Salivary Stress Markers Research Articles

Supplementation with whey peptide rich in β-lactolin improves trait anxiety and subjective stress in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Mental disorders have become one of the most burdensome health concerns. We have previously demonstrated that whey-derived β-lactolin (glycine-thereonine-tryptophan-tyrosine tetrapeptide) activates dopaminergic systems and improves psychiatric function in rodents. However, the effects of β-lactolin on human mood states have not been investigated. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementation with β-lactolin-rich whey peptide on human mood states. Sixty healthy adults (aged 45-64 years) with relatively low psychological health were randomly allocated to receive either whey peptide (containing β-lactolin 1.6mg/day) or placebo for 6 weeks. Mood states (primary outcomes) were evaluated using self-reporting questionnaires. Health-related quality of life (QOL), salivary stress marker and lipid mediator levels were evaluated as secondary outcomes. Compared with placebo, supplementation with β-lactolin improved changes in trait anxiety (p = 0.046), as assessed using the state-trait anxiety inventory, and in subjective stress (p = 0.043), as assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale. In the assessment of QOL, changes in the vitality subscale and mental health summary score of the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey were improved in the β-lactolin group. The levels of salivary immunoglobulin A were significantly higher in the β-lactolin group. In a subgroup analysis by median age (54.5 years), subjective stress and salivary prostaglandin levels were significantly decreased by β-lactolin supplementation in the 45-54 -year-old subgroup. In conclusion, supplementation with β-lactolin improves trait anxiety, subjective stress, and psychological QOL, which may be associated with immunologic responses detected via salivary analysis.

Dietary supplementation with a blend composed of carvacrol, tannic acid derived from Castanea sativa and Glycyrrhiza glabra, and glycerides of medium chain fatty acids for weanling piglets raised in commercial farm.

This study aimed to evaluate the dietary administration of a blend composed of carvacrol, tannic acid derived from Castanea sativa mill and Glycyrrhiza glabra, medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) glycerides for weanling piglets. An in vitro digestion followed by total phenolic content (TPC) and total antioxidant activity (TAC) assessment was performed before the in vivo application. At weaning, a total of 210 piglets were randomly allocated to two experimental treatments (7 replicates/15 piglets for each replicate). Control group (CTR) was fed a standard basal diet while the treated group (T) was fed the basal diet mixed with 1.500mg/kg of blend. After in vitro digestion, TPC and TAC evidenced peaks at the end of oral and gastric phases in comparison to the intestinal one in line with the high content of phenolic compound (P < 0.05). Treatment conditioned body weight and average daily gain (P < 0.05), fecal score on 6, 7, and 8 d after weaning (P < 0.05). At 35d, the T group showed a decrease in salivary cortisol compared to CTR (P < 0.05). Duodenum and jejunum sections of T piglets revealed higher villi (P < 0.05), deeper crypts (P < 0.01), and increased V/C ratio (P < 0.01). CTR showed a higher expression of duodenal Occludin (P < 0.05). Jejunal E-cadherin and Occludin were more expressed in T jejunum sections (P < 0.05). Twelve differentially abundant genera were identified in T group caecal samples. Potentially harmful Clostridium sensu stricto 13 was reduced by the treatment (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the tested blend positively affected salivary stress markers and the gut health of weaned piglets.

Dietary fiber and weaning age affect stress and immune markers in saliva of sows and their offspring.

