School of Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Biol Res Nurs. 2011 Jul;13(3):320-7. doi: 10.1177/1099800411404211. Epub 2011 May 17.
Over the last 10 years, interest in the analysis of saliva as a biomarker for a variety of systemic diseases or for potential disease has soared. There are numerous advantages to using saliva as a biological fluid, particularly for nurse researchers working with vulnerable populations, such as frail older adults. Most notably, it is noninvasive and easier to collect than serum or urine. The authors describe their experiences with the use of saliva in research with older adults that examined (a) osmolality as an indicator of hydration status and (b) cortisol and behavioral symptoms of dementia. In particular, the authors discuss the timing of data collection along with data analysis and interpretation. For example, it is not enough to detect levels or rely solely on summary statistics; rather it is critical to characterize any rhythmicity inherent in the parameter of interest. Not accounting for rhythmicity in the analysis and interpretation of data can limit the interpretation of associations, thus impeding advances related to the contribution that an altered rhythm may make to individual vulnerability.
在过去的 10 年中，人们对唾液作为各种系统性疾病或潜在疾病生物标志物的分析兴趣大增。使用唾液作为生物流体有很多优势，特别是对于与脆弱人群（如体弱的老年人）合作的护士研究人员。最值得注意的是，它是非侵入性的，比血清或尿液更容易收集。作者描述了他们在老年人研究中使用唾液的经验，这些研究考察了（a）渗透压作为水合状态的指标，以及（b）皮质醇和痴呆的行为症状。特别是，作者讨论了数据收集的时间以及数据分析和解释。例如，仅仅检测水平或依赖于汇总统计数据是不够的；相反，关键是要描述感兴趣参数中固有的任何节律性。在数据分析和解释中不考虑节律性会限制对关联的解释，从而阻碍与改变的节律可能对个体脆弱性的贡献有关的进展。
