Salivary C-reactive Protein Research Articles

Diagnostic Reliability of Salivary C-Reactive Protein as an Alternative Noninvasive Biomarker of Neonatal Sepsis

To assess if salivary C-reactive protein (CRP) can be detected in neonatal sepsis and correlate the levels of salivary and serum CRP. This analytical cross-sectional study included all neonates £28 days of life with suspected sepsis or with perinatal risk factors for sepsis. Saliva was collected using an absorbent swab and analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, along with serum CRP. Salivary CRP was detectable in 135 subjects (99%). An increase was seen in median (IQR) levels from 0.25 (0.13,0.3) ng/mL in clinical sepsis group to 0.6 (0.3,1.4) ng/mL in screen positive/blood culture negative group, and to 1.98 (0.54, 2.95) ng/mL in blood culture positive group. There was a moderate positive correlation between salivary and serum CRP (r=0.63, P value 0.01). On receiver-operator characteristics curve, the area under the curve of salivary CRP for predicting serum CRP ≥10 mg/L was 0.861 (95% CI, 0.78 to 0.94; P <0.001), with the optimal salivary CRP cut-off being 0.6 ng/mL. Salivary CRP could be used as an alternative biomarker of neonatal sepsis.

Evaluation of Salivary C-Reactive Protein and Psychological Factors in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Aetiology and pathogenesis of Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) has been focus of research since a long time and various aetiological factors like autoimmunity, heredity, drugs, dental materials, psychological factors, especially stress and anxiety have been reported to be associated with this disease. Few studies in past have found significant elevations in C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels in individuals who reported to be having chronic stress. Both altered salivary CRP levels and psychological stress have been reported in OLP patients. To the best of our knowledge no such studies have been conducted in past, so a need was felt to conduct a study to evaluate and also correlate salivary CRP and psychological factors in OLP patients. Aim: To evaluate salivary CRP and psychological factors and assess only possible correlation between them in patients with OLP. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included of two groups: Group A- consisting of 33 individuals clinically diagnosed with OLP and Group B- consisting of 33, age and gender matched healthy individuals. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used for all the participants to evaluate the psychological factors. Salivary CRP levels were evaluated using Mispa i2 Nephelometry. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. Results: Mean salivary CRP value among cases was 3.42±2.786 and among controls was 2.84±.848. Mean HADS score among cases was 6.60±2.796 and among controls was 2.70±.948. Mean Salivary CRP and HADS values were higher in OLP patients compared to controls. However, no statistical significant association could be established between CRP and HADS in patients with OLP (p=0.200). Conclusion: No correlation between psychological status and CRP levels could be established in patients with OLP. CRP couldbe used as a diagnostic marker in oral premalignantlesions.

Estimation and Correlation of Serum and Salivary C-Reactive Protein in Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders

Background: A large proportion of oral cancers arise from oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). Very few studies have assessed serum and salivary C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in OPMDs warranting further research. Furthermore, no study has evaluated the correlation of serum and salivary CRP in OPMDs to the best of our knowledge. Objectives: The study aimed to compare serum and salivary CRP levels between subjects with OPMDs and controls along with their correlation. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 subjects with 30 subjects each in the study (Group 1) and control group (Group 2) were included. Group 1 was further categorized into group 1a, 1b, and 1c comprising 10 subjects each of Leukoplakia, Oral lichen planus (OLP), and Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). Group 2 comprised of 30 age and gender-matched controls. Results: Higher mean serum and salivary CRP levels were found in subjects of Group 1 (5.91 ± 3.11 mg/L and 1.00 ± 0.45 mg/L, respectively) as compared to group 2 (2.18 ± 0.66 mg/L and 0.48 ± 0.33 mg/L) with a statistically significant difference (P &lt; 0.001). There was a positive correlation between serum and salivary CRP levels values in both group 1 (P &lt; 0.001) and group 2. Conclusion: Higher serum and salivary CRP levels in OPMD subjects in comparison with controls indicate its role as a potential biomarker in the early detection of oral cancer. A positive correlation between the two potentiates the use of saliva as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for detection of CRP.

Investigation of salivary C-reactive protein and interleukin-18 for the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.