Diet, especially the intake of dietary fiber, and weaning practices may influence pig wellbeing. This study assessed changes in salivary stress and immune markers in sows and their offspring fed either hay (HAY) or sugar beet pulp (SBP), either fine (F) or coarse (C), during gestation and lactation. The effect of weaning age (conventional-CW, late-LW) on these markers was also evaluated. Saliva was analyzed for chromogranin A (CgA), cortisol, alpha-amylase, oxytocin, immunoglobulin A (IgA), and adenosine deaminase (ADA). CgA was higher at CW versus LW in sows fed SBP-F (P = 0.038). Alpha-amylase was higher in sows fed HAY-C at CW versus LW (P = 0.005) and in sows fed SBP-C at LW versus CW (P = 0.096). CgA and oxytocin were higher in sows fed SBP-F at CW versus LW (P = 0.038 and P = 0.017, respectively). ADA was higher in sows fed SBP-C versus HAY-C (P = 0.035) at LW and at LW versus CW in sows fed SBP-C (P = 0.002). Piglet salivary CgA was higher at CW versus LW in HAY-F (P = 0.002) and SBP-F (P = 0.031). Oxytocin was higher at CW versus LW in piglets fed HAY-F (P = 0.006). Piglet salivary IgA was higher in HAY-C versus HAY-F at CW (P = 0.010) and at LW versus CW in piglets fed HAY-F (P = 0.021). ADA was higher in piglets fed SBP-F versus HAY-F (P = 0.053) at CW and SBP-F versus SBP-C (P = 0.042) at LW. Dietary fiber type, weaning age, and to a lesser extent grinding degree affect stress and immune markers in pigs. These findings highlight the impact of diet and weaning practice on pig welfare.

Psychobiological Evaluation of Day Clinic Treatment for People Living With Dementia - Feasibility and Pilot Analyses.

BackgroundHospitalization is often stressful and burdensome for people living with dementia (PwD) and their informal caregivers (ICs). Day clinic treatment may provide a suitable alternative, but is often precluded by a diagnosis of dementia. Furthermore, it is often caregiver-based ratings that measure treatment success as the validity of self-reports in PwD is critically discussed. We therefore set out to examine the feasibility of psychobiological stress measures in PwD and ICs and to evaluate treatment trajectories considering both the day clinic context and the daily life of the dyads.MethodA total of 40 dyads of PwD (mean age: 78.15 ± 6.80) and their ICs (mean age: 63.85 ± 13.09) completed paper-and-pencil questionnaires (covering stress, depressive symptoms, and caregiver burden among others) in addition to the measurement of hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) at admission, discharge, and follow-up 6 months after day clinic treatment. As part of an ambulatory assessment, for 2 days at the beginning and 2 days at the end of the day clinic treatment, PwD and ICs collected six saliva samples per day for the analysis of salivary cortisol (sCort) and alpha-amylase (sAA).ResultsPaper-and-pencil questionnaires and HCC assessments were more feasible than the ambulatory assessment. We found discrepancies between subjective and physiological markers of stress in PwD. Whereas HCC decreased over time, self-reported stress increased. Child–parent dyads reported decreases in neuropsychiatric symptoms, associated burden, and self-reported stress from admission to follow-up. In daily life, both PwD and ICs showed characteristic diurnal profiles of sAA and sCort, however, we found no differences in summary indicators of salivary stress markers over time.DiscussionThe psychobiological evaluation was feasible and added informative value, underlining the potential of physiological stress markers to complement self-reports on stress in PwD and to objectively evaluate treatment trajectories. In this sample, HCC was more feasible and acceptable as biological marker of stress compared to saliva samples. Concerning treatment trajectories, differential effects on the dyads were found, with child–parent dyads benefiting more from day clinic treatment compared to spousal dyads.

Patients with Chronic Constipation Experience Psychological Stress as Measured By the POMS2 Test and Salivary Stress Markers

