Salivary Alpha-amylase Activity Research Articles

Investigating Frontal Neurovascular Coupling in Response to Workplace Design-Related Stress

This research seeks to examine the impact of workstation types on the coupling of neural and vascular activities of the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The design of the workstations was found to impair the performance, physical and mental health of employees. However, the mechanism underlying cognitive activity involved during workstation design-related stress effects in the PFC has not been fully understood. We used electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to simultaneously measure electrical activity and hemoglobin concentration changes in the PFC. The multimodal signal was collected from 23 healthy adult volunteers who completed the Montreal imaging stress task in ergonomic and non-ergonomic workstations. A supervised machine learning method based on temporally embedded canonical correlation analysis (tCCA) was utilized to obtain the association between neural activity and local changes in hemoglobin concentrations to enhance localization and accuracy. The results showed deactivation in alpha power rhythms and oxygenated hemoglobin, as well as declined activation pattern of the fused data in the right PFC at the non-ergonomic workstation. Additionally, all participants at the non-ergonomic workstation experienced a substantial rise in salivary alpha-amylase activity in comparison with the ergonomic workstation, indicating the existence of high-stress levels. The proposed tCCA approach obtains excellent results in discriminating workstation types achieving accuracies of 98.8% and a significant improvement of 8.0% ( $p ) and 9.4% ( $p ) over EEG-only and fNIRS-only, respectively. Our study suggests the use of functional neuroimaging in designing the workplace as it provides critical information on the causes of workplace-related stress.

New Inhibition Detection Method to Evaluate the Human Salivary Alphaamylase Activity of Some Drugs, Molecular Docking, and SAR Studies.

For the first time, the investigation of six anti-inflammatory drugs and six antihistaminic drugs for inhibitory activities against alpha-amylase has been evaluated using a new inhibition detection method in order to find new treatments for some diseases caused by α-amylase. The first part of this work was devoted to the evaluation of the inhibition activity of these drugs on salivary α-amylase in vitro. Then to study the nature of interactions and structure-activity relationship, using the Autodockvina program for molecular docking. The evaluation of the inhibitory activity of our drugs is achieved using a new method that has proved its sensitivity, quickness, and effectiveness. The results of this study show that betamethasone and loratadine are potent α-amylase inhibitors with IC50 values 0.7mg/ml and 1.03 mg/ml, respectively compared to acarbose with IC50=5.6 μg/ml. The results showed that the loratadine and the betamethasone have a strong potential to inhibit the alpha-amylase.

Saliva a mirror to oral health in neurofibromatosis type-1 patients

Background Neurofibromatosis (NF) consists of a complex group of syndromes, which occur as a result of inactivation of the various tumor suppressor genes precipitating multiple cutaneous neuromas and schwannomas in the body. Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)/Von Recklinghausen disease/Watson disease affects 1 in 30,000 individuals and is caused by a mutation in the tumor suppressor gene NF1, locus 17 q11.2; this is one of the largest genes in the human genome and is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. Case Summary A cross-sectional study was conducted in a family suffering from NF over 3 generations, consisting of 20 members, and those meeting the diagnostic criteria for NF1 according to the National Institutes of Health (Stumpf et al., 1988) were selected. Pedigree analysis, clinical examination, Ramfjord periodontal index, and sialometry were performed for the following parameters: (1) salivary flow rate—whole unstimulated saliva was considered for salivary flow rate, which was measured by asking the patient to spit out saliva into a sterile container and the amount of saliva is quantitatively measured; (2) salivary pH—salivary pH of whole unstimulated saliva was measured by using the pH meter; (3) salivary alpha amylase activity—this was measured by using the starch–saliva–iodine test. Conclusions On clinical examination, all the members of the family showed distinctive osseous lesions at the base of the tongue. Salivary analysis revealed decreased salivary flow rate and increased pH, making the individuals prone to periodontitis caused by decreased clearance and enzymatic activity. Alterations in the salivary glands (acini and ducts) is caused by mutations in the NF1 gene. Neurofibromin is known to play important role in salivary glands cell division and differentiation via the Rho–rock–LIM kinase-2 pathway; hence the defect in neurofibromin results in defective salivary gland cell differentiation, causing nonfunctional cells and making the individual prone to hyposalivation.

Immunological Responses to a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu High-Intensity Interval Training Session.