Background:Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of death in neonates worldwide. The investigation of biomarkers for the early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis is in progress with controversial outcomes. The current report aims to evaluate the values of salivary C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) for the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.Materials and Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 89 neonates, including 49 neonatal septic case and 40 healthy group admitted at the neonatal intensive care unit, were evaluated. The salivary samples of IL-18 and CRP were measured before the antibiotic therapy initiation, as soon as blood samplings. Sepsis diagnosis was confirmed by the positive blood culture. The diagnostic values of the biomarkers were determined using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) analysis. Besides, the sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV) positive likelihood ratio (LR+), negative likelihood ratio (LR-), and diagnostic accuracy were measured.Results:Salivary CRP level was remarkably higher in septic case than healthy group (5.2 ± 4.61 vs. 3.5 ± 1.7; P = 0.02), while salivary IL-18 was not different between the groups (0.1 ± 0.29 vs. 0.04 ± 0.19; P = 0.25). The ROC curve for IL-18 showed insignificant values (P = 0.37). The ROC curve of salivary CRP showed area under the curve of 0.63 (95% confidence interval: 0.51–0.74; P = 0.03) with the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, LR+, LR − and diagnostic accuracy of 44.9% (31.8–58.7), 80% (65.2–89.5), 73.3% (55.5–85.82), 54.2% (41.6–66.3), 60.6% (50.29–70.18), 2.24 (1.57–3.2), and 0.68 (0.63–0.75) at the cutoff of 4.55 ng/L, respectively.Conclusion:Based on the findings of the current study, salivary CRP can be considered a biomarker for the early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis, while no statistical values for salivary IL-18 were detected. Due to the significance of neonatal sepsis, further evaluations are strongly recommended.

A comparison of nutritional adequacy, body composition, blood pressure and salivary C-reactive protein between a sample of young adults following vegan and omnivorous diets

A comparison of nutritional adequacy, body composition, blood pressure and salivary C-reactive protein between a sample of young adults following vegan and omnivorous diets

Using mobile sensing data to assess stress: Associations with perceived and lifetime stress, mental health, sleep, and inflammation.

BackgroundAlthough stress is a risk factor for mental and physical health problems, it can be difficult to assess, especially on a continual, non-invasive basis. Mobile sensing data, which are continuously collected from naturalistic smartphone use, may estimate exposure to acute and chronic stressors that have health-damaging effects. This initial validation study validated a mobile-sensing collection tool against assessments of perceived and lifetime stress, mental health, sleep duration, and inflammation.MethodsParticipants were 25 well-characterized healthy young adults (Mage = 20.64 years, SD = 2.74; 13 men, 12 women). We collected affective text language use with a custom smartphone keyboard. We assessed participants’ perceived and lifetime stress, depression and anxiety levels, sleep duration, and basal inflammatory activity (i.e. salivary C-reactive protein and interleukin-1β).ResultsThree measures of affective language (i.e. total positive words, total negative words, and total affective words) were strongly associated with lifetime stress exposure, and total negative words typed was related to fewer hours slept (all large effect sizes: r = 0.50 – 0.78). Total positive words, total negative words, and total affective words typed were also associated with higher perceived stress and lower salivary C-reactive protein levels (medium effect sizes; r = 0.22 – 0.32).ConclusionsData from this initial longitudinal validation study suggest that total and affective text use may be useful mobile sensing measures insofar as they are associated with several other stress, mental health, behavioral, and biological outcomes. This tool may thus help identify individuals at increased risk for stress-related health problems.

Effects of two different types of single exercise modes on salivary C-reactive protein concentration, oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity in post-myocardial infarction patients

ABSTRACT Objectives The aim of the study was to determine the effects of two different types of single cardiac rehabilitation (CR) exercise modes on the inflammation status, oxidative stress and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of saliva. Methods The study involved two groups of CR patients: group A (n = 21) used a cycloergometer, and group B (n = 21) received breathing and balance exercises. C-reactive protein as an inflammatory biomarker, malondialdehyde (MDA) as a measure of the level of oxidative stress and salivary 2.2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) as an index of TAC were performed twice: before the beginning of the CR exercise (pre-CR) and immediately after (post-CR). Results No significant changes were observed for the inflammatory response of saliva after CR exercise regardless of its type. MDA decreased (pre-CR: 39.7 ± 101.9 vs. post-CR: 16.8 ± 44.3 ng·mL−1; p < 0.01) and DPPH increased (pre-CR: 25.9 ± 16.7 vs. post-CR: 32.6 ± 14.0% reduction; p < 0.05) after CR exercise in the group B, with similar but not statistically significant changes in the group A. Discussion Two popular exercise modes, especially breathing and balance exercises, reduce salivary oxidative stress and enhance the antioxidant potential of saliva in CR patients. The approval of saliva as a non-invasive source of information about inflammation status, oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity in cardiac patients requires further studies.