Background: Psychological stress is known to lead to the pathogenesis and exacerbation of constipation. Therefore, it is important to understand the stress status in patients with constipation to treat constipation and prevent its exacerbation. Until now, the stress status of patients has been subjectively evaluated mainly by questionnaires, but in recent years it has become possible to objectively evaluate it by measuring stress markers in saliva. This study evaluated the stress status in patients with chronic constipation from both subjective and objective perspectives. Methods: Eighty-four adult females with chronic constipation and 20 healthy adult female volunteers as controls were enrolled in this study. All subjects were subjectively evaluated for their mood using the shortened Profile of Mood StatesSecond Edition (POMS2) and objectively evaluated by measuring salivary stress markers, such as cortisol, chromogen A, oxytocin, and secretory immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) using Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay. Results: In the POMS2 analysis, the T-scores of negative mood subscales, such as Anger–Hostility, Confusion–Bewilderment, Depression–Dejection, Fatigue–Inertia, and Tension–Anxiety were significantly higher in the constipation group than in the control group. In contrast, positive mood subscale scores, such as Vigor–Activity and Friendliness were not significantly different between the two groups. These results significantly increased the total mood disorder score, which comprehensively reflects a negative mood in the constipation group compared to the control group. In the stress marker analyses, cortisol, chromogranin A, and s-IgA concentrations in the constipation group were significantly higher than those in the control group. In contrast, the oxytocin concentration in the constipation group tended to be lower than in the control group. Conclusion: These results suggest that patients with constipation have more stressful negative emotions, such as anxiety, depression, tension, and fatigue than healthy individuals. This study will be important and useful when considering the treatment, exacerbation, or prevention of constipation.

Evolution of Human Salivary Stress Markers during an Eight-Hour Exposure to a Mediterranean Holm Oak Forest. A Pilot Study

The current study analyses the evolution of different human stress markers during an 8 h exposure to a Mediterranean Holm oak forest. We conducted a pre-post study with thirty-one subjects in which saliva samples were collected before the exposure (baseline) and after 1, 2, 4 and 8 h. Our results show: (A) a significant decrease in cortisol saliva concentrations from the second hour until the end compared to basal time; (B) a significant increase in alpha amylase activity after the first hour of exposure compared to basal time that remained elevated during the rest of the study; (C) a significant decrease in IgA from the fourth hour of exposure compared to the basal time. These findings indicate an effect of forest exposure in salivary biomarkers of stress and provide relevant data for the scientific and healthcare community encouraging further research in the field.

Women demonstrate lower markers of stress and oxidative stress during active shooter training drill

It has been well documented that police officers are frequently engaged in a variety of high stress situations during their normal daily tasks, such as civilian encounters where force is needed or domestic violence situations, that cause significant increases in a variety of physiological and psychological stress markers. Chronic exposure to stressors increases risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) progression. The purpose of this study was to compare male and female salivary and blood markers of stress in response to an active shooter training drill (ASD) to determine if acute stress differentially impacts men and women to better understand if interventions should be targeted. Thirty-one participants (males ​= ​15 [mean age: 23], females ​= ​16 [mean age: 21]) participated in an ASD involving professional actors playing the role of one active gunman, as well as four victims. The ASD lasted approximately 50 seconds. Blood samples were collected 15 ​min prior as well as after the ASD and analyzed for epinephrine (EPI), norepinephrine (NE), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels. Saliva samples were collected 30 and 5 ​min prior to the ASD and 5 and 30 ​min after the ASD, and were analyzed for cortisol, α-amylase, uric acid, and secretory immunoglobulin-A (SIgA). Our analysis revealed that acute (~50 ​sec) psychological stress in the form of an ASD resulted in significant increases in blood and salivary stress and oxidative stress markers in both men and women. However, four of the seven markers were lower in female participants (cortisol, uric acid, H2O2, and α-amylase presented significant main effects for sex). In addition, SIgA was significantly lower in women compared to men 30 ​min prior to, and five min post ASD. These findings suggest females may be at a lower risk to stress induced oxidative stress and CVD.

Association between declines in objective masticatory performance and salivary stress markers: The Suita study.

