Mariana Vallera Machete

Dr. Mariana Vallera Machete

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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20 May 2026 in BMC Oral Health
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
MMMariana Vallera Machete
Mariana Vallera Machete
ABAnis Bouaita
Anis Bouaita
ABAndrés Blanco-Carrión
Andrés Blanco-Carrión
JLJosé López López
José López López
CCCarmen Martín Carreras-Presas
Carmen Martín Carreras-Presas
CZCarlos Zagalo
Carlos Zagalo
Background: Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a chronic orofacial pain condition without objective diagnostic criteria and with a substantial impact on quality of life. This umbrella review aimed to evaluate the available evidence on salivary biomarkers in BMS, identify which biomarkers show the most consistent associations with the condition, and assess the methodological quality of existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, TRIP, and Google Scholar was conducted without language or date restrictions. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses assessing salivary biomarkers in patients with BMS were included. Of the 561 records screened, six reviews met the eligibility criteria. Methodological quality was assessed using the AMSTAR-2 tool. Results: AMSTAR 2 appraisal rated four reviews as moderate confidence and two as low confidence; none was rated high or critically low. The evidence base showed very high overlap among primary studies, indicating that repeated findings across reviews should not be interpreted as fully independent replications. Cortisol showed the most consistent evidence of elevation in BMS. α-amylase and IgA were also frequently elevated, particularly in reviews on stress-related biomarkers. However, their interpretation was limited by methodological heterogeneity, overlap of primary studies and limited disease specificity. Cytokines, sex hormones, opiorphin, trace elements and oxidative stress-related markers showed inconsistent or sparse evidence. Conclusions: Salivary cortisol, α-amylase and IgA may reflect stress-related neuroendocrine, autonomic and mucosal immune dysregulation in BMS. However, current evidence remains methodologically limited and does not support the use of any salivary biomarker as a standalone diagnostic test. Clinical relevance: Saliva-based biomarkers may support mechanistic phenotyping in future research, but standardised protocols, rigorous study designs and improved patient stratification are required before they can inform clinical decision-making.

1 September 2025 in Medical Sciences Forum
Verified
Conference Paper
Open access
PDF file
MMMariana Vallera Machete
Mariana Vallera Machete
JEJosé Francisco Grillo Evangelista
José Francisco Grillo Evangelista
Luís ProençaLuís Proença
Luís Proença
PTPedro Ferreira Trancoso
Pedro Ferreira Trancoso
AAAntonio Mano Azul
Antonio Mano Azul
CZCarlos Zagalo
Carlos Zagalo
Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its unclear etiology and complex symptomatology. This study, part of a doctoral research project, explores diagnostic delay, triggering factors, and psychotropic medication use in BMS patients. By retrospectively analyzing 300 clinical records, the study offers insight into patterns of diagnosis and treatment, with a focus on differences related to age and sex. The findings contribute to a better understanding of BMS and emphasize the need for timely diagnosis, particularly in older adults, to improve patient outcomes.