Comparison of the Salivary Levels of Homocysteine and C-Reactive Protein in Type 1 Diabetic Patients and Healthy Individuals

Background: Diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM-1) is associated with pancreatic beta-cell destruction, inflammatory processes, and cardiovascular disorders. C-reactive protein (CRP) and homocysteine are considered as inflammatory processes and cardiovascular disorder indicators that can be used for monitoring patients with DM-1. The present study aimed to compare the salivary levels of homocysteine and CRP of DM-1 patients with those of healthy people. Methods: In this case-control study, 82 patients participated, including 41 DM-1 patients (case group) and 41 healthy people (control group). The case and control groups were matched in terms of age, gender, and body mass index, and 5 mL of the saliva was collected from each participant. Then, the salivary levels of CRP and homocysteine were measured for each patient. Finally, several parameters were recorded for diabetic patients, including fasting blood glucose (FBS), 2-hour postprandial glucose (2hpp), and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), as well as the duration of the disease and the type and amount of insulin injections. Eventually, data were analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: The salivary CRP and homocysteine concentration had no significant difference between patients and controls (P&gt;0.05). There was no significant correlation between the salivary level of homocysteine and CRP and FBS, 2hpp, HbA1c, albuminuria, duration of disease, type and amount of insulin injection (P&lt;0.05). Conclusions: According to the results of the current study, the measurement of the salivary levels of CRP and homocysteine could not be helpful for monitoring patients with DM-1.

Comparison of Salivary and Serum C Reactive Protein Levels in Periodontitis and Healthy Patients using ELISA - A Clinico Pathological Study

Background: Periodontitis is one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases in the world. C-reactive protein (CRP) is important due to its crucial role in atherosclerosis as a marker. This study evaluates both salivary and serum CRP levels, Gingival Index, Plaque Index, Bleeding Index, and probing pocket depth. Methodology: A total of 150 participants were enrolled, out of which 50 were healthy, i.e., did not have periodontitis, 50 patients were suffering from chronic periodontitis previously called adult periodontitis, and 50 patients were suffering from aggressive periodontitis with features of rapid attachment loss and bone destruction. All these patients were divided into three groups, and salivary as well as serum samples were collected from each group which were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The results showed that both salivary and serum CRP levels were highest in aggressive periodontitis patients followed by chronic periodontitis patients and least in healthy individuals. Conclusion: Both salivary and serum CRP are effective markers in evaluating the severity of periodontal disease.

Immediate and longitudinal effects of maltreatment on systemic inflammation in young children.

Exposure to child maltreatment increases the risk for psychiatric and physical diseases. Inflammation has been proposed as a mechanism through which early adverse experiences become biologically embedded. However, most studies providing evidence for the link between early adverse exposures and inflammation have been retrospective or cross-sectional in design, or did not assess inflammation immediately after maltreatment in young children. In the present study we investigated the association between childhood maltreatment and salivary C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in a population of N = 173 children, 3-5 years of age, who were recruited in the immediate aftermath of maltreatment and followed-up longitudinally every 6 months over a period of 2 years. We found that the association between maltreatment and CRP concentrations was significantly moderated by child sex, such that in girls, CRP concentrations were higher in the maltreated compared to the control group, and this difference was stable across the 2-year follow-up-period, while in boys, there was no association between maltreatment and CRP. Our findings suggest that the effect of maltreatment on inflammation may already emerge right after exposure at a very young age in girls and manifest over time. Our study provides important evidence for the development of personalized, early interventions strategies targeting the early-life period.

Probiotic supplementation elicits favourable changes in muscle soreness and sleep quality in rugby players

Probiotic supplementation may offer team sport athletes a range of benefits beyond the immune and gastrointestinal systems. ObjectivesTo examine the effects of a probiotic formulation on perceptual markers of sleep quality and quantity, and muscle soreness, leg heaviness and motivation in elite rugby union athletes. MethodsA double-blind randomised controlled trial involving 19 elite male rugby athletes was conducted over 17 weeks encompassing both domestic and international competition. Psychometric variables and salivary biomarkers were assessed twice a week. Athletes were assigned either a daily probiotic (Ultrabiotic 60™) and Saccharomyces boulardii (during international competition) or a placebo. Associations between psychometric scores for perceptual and salivary biomarkers of sleep (melatonin) and inflammation C-reactive protein (CRP) were investigated. ResultsMuscle soreness was ∼0.5 units lower (F(1, 343)=42.646, p<0.0001) and leg heaviness scores ∼0.7 units lower (F(1, 334)=28.990, p<0.0001) in the probiotic group compared to the placebo group. Across both groups, as self-reported muscle soreness scores and salivary CRP concentrations increased, sleep quantity, quality and motivation scores decreased. Conversely as muscle soreness scores and CRP decreased, sleep quantity and quality, and motivation scores improved. ConclusionsA long-term programme of probiotic supplementation in international-level rugby union players may yield favourable effects on self-reported muscle soreness and sleep quality associated with muscle soreness during training and competitions.

