Salivary Alpha-amylase Levels Research Articles

Exploring Salivary Alpha-Amylase as a Biomarker in Periodontitis: A Comparative Analysis of Disease Stages and Clinical Correlations

Periodontal disease, characterized by bacterial plaque accumulation and subsequent immune response, can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis if untreated. Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) has emerged as a potential biomarker with implications in periodontal disease progression. Objectives: This study aimed to assess and compare salivary alpha-amylase levels in individuals with periodontitis and healthy controls and to investigate its relationship with clinical parameters of periodontal disease. Forty-five participants were categorized into periodontally healthy (n = 13), Stage I and II Periodontitis (n = 17), and Stage III and IV periodontitis (n = 15) groups. Saliva samples were collected and analyzed using ELISA kits. Statistical analyses included tests for normality, group comparisons, post hoc analysis, and correlation analysis. Significant differences in salivary alpha-amylase levels were observed among severity groups (p < 0.05), with higher levels in periodontitis patients than healthy controls. Spearman correlation revealed moderate positive associations between alpha-amylase levels and probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL). Elevated salivary alpha-amylase levels were found to be associated with more severe periodontal disease, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for periodontitis severity. These findings support the utility of salivary biomarkers in periodontal disease diagnosis and monitoring, although further validation and standardization are warranted for clinical application.

Comparing the Sedative Effect of Dexmedetomidine and Propofol in Mechanically Ventilated Patients Using Salivary Alpha-Amylase as a Stress Marker: A Randomized Open-Label Trial

Background: Patients receiving mechanical ventilation (MV) in the intensive care unit (ICU) experience significant distress, which triggers a stress response. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine and propofol in reducing stress levels, using salivary alpha-amylase (SAA) as a specific indicator of stress. Methods: A randomized, open-label trial was conducted involving 40 patients newly placed on MV. In a parallel study design, participants were randomly assigned into two equal groups (n = 20) through the sealed envelope method using computer-generated randomization. Group D received dexmedetomidine at a dosage of 0.2 to 1.4 μg/kg/h, while group P received propofol at a dosage of 0.3 to 4 mg/kg/h for sedation. Salivary alpha-amylase levels were measured according to the kit manufacturer's protocol. Results: Salivary alpha-amylase levels were significantly lower in group D than in group P at 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours after the initiation of MV (P < 0.05). Heart rate and mean arterial pressure were also significantly lower in group D at 12, 18, and 24 hours (P < 0.05). The duration of MV was significantly shorter in group D compared to group P (4.4 ± 1.85 vs 6.1 ± 2.45 days, P = 0.018). There were no significant differences in ICU length of stay, mortality, or adverse events between the groups. Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine demonstrated superior stress-reducing effects compared to propofol in MV patients, as evidenced by lower SAA levels and improved hemodynamic stability. The shorter duration of MV in the dexmedetomidine group further suggests potential clinical benefits of its use in managing stress in MV patients.

Hatha yoga reduces momentary stress but does not impact diurnal profiles of salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase: A randomized controlled trial

Does the practice of yoga impact stress? Various studies have suggested that yoga may reduce both self-reported stress and stress biomarkers, but the evidence for such claims remains inconclusive, especially for yoga styles with a focus on physical postures. In a randomized controlled trial with 98 participants, we therefore examined whether an eight-week Hatha yoga intervention (60 min, 3×/week or more) led to reduced levels of diurnal salivary cortisol (sCort), salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), and subjective momentary stress as compared to a waitlist control group. To ensure the concomitant assessment of self-report and biological measures in an ecologically valid setting, and to capture the diurnal profile of cortisol and alpha-amylase, we employed an ecological momentary assessment approach. Five times per day, participants reported their momentary stress levels on a visual analogue scale and collected saliva samples for the assessment of salivary biomarkers. The intervention led to a significant reduction of subjective momentary stress but there was no change in diurnal sCort or sAA levels. There are several potential explanations for these findings: The intervention may have helped participants to cope better with stress while leaving diurnal levels of stress biomarkers unaffected, or the change may at least not have been reflected in sCort and sAA. Alternatively, there may have been a self-report bias, insofar as a favorable disposition towards yoga may have led participants to report reductions in stress in order to indicate positive effects of the intervention. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the effects of distinct yoga interventions, demonstrating their potential to serve as low-risk stress relief tools.

