Salivary Immunoglobulin A Concentrations Research Articles

The Effects Of Cardiorespiratory Fitness On Changes In Salivary Immunoglobulin A (siga) Following Maximal Exercise

Salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA) levels are recognized as a physiological marker of the health of the human mucosal immune system. Previous research has shown SIgA concentrations decrease immediately following high intensity and long duration exercise while moderate intensity exercise may result in an increase in SIgA levels. More recently, researchers have suggested that a person’s cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) may impact SIgA response following acute exercise. PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of CRF on SIgA changes following maximal exercise. METHODS: Unstimulated saliva was collected from twenty-three (5 males, 18 females) healthy college students (mAge = 20.1 ± 1.2) before and 5 minutes after a VO2max test. Samples were measured for volume to determine salivary flow rate (SFR). Biochemical analysis was performed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine absolute SIgA concentrations. Additionally, SIgA secretion rate was computed from SFR and absolute SIgA concentrations. A median split was performed to establish a higher fitness group (HF) and a lower fitness (LF) group. RESULTS: The HF group (m = 50.8 mL·kg-1·min-1) was significantly different than the LF group (m = 38.2 mL·kg-1·min-1), t(21) = 4.67, p < .001. No differences were determined between changes in SIgA concentrations of the HF group (m = 398.9 μg·mL-1) and the LF group (m = 278.3 μg·mL-1). Moreover, there was no difference in changes in secretion rate between the HF (m = 148.1 μg·min-1) and LF (m = 175.5 μg/min) groups or SFR for the HF (m = -72.29 μg·min-1) and LF (m = 58.58 μg·min-1) groups. CONCLUSION: Cardiorespiratory fitness does not appear to affect the concentration, secretion rate or salivary flow rate of SIgA following maximal exercise.

Acute Effects Of Different Exercise Modes On Salivary Iga And Plasma Cortisol Secretory Responses

Salivary Immunoglobulin A (IgA) prevent bacterial attachment to the mucosal surfaces. High-intensity or long-term exercise causes a transient decrease in oral immune function through decreased salivary IgA secretion, and this response is associated with exercise-induced stress, such as cortisol. However, it is unclear whether differences in exercise modes affect salivary IgA and plasma cortisol secretory responses. PURPOSE:The purpose of this study was to examine whether differences in exercise modes affect salivary IgA and plasma cortisol secretory responses to a single bout of exercise. METHODS:Seven healthy young males with no exercise habits participated in the study. Subjects randomly performed two conditions: moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) for 20 min cycle exercise at a work rate equivalent to 70% VO2max, and high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE, same total exercising volume to MICE) for 20 min cycle exercise, consisting of five 2 min bouts at 90% VO2max with 2 min active recovery at 50% VO2max. Saliva and blood samples were collected before, immediately after, 30 min after each exercise condition. The salivary IgA secretion rate was calculated from salivary IgA concentration and saliva volume per minute. RESULTS:In MICE, change in salivary IgA secretion rate at immediately after and 30 min after exercise was significantly lower than that before exercise (P < 0.05), but did not change in HIIE. In addition, the amount of change (area under the curve) in salivary IgA secretion rate in MICE was lower than that in HIIE (P < 0.05). Plasma cortisol concentration did not change in both MICE and HIIE. However, there was a significant negative correlation between salivary IgA secretion rate and plasma cortisol concentration in MICE (r = -0.544, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:These results suggest that the salivary IgA secretory response may differ with different exercise modes. In MICE, the reduced salivary IgA secretory response may be associated with the increase in systemic cortisol concentration. Supported by Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (#19 K22828, M. Iemitsu)