Oral microbiome composition, but not diversity, is associated with adolescent anxiety and depression symptoms

PurposeDepression and anxiety are highly prevalent disorders, whose significant burden is compounded by the presence of oral disease. Mental health disorders and oral health may be associated via changes to the oral microbiome, involving increased pro-inflammatory communication and cortisol in saliva. The present study provides the first culture-independent investigation of the oral microbiome considering depression and anxiety symptoms in adolescence, a critical age where these conditions begin to emerge and co-occur. It also investigates whether inflammation and cortisol moderate these relationships. MethodsParticipants (N = 66) aged 14–18 years (69.70% female) self-reported oral health, depression and anxiety symptoms, and collected saliva samples across two days. Saliva was assayed for cortisol and C-reactive protein (CRP), and used for 16S rRNA gene sequencing to estimate the oral microbiome. Multivariate statistical analyses examined associations. ResultsOverall diversity of the oral microbiome did not differ between adolescents by anxiety or depression grouping (low versus high symptoms), and was not associated with symptom measures. Depression and anxiety symptoms were instead associated with differential abundance of specific bacterial taxa, including Spirochaetaceae, Actinomyces, Treponema, Fusobacterium and Leptotrichia spp. Several host mood-microbial relationships were moderated by proposed mechanisms, including salivary cortisol and CRP. ConclusionsOral microbiome composition, but not diversity, was associated with adolescent anxiety and depression symptoms. Longitudinal studies considering these associations would improve mechanistic understanding. This research indicates that adolescence remains an essential developmental period to identify early targets for intervention.

Use of saliva sample to detect C-reactive protein in children with pneumonia.

Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is a sensitive biomarker for inflammation and is broadly used to clinically diagnose infectious diseases, including pneumonia. However, blood sampling is fraught with technical difficulties in children. The salivary analysis may be a potential diagnostic tool, as it is noninvasive, patient-friendly, and easy to perform in children. This study aimed to evaluate the use of salivary CRP as a biomarker for children with pneumonia. A prospective study was conducted in patients aged 2 to 17 years, admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. Saliva and serum samples for CRP and chemokine determination were collected at the initial admission and during a follow-up from pediatric patients with pneumonia. Salivary samples were also collected from healthy subjects used as controls. A total of 60 healthy children and 106 pediatric patients with pneumonia were enrolled in this study. The salivary CRP level was much higher in pediatric patients with pneumonia than in healthy children (48.77 ± 5.52 ng/mL vs 14.78 ± 3.92 ng/mL; P < .001). Salivary CRP level was highly correlated with serum CRP level in pediatric patients with pneumonia (r = .679; P < .001). Salivary CRP level (≥40.307 ng/mL) can be used to predict high serum CRP levels (≥80 mg/L) with an area under the curve of 0.810 (95% confidence interval, 0.740-0.881). As pneumonia improved, both salivary and serum CRP levels decreased during follow-up. Salivary CRP could be an alternative biomarker for serum CRP in pediatric patients with pneumonia. This is especially beneficial for pediatric patients, as saliva collection is simple, noninvasive, and patient-friendly.

Neuromuscular, Endocrine, And Perceptual Recovery Following A Youth American Football Game