The objective of the study was to characterize immunological responses to a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu high-intensity interval training session. Neuromuscular function, blood, and salivary samples were obtained after a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu high-intensity interval training session. Saliva and blood samples were collected at Pre- (before the warm-up) and immediately Post-training. Neuromuscular function was evaluated by lower body muscle testing. The horizontal countermovement jump was performed at Pre (after the warm-up) and immediately Post blood and saliva collection, and approximately 5 minutes Post-training. The horizontal countermovement jump performance did not present any significant changes Post-training, while blood leukocytes, urea, IgA and salivary alpha-amylase showed a significant increase. Salivary alpha-amylase activity increased more than six times immediately Post compared to Pre-training. Saliva volume, secretion rate, and uric acid were not significantly different between Pre and Post condition. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu high-intensity interval training session elicited an increase in the blood cells responsible for antibody production and muscle damage adaptation after exercise. On the other hand, neuromuscular performance was not significantly affected Post-training, suggesting that immunological and performance responses were not necessarily associated.

Salivary Alpha-amylase Activity Level in ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients

Background and Objective: Sudden death is the main cause of mortality and disability in patients with coronary artery disease or myocardial infarction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity level of salivary alpha-amylase to predict malignant ventricular arrhythmias in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients.
 Materials and Methods: In this analytical cross-sectional study, 42 patients with STEMI who referred to Imam Reza Hospital participated. First, salivary amylase was taken from all STEMI patients and then these patients were divided into two groups of patients with malignant ventricular arrhythmia or without malignant ventricular arrhythmia during 72 hours.
 Results: A total of 42 patients were included in the study out of which 30 (71.4%) were females and 12 (28.6%) males. The average salivary amylase in patients was 118/41 ± 96/87. There was no significant difference in the frequency of diabetes, blood pressure, blood lipids, ischemic heart disease, and involvement severity in both groups with arrhythmia and lack of arrhythmias (P> 0.05). Also there was no significant difference in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate, oxygen saturation, blood glucose, temperature and severity of infarction (P> 0.05). However, the two groups were different in terms of salivary amylase levels. Salivary amylase levels were significantly higher in arrhythmic group than in the non-arrhythmic group (P< 0.001).
 Conclusions: Our result shows that there is a difference in the concentrations of salivary Alpha-amylase activity level in with and without ventricular arrhythmias groups.

Salivary alpha-amylase activity and concentration in horses with acute abdominal disease: Association with outcome.

Salivary biomarkers could be useful to objectively evaluate critical illness and prognosis for survival in horses with acute abdominal disease. To compare salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) activity and concentration in healthy horses and horses with acute abdominal disease, and evaluate the association between sAA activity and concentration with disease severity and outcome. A prospective cohort. sAA activity, measured using a colorimetric commercial kit, and concentration, measured using a Time-resolved immunofluorometric assay, in 25 healthy horses and in 33 horses with acute abdominal disease was compared using an ANOVA. Associations between survival to discharge and sAA activity and concentration and other clinical parameters were examined using univariable logistic regression and Spearman correlation. sAA activity and concentration were different between healthy (median=4.3 [2.6-11.2]IU/L and 58.4 [53.4-80.6]ng/mL, respectively) and diseased (median=29.8 [14.2-168.9]IU/L and 388.3 [189.1-675.8]ng/mL, respectively) (P<0.001). The sAA activity was higher in non-survivors (median=479.0 [78.7-2064.0]IU/L, n=8) compared to survivors (median=19.3 [12.1-103.7]IU/L, n=25, P<0.001) and sAA activity and concentration correlated (P<0.001) moderately with HR (r=0.66 and r=0.61, respectively). sAA activity correlated weakly with salivary cortisol (r=0.45, P<0.001) and systemic inflammatory response syndrome score (r=0.43, P<0.05), while activity and concentration correlated (P<0.001) moderately with plasma lactate concentration (r=0.57 and r=0.60, respectively). The sAA activity was significantly (P=0.01) associated with increased risk of nonsurvival. Pain scores were not recorded. The sample population was small. The sAA activity, but not concentration, shows potential as a biomarker of prognosis for survival in horses with acute abdominal disease. The summary is available in Spanish - see Supporting Information.

Salivary α-Amylase Activity and Starch-Related Sweet Taste Perception in Humans.

