Saliva Cortisol Levels Research Articles

Cortisol daily rhythm in saliva of healthy school children

To investigate the daily rhythm of cortisol levels in saliva of school children. Probands (10-14 years, both genders) were recruited via personal contact and school visits. Exclusion criteria included hormonal and dental treatments during the trial, pharmaceuticals containing cortisol, or poor oral hygiene. Each volunteer collected 20 saliva samples during one day at defined times starting immediately after waking up and ending at night. Additionally, they completed a sampling diary. Saliva samples were analysed in duplicate using a commercial cortisol luminescence kit. Cortisol concentration in saliva followed a daily rhythm. Within 20 minutes after waking up cortisol reached the highest level of 9.69 (+/-3.89) nmol/L. After 90 minutes cortisol concentration decreased linearly by 50% and stagnated at 4.14 (+/-1.93) nmol/L for 3 to 8 hours. Thereafter, levels decreased gradually reaching almost zero after 14 hours. Overall, no gender-specific differences in saliva cortisol levels were observed except for 3 time points: 3, 10 and 11 hours after waking. This study establishes guidelines for a normal secretion pattern, plus explores pain level measurements and their correlation to saliva cortisol levels in this age group.

Effects of Breastfeeding on Stress Measured by Saliva Cortisol Level and Perceived Stress.

Purpose: The effects of breastfeeding on postpartum depression symptoms and stress using physiological measures require investigation.Background: Breastfeeding suppresses the secretion of cortisol. Oxytocin levels correlate negatively with symptoms of postpartum depression.Aim: To investigate the effects of breastfeeding on stress and postpartum depression.Methods: We examined 79 breastfeeding women using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale-10, and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale, and measured the salivary cortisol levels before and after breastfeeding.Findings: There was a negative correlation between the duration of suckling and changes in salivary cortisol levels following breastfeeding (rs = −0.333, p < 0.05). Salivary cortisol levels immediately following breastfeeding were significantly lower compared to mothers who used mixed feeding methods (p < 0.001). Breastfeeding mothers had lower perceived stress than mothers using mixed feeding methods (β = −0.260, p < 0.05). There was no association between breastfeeding and postpartum depression; however, there was an association between postpartum depression and perceived stress (β = 0.526, p < 0.001).Conclusion: Salivary cortisol levels significantly decreased following breastfeeding, with longer suckling times correlating with lower cortisol levels. Breastfeeding reduced stress and increased breastfeeding self-efficacy.

Circadian Fluctuations in Glucocorticoid Level Impact Perceptual Sensitivity

Slow neurobiological rhythms, such as the circadian expression of glucocorticoid (GC) hormones, modulate a wide variety of brain and body functions. Whether and how such endocrine fluctuations also exert an influence on perceptual abilities is largely uncharted. Here, we show that phasic, moderate increases in GC availability prove beneficial to auditory discrimination. In an age-varying sample of N = 68 healthy human participants, we characterise 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 behavioural testing improved participant’s pitch discrimination abilities, expressed as a steepened psychometric curve. This effect of glucocorticoids on perceptual sensitivity held under a set of statistical control models. Our results pave the way for more in-depth studies on neuroendo­crinological determinants of sensory encoding and perception.

Aircraft noise exposure and saliva cortisol in the DEBATS longitudinal study

IntroductionAlthough aircraft noise is known to impact human health, the biological pathway is still unclear. One of the possible pathway is that aircraft noise exposure may induce a modification of the cortisol circadian rhythm. However, only a few studies have examined the association between this exposure and cortisol levels.ObjectivesThis longitudinal study conducted in France aimed to investigate the association between aircraft noise exposure and saliva cortisol levels.MethodsThe DEBATS study included 1,244 participants living near three French major airports. In 2013, 2015 and 2017, these participants responded to a face-to-face questionnaire administered at their home by a trained interviewer and collected two saliva samples: the first one immediately after awakening (when the cortisol level is usually high) and the second one just before going to bed (when the cortisol level is usually the lowest). ELISA kits were used to determine morning and evening cortisol levels in saliva for the 1,115 participants who followed the protocol and did not use any medication that could modify cortisol levels. Outdoor aircraft noise levels were estimated at each home address using noise maps. To estimate the associations between noise levels and cortisol levels (morning, evening, relative daily variation), linear mixed models were used with a subject-specific random intercept and adjusted on potential confounders.ResultsA 10 dB(A) increase in the day-evening-night (Lden) level was associated with decreased relative daily variation of cortisol (exp(β)=0.77; 95% confidence interval: 0.70-0.85), higher evening cortisol levels (exp(β)=1.16; 95% CI: 1.08-1.23) and unchanged morning levels (exp(β)=0.95; 95% CI: 0.90-1.00).DiscussionThe results of this study support the hypothesis that aircraft noise exposure was associated with flattened diurnal cortisol rhythm across the day, indicating a possibly disturbed hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation.