PURPOSE: American football is a high-intensity intermittent sport consisting of various movements and repeated collisions which makes recovery from a game challenging to adequately prepare for the next competition. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the time course of recovery assessed by neuromuscular function, salivary biomarkers, and perceptual fatigue following a youth American football game. METHODS: Thirteen male American football youth athletes were monitored for 7 days following a single football game. Baseline measures were taken at 28h pre-game for lower body neuromuscular function via countermovement jumps (CMJ) to determine peak power (PP), jump height (JH), flight time (FT), and takeoff velocity (TOV). Saliva was analyzed for cortisol, testosterone, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Perceptual recovery was assessed by modified profile of mood states (POMS), perceived recovery status (PRS), and a daily wellness questionnaire consisting of four 10-point Likert scale questions examining stress, muscle soreness, sleep quality, and energy. These measures were repeated immediately post-game (30min), and at 20h, 44h, 68h, 92h, 116h, 140h post-game. RESULTS: Compared to baseline values there was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in CMJ PP, JH, TOV up to 68h post-game and FT 44h post-game. No significant difference existed among time points for salivary testosterone and CRP. Salivary cortisol concentration significantly increased following the game (baseline 0.12±0.09ug/dl, post-game 0.34±0.25ug/dl; p<0.05). Daily wellness ratings for energy were significantly decreased (baseline 7.2±1.6, post-game 4.7±2.4; p<0.05) while daily wellness ratings for soreness were significantly increased (baseline 4.6±2.6, post-game 6.3±1.3 (p<0.05) immediately following the game. POMS total mood disturbance, significantly increased (baseline -1.5±7.0, post-game 15.6±9.4; p<0.05) following the game. Athletes PRS exhibited a significant decrease in recovery up to 44h post-game (p<0.05), similar to the decrease in neuromuscular function. CONCLUSION: Neuromuscular function and PRS are impaired for up to 44-68h post-game. Coaches should consider the time course of post-game recovery when implementing practices and strength training to ensure adequate recovery from competition.

Comparative Analysis of C-Reactive Protein Levels in the Saliva and Serum of Dogs with Various Diseases.

Simple SummaryWhen collecting blood samples in dogs for evaluating inflammatory conditions, this method is invasive and stressful to dogs. We compared the C-reactive protein (CRP) level in both blood and saliva samples to investigate the non-invasive test method for inflammation. There was a correlation between the blood and saliva CRP levels. This non-invasive test using saliva seems to be a useful method with which to assess inflammatory conditions in dogs.We performed this study to characterize the difference between the inflammatory and non-inflammatory status in diseased dogs by measuring salivary C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. In addition, we assessed whether a correlation exists between CRP levels in saliva and those in serum. CRP levels were measured in 32 client-owned dogs, which were then divided into inflammation and non-inflammation groups based on the serum CRP level. The salivary CRP level was higher in the inflammation group than in the non-inflammation group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between the salivary and serum CRP levels (R = 0.866, p < 0.001). These data suggest that canine salivary CRP measurements can effectively and non-invasively detect an inflammatory state in dogs.

0265 Cortisol and C-Reactive Protein Fail to Predict Individual Differences in Neurobehavioral Performance Responses to Total Sleep Deprivation and Psychological Stress

Abstract Introduction Individuals show marked differential vulnerability in neurobehavioral deficits from psychosocial stress and sleep deprivation. Although changes in salivary cortisol and C-reactive protein (CRP) typically occur across total sleep deprivation (TSD) and recovery sleep, whether these biological markers during fully rested conditions predict individual differences in cognitive performance during TSD and stress remains unknown. Methods Thirty-one healthy adults (ages 27–53; mean ± SD, 35.4 ± 7.1y; 14 females) participated in a five-day experiment consisting of two 8h time-in-bed (TIB) baseline nights, followed by 39h TSD, and two 8h-10h TIB recovery nights. A modified Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) was conducted on the day of TSD to induce psychological stress. Salivary cortisol and CRP from blood were obtained at six time points during the study (pre-study, baseline, during TSD, during TSD after the TSST, after recovery, and post-study). A median split of TSD performance [total lapses (&amp;gt;500 ms response time) and errors] on the 10-minute Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT) defined cognitively resilient (n=15) and cognitively vulnerable (n=16) groups. Repeated measures ANOVA and post-hoc comparisons corrected for multiple testing, examined cortisol and CRP across time points between groups. Results In both cognitively resilient and vulnerable individuals, cortisol increased with TSD compared to baseline in the morning and decreased with TSD + psychological stress in the afternoon compared to TSD alone. By contrast, there were no significant changes in CRP levels throughout the experiment. In addition, there were no significant time*group interactions in cortisol or CRP levels. Conclusion Salivary cortisol increased with TSD compared to baseline and showed a time-of-day effect with stress during TSD. Notably, cortisol and CRP did not differ between cognitively resilient and vulnerable individuals across TSD, psychological stress or recovery sleep and thus are not reliable biomarkers for predicting performance under these conditions. Support NASA NNX14AN49G.