Changes in immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G concentrations in the saliva of Japanese Black beef cows during calving: A pilot study.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) in saliva, mostly consisting of secretory IgA, plays an important role in the mucosal immune mechanism. This study evaluated changes in salivary IgA and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations in Japanese Black cows (n = 16) during calving. Individual saliva samples were collected -2, 0, and 2weeks postpartum. Immunoglobulin concentrations differed significantly among weeks (P < 0.05), but the effect of parity and week × parity was insignificant. Salivary IgA concentrations decreased drastically (P < 0.05) after calving compared with those at -2weeks postpartum and remained low until 2weeks postpartum. The salivary IgG concentrations decreased gradually during peripartum and differed at -2 and 2weeks postpartum (P < 0.05). Considering the immunoglobulin concentrations at -2weeks postpartum as the reference standard for 100%, the rates of decrease in IgA concentrations (36.7 ± 6.9%) were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those of IgG (70.3 ± 10.1%) at calving day. To our knowledge, this is the first report indicating that salivary IgA concentrations decreased drastically after calving in Japanese Black cows. Further studies monitoring the secretory functions of IgA in the salivary gland are essential for understanding maternal immunity in cattle.

Assessment of Age-Related Changes of Salivary Immunoglobulin A Levels among Healthy Individuals.

Background:Secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the first line of defense against pathogens that invade mucosal surfaces. It has been reported that the immune system exhibits profound age-related changes. The aim of this study was to investigate the age-dependent changes of salivary IgA among healthy individuals.Materials and Methods:Saliva samples were collected from 120 healthy individuals (aged 11–70 years). The salivary IgA concentrations were measured by the use of a single radial immunodiffusion technique and analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis, and Chi-square tests.Results:The mean salivary IgA levels were 81.11 ± 4.50 mg/dl at age 11–20 years, 92.71 ± 13.76 mg/dl at age 21–30 years, 96.50 ± 4.04 mg/dl at age 31–40 years, 104.96 ± 10.15 mg/dl at age 41–50 years, 113.22 ± 7.85 mg/dl at age 51–60 years, and 91.38 ± 4.77 mg/dl at age 61–70 years. There was a significant difference among the mean salivary IgA levels of different age groups (P < 0.001).Conclusion:These results showed that the salivary IgA levels exhibit age-related changes. Oral immunization may be considered to improve oral immunity when the salivary concentrations of IgA begin to decrease during lifetime.

Salivary Immunoglobulin A Secretion and Polymeric Ig Receptor Expression in the Submandibular Glands Are Enhanced in Heat-Acclimated Rats.

Salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) plays a critical role in mucosal immunity. Chronic exposure to moderate heat induces heat acclimation, which modifies salivary functions. However, the changes in salivary IgA secretion in heat-acclimated rats are unclear. In this study, we investigated salivary IgA secretion and the expression of polymeric Ig receptor (pIgR), a key mediator of mucosal IgA secretion, in the submandibular glands (SMGs) of heat-acclimated rats. Following maintenance at an ambient temperature (Ta) of 24 ± 0.1 °C for 10 days, male Wistar rats were subjected to Ta of 32 ± 0.2 °C for 5 days (HE group) for heat acclimation or maintained at Ta of 24 ± 0.1°C (CN group). The rats were then anesthetized, pilocarpine (0.5 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected, and saliva was collected. Afterward, the SMGs and plasma were sampled. The salivary IgA concentration and IgA flow rate were significantly higher in the HE group than in the CN group. Similarly, SMG pIgR expression was significantly higher in HE rats. The levels of plasma cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-5, IL-6, and interferon-γ, were significantly greater in HE rats than in CN rats. Heat acclimation may enhance oral immunity through salivary IgA secretion and pIgR upregulation in the SMGs.

The effect of oral contraceptive on the oral health with the evaluation of Salivary IgA and Streptococcus Mutans in some Iraqi women