Starch-related sweet taste perception plays an important role as a part of the dietary nutrient sensing mechanisms in the oral cavity. However, the release of sugars from starchy foods eliciting sweetness has been less studied in humans than in laboratory rodents. Thus, 28 respondents were recruited and evaluated for their starch-related sweet taste perception, salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) activity, oral release of reducing sugars, and salivary leptin. The results demonstrated that a 2-min oral mastication of starchy chewing gum produced an oral concentration of maltose above the sweet taste threshold and revealed that the total amount of maltose equivalent reducing sugars produced was positively correlated with the sAA activity. In addition, respondents who consistently identified the starch-related sweet taste in two sessions (test and retest) generated a higher maltose equivalent reducing sugar concentration compared to respondents who could not detect starch-related sweet taste at all (51.52 ± 2.85 and 29.96 ± 15.58 mM, respectively). In our study, salivary leptin levels were not correlated with starch-related sweet taste perception. The data contribute to the overall understanding of oral nutrient sensing and potentially to the control of food intake in humans. The results provide insight on how starchy foods without added glucose can elicit variable sweet taste perception in humans after mastication as a result of the maltose generated. The data contribute to the overall understanding of oral sensing of simple and complex carbohydrates in humans.

Intensive longitudinal modelling predicts diurnal activity of salivary alpha-amylase.

Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) activity has been widely used in psychological and medical research as a surrogate marker of sympathetic nervous system activation, though its utility remains controversial. The aim of this work was to compare alternative intensive longitudinal models of sAA data: (a) a traditional model, where sAA is a function of hour (hr) and hr squared (sAAj,t = f(hr, hr2), and (b) an autoregressive model, where values of sAA are a function of previous values (sAAj,t = f(sAA j,t-1, sAA j,t-2, …, sAA j,t-p). Nineteen normal subjects (9 males and 10 females) participated in the experiments and measurements were performed every hr between 9:00 and 21:00 hr. Thus, a total of 13 measurements were obtained per participant. The Napierian logarithm of the enzymatic activity of sAA was analysed. Data showed that a second-order autoregressive (AR(2)) model was more parsimonious and fitted better than the traditional multilevel quadratic model. Therefore, sAA follows a process whereby, to forecast its value at any given time, sAA values one and two hr prior to that time (sAA j,t = f(SAAj,t-1, SAAj,t-2) are most predictive, thus indicating that sAA has its own inertia, with a “memory” of the two previous hr. These novel findings highlight the relevance of intensive longitudinal models in physiological data analysis and have considerable implications for physiological and biobehavioural research involving sAA measurements and other stress-related biomarkers.

Association between Salivary Alpha-Amylase and Executive Functioning in Healthy Children.

The main aim of this study was to confirm the relationship between executive performance and salivary alpha-amylase (SAA) activity in a sample of 64 healthy children (39 boys), and compare it to the association of SAA output and salivary flow rate (SFR). Executive functioning was assessed via fluency, trail-making, rings and inhibition tasks from the Batería de Evaluación Neuropsicológica de la Función Ejecutiva en Niños [Battery of Neuropsychological Assessment for Executive Function in Children] (ENFEN), merged into an ENFEN total score. SAA activity, output, and SFR were measured at baseline, one minute before, and one minute after the end of a neuropsychological testing session. Our results confirmed a direct, linear and significant association between SAA activity and executive functioning, r(64) = .351, p &lt; .05, and extended it to SAA output, r(64) =.431, p &lt; .05. The mean level of SAA output was the best predictor of executive functioning (β = .431, p &lt; .05) and explained 18.2 % of the variance in ENFEN total score. In sum, and compared to SAA activity, measuring SAA output may be a more precise and indirect marker to assess executive functioning in children.

Evaluation of salivary alpha-amylase activity after stroke

This study aimed to investigate the levels of sAA (Salivary Alpha-Amylase) in stroke patients. The H0 hypothesis of the study was established as the increase in sAA activity after stroke is not statistically significant when compared with the normal healthy population of the similar age group. Patients and Methods: This research is a case-control study. Forty-two patients who had a stroke during the period of February-November 2018 in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Turkey and 40 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Saliva samples were collected within the first seven days after stroke. Saliva samples were taken by passive dilution (drool) technique with the standard method at certain hours. The concentration in U/mL of sAA in the samples is then calculated by comparing optical densities (OD) of the samples to the standard curve. Results: In the stroke group, a total of 42 patients and a total of 40 patients as volunteers were evaluated. The mean age was 69.4 ± 6.1 in the stroke group and 69.6 ± 6.4 in the healthy volunteers. The mean functional independence criterion in the stroke group was 64.7 ± 18.4. The sAA levels were found to be 142.18 ± 42.15 U / mL in the stroke group and 103.69 ± 36.52 U / mL in the healthy volunteers. There were statistically significant difference levels of the sAA between the two groups (p: 0.012). Conclusion: The levels of sAA in stroke patients were not clearly investigated in the literature, and the results indicate that patients with stroke have higher sAA activity compared to healthy subjects. The relationships between autonomic dysfunction and high sAA activity in stroke patients are new topics to be investigated.

