Saliva Cortisol Research Articles

Time Course of Neuromuscular, Hormonal, and Perceptual Responses Following Moderate- and High-Load Resistance Priming Exercise.

The aim of this study was to map responses over 32 hours following high-load (HL) and moderate-load (ML) half-squat priming. Fifteen participants completed control, HL (87% 1RM), and ML (65% 1RM) activities in randomized, counterbalanced order. Countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), saliva testosterone, saliva cortisol, and perceptual measures were assessed before and 5 minutes, 8 hours, 24 hours, and 32 hours after each activity. Results are presented as percentage change from baseline and 95% confidence interval (CI). Cliff delta was used to determine threshold for group changes. SJ height increased by 4.5% (CI = 2.2-6.8, Cliff delta = 0.20) 8 hours following HL. CMJ and SJ improved by 6.1% (CI = 2.1-7.8, Cliff delta = 0.27) and 6.5% (CI = 1.2-11.8, Cliff delta = 0.30), respectively, 32 hours after ML. No clear diurnal changes in CMJ or SJ occurred 8 hours following control; however, increases of 3.9% (CI = 2.9-9.2, Cliff delta = 0.26) and 4.5% (CI = 0.9-8.1, Cliff delta = 0.24), respectively, were observed after 32 hours. Although diurnal changes in saliva hormone concentration occurred (Cliff delta = 0.37-0.92), the influence of priming was unclear. Perceived "physical feeling" was greater 8 hours following HL (Cliff delta = 0.36) and 32 hours after ML and control (Cliff delta = 0.17-0.34). HL priming in the morning may result in small improvements in jump output and psychophysiological state in the afternoon. Similar improvements were observed in the afternoon the day after ML priming.

Circadian fluctuations in glucocorticoid level predict perceptual discrimination sensitivity

SummarySlow neurobiological rhythms, such as the circadian secretion of glucocorticoid (GC) hormones, modulate a variety of body functions. Whether and how endocrine fluctuations also exert an influence on perceptual abilities is largely uncharted. Here, we show that phasic increases in GC availability prove beneficial to auditory discrimination. In an age-varying sample of N = 68 healthy human participants, we characterize the covariation of saliva cortisol with perceptual sensitivity in an auditory pitch discrimination task at five time points across the sleep-wake cycle. First, momentary saliva cortisol levels were captured well by the time relative to wake-up and overall sleep duration. Second, within individuals, higher cortisol levels just prior to behavioral testing predicted better pitch discrimination ability, expressed as a steepened psychometric curve. This effect of GCs held under a set of statistical controls. Our results pave the way for more in-depth studies on neuroendocrinological determinants of sensory encoding and perception.

Salivary cortisol as a non-invasive approach to assess stress in dystocic dairy calves

The intensity and the magnitude of saliva cortisol responses were investigated during the first 48 h following birth in newborn dairy calves which underwent normal (eutocic, EUT, n = 88) and difficult (dystocic, DYS, n = 70) calvings. The effects of parity and body condition of the dam, the duration of parturition, the time spent licking the calf, the sex and birth weight of the calf were also analyzed. Neonatal salivary cortisol concentrations were influenced neither by factors related to the dam (parity, body condition) nor the calf (sex, birth weight). The duration of parturition and the time spent licking the calf also had no effect on salivary cortisol levels. Salivary cortisol concentrations increased rapidly after delivery in both groups to reach their peak levels at 45 and 60 min after delivery in EUT and DYS calves, respectively supporting that the birth process means considerable stress for calves and the immediate postnatal period also appears to be stressful for newborn calves. DYS calves exhibited higher salivary cortisol concentrations compared to EUT ones for 0 (P = 0.022), 15 (P = 0.016), 30 (P = 0.007), 45 (P = 0.003), 60 (P = 0.001) and 120 min (P = 0.001), and for 24 h (P = 0.040), respectively. Peak levels of salivary cortisol and the cortisol release into saliva calculated as AUC were higher in DYS than in EUT calves for the 48-h of the sampling period (P = 0.009 and P = 0.003, respectively). The greater magnitude of saliva cortisol levels in DYS calves compared to EUT ones suggest that difficult parturition means severe stress for bovine neonates and salivary cortisol could be an opportunity for non-invasive assessment of stress during the early neonatal period in cattle.