Syndemics and salivary inflammation in people living with HIV/AIDS

Objective People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are disproportionally exposed to a host of structural, community, and individual-level physical and psychosocial stressors also termed ‘syndemic conditions.’ The current study aimed to examine the association between experiencing syndemic conditions and physiological stress response and be associated with bodily inflammation, including Interlekin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in PLWHA. Design Participants (N = 103) were recruited from a public HIV clinic. They provided saliva samples of IL-6 and CRP and completed psychosocial measures. Main outcome measures Levels of circulating salivary IL-6 and CRP. Results When predictors (birth country, recent housing instability, and incarceration history) were simultaneously entered into a regression model, only incarceration history was negatively associated with IL-6 [b = −.27, t(98) = −3.11, p = .002]. For CRP, the resulting regression model was not significant, [F(3, 98) = 2.23, p = .090]. Conclusion Although we had expected higher levels of syndemics to be associated with higher levels of circulating inflammation, in our sample, length of incarceration was associated with lower levels of circulating IL-6. Findings are therefore suggestive of a stress response disruption resulting in a negative feedback loop as the long-term impact of chronic stress on inflammation.

C-reactive protein in saliva and dried blood spot as markers of stress reactivity in healthy African-Americans.

Aim: Noninvasive assessments of C-reactive protein (CRP) in stress contexts have seldom been compared. This study evaluated CRP response to acute social stress as measured in saliva and dried blood spot (DBS). Materials & methods: African-Americans (N=118; mean age=32years) participated in a laboratory-based social-evaluative stressor task. Six saliva samples taken before, during and after were assayed for salivary CRP. DBS measurements of CRP were taken alongside saliva at the first and last collection. Results: Salivary and DBS CRP were modestly positively associated with one another at baseline, and only salivary CRP increased in response to the stressor task. Conclusion: Noninvasive measures of CRP reactivity may be only moderately related to one another in stress reactivity contexts.

Serum and Salivary Level of Nitric Oxide (NOx) and CRP in Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) Patients.

Statement of the Problem: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory oral mucosal disease with unclear etiology while a few cases of disease become malignant.Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the level of nitric oxide (NOx) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as oxidative stress and inflammation status in sample of OLP patients.Materials and Method: In this case-control study, serum and salivary NOx and CRP levels were evaluated in twenty two OLP patients as the case group confirmed by clinical and histopathological diagnosis, and twenty two healthy control groups collected from Tooba Oral Pathology Laboratory in Sari in 2016. The data were analyzed by using independent-samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test and Chi-square by using SPSS version 21. The statistical significant level was considered at p< 0.05.Results: Salivary and serum NOx levels in case group showed statistically significantly higher than healthy control group (p= 0.035 and p= 0.001, respectively). CRP values were significantly higher both in serum (p= 0.001) and in saliva (p= 0.035). A significant correlation was found between CRP and NOx values in serum (r= 0.521, p= 0.0001) and saliva (r= 0.427, p= 0.045).Conclusion: Oxidative stress causes damage to organs in the human body. Correct understanding of oxidative stress and its association with free radicals and inflammatory markers related to oral disease are important for effective treatments. The results of the study advocate the effects of NOx and CRP levels in pathogenesis of OLP. Therefore, antioxidant drugs might probably be considered in the treatment of OLP.

Acute Physiological Responses Following a Bout of Vigorous Exercise in Military Soldiers and First Responders with PTSD: An Exploratory Pilot Study.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent and debilitating condition associated with psychological conditions and chronic diseases that may be underpinned by dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system (ANS), the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and chronic systemic low-grade inflammation. The objective of this pilot study was to determine psychological, ANS [heart rate variability (HRV)], HPA (salivary cortisol) and inflammatory (salivary C-Reactive Protein) responses to a bout of vigorous exercise in male first responders, military veterans and active duty personnel with (n = 4) and without (n = 4) PTSD. Participants (50.1 ± 14.8 years) performed a thirteen-minute, vigorous intensity (70%–80% of heart rate max), one-on-one boxing session with a certified coach. Physiological and psychological parameters were measured before, during, immediately after to 30 min post-exercise, and then at 24 h and 48 h post. The effect sizes demonstrated large to very large reductions in HRV that lasted up to 48 h post-exercise in the PTSD group compared with unclear effects in the trauma-exposed control (TEC) group. There were unclear effects for depression, anxiety and stress as well as salivary biomarkers for both groups at all time-points. Findings may reflect stress-induced changes to the ANS for PTSD sufferers.