Level of alpha amylase activity in human saliva as a non-invasive biochemical marker of sleep deprivation

To investigate the usefulness of the enzyme salivary alpha amylase as a biochemical marker of sleep deprivation in human subjects. Total 168 healthy school-going adolescents studying in 9th grade were selected randomly from morning shift (n = 84) and dayshift (n = 84) schools. The study was undertaken longitudinally for a period of 2 years. Study encompassed administration of questionnaire and collection of saliva samples from the participants. Activity of salivary alpha amylase (sAA) activity was estimated spectrophotometrically and statistical analysis was performed to determine the association between sAA activity and sleep duration. Excessive daytime sleepiness among students was also studied in association with sAA activity. sAA activity of students was found to have a negative correlation with the duration of sleep and a positive correlation with their level of sleepiness. Morning shift students were found to have significantly less sleep and correspondingly higher sAA activity as compared to dayshift students. A significant increase in the sAA activity was noticed in the second year as the students progressed from 9th to 10th grade. Higher amylase activity was also observed in sleep deprived students suffering from excessive daytime sleepiness irrespective of school timings. Salivary alpha amylase activity increases in saliva in response to sleep deprivation. School timings may modulate sleep duration of students. Present finding reveals that sAA could be an appropriate non-invasive biochemical marker for the objective assessment of sleep deprivation among individuals as well as at population level.

Salivary alpha-amylase activity and cortisol in horses with acute abdominal disease: a pilot study

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), considered a non-invasive biomarker for sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity, and salivary cortisol as possible pain-induced stress biomarker, in horses with acute abdominal disease. Therefore, a prospective observational study was performed in which both biomarkers were analyzed in a group of horses with acute abdomen syndrome, and compared with a group of healthy control horses by an unpaired Student’s t-test. In addition, the possible relationship between both biomarkers, the score in Equine Acute Abdominal Pain scales version 1 (EAAPS-1 scale), Heart Rate (HR) and Respiratory Rate (RR), plasma lactate, the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) score and serum amyloid A (SAA) concentration was assessed by a Spearman correlation test.ResultsA total of 30 horses were included in the study, 19 with acute abdominal disease diagnosed as large colon displacements, simple impactions of the pelvic flexure, spasmodic colics and enteritis and 11 healthy ones. sAA activity (24.5 median-fold, P < 0.0001) and salivary cortisol (1.7 median-fold, P < 0.01) were significantly higher in horses with acute abdomen than in healthy horses. sAA activity was significantly correlated with EAAPS-1 scale (r = 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.38–0.89, P < 0.001) and SIRS score (r = 0.49, 95% CI 0.03–0.78, P < 0.05). Neither sAA nor salivary cortisol correlated with HR, RR, plasma lactate and SAA.ConclusionsAlthough this study should be considered as preliminary one, alpha-amylase measurements in saliva could be a biomarker of pain-induced stress in horses with acute abdominal disease.

Evaluation of Salivary Alpha Amylase as a Biomarker for Dental Anxiety

Background: The anxiety of dental conditions is very common. Salivary alpha amylase (SAA) enzyme, as a non-invasive biomarker, is considered in assessing dental anxiety. Objectives: The present study aimed at investigating the relationship between salivary alpha amylase level and dental anxiety before and after dental restoration. Methods: In this longitudinal study, which was performed in Babol dental faculty during 2015 and 2016, a total of 99 patients (50 females and 49 males) were selected using simple sampling method. To measure anxiety, the patients completed modified dental anxiety scale (MDAS) and demographic questionnaire. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected 3 times: at the day of dental examination in a stress- free condition; immediately before dental restoration; and 15 minutes after dental restoration. Salivary alpha amylase activity was measured by the Caraway starch-iodine modified method. SPSS 20 software and t test, chi square, Pearson correlation, and ANOVA repeated measurement were used for data analysis. Results: Levels of salivary alpha amylase increased before dental restoration and reduced after dental restoration (P value 0.05). Conclusions: Salivary alpha amylase can be used as a reliable objective tool for measuring anxiety of dental treatment.