Dentists often encounter patients suffering from psychological and social stress due to declines in masticatory performance, making this a critical issue to manage. We aimed to clarify the relationships between salivary stress markers as objective indices of chronic stress and objective masticatory performance in a general urban Japanese population. Data from 880 participants (mean age, 65.8years) in the Suita study were used. Salivary interleukin (IL)-6 and cortisol concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Objective masticatory performance was determined by measuring the increase in surface area test gummy jelly after 30 times chewing. Participants were divided into two groups based on masticatory performance: a decreased group (lowest quartile) and a non-decreased group (second to fourth quartiles). Odds ratios (ORs) of higher salivary levels of stress markers (highest quartile) according to masticatory performance were estimated using logistic regression analysis adjusting for age, sex, periodontal status, salivary flow rate and smoking habit. Salivary IL-6 level was significantly higher in the decreased group than in the non-decreased group. Logistic regression analysis showed the adjusted OR for higher salivary IL-6 was significantly higher in the decreased group than in the non-decreased group (OR=1.92; 95% confidence interval=1.33-2.76; P<.001). No significant associations were found between salivary cortisol and decreased masticatory performance in any analyses. Declines in objective masticatory performance may correlate with higher salivary IL-6 level as an objective index of chronic stress.

Patients with Chronic Constipation Experience Psychological Stress as Measured by the Poms2 Test and Salivary Stress Markers

Background: Psychological stress is known to lead to the pathogenesis and exacerbation of constipation. Therefore, it is important to understand the stress status in patients with constipation to treat constipation and prevent its exacerbation. Until now, the stress status of patients has been subjectively evaluated mainly by questionnaires, but in recent years it has become possible to objectively evaluate it by measuring stress markers in saliva. This study evaluated the stress status in patients with chronic constipation from both subjective and objective perspectives. Methods: Eighty-four adult females with chronic constipation and 20 healthy adult female volunteers as controls were enrolled in this study. All subjects were subjectively evaluated for their mood using the shortened Profile of Mood States-Second Edition (POMS2) and objectively evaluated by measuring salivary stress markers, such as cortisol, chromogen A, oxytocin, and secretory immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) using Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay. Findings: In the POMS2 analysis, the T-scores of negative mood subscales, such as Anger–Hostility, Confusion–Bewilderment, Depression–Dejection, Fatigue–Inertia, and Tension–Anxiety were significantly higher in the constipation group than in the control group. In contrast, positive mood subscale scores, such as Vigor–Activity and Friendliness were not significantly different between the two groups. These results significantly increased the total mood disorder score, which comprehensively reflects a negative mood in the constipation group compared to the control group. In the stress marker analyses, cortisol, chromogranin A, and s-IgA concentrations in the constipation group were significantly higher than those in the control group. In contrast, the oxytocin concentration in the constipation group tended to be lower than in the control group. Interpretation: These results suggest that patients with constipation have more stressful negative emotions, such as anxiety, depression, tension, and fatigue than healthy individuals. This study will be important and useful when considering the treatment, exacerbation, or prevention of constipation. Funding: None to declare. Declaration of Interest: None to declare. Ethical Approval: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Juntendo University Hospital.

Antioxidant Responses in Hypertensive Postmenopausal Women after Acute Beetroot Juice Ingestion and Aerobic Exercise: Double Blind and Placebo‐Controlled Crossover Trial

This study is aimed to analyze the effect of different nitrate concentrations [NO3-] present in beetroot juice (BJ) on salivary oxidative stress markers after acute exercise performance in hypertensive postmenopausal women. Thirteen hypertensive postmenopausal women participated in three experimental sessions, taking different beverages: noncaloric orange flavored drink (OFD), low nitrate (low‐NO3-) BJ, and high nitrate (high‐NO3-) BJ. The participants performed aerobic exercise on a treadmill, at 65–70% of heart rate reserve (HRR), for 40 min. Saliva samples were collected after an overnight fast, 10 minutes before BJ ingestion at 7 : 20 am (0 ′), 120 minutes after beverages ingestion (130 ′), immediately after exercise (170 ′), and 90 min after exercise (260 ′). Salivary total protein (TP), catalase activity (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity by ferric‐reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) concentrations were analyzed. No interaction (session∗time) was found among three sessions over time. Catalase area under the curve (AUC) was lower after both low‐NO3- and high‐NO3- consumption (p &lt; 0.001), and GSH AUC was lower after high‐NO3- (p &lt; 0.001) compared with OFD. So, the acute intake of BJ with aerobic exercise seems to decrease catalase (in high‐NO3- and low‐NO3-) and GSH (in high‐NO3-), besides not interfering with FRAP in hypertensive postmenopausal women.

