ISSN 0303-5212
 

Original Research
Online Published: 31 Aug 2026
 
RMJ. 2026; 51(4): 1101-1106


Hydration dynamics: Exploring aquaporin-5, salivary flow, and quality of life in xerostomia

Saira Atif, Norsila Abdul Wahab, Ahmad Azlina, Sarah Ghafoor.


Abstract
Objective: To determine the associations of salivary AQP-5 protein concentration, unstimulated salivary flow rate, and OHRQOL between non-xerostomics, grade 1, and grade 2 xerostomics.
Methodology: This cross-sectional observational study included 78 healthy participants aged 20-55 years, divided into three groups of non-xerostomics, grade 1 and 2 xerostomics through systematic random sampling. Xerostomia was assessed using Shortened Xerostomia Inventory (SXI). OHRQOL was measured using the Shortened Oral Health Impact Profile (S-OHIP). Unstimulated whole saliva was collected and stored at −80°C, followed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to quantify AQP-5.
Results: There were significant differences between the three groups in salivary AQP-5 concentrations (p<0.001) and S-OHIP scores (p<0.001). The correlations were significant between AQP-5 and SXI (r = −0.78, p<0.001), AQP-5 and S-OHIP scores (r = −0.50, p<0.001), SXI and S-OHIP scores (r = −0.52, p<0.001), and unstimulated salivary flow rate and AQP-5 (r = −0.36, p=0.009) in grade 1 and 2 xerostomics.
Conclusion: The Severity of xerostomia deteriorates OHRQOL. Moreover, salivary AQP-5 concentration was lower in grade 2 compared to grade 1 xerostomia in systemically healthy adults.

Key words: Aquaporin, dry mouth, flow rate, hyposalivation, quality of life, Xerostomia.


 
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How to Cite this Article
Pubmed Style

Atif S, Wahab NA, Azlina A, Ghafoor S. Hydration dynamics: Exploring aquaporin-5, salivary flow, and quality of life in xerostomia. RMJ. 2026; 51(4): 1101-1106.


Web Style

Atif S, Wahab NA, Azlina A, Ghafoor S. Hydration dynamics: Exploring aquaporin-5, salivary flow, and quality of life in xerostomia. https://www.rmj.org.pk/?mno=279719 [Access: November 11, 2026].


AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Atif S, Wahab NA, Azlina A, Ghafoor S. Hydration dynamics: Exploring aquaporin-5, salivary flow, and quality of life in xerostomia. RMJ. 2026; 51(4): 1101-1106.



Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Atif S, Wahab NA, Azlina A, Ghafoor S. Hydration dynamics: Exploring aquaporin-5, salivary flow, and quality of life in xerostomia. RMJ. (2026), [cited November 11, 2026]; 51(4): 1101-1106.



Harvard Style

Atif, S., Wahab, . N. A., Azlina, . A. & Ghafoor, . S. (2026) Hydration dynamics: Exploring aquaporin-5, salivary flow, and quality of life in xerostomia. RMJ, 51 (4), 1101-1106.



Turabian Style

Atif, Saira, Norsila Abdul Wahab, Ahmad Azlina, and Sarah Ghafoor. 2026. Hydration dynamics: Exploring aquaporin-5, salivary flow, and quality of life in xerostomia. Rawal Medical Journal, 51 (4), 1101-1106.



Chicago Style

Atif, Saira, Norsila Abdul Wahab, Ahmad Azlina, and Sarah Ghafoor. "Hydration dynamics: Exploring aquaporin-5, salivary flow, and quality of life in xerostomia." Rawal Medical Journal 51 (2026), 1101-1106.



MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Atif, Saira, Norsila Abdul Wahab, Ahmad Azlina, and Sarah Ghafoor. "Hydration dynamics: Exploring aquaporin-5, salivary flow, and quality of life in xerostomia." Rawal Medical Journal 51.4 (2026), 1101-1106. Print.



APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Atif, S., Wahab, . N. A., Azlina, . A. & Ghafoor, . S. (2026) Hydration dynamics: Exploring aquaporin-5, salivary flow, and quality of life in xerostomia. Rawal Medical Journal, 51 (4), 1101-1106.