Proteins and peptides in parotid saliva of irradiated patients compared to that of healthy controls using SELDI-TOF-MS.

Background: Radiotherapy to the head and neck area damages the salivary glands. As a consequence hyposalivation may occur, but also the protein composition of saliva may be affected possibly compromising oral health. The aim of our study was to compare the relative abundance of proteins and peptides in parotid saliva of irradiated patients to that of healthy controls.