Mild hunger elicits attentional desensitization to visual food cues in healthy, non-obese individuals.

Food is a vital human need, and the human visual system is finely tuned to detect and respond to food cues in the environment. The omnipresence of food cues across various settings has been linked to the prevalence of obesity in susceptible populations. However, the influence of the post-prandial state on visual attention to food stimuli remains poorly understood. This study aimed to elucidate how a 12 hour fast affects visual attention to food and non-food stimuli in healthy, non-obese individuals. Visual attention was assessed by measuring the total duration of visual fixations on stimuli presented on a computer screen, using a screen-based eye tracker (Tobii X2-60). Participants were divided into two groups: those who had fasted for 12 hours and those tested within two hours after consuming breakfast (satiated state). Additionally, performance on the Food Stroop task and electrodermal activity (EDA) responses were measured to evaluate attentional interference and physiological arousal, respectively. Salivary samples were also collected to assess levels of alpha-amylase and cortisol. Fasted participants exhibited a progressive decline in visual attention toward food stimuli compared to satiated individuals, reflecting a satiated state. This effect was independent of the palatability of the depicted food items and was not observed with stimuli representing non-food items. The Food Stroop task revealed no differences between fasting and satiated participants, indicating that the presence of food-related stimuli does not differentially impact attentional interference under varying hunger states. Moreover, no significant variations were observed in EDA responses across participant groups and stimulus types, suggesting that the modulation of visual attention to food cues by hunger is independent of physiological arousal. Interestingly, satiated subjects exhibited higher levels of salivary alpha-amylase, which was inversely related to their subjective hunger ratings. No differences in salivary cortisol levels were found between groups. The findings indicate a novel influence of mild hunger on the processing of visual food cues, independent of physiological arousal. The decline in visual attention to food stimuli in fasted individuals suggests that satiety modulates visual processing. The lack of differences in attentional interference and physiological arousal between fasting and satiated states further supports the notion that visual attention to food cues is primarily driven by hunger-related mechanisms rather than stress. Additionally, the inverse relationship between salivary alpha-amylase levels and hunger ratings implies that alpha-amylase may serve as a marker of satiety rather than stress.

Effects of a veterinary functional music-based enrichment program on the psychophysiological responses of farm pigs

Intensification of swine production can predispose pigs to chronic stress, with adverse effects on the neuroendocrine and immune systems that can lead to health problems, poor welfare, and reduced production performance. Consequently, there is an interest in developing tools to prevent or eliminate chronic stress. Music is widely used as a therapeutic strategy for stress management in humans and may have similar benefits in non-human animals. This study evaluated the effects of a music-based auditory enrichment program in pigs from a multidimensional perspective by assessing psychophysiological responses. Two experimental groups of 20 pigs each were selected for the study: one enriched, exposed to a program of functional veterinary music designed for pigs, and a control group without auditory stimulation. Qualitative behavior assessment (QBA) and skin lesions indicative of agonistic behavior were used to evaluate the psychological determinants underlying the observed behaviors. Physiological assessment included hemograms, with the determination of the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio and daily measurements of cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase levels. The results demonstrated a positive effect of a music-based auditory program on psychophysiological responses. Therefore, this strategy developed for environmental enrichment may be beneficial in reducing stress and contributing to the welfare and health of pigs under production conditions.

Oral Findings and Salivary Alpha-Amylase in Major Depressive Disorder Patients

Background: The increasing global prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) has become an important challenge, leading to a heightened demand for oral medicine in developed nations. This demand arises from the recognition of the association between psychiatric disorders and other conditions, including various orofacial pain disorders. Objective: This study are to evaluate oral conditions such as recurrent aphthous ulcers, burning mouth syndrome, and altered taste and to assess salivary alpha-amylase in individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Methods: This research uses a cross-sectional study design that includes a sample of 49 patients who have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder and who have undergone treatment for at least two weeks. The control group consists of 34 healthy subjects with no signs or symptoms of systemic disease. The study group received the diagnosis in Najaf City according to the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). With respect to recurrent aphthous ulcers, the results of this study show the percentage of patients with oral ulcers is significantly higher than in the control group. Results: The results also show that the prevalence of burning mouth syndrome is significantly higher in patients with major depressive disorder than in healthy controls. A highly statistically significant difference was found between the study group and the control group regarding altered taste. There is also a significant difference in salivary alpha-amylase levels between the study and control groups (p = 0.009). Conclusion: Major depressive disorder patients have much higher incidences of reported recurrent aphthous ulcers, burning mouth syndrome, and altered taste than healthy subjects, indicating the importance of psychological factors in these conditions. Additionally, salivary alpha-amylase levels were higher in patients with major depressive disorder than in the control group.