Effects and interaction of different interior material treatment and personal preference on psychological and physiological responses in living environment

Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) wood is widely used as a traditional construction material in Japan. The relationship between an individual’s perceived comfort level and a preference for Japanese cedar wood interiors is of interest. We compared volunteers’ physiological responses and subjective evaluations of wooden dwelling spaces with different wood materials: planed Japanese cedar lumber, or printed grain resin sheet overlay boards. Eighty-three subjects were asked to stay in each room for 30 min. We evaluated salivary stress markers, blood pressure, the profile of mood states-brief form (POMS), and a questionnaire that used the semantic differential method to evaluate the subjects’ feeling state for both rooms. The concentrations of the volatile organic compounds in both rooms were also quantified after the experiment. The results demonstrated that the subjects’ evaluation of each room was highly dependent on their preference; each room was evaluated more positively by subjects who preferred it. Although the subjects’ feelings were also influenced by their preference, the room with Japanese cedar did not elicit negative feelings, even from the subjects who disliked it. The subjects’ physiological responses were totally independent of their preferences. Their blood pressure decreased in the Japanese cedar room, and their salivary alpha-amylase activity was repressed in both rooms. These results indicated that the subjective evaluations were influenced in part by the subjects’ preferences, while their physiological responses were not affected. Regardless of which room the subjects preferred, the Japanese cedar room reduced the subjects’ blood pressure compared to the room with artificial materials.

Investigation of the levels of different salivary stress markers in chronic periodontitis patients

Background and aimIn this study, we aimed to determine the salivary levels of cortisol, α-amylase, β-endorphin, and chromogranin (CgA) in saliva and to investigate their relationship with periodontitis. MethodsThirty-seven female and 43 male periodontitis patients who presented to the Periodontology Department of the XXX University Faculty of Dentistry participated in the study. The individuals were divided into three groups: mild, moderate, or severe chronic periodontitis. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and probing depth (PD) measurements were recorded for all the participants. All participants underwent the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory test (STAI 1 and 2). Between 09:00 and 11:00 a.m., saliva samples from the participants were collected into tubes within an average of five minutes. ResultsHigher cortisol measurements were detected in the saliva samples of participants with severe chronic periodontitis than in those who had mild chronic periodontitis (P < 0.05). There were statistically significant age differences among patients with mild–moderate, moderate–severe, and mild chronic periodontitis, the severity of the disease increasing with age (P < 0.05). There was also a positive correlation between STAI 1 stress scores and cortisol levels. Similarly, there was a positive correlation between CAL and cortisol levels (P < 0.05). However, a significant difference was found among groups only in terms of salivary cortisol levels (P < 0.05). ConclusionWithin the limitations of this study, there was found to be a relationship between saliva cortisol levels and periodontitis and between salivary cortisol levels and stress.

Towards On-site Determination of Secretory IgA in Artificial Saliva with Gold-Linked Electrochemical Immunoassay (GLEIA) Using Portable Potentiostat and Disposable Printed Electrode