Aim: To assess if there is any effect of using oral contraceptive and the duration ofusing on the inflammatory responses of the gingival tissues , concentration ofsecretary immunoglobulin A ( IgA) and the colony count of mutansStreptococcusMS in saliva .Methods: This study includes 80 women in their reproductive age (16-40) year. 40women who were using oral contraceptive in different duration, as the study groupand 40 women who not used oral contraceptive and it were assigned to the controlgroup. Both groups were clinically examined (for dental caries using DMFSIndex, and gingival condition using gingival index GI of Loe&amp;Silness ) andlaboratory assessment (by using non stimulated saliva for each woman wascollected and homogenized then Mutans Streptococci (MS) were counted,isolated, purified and diagnosed according to morphological characteristic andbiochemical tests also, the Salivary IgA concentration was measured by usingsingle radial immune diffusion method in different duration of oral contraceptiveusing ).Results: Gingival index was significantly higher among oral contraceptive users thannon-users (P&lt;0.01), which was correlated with the duration of usage (r=0.50).sIgA concentration higher in study group than in control group (P&lt;0.01)which also increased positively with duration of using(r=0.80). A positivecorrelation between sIgA and gingivitis (r=0.54) was found. DMFS Index and thenumber of MS colony were highly significant in study group than the control(P&lt;0.01). MS colony count was positive correlated with duration of usage(r=0.88) but the DMFS had too weak correlation with the duration of using whichwas a non significant at (P&gt;0.05).Conclusion: The use of contraceptive pills for a long period increases the likelihoodof gingival inflammation and significantly associated with increase sIgA level, sothe regular use of oral contraceptive seems to enhance mucosal immune functionin study subjects.

Intensified Training Period Increases Salivary IgA Responses But Does Not Affect the Severity of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms in Prepuberal Rhythmic Gymnasts

This study examined the effect of a 4-week intensified training (IT) period, followed by a 2-week tapering period (TP), on salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA), salivary cortisol, and the severity of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms in 23 rhythmic gymnasts [12.1 (2.6) y; 143.9 (13.7) cm; 37.2 (9.4) kg]. Saliva sampling was conducted at pre- and post-IT, and post-TP (analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). The Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey (WURSS-21) questionnaire was completed daily to analyze the severity of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms. The session rating of the perceived exertion was used to determine the internal training load and the acute:chronic workload ratio. A higher SIgA concentration [SIgAabs (μg/mL); F = 7.6; P = .001] for post-IT [234 (104)] versus pre-IT [173 (91)], and post-TP [182 (70)], and a higher SIgA secretion rate [SIgArate (μg/min); F = 3.4; P = .04] for post-IT [69 (28)] versus pre-IT [55 (27)], and post-TP [58 (22)] were observed. No significant change was observed for cortisol (F = 0.81; P = .45) or for the severity of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms (χ2 = 2.81; P = .24). Internal training load was higher during IT (vs TP; effect size = 2.37). The acute:chronic workload for the IT weeks varied from 1.2 (0.3) to 1.4 (0.3). These results suggest that a 4-week IT may temporarily augment the oral mucosal immunity, and an acute:chronic workload of 1.2-1.4 seems to be a safe approach to periodized training loads in youth rhythmic gymnasts.

Salivary immunoglobulin A in healthy adolescent females: effects of maximal exercise, physical activity, body composition and diet.

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the effect of acute maximal exercise (VO2max test) on salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA) responses in adolescent females. A secondary aim was to examine the relationship between resting SIgA levels and VO2max, physical activity, body composition, and diet. Fifty healthy female adolescents completed a laboratory-based VO2max test, assessment of body composition via hydrodensitometry, a validated physical activity questionnaire (PAQ-A), and a three-day food diary. Unstimulated saliva was collected before, and 5 and 120 minutes after VO2max testing. Absolute SIgA (µg/mL) concentration was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Secretion rate of SIgA (µg/min) was calculated by multiplying absolute SIgA concentration by saliva flow rate (SFR, µL/min). A significant increase in absolute SIgA concentration (146.8±59.2 µg/mL) was noted immediately after VO2max testing (P<0.05) and returned to pre-exercise levels (120.1±54.1 µg/mL) by 120-min post-exercise (P>0.05). No significant VO2max test effects were observed for SIgA secretion rate and SFR (P>0.05). VO2max values (41.92±6.36 mL/kg/min) were correlated with body fat percentage (r=-0.59; P<0.01), PAQ-A total score (r=0.48; P<0.01), and acute changes in absolute SIgA levels (r=0.28; P<0.05). No significant associations were observed between dietary measures and resting SIgA levels or SFR (P>0.05) except for dietary fiber which correlated with resting absolute SIgA concentration (r=0.29; P<0.05). Findings indicate that acute graded maximal exercise results in a transient increase in absolute SIgA concentration and that these changes are associated with individual VO2max values.