The Use of Coffee Aroma for Stress Reduction in Postgraduate Dental Students

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the measure to reduce academic stress of graded oral presentation in postgraduate dental students using coffee aromatherapy. MethodsHealthy postgraduate dental students in a seminar class were divided into coffee (n = 32) or control (n = 26) group. There were three modes of aroma distribution: personal distribution with a coffee pad attached to a lanyard, a lanyard plus a personal fan for ventilation of the aroma, and the typical method of the diffuser to spread the aroma in the ambient air. The levels of salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), cortisol (sCort), and chromogranin A (sCgA) represented stress biomarkers. Pulse rates were also measured. ResultsThe levels of sAA increased 176.62 ± 30.26% between pre- and post-presentation in the control group. Inhaling coffee aroma during the presentation period significantly ameliorated sAA increase at 81.02 ± 14.90% (p = 0.015). sCort levels tended to decrease in the coffee group but not significantly. Surprisingly, sCgA levels actually increased more in the coffee group. Also, pulse rates decreased in the coffee group (-2.07 ± 2.81 bpm) and increased in the control group (6.90 ± 3.22 bpm; p = 0.035). Subgroup analysis did not reveal differences in salivary markers among three aroma distribution modes. ConclusionsCoffee aroma could have anxiolytic effect on postgraduate dental students as evidenced by sAA levels and pulse rates. Personal aroma distribution was also a useful and effective mode of aromatherapy.

A Determination of Salivary and Serum Glucose Levels in Patients With Type II Diabetes Mellitus.

The aim of this work was to determine and compare serum and salivary glucose levels in patients with type II diabetes mellitus (DM). This study had an overall sample size of 100, which consisted of male and female volunteers aged 30-67 years. Both in-depth interviews and physical tests were conducted. Blood and saliva were collected from the participants while fasting, which were analyzed to determine the levels of salivary alpha-amylase (α-amylase). Both the subjects and the controls were instructed to test their blood glucose levels while fasting and it was suggested that HbA1c values will be used for diagnosing diabetes following the guidelines of the American Diabetes Association, Centers for Disease Control, and World Health Organization. The average age of the control group (Category A) was noted as 47.52±6.28 years, and that of the study group (Category B) was 49.17±7.25 years. In Category A, female (n=23) were 46%, and 54% were male (n=27); and 40% of the people in Category B were female (n=20), and 60% were male (n=30). The majority of patients (54%) in Category B displayed an average level of DM control (n=27), followed by poor control (24%. n=12), well-controlled (20%, n=10), anduncontrolled DM (2%, n=1). Category A had an average salivary α-amylase concentration of 3.1±0.88 U/L, whereas that of Category B was 12.06±2.36 U/L. Thus, the mean salivary α-amylase level of Category B was found to be much higher than that of Category A, and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). The determination of α-amylase levels in the saliva of individuals suspected of having type II DM has been suggested as a potential diagnostic method. Screenings conducted at healthcare institutions and community health fairs, as well as epidemiological studies, might benefit from this method. We believe that normal clinical practice should include the use of saliva in a broad variety of diagnostic tests.

Enteric Dysbiosis in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Associated Response to Stress.

