Salivary Chromogranin A Levels Research Articles

Salivary Chromogranin A: A Novel Diagnostic Bio-Marker for Alzheimer's Disease

Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease will be helpful as no clinical method is available to determine the role of mild cognitive impairment. Chromogranins are soluble glycophosphoproteins which activate microglial cells leading to neurotoxic phenotype. There is need for biomarkers through non-invasive approach to identify incipient Alzheimer’s disease patients with mild cognitive impairment. Chromogranin A present in saliva samples was determined using ELISA. The immunoreactive patterns of Salivary CgA were assayed in dementia and compared to those observed in Alzheimer's disease. Salivary CgA level in Alzheimer’s disease patients was 6.54 pmol/ml and 0.23 pmol/ml in control group. Plasma CgA in dementia patients was 85.76 ng/ml and 60.34 ng/ml in control. Statistical analysis showed significant difference level of P ≤ 0.05. This study showed that salivary CgA levels were reduced at early stages of AD. Chromogranin A (CgA) in saliva exhibited significant reduction in immunoreactivity and to be selectively associated with prion protein deposits, CgA was only found in Amyloid beta plaques. This shows influence of constitutive amyloid protein on chromogranin secretion and role of CgA in AD neurodegenerative process. This study shows that biochemical and psychosocial stress can play major role in CgA and acts as potential biomarker for the diagnosis of AD type dementia.

The associations between anxiety/depression and plasma chromogranin A among healthy workers: Results from EHOP study.

ObjectivesChromogranin A (CgA) is regarded as an indicator of sympathetic tone and adrenomedullary system activity. Catestatin is one of CgA‐derived fragments through proteolytic processing. Many studies have confirmed the correlation between anxiety/depression and the salivary CgA level. The study was to investigate the associations between anxiety/depression and plasma CgA/catestatin levels in healthy workers without cardiovascular disease.MethodsThe study included 263 healthy workers (175 men and 88 women). The symptoms of anxiety and depression were measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Plasma CgA and catestatin levels were measured by ELISA kits.ResultsIn bivariate correlation analysis, anxiety and depression were positively associated with plasma CgA level, respectively (r = 0.298, P < .001; r = 0.304, P < .001), but not significantly associated with plasma catestatin level.The anxiety group had significantly higher plasma CgA level than that in the no‐anxiety group (median 158.60 vs 70.90, P < .001). The similar results were found for depression scales. The depression group had significantly higher plasma CgA level (median 145.60 vs 82.40, P < .001).In the multiple linear regression model, after adjusting for age, gender, and BMI, anxiety was positively correlated with plasma CgA level (β = 0.359, P < .001), while anxiety was negatively correlated with plasma catestatin level (β = −0.128, P = .044), depression was also positively correlated with plasma CgA level (β = 0.343, P < .001).ConclusionsPlasma CgA was associated with anxiety and depression in healthy workers. It can be considered as the blood indicator for the evaluation of anxiety and depression.

Salivary chromogranin A and myeloid-related protein-8/14 from periodontitis patients with type 2 diabetes.

The bidirectional relationship between diabetes mellitus and chronic periodontitis is well known from clinical trials. Periodontitis in diabetic patients is characterized by severe inflammation and tissue destruction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the levels of chromogranin A (CgA), a stress marker, and myeloid-related protein (MRP)-8/14, an inflammatory marker, in saliva from patients with periodontitis and diabetes mellitus, and to investigate the relationship between CgA and MRP-8/14 in all individuals and in the three groups separately. Stimulated saliva was collected from 20 diabetic patients with chronic periodontitis, 16 patients with chronic periodontitis, and 21 healthy individuals. Salivary CgA and MRP-8/14 were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Salivary CgA and MRP-8/14 levels were assessed in the saliva of diabetic periodontitis and periodontitis patients, and the relationship with periodontal disease severity was investigated. CgA values in saliva samples from chronic periodontitis patients and diabetic patients with chronic periodontitis were significantly higher than those of the control group. MRP-8/14 values in saliva from chronic periodontitis patients and diabetic patients with chronic periodontitis was significantly higher than that in the control group. Salivary CgA level was positively correlated to MRP-8/14 in all individuals, but there was no significant correlation within the chronic periodontitis patient group, diabetic patients with chronic periodontitis group, and the healthy patient group. No significant correlation between salivary CgA/MRP-8/14 and clinical parameters of periodontitis was found in the three groups. The results suggest that salivary CgA and MRP-8/14 could be related to the pathogenesis of periodontitis and diabetes. CgA concentration in saliva was positively associated with increased MRP-8/14 in all individuals.

Effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy on stress and salivary Chromogranin-A levels: A clinico-biochemical study.

The aim of the study was to compare chromogranin A (CgA) and stress levels before and after non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). A sample of 40 patients in the age range 25-60 years were included in the study and were divided into gingivitis (10 subjects), chronic periodontitis (CP) (15 patients) and aggressive periodontitis (AgP) (15 patients). The patients were asked to complete two sets of stress questionnaires, plaque index, gingival index, probing depth and clinical attachment levels (CAL) were recorded. Salivary samples were taken at baseline and were repeated three months post NSPT. CgA was detected in saliva samples of all the groups. A statistically significant correlation was established between levels of CgA and stress parameters, which was shown to be the highest in AgP (P < 0.001), followed by CP group (P < 0.005) at baseline. Following NSPT, an overall reduction was observed in the levels of CgA, which was correlated with the overall reduction in stress levels for AgP group (P < 0.005) followed by CP group (P < 0.037). Amongst the clinical parameters, CAL showed the strongest correlation with CgA both at baseline and after NSPT (P < 0.001). Stress was directly correlated to the levels of salivary CgA levels, which was the highest for aggressive periodontitis at baseline. NSPT showed a marked improvement in all the parameters. Levels of CgA and CAL showed a significant correlation in both the CP and AgP groups.

Changes in salivary chromogranin A levels in adults with atopic dermatitis are correlated with changes in their condition.

Stress-induced scratching is an issue in patients with adult atopic dermatitis (AD). Symptoms of stress-induced AD are common in clinical practise. Salivary chromogranin A (CgA) level has research value as a possible index related to a patient's psychological stress. Using saliva, which is easily collectable, we compared two assessments of the severities of AD and stress with the levels of stress proteins in the saliva of 30 patients with AD in the Department of Dermatology of Shimane University between April 2015 and May 2017. The severities of AD and stress were assessed using the Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) score and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score, respectively. Additionally, the assessments included those of personality using the Tokyo University Egogram (TEG)-II score and quality of life using the Dermatology Life Quality Index score. Simultaneously, we measured their salivary CgA levels. The change in salivary CgA per protein in patients with AD was correlated with their changes in SCORAD score (correlation coefficient, r = 0.596, P = 0.001) and objective SCORAD (r = 0.608, P < 0.001). The changes in CgA per protein correlated with those in TEG-II A (r = 0.370, P = 0.022), while the changes in SCORAD score correlated with those in DLQI (r = 0.309, P = 0.048). Our results suggest that changes in a patient's condition are reflective of the changes in the patient's stress. The changes in salivary CgA level in patients with AD correlated with the changes in their condition.

Salivary function impairment in type 2 Diabetes patients associated with concentration and genetic polymorphisms of chromogranin A.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on salivary function impairments according to glycemic control status and subsequently compare the concentration of chromogranin A (CHGA) with its genetic profile. Thirty-six patients with controlled T2DM, 36 with poorly controlled T2DM, and 38 nondiabetic subjects underwent salivary flow rate measurements by means of unstimulated labial (ULS), unstimulated whole (UWS), and stimulated whole saliva (SWS) collections. CHGA concentrations were determined in saliva and plasma with ELISA, and two CHGA polymorphisms (T-415C and Glu264Asp) were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. T2DM patients presented significantly lower ULS and UWS flow rates regardless of glycemic control status compared to controls (P = 0.002 and P = 0.027, respectively). The SWS flow rate in the poorly controlled T2DM was the lowest among the groups (P = 0.026). Significantly higher plasma and salivary CHGA levels were found in T2DM groups (P = 0.019 and P < 0.001, respectively). CHGA gene variants (T-415C and Glu264Asp) revealed significant differences between diabetics and control subjects when associated with lower salivary flow and higher salivary CHGA production (P < 0.05). T2DM causes abnormalities in the function of salivary glands. However, poorly controlled T2DM has the most influence on SWS flow rates. Our findings indicate an association between plasma and salivary CHGA levels and T2DM patients. Furthermore, the results suggest that CGHA polymorphisms might be associated with salivary gland hypofunction and higher salivary CHGA production in T2DM patients. Nevertheless, further epidemiological studies are required to elucidate this clinical implication. Salivary impairments and high levels of CHGA are associated with T2DM patients. In addition, CGHA polymorphisms might be associated with salivary gland hypofunction and higher salivary CHGA production in T2DM patients. This could be a significant insight to establish a role for salivary CHGA as a potential clinical biomarker to T2DM.