Real-Time Assessment of Stress and Stress Response Using Digital Phenotyping: A Study Protocol.

Background: Stress is a complex phenomenon that may have a negative influence on health and well-being; consequently, it plays a pivotal role in mental health. Although the incidence of mental disorders has been continuously rising, development of prevention and treatment methods has been rather slow. Through the ubiquitous presence of smartphones and wearable devices, people can monitor stress parameters in everyday life. However, the reliability and validity of such monitoring are still unsatisfactory.Methods: The aim of this trial is to find a relationship between psychological stress and saliva cortisol levels on the one hand and physiological parameters measured by smartphones in combination with a commercially available wearable device on the other. Participants include cohorts of individuals with and without a psychiatric disorder. The study is conducted in two settings: one naturalistic and one a controlled laboratory environment, combining ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and digital phenotyping (DP). EMA is used for the assessment of challenging and stressful situations coincidentally happening during a whole observation week. DP is used during a controlled stress situation with the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) as a standardized psychobiological paradigm. Initially, participants undergo a complete psychological screening and profiling using a standardized psychometric test battery. EMA uses a smartphone application, and the participants keep a diary about their daily routine, activities, well-being, sleep, and difficult and stressful situations they may encounter. DP is conducted through wearable devices able to continuously monitor physiological parameters (i.e., heart rate, heart rate variability, skin conductivity, temperature, movement and acceleration). Additionally, saliva cortisol samples are repeatedly taken. The TSST is conducted with continuous measurement of the same parameters measured during the EMA.Discussion: We aim to identify valid and reliable digital biomarkers for stress and stress reactions. Furthermore, we expect to find a way of early detection of psychological stress in order to evolve new opportunities for interventions reducing stress. That may allow us to find new ways of treating and preventing mental disorders.Trial Registration: The competing ethics committee of the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland, approved the study protocol V05.1 May 28, 2019 [BASEC: 2019-00814]; the trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov [NCT04100213] on September 19, 2019.

Relationship between plasma, saliva, urinary and faecal cortisol levels in pigs

Blood collection for assessment of stress markers such as cortisol, involves restraining and induction of stress on animals. The present study examined the relationship between circulating cortisol levels with its levels in other biological sources (saliva, urine, faeces) to assess utility of non-invasive methods of sample collection for stress assessment in crossbred pigs (Hampshire × Ghungroo). Urine samples were collected after 1 and 2 h of blood and saliva collection, whereas faecal samples were collected after 24 and 48 h of initial sample collection. Mean cortisol levels in plasma and saliva was positively correlated. The correlation between plasma cortisol and second hour mean urinary cortisol values was higher compared to first hour samples. The faecal reactive metabolite levels were weakly correlated to plasma, saliva and urinary cortisol levels. It is concluded that the salivary cortisol values reflect its plasma levels at the time of collection most closely amongst the biological samples studied.