Eye Movement Desensitization (EMD) to reduce posttraumatic stress disorder-related stress reactivity in Indonesia PTSD patients: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may develop after exposure to a traumatic event. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychological treatment for PTSD. It is yet unclear whether eye movements also reduce stress reactivity in PTSD patients. This study aims to test whether eye movements, as provided during Eye Movement Desensitization (EMD), are more effective in reducing stress reactivity in PTSD patients as compared to a retrieval-only control condition.MethodsThe study includes participants who meet criteria of PTSD of the public psychological services in Jakarta and Bandung, Indonesia. One hundred and ten participants are randomly assigned to either an (1) Eye Movement Desensitization group (n = 55) or (2) retrieval-only control group (n = 55). Participants are assessed at baseline (T0), post-treatment (T1), 1 month (T2), and at 3 months follow-up (T3). Participants are exposed to a script-driven imagery procedure at T0 and T1. The primary outcome is heart rate variability (HRV) stress reactivity during script-driven imagery. Secondary outcomes include heart rate (HR), pre-ejection period (PEP), saliva cortisol levels, PTSD symptoms, neurocognitive functioning, symptoms of anxiety and depression, perceived stress level, and quality of life.DiscussionIf the EMD intervention is effective in reducing stress reactivity outcomes, this would give us more insight into the underlying mechanisms of EMDR’s effectiveness in PTSD symptom reduction.Trial registrationISRCTN registry ISRCTN55239132. Registered on 19 December 2017.

Effect of Reiki on the stress level of caregivers of patients with cancer: Qualitative and single-blind randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of Reiki on stress levels of individuals caring for patients with cancer. MethodsThe study was conducted a pretest–posttest, single-blind randomized controlled trial and qualitative study using a semi-structured in-depth interview. In this study, women who were primary caregivers of patients with cancer treated in a university hospital were randomized to Reiki and sham Reiki groups. The Reiki group received Reiki to nine main points for 45 min, once a week for 6 weeks, while the sham Reiki group received the same points during the same period without starting energy flow. CSI scores and salivary cortisol levels were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the study, whereas systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate were evaluated before and after application every week. After the study, the opinions of the Reiki group on Reiki experience were collected by using a questionnaire consisting of semi-structured questions. ResultsThe study was completed with a total of 42 caregivers. The sample size was calculated based on the difference in Caregiver Strain Index (CSI) scores before and after the intervention. According to the power analysis, with α = 0.05 and β = 0.20, the effect size was 1.71 and the power 99 %. Post-intervention CSI scores declined in the Reiki group compared with that in the sham Reiki group (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of saliva cortisol levels (p > 0.05). According to the results of the general linear model repeated measure and Friedman tests, which were conducted to evaluate the change in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate over a 6-week period, the values of these parameters decreased before and after each application compared with the caregivers in the sham Reiki group (p < 0.05). All caregivers stated that they found the caring process less stressful after the Reiki sessions and felt relieved compared with the pre-therapy period, and some of their physical complaints decreased. ConclusionReiki reduces the stress levels of caregivers, is effective in regulating blood pressure and pulse rate, does not cause a significant change on saliva cortisol level, and provides relief to caregivers.

Evaluation of Anxiety, Depression, and Biological Markers in Health Professionalswith Burnout.