Background Microbiome studies in humans, though limited, have facilitated the evaluation of the potential connection between the microbiome and brain function. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have several behavioral challenges and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, which may contribute to gut microbiome dysbiosis. Aim The aim of this study is to examine the extent to which the gut microbiome of children with ASD differs in comparison to children with neurotypical development (CWND) and to assess whether a probiotic intervention has the potential to influence the gut microbiome in mediating positive behavior change and stress regulation. Methods This pilot study collected data from three children with ASD and four CWND before and after a four-week probiotic intervention. Data collection included microbiome diversity screening from stool samples as well as the following biophysiological measures: salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) levels, response to simulated stressor and calming stimulus (behavior), including pulse rate, galvanic skin response, and pupil diameter (PD). In addition, telomere length was assessed. All measures, except for telomere length, were repeated after the four-week intervention on the ASD and CWND groups for pre-/post-comparison. Data analysis consisted of multivariate analyses, including ANOVA. Results While greater heterogeneity in the ASD group was evident in all measures, the gut microbiome of participants who received probiotic intervention differed from pretreatment results within and across the groups investigated. Further, the biophysiological parameter sAA displayed a significant increase between baseline and exposure to stress in both groups, whereas PD increased in both groups from baseline,F(11, 26615) = 123.43, p = 0.00. Conclusion Though gut microbiome diversity is diminished in children with ASD compared to CWND, the gap is narrowed following a brief probiotic intervention. The results suggest that probiotic interventions have the potential to rescue microbiome diversity and abundance, potentially supporting stress regulation in pediatric populations.

Trends in waking salivary alpha-amylase levels following healing lucid dreams.

Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) is considered a marker of autonomic nervous system activity in stress research, and atypical waking sAA responses have been reported for traumatized individuals. Lucid dreams, characterized by a dreamer's awareness of their dream state while remaining asleep, have shown promising preliminary evidence of their potential to enhance mental health. This study's objective was to evaluate sAA in relation to healing lucid dreams. Participants experiencing PTSD symptoms attended a six-day workshop delivered via live video designed to teach techniques for transforming trauma through dreamwork and dream lucidity. Participants (n = 20) collected saliva samples each morning, immediately upon awakening (Time 1) and 30 min afterward (Time 2). sAA levels were determined by enzymatic assay, and the waking sAA slope was calculated as the difference of Time 2 minus Time 1. Participants completed dream reports each morning, with a dream classified as a 'healing lucid dream' when they reported attaining lucidity and remembered their intention to manifest a healing experience within the dreamscape. Of eight participants experiencing healing lucid dreams, four were able to provide usable saliva samples. Statistical tests on these four participants were not significant because of low power. However, nonsignificant positive associations were observed between experiencing more healing lucid dreams and increased waking sAA slope. The results did not reveal a consistent effect of healing lucid dreams on waking sAA slope. Identifying meaningful patterns in this relationship will require larger samples and more stringent control over saliva collection procedures in future studies.

Relationship Between Stress And Alpha Amylase Levels Among Presenters

Background: Stress occurs when the internal homeostasis is disrupted by external environmental stressors. Salivary Alpha Amylase (sAA) levels are increased in response to stress, and it is frequently used as a biomarker of stress. Aims: To determine the relationship between stress and alpha-amylase levels among presenters by the difference in levels scored in pre and post presentation. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to achieve the objectives of the study and was achieved to determine the association between stress and salivary alpha amylase levels for presenters during the period from 10th. Jan, 2022 to Jan, 20th. Mar, 2022. The study was conducted by selecting a typical form of non-probability (Purposive) sample. The size of the sample of 70 participants was included in the study. Results: The relationship between stress and the level of alpha amylase concentration was low in post presentation in comparison with pre presentation (0.11±0.03) and (0.13±0.02) respectively. This result was statistically highly significant according to paired t-test and the P-value was &lt; 0.001. Furthermore, the level of Alpha amylase activity was low in post presentation in comparison with pre presentation (289658.5±76490.7) and (321693.9±52219.2) respectively. This result was statistically highly significant according to paired one group t-test and the P-value was&lt;=0.0001. Conclusion: It was concluded Stress was elevated in the post-presentation in compare with the pre-presentation. and the levels of alpha amylase were affected by the presenters’ age groups.

