiome, and the proteome, showed potential for identifying alterations associated with neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, metabolic, gynecological, and oncological diseases. Saliva was also shown to be a biological fluid that is easy to obtain, inexpensive, minimally invasive, and highly applicable in clinical practice. However, methodological standardization and external validation of these biomarkers are still required. Final considerations: Salivary biomarkers represent a promising strategy to complement the diagnosis of systemic diseases, contributing to earlier, more accurate, and less invasive detection. Nevertheless, their incorporation into clinical practice depends on the standardization of collection, storage, and analytical methods, as well as the development of prospective studies to confirm their clinical applicability.