Medical profession is a stress factor for the development of burnout, symptoms of anxiety and depression as a result of 24-hour work, delayed work-life balance gratification and challenges associated with patient care. This study aimed to verify the rates of burnout, anxiety, and depression presented by health professionals working 24-hour shifts under emergency conditions. Saliva cortisol and glycated hemoglobin were also studied as stress-related biomarkers. Ninety-five medical professionals - physicians, biologists, chemists, and laboratory technicians were compared to a control group working outside medicine. Burnout was measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Anxiety and depression were measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Zung Depression Scale. Salivary cortisol and glycated hemoglobin were analyzed by the immunoassay methods. The level of burnout in the subscale of emotional exhaustion was high in 95.6% of medical professionals. In the subscale of personal accomplishment, 100% had high scores. Regarding the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, 22.2% and 68.9% of the medical specialists showed a positive score (≥40) for S-anxiety and T-anxiety scale, respectively. 11.1% indicated greater anxiety (score ≥ 55) for T-anxiety. In relation to the depression scale, 31.1% had mildly depressive states and 8.9% had moderately depressive states. Participants with a high level of emotional exhaustion presented higher results for saliva cortisol and glycated hemoglobin compared to the control group. A significant positive correlation existed between the two dimensions - emotional exhaustion and depression (r=0.683, p<0.01). Our study may be relevant for further research in order to decrease the negative aspects of professional stress.

여성의 스트레스, 불안, 우울과 타액 코티졸 수준과의 관련성

여성의 스트레스, 불안, 우울과 타액 코티졸 수준과의 관련성

Characteristics of the reaction of the autonomic nervous, cardiovascular and endo-crine systems to cognitive load in primary schoolchildren with different levels of anx-iety and neuroticism

Introduction. The article examines the problem of adaptive response to cognitive activity in primary schoolchildren with different individual psychological characteristics. The objective of the research is to study the response of the autonomic nervous, cardiovascular and endocrine systems to cognitive load in primary school children with different levels of anxiety and neuroticism. Materials and Methods. The research sample consisted of 38 primary schoolchildren. The data for this study were collected using the following methods: spectral and temporal analysis of heart rate variability, electrocardiography, bipolar reoencephalography, tonometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent determination of cortisol in saliva. The levels of anxiety were identified using the CMAS scale adapted by A.M. Prikhozhan. In order to assess the level of neuroticism, the authors applied the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire. The cognitive load involved working with digital Schulte tables. Results. The authors found that the type and intensity of the reaction of the autonomic nervous, cardiovascular and endocrine systems in primary schoolchildren depend on personal characteristics (the level of anxiety and neuroticism). The study revealed that children with medium anxiety and low neuroticism levels showed the most beneficial organism response to cognitive load. The most pronounced and generalized reaction of the organism was indicated among schoolchildren with high levels of anxiety and medium levels of neuroticism. It was revealed that the hyperactivity of the autonomic nervous, cardiovascular and endocrine systems in primary schoolchildren with high levels of anxiety and neuroticism was determined by the initially high level of the studied indicators. Conclusions. The response of the autonomic nervous, cardiovascular and endocrine systems to cognitive load is stressful for primary schoolchildren with increased and high levels of anxiety and neuroticism. In this regard, the authors emphasize the need for psychological and teaching interventions aimed at measuring and treating anxiety disorders in primary school children.

Validation of a new method for saliva cortisol testing to assess stress in first responders

BackgroundAcute or chronic stress can lead to physical and mental disorders. Measuring cortisol can objectify the degree of stress. Cortisol is traditionally measured in serum, but recently the relevant fraction...

Associations of saliva cortisol and hair cortisol with generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and major depressive disorder: An epidemiological cohort study in adolescents and young adults