SALIVARY ALPHA AMYLASE LEVELS DURING PRIMARY TOOTH EXTRACTION IN CHILDREN AGED 6–11 YEARS

Objective: Patients generally experience some level of anxiety during dental treatments. Salivary alpha amylase (SAA) can be used as a biomarker for anxiety. This study aimed to compare SAA levels between children who had never and had undergone tooth extraction procedures with a local anesthetic injection.Methods: Thirty-seven participants aged 6–11 years who were to undergo the extraction of primary teeth at the Dental and Oral Educational Hospital, Faculty of Dentistry Universitas Indonesia, were enrolled. The subjects were divided into two groups: One group consists of 20 children who had never undergone a tooth extraction, and the other group consists of 17 children who had undergone tooth extraction. From all children, one saliva sample was collected using a portable saliva strip 10 min before (t0), shortly after (t1), and 10 min after (t2) local anesthetic injection, and the SAA activity was determined using a portable Nipro Cocoro Meter device. The SAA levels of both groups were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test.Results: There were significant differences in SAA levels at t0 (p=0.001), t1 (p=0.018), and t2 (p=0.021) in both groups. Anxiety is a combination of behavioral and physiological reactions. SAA release is regulated by autonomic innervation, and the SAA level increases owing to acute stress.Conclusion: Dentists should note patients’ negative dental experiences to provide more effective and less traumatic treatment.

CORRELATION BETWEEN WONG-BAKER FACES PAIN SCALE AND SALIVARY ALPHA-AMYLASE LEVEL IN CHILDREN AGED 6–11 YEARS

Objective: Several studies have tried to objectively assess pain measurements. The Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale (WBFPS) is an instrument that is commonly used to assess pain intensity in children. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between the WBFPS and salivary alpha-amylase (SAA) level during a tooth extraction procedure with a local anesthetic injection in children aged 6–11 years.Methods: Twenty-five children aged 6–11 years who were to undergo the extraction of a primary tooth at the Dental and Oral Educational Hospital, Faculty of Dentistry Universitas Indonesia, were enrolled in this study. From all children, saliva was collected using a disposable saliva strip shortly after local anesthetic injection, and the SAA activity was then determined using a portable Nipro Cocoro Meter device. The WBFPS was measured at the same time. The correlation between the WBFPS and the SAA level was analyzed using Spearman’s correlation test. The statistically significant level was set at p≤0.05.Results: There was a significant correlation between the WBFPS and SAA level (p=0.002, r=0.581).Conclusion: Our data suggest that the SAA level might be a good index for objective pain intensity assessment.

The Relationship Between Salivary Alpha Amylase Activity and Score of McGill Pain Questionnaire in Patients With Tension Type Headache.

Introduction:Tension-type headache is the most common type of headache across the world. Saliva as a non-invasive medium is used to detect a wide range of diseases. Salivary Alpha-Amylase (SAA) levels has been suggested as a potential indirect marker for detecting Sympathoadrenal Medullary (SAM) activity, which is activated by pain. Significant correlation was found between SAA levels and pain scale in patients with chronic pain. The purpose of the present study was to measure SAA activity in Frequent Episodic Tension-Type Headache (FETTH). In addition to the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), we intend to assess intensity and various aspects of pain by McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ).Methods:A total of 45 females with FETTH (case group) and 45 healthy voluntary females (control group) were enrolled in our case-control study. Unstimulated saliva by spitting method was taken from each participant.Results:SAA levels were significantly higher in patients with FETTH (P<0.001) when compared with the control group. There was significant correlation between SAA activity and MPQ score (P<0.001).Conclusion:This is the first study using MPQ as a subjective means of assessing quality and quantity of pain alongside the VAS as an objective tool for evaluating pain in patients with FETTH. SAA may be an appropriate marker for assessing of pain levels in patients with FETTH. MPQ versus the VAS may be a more accurate measurement tools along VAS.

Neuroendocrine Response to School Load in Prepubertal Children: Focus on Trait Anxiety.