Evaluation of levels of salivary alpha-amylase stress biomarker in symptomatic and asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis patients: A clinico-biochemical study

Introduction: Since pulpal pain causes distress to patients, therefore, evaluation of salivary alpha amylase (SAA) which is a stress biomarker in such cases helps evaluate the degree of stress; therefore, the present study aims to estimate SAA levels as stress biomarkers in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Materials and Methods: Forty-five individuals were included in the study and obtained informed written consent. Patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis were selected based on history and clinical and radiographic examination, and participants were further separated into three groups (n = 15) such as Group 1: healthy individuals with no history of pulpal pain, Group 2: patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, and Group 3: patients with asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected using the spit method, and SAA levels were estimated after centrifugation of saliva samples using a colorimetric method known as the 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid method. The intensity of color change was measured using a spectrophotometer at 540 nm for estimating SAA levels. The collected data were later subjected to statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey’s multiple comparison tests (P ≤ 0.05). Results: Group 2 showed the highest values followed by Group 3 and least in Group 1. Multiple comparisons between the groups using post hoc Tukey’s test showed a significant difference between all the groups. Conclusion: A direct correlation was found between SAA levels and the severity of pulpal diseases indicating the highest stress in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis compared to asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis and least in individuals with no pulp disease.

Assessing the Role of Salivary Alpha-Amylase in Dental Caries in Children aged 6–9 Years – A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Introduction: Salivary alpha-amylase is an enzymatic powerhouse, breaking down starch in food and whisking it away from the oral cavity. Its presence in the acquired enamel pellicle hints at involvement in the adhesion of α-amylase-binding bacteria. This study delves into the impact of salivary alpha-amylase in children with varying caries statuses, aiming to understand its correlation with the severity of dental caries. Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the relation between salivary alpha-amylase levels in children with dental caries. Material and Methods: Ninety children in the age range from 6 to 9 years were enrolled. The caries status is assessed using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth index. Each participant provided unstimulated whole saliva samples, which were centrifuged at 5000 rpm for 5 min to eliminate debris. Alpha-amylase concentration was estimated using Auto-analyzer (ERBA EM-200). Results: The mean values of salivary α-amylase were 4.2% higher in girls than in boys. The salivary α-amylase levels were found to increase slightly from the control group to the caries group though statistically nonsignificant. Conclusions: Although salivary α-amylase levels not showed a statistical significance correlation to dental caries, it does throw a light on the biochemical aspect of salivary alpha-amylase correlated to other factors, influencing dental caries such as gender, dietary preferences, adverse oral habits, and hormonal influence.

Evaluation of salivary alpha amylase activity in smokers with periodontitis, Khartoum state, 2023

Introduction and aim. Smoking widely affect oral health, including its role in the development of periodontitis. Saliva contains an antioxidant system and various enzymes. The study was designed to evaluate the activity of salivary alpha amylase among individuals who smoke and have periodontitis. Material and methods. A total of 100 participants were included, with 50 cases (cigarette smokers with periodontitis) and the remaining 50 nonsmokers with healthy periodontium as the control group. Saliva samples were collected to measure salivary alpha amylase activity. Results. Smokers with periodontitis had significantly higher levels of salivary alpha amylase compared to the control group (177.96±14.5 vs 94.04±19.6 IU/mL, p&lt;0.001). Additionally, there was a weak negative correlation between the level of alpha amylase and the age of the patients (p=0.01, r=0.376). However, no correlation was found between the level of alpha amylase and the duration of smoking (p=0.584, r=0.079). Conclusion. There is a significant increase in salivary alpha amylase levels among smokers with periodontitis. No correlation was found between age and salivary alpha amylase levels. However, a weak positive correlation was observed between the duration of smoking and salivary alpha amylase activity.

Effects of a Virtual Reality Game on Children's Anxiety During Dental Procedures (VR-TOOTH): Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Dental fear and anxiety (DFA) is a condition that affects approximately one-quarter of children and adolescents. It is a significant cause for pediatric patients to avoid dental care later in adulthood. Lack of patient cooperation due to DFA can create an environment of stress, often obligating dentists to end appointments prematurely and consider alternative pharmacological treatment options. Virtual reality (VR) use during dental care, providing an immersive experience through sensory stimuli, is potentially an additional nonpharmacologic tool to better manage DFA in children with special health care needs (SHCN) undergoing dental procedures. This pilot study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of VR immersion as a tool to reduce DFA in pediatric special needs patients undergoing dental procedures. The study also aims to gain insight on parent and health care provider perspectives on the use of VR during dental appointments. This pilot randomized controlled trial study will follow a parallel design including 2 groups: a control group (clinic's standard care using a wall TV) and an experimental group (using a VR game). We will randomize 20 participants to either group. Recruitment will be carried out at the dental clinic of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, a tertiary-quaternary care center that mostly serves pediatric patients with SHCN. The primary outcome will be patient recruitment rates and completion rates of planned procedures. DFA in children will be assessed using both an observation-based proxy assessment with the Venham Anxiety and Behavior Rating Scale and physiological assessments using parameters such as change in heart rate and levels of salivary alpha-amylase as a stress biomarker before and 10 minutes after the procedure. Sociodemographic characteristics, measures of the levels of parent and health care professional satisfaction, occurrence of side effects, and any deviation from normal procedure length will also be collected. Descriptive statistics, nonparametric tests, and effect sizes will be used for demographic and clinical variables and to present parent and health care professional satisfaction levels as well as procedural time. This study will be conducted from May 2023 to May 2024, with results expected to be available in December 2024. The pilot study will provide insight on the feasibility and acceptability of VR use in clinical dentistry to reduce DFA for pediatric patients with SHCN. This study will guide future research on VR use in pediatric dentistry and can serve as a framework for a larger randomized clinical trial. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05898100; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05898100. DERR1-10.2196/49956.