Mental stress is closely connected with our physical and mental wellness. Therefore, stress measurement can contribute to assess our lifestyle and increase our quality of life. In this paper, we detect the secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), which is the candidate of salivary stress markers, with original electrochemical immunoassay: gold-linked electrochemical immunoassay (GLEIA). This biosensor is based on a sandwich-type immunosensor and adopts the electrochemical method to detect the reduction peak from Au nanoparticles linked to the secondary antibody. GLEIA is convenient and cost-effective that only requires a low sample volume (10μL). In addition, the GLEIA show high sensitivity and selectivity. We obtained the linear response to relate the concentration of sIgA (10-300ng/mL) in D-PBS buffer with the artificial saliva which includes salivary inorganic salt and typically glycoprotein (mucin). Furthermore, we obtained acceptable selectivity in the various solution with salivary proteins such as α-amylase, human serum albumin, immunoglobulin G (IgG), lysozyme, and mucin. In the future, we try to detect the sIgA in real saliva for on-site stress measurement using GLEIA and to integrate the various immunosensors for stress markers in saliva.

Usefulness of 3-Methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) of the Final Metabolite in Central Noradorenaline as a Salivary Stress Marker

ストレスおよび健康に関する今日の主要な研究テーマの一つは心身相関の解明，すなわち，ストレス関連疾患の発症と経過に関わる心理社会的ストレッサーの心身に及ぼす影響性と個人差について，バイオロジカルマーカーを用いた生物心理社会的機序の解明である．ストレスや健康状態を客観的に評価する唾液中バイオマーカーを用いた研究により一定の成果が得られつつある．そのなかでも，脳に由来するノルアドレナリン神経系の最終代謝産物である唾液中3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol（MHPG）は不安および緊張状態を敏感に反映する有用な指標として以前から期待されてきた．本稿では，1）ストレス状況下におけるヒトのMHPGの代謝経路について概説し，2）ストレスおよび健康の客観的指標としての唾液中MHPG（sMHPG）の有用性についてわれわれの知見を引用しながら紹介する．

Endocrinological effect of lavender aromatherapy on stressful visual stimuli

IntroductionAromatherapy is prominent in complementary and alternative medicine. Little endocrinological evidence, however, of the effects of aromatherapy has yet been presented. We used salivary stress marker chromogranin A (CgA) to examine the effects of lavender aroma on women watching a stressful video. MethodsHealthy female university students (n = 23) aged 20–22 years old were randomly assigned to two groups: an aroma group exposed to lavender and an unexposed control group. Both groups watched a stressful video for 10 min. During the protocol, the aroma group was exposed to lavender aroma. Samples of salivary chromogranin A (CgA) were collected immediately before and after watching the video, and at 5 and 10 min after that. ResultsIn the aroma group, the levels of CgA statistically significantly decreased throughout the experimental period. In the control group, there was no such change. ConclusionThe findings suggest that lavender aroma may reduce the stress effects of watching a stressful video.

Validity and reliability evidence of a point of care assessment of salivary cortisol and α-amylase: a pre-registered study.

PurposeThe iPro Cube is a small portable point-of-care device designed to analyse salivary markers of stress in a user-friendly manner (e.g., fast, convenient). Our aim was to test the reliability and validity of the iPro Cube to measure salivary cortisol and α-amylase as compared to the common laboratory standard method (ELISA immunoassay) prior to and after moderate intensity exercise.MethodsThe study was a repeated measures, pre-registered design, and statistical framework that incorporated prior knowledge directly into the estimation process. Twenty-nine individuals (age = 27.4 ± 6.6 y; body-mass = 70.8 ± 11.3 kg; height = 1.74 ± 0.92 m; 18 males) completed a single PWC75%HRmax, with repeated measures of salivary cortisol and -amylase pre, immediately post, and 30 min post-exercise.ResultsCorrelation between the iPro Cube and laboratory-based assessments of salivary cortisol was moderate-to-large (0.53 > r < 0.81) across all three testing points. In contrast, correlation between the iPro Cube and laboratory-based assessments of -amylase was small-to-moderate (0.25 > r < 0.46). We found a large correlation between duplicate samples of iPro Cube cortisol assessment (0.75 > r < 0.82), and a moderate-to-large correlation for -amylase (0.51> r < 0.77).ConclusionsThe iPro Cube is capable of taking measures of salivary cortisol that are moderately correlated to values obtained via ELISA immunoassay, however the unit underestimates salivary cortisol and overestimates salivary -amylase at rest and post-moderate intensity exercise. It is recommended that researchers continue using standard laboratory techniques to assess these salivary stress markers.