Assessment of changes in the saliva cortisol level of horses during different ways in recreational exploitation

Assessment of changes in the saliva cortisol level of horses during different ways in recreational exploitation

Investigation of the levels of different salivary stress markers in chronic periodontitis patients

Background and aimIn this study, we aimed to determine the salivary levels of cortisol, α-amylase, β-endorphin, and chromogranin (CgA) in saliva and to investigate their relationship with periodontitis. MethodsThirty-seven female and 43 male periodontitis patients who presented to the Periodontology Department of the XXX University Faculty of Dentistry participated in the study. The individuals were divided into three groups: mild, moderate, or severe chronic periodontitis. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and probing depth (PD) measurements were recorded for all the participants. All participants underwent the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory test (STAI 1 and 2). Between 09:00 and 11:00 a.m., saliva samples from the participants were collected into tubes within an average of five minutes. ResultsHigher cortisol measurements were detected in the saliva samples of participants with severe chronic periodontitis than in those who had mild chronic periodontitis (P < 0.05). There were statistically significant age differences among patients with mild–moderate, moderate–severe, and mild chronic periodontitis, the severity of the disease increasing with age (P < 0.05). There was also a positive correlation between STAI 1 stress scores and cortisol levels. Similarly, there was a positive correlation between CAL and cortisol levels (P < 0.05). However, a significant difference was found among groups only in terms of salivary cortisol levels (P < 0.05). ConclusionWithin the limitations of this study, there was found to be a relationship between saliva cortisol levels and periodontitis and between salivary cortisol levels and stress.

Assessment of correlations and concentrations of salivary and plasma steroids, testicular morphometry, and semen quality in different climatic conditions in goats

The current study aimed to investigate whether steroids (testosterone, estradiol, and cortisol) in the saliva of goats reflects their concentrations in the plasma. Also, it aimed at ascertaining, for the first time, the effect of changes in climatic conditions (spring versus summer) on the aforementioned steroids, testicular volume, testicular echotexture (pixel intensity; PI, and integrated density; ID), and semen quality in goats. Saliva and plasma samples were collected from 7 male Shiba goats weekly in spring and summer for measurement of testosterone (T; ng/ml), estradiol (E2; pg/ml), and cortisol (ng/ml) using radioimmunoassay. The changes in testicular volumes (TV/ml) and echogenicity were monitored weekly using ultrasonographic assessments concomitantly with subjective evaluations of semen parameters. Results revealed a highly significant positive correlation (r = 0.72; P < 0.0001) between plasma and salivary cortisol. Mild significant positive correlation was found between salivary and plasma T levels (r = 0.31; P < 0.002). However, low non-significant negative correlation was reported between salivary and plasma E2 levels (r = −0.24; P > 0.05). Higher levels of salivary cortisol were found in summer than in the spring (3.8 ± 0.6 ng/ml versus 1.4 ± 0.3 ng/ml; P < 0.001). However, no differences in levels of T, E2, and plasma cortisol were recorded between spring and summer (P > 0.05). Values of testicular PI and ID were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in the summer (94.5 ± 4.9, 258,388 ± 13,190, respectively) than in the spring (74.0 ± 2.1, 200,922 ± 5704, respectively). Meanwhile, TV and semen parameters did not significantly differ between spring and summer. In conclusion, saliva can be considered as an alternative biological fluid for the measurement of cortisol and T, but not suitable for E2. Climatic conditions significantly impact the levels of cortisol in saliva and testicular echogenicity in goats.

Effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on the cognitive impairment induced by sleep deprivation: a randomized trial

ObjectiveCurrently, an efficient method for improving cognitive impairment due to sleep deprivation (SD) is lacking. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) during SD on reversing the adverse effects of SD. MethodsA total of 66 healthy people were randomized into the rTMS group and sham group. Both groups were deprived of sleep for 24 h. During SD, participants were asked to complete several cognitive tasks and underwent mood assessments. Saliva cortisol levels, plasma concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), precursor BDNF (proBDNF), and tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), and frontal blood activation were detected before and after SD. The rTMS group received real rTMS stimulation for 2 sessions of 10 Hz rTMS (40 trains of 50 pulses with a 20-second intertrain interval) to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the sham group received sham stimulation during SD. ResultsTwenty-four hours of SD induced a reduced accuracy in the n-back task, increases in both anxiety and depression, increased cortisol levels, decreased frontal blood activation and decreased BDNF levels in healthy people. Notably, rTMS improved the hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and decreased frontal blood activation induced by SD, and reduced the consumption of plasma proBDNF. ConclusionsTwenty-four hours of SD induced a cognitive impairment. The administration of high-frequency rTMS during sleep deprivation exerted positive effects on HPA axis and frontal activation and might help alleviate cognitive impairment in the long term.