ObjectivesMost of the observed associations of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) with cortisol concentrations came from clinical and adult study samples, with inconsistent findings, partly due to method variance. We examined cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between GAD, SAD and MDD with saliva and hair cortisol as well as hair cortisol change in a population-based sample of adolescents and young adults, considering relevant co-factors. DesignEpidemiological cohort study in Dresden, Germany. Data of 1050 individuals (mean age: 17.2 years) assessed at baseline (11/2015–12/2016) and of 605 individuals assessed at 1-year follow-up (FU1) are used. MethodsMultivariable regression models were implemented to assess cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of DSM-5 defined 12-month diagnoses of GAD, SAD, and MDD, with short-term (saliva cortisol: cortisol awakening response (CAR) and area under the curve (AUC) as total cortisol) and long-term (hair cortisol) cortisol indices. Multivariable models were adjusted for age or “tanner” stage, waist circumference, tobacco and alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and hair cortisol dependent confounder. Sex-specific analyses were additionally conducted. ResultsCross-sectional analyses revealed positive associations between SAD and baseline saliva cortisol in multivariable models (CAR: β-coefficient: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.01; 0.23) but could not be confirmed after adjusting for “tanner” stage or comorbid depression. Cross-sectional analyses concerning GAD and MDD in the full baseline sample yielded no significant associations. Sex-specific linear models revealed a significant inverse cross-sectional association between MDD (β-coefficient: − 2.21; 95% CI: − 3.64; − 0.79) as well as SAD (β-coefficient: − 2.21; 95% CI: − 4.03; − 0.38) with baseline hair cortisol in males, but not in females. In longitudinal analyses, no significant associations were found in the fully adjusted model, except for a positive association between hair cortisol change between baseline and FU1 and FU1-SAD (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.02; 1.12). ConclusionsResults confirmed sex-specificity and the role of pubertal development in the association between cortisol with SAD and MDD, while no association emerged regarding cortisol and GAD. Future research in adolescents focusing on the role of cortisol in the pathogenesis of anxiety and depressive disorders would benefit from considering factors like sex-specificity and puberty development as well as comorbidity.

372 Physiological and psychological stress responses to labor and delivery during COVID-19 pandemic: a prospective study

The objective of this study was to evaluate the stress levels measured objectively (saliva cortisol) and subjectively (questionnaires) during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to a period prior to the pandemic and its effect on obstetric and neonatal outcomes.