Impact of glycemic control on oral health status in type 2 diabetes individuals and its association with salivary and plasma levels of chromogranin A

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of glycemic control status in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) individuals on clinical oral health indicators and to compare the concentrations of plasma and salivary chromogranin A (CHGA) among nondiabetic subjects and T2DM patients, exploring their associations. DesignIn this cross-sectional study, 32 patients with controlled T2DM, 31 with poorly controlled T2DM and 37 nondiabetic subjects underwent a clinical and periodontal examination. CHGA concentrations were determined in saliva and plasma with ELISA. ResultsPoorly controlled T2DM group exhibited significantly higher mean buffering capacity, plaque index and bleeding on probing than other groups (P<0.05). No difference was found to DMFT (decayed, missed and filled teeth) index between groups. Sites with clinical attachment loss (CAL) of 4 and 5–6mm were significantly higher in both diabetic groups compared to control group (P<0.05). Poorly controlled T2DM group had significantly higher sites with CAL≥7mm than other groups (P=0.001). Significantly higher plasma and salivary CHGA levels were found in T2DM groups (P<0.05). In both diabetic groups, probing depths 5–6mm and CAL 5–6mm were associated with higher salivary CHGA concentration (P<0.05). ConclusionsThe findings revealed that T2DM patients were more prone to periodontal tissue damage than to caries risk. The results also provide some evidence that the degree of attachment loss deteriorates significantly with poor glycemic control in T2DM (CAL≥7mm). Moreover, the results suggest that high concentrations of salivary CHGA are associated with worse periodontal parameters and T2DM, and this could be related to the pathogenesis of both diseases.

The effects of nocturnal electromyographic biofeedback on sleep quality and psychological stress

Sleep bruxism (SB) causes many dental problems and complications with fixed partial dentures on implants. Although it is an important issue in clinical dentistry, no reliable treatment is available for SB. In the present study, we employed the electromyographic biofeedback device SleepGuardTM, which is attached to the forehead, detects SB, and alerts subjects with a gentle beeping sound to stop SB. The aim of the present study was to clarify the effects of biofeedback treatment on the incidence of masticatory muscle activity, sleep quality, and psychological stress levels. Ten subjects (five male and five female subjects) participated in the study, and a crossover design was used. Sleep measurements were taken on three consecutive nights to obtain data without SleepGuardTM (baseline group), with SleepGuardTM with the beeping sound (on group), and with SleepGuardTM without the beeping sound (off group). Data obtained on the final day were evaluated. STAI-JYZ scores were assessed and salivary chromogranin A (CgA) levels and cortisol concentrations were measured to compare psychological and physical stress after sleep. Friedman’s and Dunn’s tests were used to compare each parameter among the three groups. A marked decrease was observed in the incidence of SB events per hour in seven subjects in the on group. The beeping of SleepGuardTM did not affect the percentage of sleep stages, salivary CgA levels, cortisol concentrations, or STAI-JYZ scores. Our results suggest that biofeedback therapy with a beeping sound inhibited SB without negatively impacting sleep quality or psychological stress.

The relationship between salivary levels of cortisol, chromogranin A (CgA) and xerostomia in post-menopausal women

PurposeMenopause may be associated with some adverse changes, such as oral dryness (OD) feeling. The exact mechanisms that mediate sensation of OD in menopausal women have not been firmly established. The purpose of the present study was to assess the relationship of un-stimulated whole saliva cortisol and chromogranin A (CgA) levels with OD feeling in post-menopausal women. Materials & methods: The present study was conducted on eighty selected post-menopausal women with/without xerostomia. Subjects were equally divided into two groups, forty patients each. Group I: (study group) constituted by 40 female subjects meeting the selection criteria and having xerostomia. Group II: (control group) constituted by 40 female subjects meeting the same criteria with the exception of the presence of xerostomia. Un-stimulated whole saliva cortisol and chromogranin A concentrations were measured by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Collected data of the present study was tabulated and statistically analyzed using the statistical software package. ResultsThe means of salivary cortisol and chromogranin A concentrations were significantly higher with significantly decrease in the mean un-stimulated salivary flow rate (UWSFR) in group I (xerostomia group) compared to group II (control group) (P ≤ 0.001). ConclusionSignificant associations between salivary cortisol and CgA levels and symptoms of oral dryness and reduced salivary flow rates were detected.