Effects of Prolonged Exercise in the Heat and Cool Environments on Salivary Immunoglobulin A among Recreational Athletes

This study aims to determine the effects of prolonged exercise in the heat (31°C) and cool (18°C) environments on salivary Immunoglobulin A (SIgA) among recreational athletes. Thirteen healthy male participants (age: 20.9 ± 1.3 years old) were recruited and randomised in this cross-over study. In this study, participants performed the exercise trials in the heat environment at 31°C first followed by another exercise trial in the cool environment trial at 18°C or vice versa with one week of recovery period. Physiological parameters (heart rate, body weight changes and oxygen uptake) as well as room temperature and relative humidity were recorded. Cool water (3 ml.kg -1 body weight) was given to the participants at every 20 min during both exercise trials. Saliva samples were collected to calculate the saliva flow rate and analysed for salivary Immunoglobulin A (SIgA) concentrations and secretion rate. Paired t-test and two-way ANOVA with repeated measures were performed to analyse the data. The results revealed that saliva flow rate, SIgA concentration, and SIgA secretion rate did not significantly different between exercise trial in the heat and in the cool environments. However, prolonged exercise significantly decreased (p < 0.05) saliva flow rate in both trials with the values return to baseline 1 h post exercise. Salivary IgA concentration and secretion rate were not affected by prolonged running. As a conclusion, SIgA responses did not affected by ambient/room temperature. In addition, prolonged exercise with adequate fluid intake during exercise did not supress SIgA responses thus may not increase infection risk among athletes.

Physiological and biochemical responses during incremental uphill load carriage

The present study aimed to examine the effect of carrying different magnitudes of load on the changes and relationships of salivary Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and cortisol concentrations and the physiological parameters. Twelve Indian soldiers performed an intense uphill treadmill walking at two speeds viz. 2.5 km h−1 and 4 km h−1 without any load and carrying 10.7 kg, 17 kg and 21.4 kg loads for 36 min. Salivary IgA concentration relative to total protein decreased significantly after each exercise session and cortisol concentration increased concomitantly with physiological variables e.g. heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO2), minute ventilation (VE) and energy expenditure (EE). An inverse correlation (P < 0.05) was observed between IgA with HR for all the conditions except when the participants walked at 4 km h−1 carrying 17 kg and 21.4 kg load. The degree and type of physiological and biochemical responses may help in designing combat training, operations and developing preventive strategies of military personnel involving intense exercise.Relevance to industry: Walking with load in incremental uphill terrain is highly stressful and fatiguing. Results of the present study will help in designing training schedules for maintaining the optimal fitness of an individual during uphill walking with loads in different speeds.

Age-related changes of salivary IgA among healthy subjects

Introduction: The major immunoglobulin present in mucosal secretions (e.g. saliva) is secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA). The potential functions of this secretory IgA include prevention of microbial attachment to surfaces by agglutination, blockage of receptor-mediated attachment, and altering surface hydrophobicity. IgA in saliva is detected early in life as the mucosal immune system develops and the oral cavity is exposed to microbes that make up the normal ecology, as well as to potential pathogens. Lower concentration of IgA in saliva is associated with increased risk for periodontal disease and caries. The secretory IgA is the first line of defense against pathogens that invade the mucosal surfaces. The immune system exhibits profound changes with age and this fact has been well documented. Aims and Objectives: To investigate and re-confirm that salivary IgA concentration undergoes changes with advancing age, and further, to find if there is any probable difference in salivary IgA levels between men and women. Materials and Methods: Saliva samples were taken from 120 healthy subjects aged 1-60 years who were divided into the following age groups: 1-10 years, 11-20 years, 21-30 years, 31-40 years, 41-50 years, and 51-60 years. The salivary IgA concentrations were measured by use of single radial immune diffusion technique and analyzed using the paired and unpaired Student's t -test, and coefficient test as appropriate, and P values of less than 0.5 were considered significant. Results: The mean salivary IgA levels showed significant changes in each decade of the subjects selected. The mean salivary IgA levels were significantly higher in adults than those observed in children. Conclusion: These results showed that the salivary IgA levels exhibit age-related changes.