Indicators of surgical stress and influence of clinical experience, simulation models, and cadaveric laboratory on the stress response of third-year veterinary students performing first elective surgery.

To evaluate the role of simulation models and previous surgical experience on subjective and objective stress levels of students performing their 1st elective surgery within the veterinary curriculum. 141 third-year veterinary students. Using a pre-post experimental design, salivary alpha-amylase, and cortisol were evaluated as markers of physiologic stress response before students' first elective surgery. Student self-reported State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores and quantitative measures of experience were correlated to biomarker results. No association was found for change in salivary biomarkers of stress, alpha-amylase, and cortisol, between baseline and presurgical samples accounting for gender, age, type of elective surgery performed, previous surgical experience, or simulation model use. Salivary cortisol levels were markedly elevated falling between the 66th and 99th percentile compared to an age and gender-matched population. Salivary alpha-amylase levels were also 2 to 3 times higher than those recorded by other health professionals. Veterinary student STAI scores were high falling between the 65th and 73rd percentile compared to working adults in the general population. Veterinary students' salivary cortisol, alpha-amylase, and STAI scores fell into the upper 2/3rds of the general population, demonstrating a high level of stress. Simulation models and previous surgical experience were not associated with decreased stress. Further evaluation of the implementation of high-fidelity simulation models and the role of stress on performance is indicated.

Clinical correlation of salivary alpha-amylase levels with pain intensity in patients undergoing emergency endodontic treatment

BackgroundPain is usually subjective and thus it is challenging to describe its characteristics such as nature, intensity, and origin. Non-invasive methods such as assessing salivary alpha-amylase (SAA) may aid the practitioner to evaluate the pain intensity. Hence, the current study aimed to correlate the levels of SAA with the pain intensity in patients presenting with varied endodontic pain levels.MethodsSixty patients who presented with varied intensities of endodontic pain were selected for the present study out of which seven patients were excluded/dropped, leaving a total sample of fifty-five patients for assessment. Mandibular molar with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis without periapical pathology were included in the study. A 5ml of un-stimulated was obtained from the patients, following which the local anesthesia was administered. Root canal treatment was then performed and the pain scores at pre-operative and post-operative were recorded. Additionally, salivary samples were collected after emergency endodontic treatment and sent for sialochemical analysis. IBM.SPSS statistics software 23.0 was employed to assess the obtained data.ResultsA statistically significant drop in the pain score (P < 0.001) and SAA levels (P < 0.001) were observed post-operatively in the contract to pre-operative state. A strong positive correlation was reported between SAA levels and pain scores in patients undergoing emergency endodontic treatment at both time intervals namely pre-operative (P < 0.001) and post-operative (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe results of this preliminary showed a strong association between the pain score and SAA levels in patients undergoing an emergency endodontic treatment.