LB946 Improvements in acne-prone skin quality correlate with a reduction in saliva cortisol levels after use of an 8-week 3-step topical regimen

LB946 Improvements in acne-prone skin quality correlate with a reduction in saliva cortisol levels after use of an 8-week 3-step topical regimen

Changes in the levels of IL-1β, cortisol and chromogranin A in saliva of subjects with occupational fatigue.

Changes in the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), cortisol and chromogranin A (CgA) in saliva of subjects with occupational fatigue were investigated. Doctors in the Emergency Department were selected as research subjects. Saliva was collected before work (after full rest) and after work (≥24 h). Electroencephalogram (EEG) was performed. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of IL-1β, cortisol and CgA in saliva. In order to obtain permission for human specimens, the study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Engineering and registered for clinical trials (registration no. ChiC-TR-DCD-14005746). As there were only 4 subjects in this study without fatigue waves in EEG, and the number of these subjects was not sufficient to constitute a control group, the comparison of the contents of IL-1β, cortisol and CgA of all subjects before and after working for 18 h was just a confirmation of the statistical results of 43 cases with fatigue waves in the EEG. According to the results, there was no change in the contents of IL-1β and cortisol in the saliva of subjects with occupational fatigue before and after fatigue, whereas, there was a significant change in the content of CgA before and after fatigue. However, there was no correlation between the content of CgA and fatigue. The results of the present study revealed that IL-1β, cortisol and CgA indicators are not suitable diagnostic markers for occupational fatigue.

Cortisol, inflammatory biomarkers and neurotrophins in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Taiwan

BackgroundHypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation, inflammation and imbalance of neurotrophins have been suggested in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but the results have not been conclusive. The aim of this study is to investigate the levels of salivary cortisol across 4-time points during the day, and of morning plasma inflammatory biomarkers and neurotrophins, in youth with ADHD and in typically developing youth (TD), with stratification by age, ADHD subtypes and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) comorbidity in Taiwan. MethodsWe conducted a case-control study measuring saliva cortisol levels at 4 different time points during the day (at awakening, noon, 1800 h and bedtime) and morning plasma levels of inflammatory and neurotrophins biomarkers in youth with ADHD (n = 98, age 6–18 years old with mean age 9.32 ± 3.05 years) and TD (n = 21, age 6–18 years old with mean age 9.19 ± 2.96 years) in Taiwan. ResultsOur study showed that youth with ADHD had lower levels of bedtime salivary cortisol (effects size (ES) = −0.04, p = .023), with children with the combined form of the disorder (with inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity all present) having the lowest awakening salivary cortisol levels. ADHD youth also had higher levels of plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interleukin (IL)-6 (ES = 0.85–1.20, p < .0001), and lower plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha (ES = −0.69, p = .009) and brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF) (ES = −1.13, p < .0001). Both ADHD groups regardless of ODD comorbidity had higher levels of IL-6 (p < .0001) and lower levels BDNF (p < .0001). ConclusionThe lower bedtime salivary cortisol levels and higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers in youth with ADHD further support the role of abnormal HPA axis and inflammation in ADHD. Moreover, the lower levels of BDNF in ADHD also indicate that BDNF may be a potential biomarker in this disorder that is part of a broader biological dysfunction.

MnO2 cacti-like nanostructured platform powers the enhanced electrochemical immunobiosensing of cortisol