Salivary cortisol concentrations changes in horses during daily routine

Article Details: Received: 2020-10-20 | Accepted: 2020-11-27 | Available online: 2021-01-31 https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2021.24.mi-prap.1-4 Abstract The aim of the study was to observe the salivary concentrations of cortisol in horses during daily routine over the course of four weeks lasting experiment in three different stages of day to monitor the changing values of cortisol in horse saliva during the day. Saliva was obtained from 12 Slovak warmblood horses – 1 stallion, 6 mares and 5 geldings. In the experiment we focused purely on changes of salivary cortisol concentrations over the course of the daily routine.The results shown us multiple significant changes between individual sample collections and thus, we can state that according to our results the highest concentration of cortisol in horse saliva is in the morning and it decreases throughout the day with lowest measured concentrations being in the final sample collection of the day (at 22:00). These changes had no visible effect on horses´ organism throughout entirety of the experiment and were caused due to horses daily rhythm. Keywords: horse, cortisol, saliva, rest, daily routine References Bohak, Zs, Szabo, F, Beckers, J-F, Melo de Sousa, N, Kutasi, O., Nagy, K, Szenci, O. 2013. Monitoring the circadian rhythm of serum and salivary cortisol concentrations in the horse . Domest. Anim. Endocrinol. 45:38-42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.domaniend.2013.04.001 Contreras-Aguilar, MD, Lamy, E, Escribano, D, Ceron, JJ, Tecles, F, Quiles, AJ, Hevia, ML. 2020. Changes in salivary analytes of horses due to circadian rhythm and season: A Pilot Study. Animals. 10(9):1486. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10091486 Halo, M, Hollý, A, Mlynekova, E, Polyakova, L, Horný, M, Kovalcik, E. 2009. Influence feeding and training on the metabolic profil sport horses . J Cent. Eur. Agric. 10(4):411-416. Halo, M, Strapak, P, Mlynekova, E, Kovalcik, E, Horný, M. 2008. Influence stres on the training process of the horses. J. Cent. Eur. Agric. 9(1):217-224. Ille, N, von Lewinski, M, Erber, M, Wulf, M, Aurich, J, Mostl, E, Aurich, C. 2013. Effects of the level of experience of horses and their riders on cortisol release, heart rate and heart rate variability during a jumping course. Anim. Welf. 22:457-465. 10.7120/09627286.22.4.457 Irvine, CHG, Alexander, SL. 1994. Factors affecting the circadian rhythm in plasma cortisol concentrations in the horse. Domest. Anim. Endocrinol. 11(2):227-238. https://doi.org/10.1016/0739-7240(94)90030-2 Kang, O-D, Lee W-S. 2016. Changes in salivary cortisol concentration in horses during different types of exercise . Asian-Australas J Anim Sci. 29(5):747-752. 10.5713/ajas.16.0009 Kang, O-D, Yun Y-M. 2016. Influence of Horse and Rider on Stress during Horse-riding Lesson Program. Asian Australas J Anim Sci. 29(6):895-900. 10.5713/ajas.15.1068 Leal, BB, Alves, GES, Douglas, RH, Bringel, B, Young, RJ, Haddad, JPA, Viana, WS, Faleiros, RR. 2011. Cortisol circadian rhythm ratio: A simple method to detect stressed horses at higher risk of colic? Equine Vet. J. 31:188-190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2011.02.005 Massanyi, P, Stawarz, R, Halo, M, Formicki, G, Lukac, N, Cupka, P, Schwarcz, P, Kovacik, A, Tusimova, E, Kovacik, J. 2014. Blood concentration of copper, cadmium, zinc and lead in the horses and its relation to hematological and biochemical parameters. J. Environ. Sci. Health A. 49:973-979. 10.1080/10934529.2014.894322 Peeters, M, Sulon J, Beckers J-F, Ledoux D, Vandenheede M. 2011. Comparison between blood serum and salivary cortisol concentrations in horses using an adrenocorticotropic hormone challenge . Equine Vet J. 43(4):487-493. 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00294.x Schmidt, A, Mostl, E, Wehnert, Ch, Aurich, J, Muller, J, Aurich, Ch. 2010. Corisol release and heart rate variability in horses during road transport . Hormones Behaviour. 57: 209-215. 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2009.11.003 Strzelec, K, Kankofer, M, Piertzak, S. 2011. Cortisol concentration in the saliva of horses subjected to different kinds of exercise. Act Vet. Brno. 80:101-105. 10.2754/avb201180010101 Stull, CL, Morrow, J, Aldridge, BA, Stott, JL, McGlone, JJ. 2008. Immunophysiological responses of horses to 12-hour rest during 24 hours of road transport. Vet. Rec. 162:609-614. 10.1136/vr.162.19.609 Van der Kolk, JH, Nachreiner, RF, Schott HC, Refsal KR, Zanella AJ. 2001. Salivary and plasma concentration of cortisol in normal horses and horses with Cushing´s disease. Equine Vet J. 33(2):211-213. 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2001.tb00604.x

The effectiveness of Tai Chi on the depressive symptom of young adults with subthreshold depression: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundDepression is seriously affecting the physical and mental health of young people worldwide. Subthreshold depression, as an early stage of depression, is essential for early prevention and treatment of depression. Tai Chi, as a traditional Chinese mind-body therapy, may become an alternative intervention. However, the neurophysiological mechanism of Tai Chi for young people with subthreshold depression remains unclear, restricting its further promotion and application. Therefore, rigorous randomized clinical trials are needed to further observe the intervention effect of Tai Chi on young adults with subthreshold depression and explore the neurophysiological mechanism.Method/designThis report describes a two-arm, randomized, parallel controlled trial with allocation concealment and assessor blinding. A total of 64 eligible participants are randomly allocated to the Tai Chi group and the waiting list group in a 1:1 ratio. Participants in the Tai Chi group receive 12 weeks of Tai Chi training, with a total of 36 times and each for 60 min. Specifically, the participants in the waiting list group are requested to maintain their routine lifestyle. In this study, the primary outcome measure is the mean change in scores on the PHQ-9 and HAMD-17 between baseline and 12 weeks; the secondary outcomes are the mean change in the scores on CES-D, CPSS, GAD-7, and PSQI. Besides, the saliva cortisol levels and fMRI are monitored to explore the mechanism of action of Tai Chi on subthreshold depression.DiscussionThe protocol uses a randomized controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of Tai Chi for young adults with subthreshold depression and explore neurophysiological mechanisms. If the test results are positive, it can be verified that Tai Chi can promote the physical and mental health of young adults with subthreshold depression.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900028289. Registered on 17 December 2019