Effects of olfactory stimulation from the fragrance of the Japanese citrus fruit yuzu (Citrus junos Sieb. ex Tanaka) on mood states and salivary chromogranin A as an endocrinologic stress marker.

This study investigated the soothing effects of fragrance from yuzu, a Japanese citrus fruit (Citrus junos Sieb. ex Tanaka), with salivary chromogranin A (CgA) used as an endocrinologic stress marker reflecting sympathetic nervous system activity. Twenty healthy women (mean age, 20.5 ± 0.1 years) participated in a randomized, controlled, crossover study. Participants were examined on two separate occasions-once using the yuzu scent and once using unscented water as a control-in the follicular phase. This experiment measured salivary CgA and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) as a psychological index before and after the aromatic stimulation. Ten-minute inhalation of the yuzu scent significantly decreased salivary CgA. At 30 minutes after the inhalation period, the salivary CgA level further decreased. In addition, POMS revealed that inhalation of the aromatic yuzu oil significantly decreased total mood disturbance, a global measure of affective state, as well as four subscores of emotional symptoms (tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, anger-hostility, and confusion), as long as 30 minutes after the olfactory stimulation. Yuzu's aromatic effects may alleviate negative emotional stress, which, at least in part, would contribute to the suppression of sympathetic nervous system activity.

Salivary levels of cortisol and chromogranin A in patients with burning mouth syndrome: A case-control study

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a poorly understood oral pain disorder characterized by a painful burning sensation in the oral cavity without any mucosal abnormalities. In this study, we evaluated the salivary cortisol and chromogranin A (CgA) levels of patients with BMS in comparison with age-matched controls. Subjects (n = 114) included 81 BMS patients and 33 controls. Patients with BMS were further classified into a subgroup of subjects who occasionally feel a burning sensation (BMS 1), and a subgroup of subjects who always feel a burning sensation (BMS 2). Salivary cortisol and CgA levels were measured using ELISA kits. All individuals with BMS had significantly higher cortisol and CgA levels than the controls did. Furthermore, when comparing the controls with each BMS subgroup, salivary levels of cortisol were significantly higher in both subgroups than controls. In contrast, the level of CgA was significantly higher in the BMS 2 subgroup only. Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant independent association between salivary levels of cortisol and BMS even after adjustment for gender, antidepressant or antianxiety drug use and hypertension (drug-treated). The study revealed that a significant association was observed between salivary cortisol levels and BMS.

Chromogranin A: Novel biomarker between periodontal disease and psychosocial stress.

Context:The psychosocial stress has long been regarded as a significant pre-disposing factor for periodontal disease. The association between the periodontal disease and the neuroendocrine hormones has been observed. Chromogranin A (CgA) is supposed to link the activity of the neuroendocrine system to local and systemic immune functions and to be related to periodontitis.Aims:The aim of this study was to determine the CgA levels in saliva and plasma in periodontal health and disease and to assess their potential relationship to periodontitis.Settings and Designs:In this case-control study, the association between periodontal disease and stress marker has been assessed.Materials and Methods:Sixty subjects were chosen for this study: With case group comprising of 30 subjects with chronic periodontitis and control group comprising of 30 healthy subjects. Salivary and plasma CgA levels were determined by ELISA technique. Clinical parameters included were plaque index, papillary bleeding index and clinical attachment loss and probing depth. Correlation analysis was calculated by independent sample t-test.Results:Significantly higher CgA levels were found in saliva and plasma of patients with chronic periodontitis compared with healthy individuals (P < 0.05). No significant difference were observed between salivary and plasma CgA levels.Conclusions:The elevated level CgA in the plasma and saliva of subjects with stress induced chronic periodontitis has yielded insights into biological plausible association between the psychosocial stress and chronic periodontitis. Thus, our results suggest that CgA is a useful biomarker for evaluating at least in part the etiopathogenesis of periodontitis.

