Serum-Saliva CorrelationNA
Sensitivity0.106 pg/mL
Sample Test Volume200 μL
Recommended Collection Volume425 μL*
Special ConsiderationsNo
Collection ProtocolDownload PDF

​Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α or cachectin) is a member of a family of small biologically active proteins known as cytokines. TNF-α plays a key role in the innate inflammatory response in vertebrates. When macrophages and T cells detect an invading pathogen, they produce TNF-α, triggering local production of chemokines and additional cytokines, which then attract and activate leukocytes at the infection site. (1,2,3,4) TNF-α also participates in the development of acquired immunity from the infection. (5) TNF-α plays a role in numerous other processes throughout the body, including remodeling of tissues and causing apoptosis of tumor cells. (6) Dysregulation of TNF-α production is involved in periodontal disease, heart disease, auto-immune conditions, and osteoarthritis. (7,8,9,10,11) Messenger RNA for TNF-α has been found in tissues of healthy human labial salivary glands, and the expression levels of the mRNAs were either up-or down-regulated by adjacent focal infiltrating lymphoid cells. (12)

The epithelial cells in the salivary glands are active participants in the autoimmune-mediated process of Sjögren’s syndrome, and TNF-α levels are increased in that disease. (12,13) Relationships between TNF-α levels in blood and saliva are not fully understood.​

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