Biological stress responses to multitasking and work interruptions: A randomized controlled trial

In the course of digitalization, new stressors are emerging. In modern working and living environments, two ubiquitous, technology-mediated stressors are multitasking demands and work interruptions. However, biological stress response patterns to multitasking and work interruptions have been sparsely investigated so far. We thus aimed to comprehensively assess biological stress response patterns to both stressors and, additionally, test whether responses differ between digital and partially non-digital settings. A controlled experimental set-up was established and humans’ biological markers of the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS), the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, and the immune system were assessed. N = 186 healthy participants (mean age: 23.2 ± 4.3 years, 74.7% female, body mass-index: 22.3 ± 3.1 kg/m2) took part in this pre-registered study. Each participant was randomly assigned to one of 6 experimental conditions (1 digital single-task, 3 dual-tasks [2 parallel tasks and 1 interruption], 1 multitasking, and 1 passive, control condition). Each one of the dual-tasking as well as the multitasking conditions included a non-digital sub-task, i.e., performing a task in presence of an examiner. All other conditions involved digital tasks only. Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) levels as a marker for SNS reactivity significantly changed in work interruptions, parallel dual-tasking, and multitasking conditions. No changes were found for control conditions. Furthermore, no significant changes over time and no differences between the conditions were identified for three biological markers: cortisol as marker for HPA axis activity as well as for two immune system markers (secretory Immunoglobulin-A, C-reactive protein). A time course similar to sAA was found for perceived stress: with increases during task execution and decreases afterwards in multitasking and parallel dual-tasking. Yet, it did not change for the work interruption, passive control, and single-tasking condition. Overall, our findings show that dual- and multitasking are perceived as stressful and are associated with an activation of the SNS, but not with responses of HPA axis or immune system. This was consistent for digital as well as partially digital task demands. Our findings will also inform future research into the differential stress effects of digital and non-digital tasks to advance our understanding of biological stress response-patterns to multitasking and work interruptions. Therefore, our findings are highly relevant for understanding the long-term biological health effects of stress in modern (digitalized) environments.

Effect of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation on stress-reactive neuroendocrine measures in a sample of persons with temporal lobe epilepsy.

Dysregulation of stress-reactive neuroendocrine measures, as well as subjective stress, have been found to worsen epilepsy. Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is a relatively new treatment option for epilepsy. We were interested in its effect on the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and autonomic nervous system (ANS) as well as subjective stress and tiredness in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Twenty patients (age 44 ± 11 years, 13 women) were enrolled in the study. They were free of seizures for more than 1 year. All took part in two sessions with 4 h of stimulation (tVNS vs. sham) in a randomized order. Saliva samples and subjective stress and tiredness levels were measured at five time points each session (before and after stimulation and three time points every hour in between). Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance as well as paired t-tests. There was a dampened salivary cortisol (sCort) decrease during tVNS (time × condition effect: F[2.38, 38.15] = 6.50, P = 0.002, partial η2 = 0.29). Furthermore, we detected a dampened increase in salivary flow rate during tVNS (time × condition effect: F[3.28, 55.67] = 2.82, P = 0.043, partial η2 = 0.14). There was neither a difference in overall sCort or salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) levels nor in subjective stress or tiredness levels between conditions. sAA levels at the last measurement point were slightly higher during tVNS (t(19) = 2.26, P = 0.035, d = 0.51), but this effect failed to reach significance when controlled for multiple comparisons. Our results partially support that tVNS influences the regulation of stress-reactive neuroendocrine systems (namely the HPA axis and ANS) in epilepsy. More research with larger samples is needed on the difference between short-term and repeated long-term stimulation.

Comparative Assessment of Salivary Level of Cortisol, Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Oral Conditions: A Case Control Study

Introduction: Cortisol, as the main human glucocorticoid, is considered to be a biological marker of stress and anxiety. It is suggested that stress with its presumed effects on the immune system, constitutes one of the major causative agents for oral mucosal alterations. Methodology: To enable the study of gender-based differences in stress, salivary alpha-amylase levels and oral lesions, an equal gender distribution was guaranteed. The individuals were then given a clinical examination to look for oral mucosal alterations caused by stress, such as recurrent aphthous ulcers, oral lichen planus, dry mouth and burning mouth syndrome. To identify Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMDs), which are also linked to stress, trigger points, masticatory muscles and TMJs were examined. Results: 80 participants made up the research team, ranging in age from 24-47 years for the experimental group and 27-50 years for the control group. There was an equal number of men and women in both groups. The investigation group’s average age was 33.70 years, compared to 31.93 years for the control group (p=0.16). The study group’s female participants exhibited stress levels that ranged from 5% (N=1) for light stress to 40% (N=8) for severe stress (p=0.10). Conclusion: However, there was no connection between oral alterations and salivary alpha-amylase.