Salivary Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Stroke Patients: From Basic Research to Clinical Practice

Figure 2

Transport of antioxidants and cellular oxidation products from the brain to the saliva. Antioxidants (green molecules) as well as protein, lipid, and DNA oxidation products (pink molecules) are transported to the salivary glands via an intracellular or extracellular route. The intracellular route includes passive transport (diffusion, filtration, and facilitated diffusion) and energy-demanding transport (active transport), while the extracellular route occurs by ultrafiltration or through damaged cellular membranes.