Measuring inter-individual differences in stress sensitivity during MR-guided prostate biopsy

People often experience high level of distress during invasive interventions, which may exceed their coping abilities. This may be in particular evident when confronted with the suspicion of cancer. Taking the example of prostate biopsy sampling, we aimed at investigating the impact of an MRI guided prostate biopsy on the acute stress response and its mechanistic basis. We recruited 20 men with a clinical suspicion of prostate cancer. Immediately before an MRI guided biopsy procedure, we conducted fMRI in the same scanner to assess resting-state brain connectivity. Physiological and hormonal stress measures were taken during the procedure and associated with questionnaires, hair cortisol levels and brain measures to elucidate mechanistic factors for elevated stress. As expected, patients reported a stress-related change in affect. Decreased positive affect was associated with higher hair but not saliva cortisol concentration. Stronger use of maladaptive emotion regulation techniques, elevated depression scores and higher within-salience-network connectivity was associated with stronger increase in negative affect and/or decrease of positive affect during the procedure. While being limited in its generalization due to age, sample size and gender, our proof of concept study demonstrates the utility of real-life stressors and large-scale brain network measures in stress regulation research with potential impact in clinical practice.

Hair cortisol-a stress marker in children and adolescents with chronic tic disorders? A large European cross-sectional study

BackgroundThere is clear evidence that tic disorders (TDs) are associated with psychosocial stress as well as emotional and behavioral problems. Studies have shown that individuals with TDs have higher acute physiological stress responses to external, single stressors (as reflected by saliva cortisol). The aim of the present study was to examine a physiological marker of longer-term stress (as reflected by hair cortisol concentration) in children and adolescents with TDs and unaffected siblings of individuals with TDs.MethodsTwo samples of a European cohort were included in this study. In the COURSE sample, 412 children and adolescents aged 3–16 years with a chronic TD including Tourette syndrome according to DSM IV-TR criteria were included. The ONSET sample included 131 3–10 years old siblings of individuals with TDs, who themselves had no tics. Differences in hair cortisol concentration (HCC) between the two samples were examined. Within the COURSE sample, relations of HCC with tic severity and perceived psychosocial stress as well as potential effects and interaction effects of comorbid emotional and behavioral problems and psychotropic medication on HCC were investigated.ResultsThere were no differences in HCC between the two samples. In participants with TDs, there were no associations between HCC and tic severity or perceived psychosocial stress. No main effects of sex, psychotropic medication status and comorbid emotional and behavioral problems on HCC were found in participants with TDs.ConclusionA link between HCC and TDs is not supported by the present results.

Work e-mail after hours and off-job duration and their association with psychological detachment, actigraphic sleep, and saliva cortisol: A 1-month observational study for information technology employees.

ObjectiveA sufficient duration of time off after work is necessary to ensure workers’ health. Better quality of off‐job time can also facilitate recovery from fatigue, but its quantitative influence is largely unknown. We aimed to examine how off‐job time quality (as measured by the frequency of emailing after work), and off‐job duration is associated with psychological detachment, actigraphic sleep, and saliva cortisol using a 1‐month observational study.MethodsThe participants were 58 daytime employees working at an information technology company. Sleep actigraphy and saliva cortisol as well as self‐reported outcomes were repeatedly measured for 1 month. Two‐way (work e‐mail frequency × off‐job time) multilevel mixed‐effects linear regression analyses were performed in both continuous and categorical variables.ResultsThe frequency of work e‐mailing after hours was significantly associated with self‐reported outcomes and actigraphic sleep quality, while a significant association was not found in cortisol awakening responses and actigraphic sleep duration. A significantly larger cortisol response after awakening was found in shorter, rather than longer, durations of off‐job time. Self‐reported detachment, rumination and carry‐over fatigue showed significant interactions between work e‐mail and off‐job time, suggesting that worse outcomes were found in a higher frequency of work e‐mail even when employees had longer amounts of off‐job time.ConclusionOur findings suggest that ensuring the quality and duration of off‐job time is beneficial for recovery from work with sufficient sleep. Specifically, the frequency of e‐mailing after work should be minimized to make recovery complete.

ПСИХОФИЗИОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ И БИОХИМИЧЕСКИЕ ПОДХОДЫ К ОЦЕНКЕ УРОВНЯ СТРЕССА У СТУДЕНТОВ-МЕДИКОВ

The aim of the study was development of new approaches to assessment of stress response level in medical students at different periods of educational activity based on complex analysis of psychophysiological and biochemical stress markers. Material and methods. With the help of psychophysiological and biochemical methods in the dynamics of the of the study year, an assessment of the level of stress in 29 medical students was made. At respondents estimated the level of anxiety, alarm, defined features of the endogenous account of time. The level of cortisol in saliva was determined by enzyme immunoassay. Results. The content of cortisol in saliva at the beginning of the semester was taken as a base line. At the end of the semester, the concentration of cortisol in saliva significantly decreased by more than an order of magnitude (p = 0.003). The level of situational anxiety at the beginning of the semester in the group of students corresponded to a moderate level. At the end of the semester, anxiety was significantly higher (p = 0.0002). Conclusion. They found a mirror picture between psychoemotional and biochemical markers of stress: the anxiety of respondents increased at the end of the semester, and the level of salivary cortisol was higher at the beginning of the study year

Effect of growth and parturition on hair cortisol in Holstein cattle.

The effect of growth and parturition on hair cortisol concentrations of cattle was investigated. Plasma, saliva, and hair (black and white from the shoulders and hip) samples were collected from calves at 6 and 24weeks old and from dairy cattle at the dry (1 and 2months prepartum) and lactation (10, 50, 150, and 250days postpartum) periods. Plasma and saliva cortisol concentrations were lower in 24-week-old calves than those of 6-week-old calves, and hair cortisol concentrations decreased regardless of color and position. In 6-week-old calves, hair cortisol concentrations differed between sampling positions, but this difference was not observed in 24-week-old calves. Plasma and saliva cortisol concentrations increased before parturition until 10days postpartum then decreased until 50days postpartum. The same trend was observed in the cortisol concentrations of white hair. Contrarily, cortisol concentrations in black hair remained unchanged and was lower than that in white hair. Hair cortisol concentration can vary greatly depending on the location on the body, hair color, cattle age, or parturition. When this method is used, all of the above factors must be considered.

The Positive Modulation Effect of a 6-Week Consumption of an Anthocyanin-Rich Mulberry Milk on Working Memory, Cholinergic, and Monoaminergic Functions in Healthy Working-Age Adults.

Due to the increase of stress-related memory impairment accompanying with the COVID-19 pandemic and financial crisis, the prevention of cognitive decline induced by stress has gained much attention. Based on the evidence that an anthocyanin-rich mulberry milk demonstrated the cognitive enhancing effect, we hypothesized that it should be able to enhance memory in working-age volunteers who are exposed to working stress. This study is an open-label, two-arm randomized study. Both men and women volunteers at age between 18 and 60 years old were randomly assigned to consume the tested product either 1 or 2 servings daily for 6 weeks. All subjects were assessed for cortisol, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), monoamine oxidase (MAO), monoamine oxidase type A (MAO-A), and monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) in saliva, and their working memory was determined both at baseline and at a 6-week period. The results showed that the working memory of subjects in both groups was enhanced at the end of the study period together with the reduction of saliva cortisol. The suppression of AChE, MAO, and MAO-A was also observed in subjects who consumed the tested product 2 servings daily. Therefore, we suggest the memory enhancing effect of an anthocyanin-rich mulberry milk. The possible mechanism may occur primarily via the suppression of cortisol. In addition, the high dose of mulberry milk also suppresses AChE, MAO, and MAO-A.

Supplement: Late night saliva cortisol as a screening test for Cuhsing's syndrome in children

Supplement: Late night saliva cortisol as a screening test for Cuhsing's syndrome in children