Salivary testosterone and immunoglobulin A were increased by resistance training in adults with Down syndrome

This study was designed to assess the influence of resistance training on salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels and hormone profile in sedentary adults with Down syndrome (DS). A total of 40 male adults with DS were recruited for the trial through different community support groups for people with intellectual disabilities. All participants had medical approval for participation in physical activity. Twenty-four adults were randomly assigned to perform resistance training in a circuit with six stations, 3 days per week for 12 weeks. Training intensity was based on functioning in the eight-repetition maximum (8RM) test for each exercise. The control group included 16 age-, gender-, and BMI-matched adults with DS. Salivary IgA, testosterone, and cortisol levels were measured by ELISA. Work task performance was assessed using the repetitive weighted-box-stacking test. Resistance training significantly increased salivary IgA concentration (P=0.0120; d=0.94) and testosterone levels (P=0.0088; d=1.57) in the exercising group. Furthermore, it also improved work task performance. No changes were seen in the controls who had not exercised. In conclusion, a short-term resistance training protocol improved mucosal immunity response as well as salivary testosterone levels in sedentary adults with DS.

Increased salivary immunoglobulin A and reduced α‐amylase activity in whole saliva from spastic cerebral palsy individuals

Salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA) together with innate defenses such as α-amylase, provides the 'first line of defense' against pathogens present at mucosal surfaces. This study aimed to evaluate salivary α-amylase and immunoglobulin A (IgA) in whole saliva of spastic cerebral palsy (CP) individuals. Whole saliva was collected from 22 CP and 24 sibling volunteers with no neurological damage control groups (CG) (aged 7-14 years). The salivary flow rate, total protein and SIgA concentrations, and α-amylase activity were determined. The CP group presented higher salivary flow rate (35%) and lower total protein concentration (18%) compared with the CG (P ≤ 0.05). CPG had higher absolute (68%, μg SIgA/ml) and relative (55%, μg SIgA/mg prot and 108%, μg SIgA/min) concentrations of IgA compared with the CG (P ≤ 0.05). CPG had lower relative α-amylase activity (15% mg malt/mg prot and 33%, mg malt/min) compared with the CG (P ≤ 0.05). This study concluded that CP individuals presented alterations in the profile of salivary proteins involved in the defense system of the oral cavity.

Effect of Competition on Salivary Cortisol, Immunoglobulin A, and Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Elite Young Soccer Players

The present study examined the effect of a 20-day period of competition on salivary cortisol, mucosal immunity, and upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) in young male soccer players (n = 14). The players were monitored during the main under-19 Brazilian soccer championship, in which 7 matches were played in 20 days. Saliva samples were collected in the morning of each match and analyzed for cortisol and immunoglobulin A (IgA). Signs and symptoms of URTI were assessed across the study and a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was obtained for each match. Compared with match 1, a significant increase in player RPE was observed in matches 4-7 (p < 0.05). Significant (p < 0.05) increases in the reporting of URTI occurred between matches 2 and 3, and 6 and 7, and this was accompanied by significant decreases in salivary IgA levels. Significant (p < 0.05) correlations were also seen between the individual reports of URTI and the decrease in IgA levels in match 2 (r = -0.60) and match 6 (r = -0.65). These results suggest that decrements in mucosal immunity, as measured by salivary IgA concentrations, may lead to a greater incidence of URTI in elite young soccer players. It may be speculated that the physiological and psychological stressors imposed by training and competition in a short timeframe are major contributing factors to these responses. Thus, the monitoring of salivary IgA could provide a useful and noninvasive approach for predicting URTI occurrences in young athletes during short-term competitions, especially if frequent sampling and rapid measurements are made.