Effects of woodland walking on salivary stress markers cortisol and chromogranin A

We investigated the effect of walking through woodland on salivary endocrinological stress markers, cortisol and chromogranin A (CgA). From 20 healthy males, saliva samples were collected immediately before and after the walk, and 20min and 40min after that. In addition, using visual analog scales, subjective perceptions of stress and of feeling tired and uplifted were evaluated. On another day, as a control, they sat around in their office and samples were collected at the same times. Salivary cortisol and CgA levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Samples taken after the walk showed a significant increase in the levels of CgA. Meanwhile, there was no significant change in the levels of cortisol. In control samples, there was a statistically significant decrease in the levels of both CgA and cortisol. Feelings uplifted and tired increased and subjective perception of stress decreased significantly after the walk. During the control period, there were no such changes. These findings suggest that, while walking in woodland becomes a physical stressor, such activity may also bring about feeling uplifted.

Salivary and Serum Chromogranin A and α‐Amylase in Periodontal Health and Disease

Salivary stress-related biomarkers in connection with periodontal disease have not been extensively studied. In addition to cortisol as a well-known marker of stress loading, chromogranin A (CgA) and α-amylase (AA) are supposed to link the activity of the neuroendocrine system to local and systemic immune functions and to be related to periodontitis. This study aims to determine CgA and AA in saliva and serum in periodontal health and disease to assess their potential relationship to periodontitis. Patients with aggressive (AgP) (n = 24) and chronic periodontitis (CP) (n = 34) as well as healthy control (CO) (n = 30) individuals participated in this study. CgA and AA were determined in saliva and serum with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and an adapted clinical amylase test; salivary cortisol was determined using mass spectrometry. Clinical parameters of periodontal disease were evaluated, and their possible correlations with stress-related biomarkers were assessed. Significantly higher CgA levels were found in the saliva of patients with AgP compared with those in patients with CP and CO individuals (P <0.001). Salivary cortisol levels were higher in the AgP group compared with those in patients with CP (P <0.05). No differences in serum CgA levels and salivary and serum AA activities were found among all groups. A positive correlation was revealed between salivary AA activity or salivary CgA levels and the extent of periodontitis (P <0.05). The results suggest an association of CgA and cortisol levels as well as AA activity in saliva with periodontitis, especially a significant relationship of salivary CgA and cortisol to AgP.

Increased salivary chromogranin A in women with severe negative mood states in the premenstrual phase

The present study investigated whether salivary chromogranin A (CgA), a psychological stress marker associated with sympathetic nervous system activity, changes during the menstrual cycle in women with different degrees of premenstrual psychoemotional symptoms. Forty-five women (28.6 ± 1.3 years) with regular menstrual cycles participated in this study. Salivary CgA and cortisol were measured during the follicular and late-luteal phases. The authors used the Profile of Mood State (POMS) to assess current mood states of subjects in each menstrual phase and divided the subjects into three groups depending on increase of total mood disturbance (TMD), a global measure of affective states of POMS from the follicular to the late-luteal phase: Low (4.1 ± 0.7%), Middle (18.7 ± 1.2%) and High (51.7 ± 7.4%). Results showed no intramenstrual cycle differences in salivary CgA in the Low and Middle groups. Women in the High group, in contrast, had a significantly higher level of salivary CgA in the late-luteal phase compared to that of the follicular phase. Additionally, salivary CgA level significantly and positively correlated with TMD and four emotional subscales: tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, anger-hostility and confusion in the late-luteal phase. No intergroup or menstrual-cycle difference occurred in the salivary cortisol. This study indicates a significant late-luteal increase in salivary CgA, reflecting an increase of sympathetic nerve activity in women who experience a substantial increase (>30%) in a cluster of negative psychoemotional symptoms premenstrually. Furthermore, salivary CgA, as opposed to salivary cortisol, could serve as a reliable noninvasive biomarker to more sensitively evaluate neuropsychophysiological fluctuations during the menstrual cycle.

Effect of laughter on salivary flow rates and levels of chromogranin A in young adults and elderly people

Salivary chromogranin A (CgA) levels and salivary flow rates were measured to evaluate the stress relief effect of laughter on the young and the elderly. Thirty healthy volunteers (15 aged 20-25years; 15 aged 62-83years) performed a serial arithmetic task for 15min and then watched a comedy video for 30min. On a different day, as a control, they watched a non-humorous video after performing a task similar to the first one. Saliva samples were collected immediately before and after the arithmetic task, 30min after completing the task (immediately after watching the film), and 30 min after watching the film (60 min after completing mental task). Salivary CgA levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In the elderly group, salivary flow rates, which had declined by the end of the arithmetic task, were statistically significantly higher after watching the comedy video. In the young group, salivary CgA levels, which had increased by the end of the task, had statistically significantly declined after watching the comedy video. No such post-task changes were apparent in control results; in the young group, there was a statistically significant interprotocol difference in salivary CgA levels. These findings suggest that laughter may relieve stress, particularly in the young people.