Herein, we describe a label-free transition metal oxide based biosensor platform to detect both saliva and sweat cortisol levels at a point-of-care testing (POCT) perspective. The immobilization of ACAs on GCE/β-MnO2 CNs electrode is conducted by electrostatic interaction approach via isoelectric-point (IEP) of β-MnO2 (7.30) and cortisol antibodies (4.50), which establish a suitable atmosphere for effective immobilization. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was served as blocking-agent for non-specific adsorption on the surface of MnO2 nanostructured electrode. Under optimized conditions, ACAs/beta-MnO2 cacti-like nanostructured (β-MnO2 CNs) electrode specifically interacted with cortisol molecules, which enabled rapid and sensitive electrochemical impedance detection of cortisol via 3D analyte diffusion profile at the electrode interface and also enhanced cortisol capture achieved by large specific surface of MnO2 nanostructures. This ACAs/β-MnO2 nanostructured electrode shows wide-linear EIS signals from 0.1 pM to 1500 pM with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.023 pM (S/N = 3) and displays rapid binding kinetics with cortisol versus other glucocorticoids in terms of selectivity. Finally, the cortisol detection in human sweat, and saliva samples has been demonstrated for practical applicability and obtained results were compared with ELISA method.

Cortisol as an Acute Stress Biomarker in Young Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Patients/Caregivers: Active Music Engagement Protocol.

Objective: Primary aims of the proposed protocol are to determine the feasibility/acceptability of the active music engagement intervention protocol during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and clinical feasibility/acceptability of the biological sample collection schedule.Design: The authors propose a single-case, alternating treatment design to compare levels of child and caregiver cortisol in blood and saliva collected on alternating days, when the dyad receives and does not receive AME sessions. Included are the scientific rationale for this design and detailed intervention and sample collection schedules based on transplant type.Setting/Location: Pediatric inpatient HSCT unit.Subjects: Eligible participants are dyads of children 3–8 years old, hospitalized for HSCT, and their caregiver. Children with malignant and nonmalignant conditions will be eligible, regardless of transplant type.Intervention: AME intervention is delivered by a board-certified music therapist who tailors music-based play experiences to encourage active engagement in, and independent use of, music play to manage the inter-related emotional distress experienced by children and their caregivers during HSCT. Dyads will receive two 45-min AME sessions each week during hospitalization.Outcome Measures: Eight collections of blood (child) and saliva (child/caregiver) will be performed for cortisol measurement. The authors will also collect self-report and caregiver proxy measures for dyad emotional distress, quality of life, and family function. At study conclusion, qualitative caregiver interviews will be conducted.Results: Planned analyses will be descriptive and evaluate the feasibility of participant recruitment, cortisol collection, planned evaluations, and AME delivery. Analysis of qualitative interviews will be used to gain an understanding about the ease/burden of biological sample collection and any perceived benefit of AME.Conclusions: Behavioral intervention studies examining biological mechanisms of action in pediatric transplant populations are rare. Findings will provide important information about the feasibility/acceptability of collecting cortisol samples during a high-intensity treatment and advance understanding about the use of active music interventions to mitigate child/caregiver distress during the transplant period.

Relationship of Major Depression with Body Mass Index and Salivary Cortisol

IntroductionDepression is one of the most incapacitating psychiatric diseases that disturb life of millions of people round the globe. Its major causes include stressful life events, bereavement, social abuses or certain biological and genetic factors with complex causal mechanisms. Higher salivary cortisol levels for a long period lead to dyslipidemias which increase body mass index (BMI), elevate adiposity and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Such individuals with high quartiles of BMI have considerably higher risk of major depressive disorder. The aim of this study was to establish a correlation between major depression, BMI and salivary cortisol.MethodsThis cross-sectional analysis was accomplished in the Physiology Department, Sheikh Zayed Federal Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore as well as in Punjab Institute of Mental Health, Lahore, Pakistan, over a period of six months. A total of 60 participants aged between 18 and 60 years were included in this study; they were divided equally into two groups as normal healthy individuals with no physical or mental illness and severely depressed groups. The patients were categorized as cases of severe depression on outdoor clinical assessment and further confirmed by ICD-10. Patient’s BMI was estimated by measuring height in meters (m) and weight in kilograms (kg), and then dividing weight with square height. Early morning saliva samples were collected. Estimation of cortisol levels in saliva was done through ELISA. SPSS version 20.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) was used to analyze the data and p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe mean BMI in normal healthy group was 22.02 ± 4.21, while the mean BMI in severely depressive group was 24.64 ± 3.58. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.012). The mean salivary cortisol level was significantly raised in patients with major depression (2.23 ± 1.69 nmol/L) in contrast to healthy normal individuals (1.46 ± 0.91 nmol/L), with p-value = 0.031.ConclusionBMI and depression has a very noteworthy correlation and there is a remarkable link between raised salivary cortisol, greater BMI and development of major depression.