Immune Responses To An Acute Maximal Exercise Changes During A Training Cycle In Swimming

In endurance sports, cycles of high training volume are implemented in order to optimize aerobic and movement economy adaptations. This leads to transient imbalances between training loads and recovery contributing to the onset of fatigue and sometimes illness in highly trained athletes. The well-established interdependence between substrate depletion, hormonal and immune functions elicits usually a immunodepression state as response to hard training periods. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of two subsequent training cycles of different load quantitative and intensity characteristics on the response of systemic and mucosal immunity to a maximal swimming bout. METHODS: 6 well-trained male swimmers (18±2.2 yrs; 177±6.3 cm; 67±5.3 Kg) performed an incremental maximal step test (7×200 m front crawl) in 3 moments of the season: M1 - after a recovery microcycle, M2 - after a 5 week period of aerobic overload (volume increased by 20%) and M3 - after 8 weeks of progressively decreasing volume and higher intensities. Blood and saliva samples were collected before (6:30 a.m.) and 5 min after, for the determination of leukocyte and total lymphocyte and subpopulations (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD19+ and CD16+) counts by flow cytometry; serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentration by cytometric bead array and salivary IgA (s-IgA) concentrations by ELISA. s-IgA secretory rate (sr-IgA) was calculated from s-IgA values. ANOVA for repeated measures was used for the assessment of training effect. The level of significance was set at p<.05. RESULTS: At rest, CD16+ (NK) cells and IgA decreased significantly from M1 to M2, recovering to initial levels at M3. The acute response (% change) of total lymphocytes, CD3+, CD4+ and CD16+ remained stable from M1 to M2 but was elevated at M3, contrarily to the CD4+/CD8+ ratio, which decreased significantly in M3. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of some signs of impaired immune capacity after the hard training period in what concerns the rest values, values after maximal exercise, even of CD16+ cells, showed high systemic responsiveness. Training load volume seems to be the main determinant of immune changes, with overall recovery of initial levels at M3. During this training cycle it was observed a stimulation of systemic immunity and the maintenance of mucosal immunity.

Acute And Chronic Effects Of Exercise On Salivary IGA And URTI In Post Menopausal Women

Exercise can affect salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA) responses and may alter a person's susceptibility to upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). However, little is presently known about these effects in post menopausal women which may have reduced SIgA levels because of estrogen deficiency. PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of acute maximal exercise and chronic moderate exercise training on measures of SIgA and the incidence/duration of URTI in post menopausal women. METHODS: Thirty-two post menopausal women were randomized to a 16-week home-based, walking program (5 days/week, 30-min/session, intensity 75% of HRmax) or experimental control group. Before and after the intervention, each subject underwent a maximal exercise treadmill test to determine VO2max and timed, whole unstimulated saliva samples were collected both at rest before and immediately after completion of each VO2max test to determine absolute SIgA concentrations, saliva flow rates (SFR), and SIgA secretion rates (S-SIgA) (Fahlman et al., 2001). In addition, throughout the study duration, each subject completed standard weekly URTI symptomatology research logs. RESULTS: The 16-week walking program resulted in a significant improvement (+10.4%) of VO2max (ml/kg/min) (p<0.01). Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a marked increase (+37.4%) in resting S-SIgA (p0.05), rise (+36.2%) in SFR in the exercise group following training. Independent of study group, both before and after the intervention, resting S-SIgA (-32.3%) and SFR (-29.3%) were noticeably reduced (p<0.01) following acute maximal exercise. Neither VO2max testing nor the moderate intensity training intervention had an effect on absolute SIgA concentrations (p>0.05). Moreover, the number of URTI incidences were the same (control: 4; exercise: 4) and the duration per incidence (control: 5.3±1.5 days; exercise: 6.2±2.2 days) over the 16-week intervention period were similar between study groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings in post menopausal women support that S-SIgA and SFR are reduced immediately following maximal exercise. Moreover, a 16-week moderately intense walking program can increase S-SIgA without affecting URTI susceptibility in this population.

