Expression of the homeostasis-related markers, maspin, heat shock proteins 70 & 90, glutathione S-transferase, aquaporin 5 and NF-kB in young and old labial and palatal salivary glands

► Salivary gland pathology mostly develop in palatal glands ~ 7th-8th decade of life. ► Maspin decreased with age in the palatal glands. ► HSP70 was usually high in the palatal glands compared to labial glands. ► Aquaporin5 was low in the palatal glands compared to labial glands. ► Results suggest vulnerability to phenotypic changes in the palatal glands with age.