Do dogs rescue their owners from a stressful situation? A behavioral and physiological assessment.

Rescue behavior is considered a type of pro-social response, defined as a voluntary action directed to benefit another individual who is in a stressful or dangerous situation. In two experiments, we investigated whether dogs would rescue their owners when the person was trapped inside a wooden box and emitted clear signs of stress. The performance of these dogs was compared against that of a control group in which the owners remained calm while trapped. In addition, to assess if training modulated this behavior, we tested a group of dogs from the military trained in search and rescue tasks (Experiment 1). Results showed that dogs opened the box more frequently when the owner pretended to be stressed than when calm. Training shortened latencies to open the door but not the frequency of the behavior. In Experiment 2, we investigated if emotional contagion could be a possible mechanism underlying dogs' rescue responses by measuring dogs' behavior, heart rate, and saliva cortisol level in the stressed and calm conditions, and also controlled for obedience by having the calm owners call their pets while trapped. We replicated the findings of Experiment 1 as more dogs opened the door in the stressed owner condition than in the calm condition. In addition, we observed an increase in heart rate across trials in the stressed condition and a decrease across trials in the calm condition, but no differences in cortisol levels or stress-related behaviors between conditions. In brief, we found evidence that approximately half of the dogs without previous training showed spontaneous rescue behaviors directed to their owners. Neither was this behavior motivated by obedience nor by the motivation to re-establish social contact with the owner. We conclude that emotional contagion is a plausible mechanism underlying dogs' rescue behavior in the present protocol.

Evaluation of psychological stress and cortisol levels in males with and without gingivitis

Aim: Gingivitis is a prevalent health problem seen most commonly in males. Psychological stress is also associated with periodontal disease. Thus, to evaluate the possible role of stress in gingivitis, this study investigated the psychological stress and cortisol levels in males with and without gingivitis. Material and Methods: Sixty systemically healthy males between 18 and 28 years were divided into two groups, including those with generalized gingivitis (G) (n=30) and periodontally healthy controls (H) (n=30). Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva samples were obtained for determination of cortisol levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Plaque (PI) and gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were noted. In addition, BECK depression inventory (BDI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) were recorded from all participants. Results: PI, GI, BOP (p0.01), and PD (p0.05). Cortisol levels in saliva and GCF were similar between groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Psychological stress and cortisol levels in GCF and saliva were found to be similar in males with and without gingivitis.

Salivary cortisol and total antioxidant capacity levels of children with untreated dental caries

Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the caries frequency, which was determined using different caries indexes and biological parameters such as salivary cortisol and total antioxidant capacity (TAC).Materials and Methods: 140 patients between the ages of 5-13 without systemic disease were included in the study. Saliva samples were collected from patients whose DMFT (dmft) and PUFA (pufa) indexes were recorded, and these samples were centrifuged at 5,000 rpm for 10 minutes. All samples were stored at -20 °C until measurement. Saliva cortisol and TAC levels were measured using the ELISA kit. All data were analyzed with SPSS v.22.Results: The mean DMFT/dmft and PUFA/pufa values were estimated as 6.72±4.37, 1.39±2.08, respectively. There was no significant correlation between caries indexes and biochemical parameters.However, there was a correlation between TAC and cortisol levels in saliva. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it was determined that high risk of caries in patients could not affect salivary cortisol and TAC levels; however, there was a positive correlation between salivary cortisol and TAC levels. Further studies are needed to better understand the background of the pathophysiological changes in these biochemical parameters and their relationship with caries.

Effect of Inhalation Aromatherapy on Pain, Anxiety, Comfort, and Cortisol Levels During Trigger Point Injection.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of inhaler aromatherapy on the level of pain, comfort, anxiety, and cortisol during trigger point injection in individuals with myofascial pain syndrome. Lavender oil inhalation was found to reduce pain and anxiety during trigger point injection and to improve patient comfort, but it did not affect the saliva cortisol level.