Lower immunglobulin A levels but not lower cortisol or α-amylase activity in children with chronic tension-type headache

The study was designed to investigate the differences in salivary cortisol (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical [HPA] axis), immunoglobulin A (IgA) (immune system) concentrations and α-amylase (sympathetic nervous system [SNS]) activity between children with chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) and healthy children. Thirty-six children, 10 boys and 26 girls (age: 9 ± 2 years) with CTTH and 36 age- and sex-matched healthy children were recruited. Salivary cortisol, α-amylase activity, salivary flow rate, IgA concentration and IgA rate were collected from non-stimulated saliva. A headache diary was used for collecting data on intensity, frequency and duration of headache for four weeks. Children with CTTH showed lower IgA concentration (p = .008) and IgA rate (p = .039), but not lower cortisol concentration (p = .447), salivary flow rate (p = .289) or α-amylase activity (p = .559), as compared to healthy children. Neither age (p > .582) nor gender (p > .227) influenced salivary markers. A significant association between the number of years with headache and IgA concentration (r(s) = - 0.385; p = .023) was found: the greater the number of years with headache, the lower the IgA concentration. These results suggest that children with CTTH present with deficits in the immune system, but not dysfunction in the HPA axis or SNS. Future studies are needed to elucidate the direction of these relationships.

Effect of a Kickboxing Match on Salivary Cortisol and Immunoglobulin A

The hypothesis that salivary cortisol would increase and salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) decrease after a kickboxing match was tested among 20 male athletes. Saliva samples collected before and after the match were analyzed. Salivary cortisol and salivary IgA concentrations (absolute concentration, salivary IgAabs) and the secretion rate of IgA (salivary IgArate) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A Wilcoxon test for paired samples showed significant increases in salivary cortisol from pre- to postmatch. No significant changes were observed in salivary IgAabs or secretory IgArate and saliva flow rate. This study indicates that a kickboxing match might increase salivary concentration and thereafter it could be considered a significant source of exercise-related stress. On the other hand, the effect of a kickboxing match on mucosal immunity seems not to be relevant.

Effect of Acupuncture on Salivary Immunoglobulin a after a Bout of Intense Exercise

In the field of athletics, acupuncture has been used for treatment of injury, reduction of fatigue and management of physical condition. However, there is little information on the effect of acupuncture on the immune function in response to exercise. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of acupuncture treatment on the mucosal immune function after a single period of intense exercise by measuring salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA). 12 healthy men (23.6+/-SEv 0.3 years) participated in this study with a crossover design. The subjects exercised on a bicycle equipped with an ergometer at 75% VO(2)max for 60 min. Acupuncture treatment was applied at LU6, LI4, ST36 and ST6, for 30 min after the exercise. The control treatment was rest without acupuncture and that the order of the treatment was randomised. We measured parameters including saliva flow rate, SIgA concentration, SIgA secretion rate, heart rate and plasma catecholamine concentration all before the exercise and at 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, 4 h and 24 h after the exercise. The visual analogue scale for self-perceived tiredness and the profile of mood states questionnaires were recorded before the exercise and at 24 h after the exercise. Intense exercise-induced decrease of SIgA levels was attenuated by the acupuncture treatment. In contrast, the subjective fatigue score and psychological measurement were not affected by the acupuncture. Acupuncture treatment may attenuate the decrease in SIgA level induced by intense exercise.

Ineffectiveness of Folic Acid Supplementation against Phenytoin-Induced Decrease in Salivary Immunoglobulin A Concentration of Epileptic Patients

Aims: This study was designed to investigate if folate treatment is able to reverse the phenytoin-induced deficiency of salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA). Methods and Material: Twenty-five epileptic patients who had been under phenytoin therapy for at least the last 6 months were randomly selected and subjected to folic acid supplementation, 1 mg/day. The salivary IgA concentration of these patients was measured before and after 2 months of folic acid administration and compared with those of 10 healthy individuals. Independent and paired Student’s t tests were used to analyze the effects of phenytoin and folic acid, respectively. Results: Salivary IgA levels of patients receiving phenytoin (11.7 ± 4.8 IU/l) were significantly (p = 0.039) lower than those of healthy controls (14.8 ± 3.2 IU/l), but did not statistically (p = 0.541) differ from levels (11.8 ± 4.6 IU/l) measured after 2 months of folic acid supplementation. Conclusions: According to these results, folic acid supplementation does not seem to have the efficacy to ameliorate phenytoin-induced salivary IgA hyposecretion.