288 - Maternal and Infant Oral Proteomics: Connecting Health through Molecular Signatures

Purpose: To investigate the salivary proteomic profile in the mother-baby dyad also considering the third trimester of pregnancy.

Methods: Twenty pregnant women (PW) in the third trimester were assessed for caries (DMFT) and periodontal condition (CPI). Socioeconomic data, including income, education, and dietary practices, were collected through questionnaires. Saliva samples were collected from PW, postpartum women (PP), and infants (IF) at 1 month postpartum, and analyzed using mass spectrometry. Data were evaluated with descriptive statistics and bioinformatics.

Results: PW were from mid-level socioeconomic backgrounds and exhibited high prevalence of caries and periodontal disease. The average BMI increased from 28.37 kg/m² in early pregnancy to 31.04 kg/m² in the third trimester, indicating overweight. Thirty-five to 40% of PW reported high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, sweet cookies, and cakes. Proteomic analysis identified 21, 27 e 25 proteins in PW, PP, and IF, respectively. Five proteins were common across all groups, with key biological interactions observed for amylases-AMY (AMY1A, AMY1B, AMY1C, AMY2A, AMY2B), which are involved in carbohydrate metabolism and potentially linked to overweight. Gene ontology revealed recurring gene attributes among the groups, with varying expression levels.

Conclusion: The salivary proteomic profiles of PW, PP, and IF showed notable similarities, suggesting relevant biological interactions. These findings may help develop strategies to modulate health and disease during pregnancy, with particular attention to the impact of feeding practices and other social determinants associated with overweight.