Evaluation of Effects of Lavender and Peppermint Aromatherapy Using Sensitive Salivary Endocrinological Stress Markers

AbstractBy measuring the sensitive salivary endocrinological stress markers cortisol and chromogranin A (CgA), we investigated effects on stress of lavender and peppermint aromas. Groups of volunteers were each exposed to an airborne organic essential oil: either lavender or peppermint or, for control, odourless jojoba. Saliva samples were collected immediately before and after the 10‐min exposure and 5 and 10 min later. Salivary cortisol and CgA levels were evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. After exposure, in the peppermint aroma group, salivary cortisol statistically significantly decreased and salivary CgA statistically significantly increased. No similar changes were found in either the lavender aroma or the control group. These findings suggest that peppermint aroma may be useful for relieving stress. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Evaluation of Anxiety and Salivary Chromogranin A Secretion in Women Receiving Breast Conserving Surgery Followed by Radiation Therapy

We conducted a prospective study to assess the anxiety and salivary Chromogranin A (CgA), which is considered to be a biomarker of the stress response, in outpatients receiving breast conserving surgery followed by radiation therapy (RT) to the whole breast. Fifty consecutive patients who received whole-breast RT were enrolled in this study. The anxiety levels were measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) at the beginning of RT (baseline), 30 Gy, completion of RT, and 1 and 3 months after RT. Salivary CgA levels were also measured at the same time. The mean state anxiety score for all patients was 46.16 with a standard error (SE) of 1.57 at the beginning of RT (baseline) which continued to decline during and after RT. It reached its lowest score with 36.34 ± 1.56 at 3 months after RT (p < 0.0001). The mean trait anxiety score for all patients was 43.10 ± 1.54 at baseline and remained constant during RT but began to decline after completion of RT and reached a low level at 3 months after RT (p = 0.0021). The mean salivary CgA concentration for all patients demonstrated no consistent trends over time, but at 30 Gy the concentration showed a significant decreasing pattern (p = 0.0473). Salivary CgA concentrations and state anxiety and trait anxiety scores at all time points showed no correlation. The mean anxiety scores measured by STAI showed no positive correlation with salivary CgA concentration for breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy following breast conserving surgery.

Association between sleep bruxism and stress sensitivity in an experimental psychological stress task

The objective of this study was to examine the association between sleep bruxism and psychological stress. The subjects consisted of 76 volunteers, who were divided into those with and without bruxism according to the diagnostic criteria for sleep bruxism outlined by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). Stress sensitivity was evaluated before and after an experimental stress task, which involved simple mathematical calculations. It was assessed objectively by measuring the subjects' salivary chromogranin A (CgA) levels and subjectively using a ten-division visual analog scale (VAS). Compared with those observed before the stress task, the mean salivary CgA levels of the non-bruxism group (n = 54) were not significantly increased after the stress task. Conversely, the mean salivary CgA levels of the bruxism group (n = 22) were significantly increased after the stress task (P < 0.01). The mean VAS scores of the groups without (n = 54) and with (n = 22) bruxism were significantly (P < 0.01) increased after the stress task compared with those observed before the stress task, but no differences were detected between the two groups in the stress task. These findings suggest that there is an association between sleep bruxism and psychological stress sensitivity.

Levels of awakening salivary CgA in response to stress in healthy subjects

To determine the changes in salivary chromogranin A (CgA) levels upon awakening in response to of stress by investigating the relationship between salivary CgA levels and the stress response as assessed by GHQ-28 tests. The study cohort comprised 40 healthy male university students (age range 19-22 years). Salivary CgA levels were measured at 7:00 a.m. (awakening) and at 7:30, 8:00, and 8:30 a.m. (after awakening). The salivary CgA level was 0.91 ± 0.20 and 0.42 ± 0.1 pmol/ml at 7:00 a.m. in students scoring low (n = 26) and high (n = 14), respectively, on the "severe depression" subscale. This difference in salivary CgA levels at 7:00 between high and low scorers was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Our findings indicate that depression may influence secretions of salivary CgA via chronic stress-related attenuation of the sympathetic-adrenomedullary system activity.