At the time of school-age, the most frequent stress stimuli are related to school environment and educational process. Anxiety may play a big role in coping with stressful situations associated with school load. To approach this issue, we performed a real-life study at school during the classwork. The sample consisted of 36 healthy children aged 10years, which were divided to low and high trait anxiety group based on the median value of the anxiety score. The investigations were carried out in the classroom during a stress condition (final exams) and non-stress condition (without any exam). In the whole sample, the condition with exam was associated with higher cortisol and lower testosterone concentrations in saliva compared to the condition without exam. The activity of salivary alpha-amylase increased at the end of the exam. Anxious children showed higher concentrations of aldosterone and lower activity of alpha-amylase compared to children with low trait anxiety. Cortisol levels were higher in anxious children in the first morning samples before starting the lessons. Children with high and low trait anxiety did not differ in extraversion, neuroticism, as well as non-verbal intelligence and school success. Thus, the anxious children at school showed a more rapid decrease of anticipatory stress-induced cortisol concentrations, higher aldosterone levels, and lower alpha-amylase activities compared to non-anxious children. These changes, particularly high concentrations of aldosterone in children with high trait anxiety, may have an impact on their psychophysiological development.

Effects of Daily Alcohol Intake on Serum and Salivary Alpha-Amylase Activity Associated With Two Local Alcoholic Drinks of Benin

This study was initiated to assess the effect of daily amount of alcohol intake on serum and salivary alpha-amylase activity of regular adult consumers of tchoukoutou and sodabi, two local alcoholic drinks made in Benin. It was a descriptive, cross-sectional and analytical study carried out from 1st of April to 31st of August, 2012. The study population consisted of 50 subjects as regular consumers of tchoukoutou (titrated with 3% of alcohol), 50 regular consumers of sodabi (titrated with 40% of alcohol) and 50 non-consumers of alcohol. Alpha-amylase activity in saliva and serum were measured in each subject. There was no significant difference in the activity of serum and salivary alpha-amylase between consumers of low quantity of tchoukoutou and sodabi (˂ 30 g/ day) on one hand (P = 0.24 and 0.99 respectively), and between moderate consumers (30-79 g/ day) on the other (P = 0.31 and 0.48 respectively). Daily amount of alcohol intake had a positive effect on the serum alpha-amylase activity when taking into consideration the entire group at the threshold of 1%, in tchoukoutou consumers (r = +0.887), and in women sodabi consumers at the threshold of 5% (r = +0.928). Therefore, serum alpha-amylase activity is positively associated with the consumption of these two local alcoholic drinks made in Benin.

Blunted cortisol response to psychosocial stress in atopic patients is associated with decrease in salivary alpha-amylase and aldosterone: Focus on sex and menstrual cycle phase

A decreased responsiveness of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis to stress stimuli in patients with atopy is well documented. The aim of this study was to investigate personality traits, salivary alpha-amylase activity and the aldosterone response to psychosocial stress procedure based on public speech in atopic patients with respect to sex and the menstrual cycle (MC) phase. The study was performed in 106 subjects of both sexes, 53 atopic patients suffering from allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma or atopic dermatitis and 53 age-, sex-, the MC phase- and BMI- matched healthy controls. Substantially attenuated activity of alpha-amylase and reduced secretion of aldosterone during the psychosocial stress were observed in the whole sample of patients with atopy. Higher activity of alpha-amylase observed in the follicular compared to the luteal phase in healthy women was not present in atopic patients. In both males and females, atopy was associated with blunted cortisol response but no changes in the heart rate. Psychological characterization revealed a significantly higher trait anxiety and higher preference for avoidance-oriented coping strategy in female but not male atopic patients. These findings provide evidence that patients with atopy exhibit insufficient alpha-amylase and aldosterone responsiveness to psychosocial stress, thus suggesting decreased sympathetic activity. Potential disturbances in sex hormone status during the MC in female patients with atopy have to be considered in future research. Changes in personality traits were demonstrated in female atopic patients, but not in male patients.

Salivary Alpha-Amylase Enzyme, Psychological Disorders, and Life Quality in Patients with Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis.

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate stress, anxiety, and salivary alpha-amylase (SAA) activity in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). The impact of this disease on the life quality was also evaluated. Design. Twenty-two patients with RAS and controls, matched by sex and age, were selected. Stress and anxiety were assessed using Lipp's Inventory of Stress Symptoms and Beck Anxiety Inventory. Life quality was assessed through the World Health Organization Quality of Life-bref (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Saliva samples were collected in the morning and afternoon and the SAA activity was analyzed by enzymatic kinetic method. Results. No significant difference was observed between the groups regarding the SAA activity (p = 0.306). Patients with RAS had higher scores of anxiety (p = 0.016). The scores of WHOQOL-BREF were significantly lower in patients with RAS. The values obtained through OHIP-14 were significantly higher in these patients (p = 0.002). Conclusion. RAS negatively affects the life quality. Patients with the disease have higher levels of anxiety, suggesting its association with the etiopathogenesis of RAS.