Evaluation of salivary stress biomarker changes after the insertion of complete dentures

Introduction/Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationships between salivary stress markers [salivary ?-amylase (sAA) and pH], and patients? stress with new dentures. Methods. An intra-individual evaluation was done, in which 30 participants older than 65 years, both sexes, in good general health, first-time complete dentures (CDs) wearers, took part. Measuring of stress biomarkers was done in the unstimulated saliva collected by the so-called spitting method: (1) before any prosthetic treatment, (2) after insertion of a new pair of CDs, and (3) two months after CDs delivery. Results. Upon evaluating the obtained data it was observed that the sAA values steadily increased and by the end of the observation period sAA was higher in women but without statistical significance. The pH values increased until the second follow-up period, after which they dropped. The post-hoc test showed a statistically significant difference in pH values between the first vs. the second (p = 0.005) and the second vs. the third (p = 0.001) follow-up periods. Conclusion. There was a non-significant increase in sAA values during the adaptation period. The biggest difference in sAA values between men and women was at the moment of insertion of dentures. The highest pH level was after the insertion of dentures. Since sAA changes were of no statistical significance, the sAA and pH values cannot be used as a reliable biomarker in saliva for observing the patients? adaptation, psychological, and emotional issues.

Evaluation of effects of day time napping in college students using salivary endocrinological stress marker Cortisol

Evaluation of effects of day time napping in college students using salivary endocrinological stress marker Cortisol

Gender-based comparison of salivary stress marker among healthy individuals after intervention with three melodic scales of Indian music - Exploration with a pretest-posttest design

Background: Music is used as entertainment, but it has potential health benefits. Evidence regarding Indian music in controlling stress is meager. Hindustani music (a type of Indian music) has its system of musical scales (ragas). Aims and Objectives: The objective was to evaluate change in stress using salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) after passive listening to Hindustani ragas and its variation with gender. Materials and Methods: Healthy individuals were randomly divided into three groups that received music intervention (ahir bhairav, kaunsi kanada, and bhimpalas ragas/scales). Stress was assessed with salivary alpha-amylase including pre, during, post-intervention (each for 10 min) among both the genders were compared. SPSS 20.0 was used to analyze the data. Results: All three ragas reduced sAA level (not significant). However, a significant difference in sAA level during and post music (P = 0.016) was observed. Conclusions: Passive listening to any of the three Indian scales reduced stress, like the western melodic scales. Music medicine (passive listening to music) thus has therapeutic implications as an alternative therapy for stressed/anxious individuals in medical disorders. Gender-specific effects with each melodic scale were noted.

Evaluation of TBARS, SOD and GPx in Saliva during Pregnancy of Murrah Buffaloes Maintained under Isohyet Conditions

The objective of the present study was to assess the oxidative status in saliva samples during pregnancy by measuring salivary antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress marker in Murrah buffaloes. We considered saliva as an alternative biological sample because of its non-invasiveness and also from farmer’s perspective. In our study 20 saliva samples each ten were collected from non-pregnant and pregnant Murrah buffaloes maintained under agro climatic regions receiving equal rain fall and laid on equal elevation to avoid geospatial differences. The mean saliva TBARS concentration was significantly (P≤ 0.05) higher (2.59±0.31 µmoles/L) whereas SOD and GPx levels were significantly (P≤ 0.05) lower during pregnancy when compared to non-pregnant Murrah buffaloes. In our study, a significant increase in concentration of TBARS in saliva of pregnant Murrah buffaloes was observed whereas the activity of antioxidant enzymes SOD and GPx were significantly decreased in saliva during pregnancy.