Differential responses of salivary cortisol, amylase, and chromogranin A to academic stress

Changes in cortisol, cortisone and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type II activity in saliva during pregnancy and lactation in sows

The activity of the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type II, which can be estimated by the combined measurement of cortisol and cortisone, is gaining importance as a marker for the assessment of stress in pigs. The aim of this study was to investigate the activity of this enzyme and the salivary concentrations of cortisol and cortisone in pigs during pregnancy, farrowing and lactation and to compare it with other stress-related biomarkers such as CgA, S100A12 and alpha-amylase. Salivary cortisol concentrations and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase isoenzyme type 2 activity decreased after farrowing, while cortisol concentrations increased. Enzyme activity did not show significant correlations with any of the other stress-related biomarkers measured in this study. Overall, the results of this report indicate a different regulation of 11β-HSD type II activity and of cortisol and cortisone during pregnancy and lactation, which should be considered when evaluating these analytes in saliva during these periods.

Novel insight into the feed conversion ratio in laying hens and construction of its prediction model

Feed efficiency (FE) is an important economic factor in poultry production, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) is one of the most widely used measures of FE. Factors associated with FCR include genetics, the environment, and other factors. However, the mechanisms responsible for FCR in chickens are still less well appreciated. In this study, we examined the pattern changes of FCR, then delved into understanding the mechanisms behind these variations from both genetic and environmental perspectives. Most interestingly, the FCR at the front section of henhouse exhibited the lowest value. Further investigation revealed that laying rate in the high FCR (HFCR) group was lower than that in the low FCR (LFCR) group (P < 0.05). Cortisol, total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), and IgG levels in the LFCR group were significantly lower than those in the HFCR group (P < 0.05), while BUN level was significantly higher than that in the HFCR group (P < 0.05). We identified a total of 67 and 10 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with FCR in ovarian and small intestine tissues, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis of DEGs revealed that they might affect FCR by modulating genes associated with salivary secretion, ferroptosis, and mineral absorption. Moreover, values for relative humidity (RH), air velocity (AV), PM2.5, ammonia (NH3), and carbon dioxide (CO2) in the LFCR group were significantly lower than those in the HFCR group (P < 0.05). Conversely, value for light intensity (LI) in the LFCR group was significantly higher than that in the HFCR group (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between FCR and RH, AV, PM2.5, NH3, and CO2, and a negative correlation with LI. Finally, the FCR prediction model was successfully constructed based on multiple environmental variables using the random forest algorithm, providing a valuable tool for predicting FCR in chickens.

Psychophysiological wellbeing in a class of dental students attending dental school: anxiety, burnout, post work executive performance and a 24 hours physiological investigation during a working day

Aim

To the best of our knowledge, dental school students have never been evaluated for stress, anxiety, burnout, physiological indexes during a 24-h working day, and executive function performance post-work and post-work after returning from vacation; therefore, this research has been conducted.

Methods

Data were acquired at the Dental School of the University of Padua on 16 students in their 4th year, far from the exam session. While performing clinical activity on the dental chair and during a working day, electrodermal activity (EDA), heart rate variability (HRV), and heart rate (HR) were recorded. Participants' stress was measured with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10 scale) and anxiety with the General Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y-2), while burnout with the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-HSS). Executive functions were evaluated using the Tower of London test (TOL-R).

Results

Three students (2F/1M) had a GAD-7 score ≥ 10. Five students (4F/1M) showed trait anxiety. Moderate levels of perceived stress were reported in 85% of participants. MBI-HSS showed that 7 participants scored high on emotional exhaustion and 7 on depersonalization. TOL-R performance (M = 15.85, SD = 4.01) was below the normative value p < 0.00001. A second test, after the holidays, showed normal values. EDA was higher during children's treatment (p < 0.05), ANOVA showed high HR during working time (p < 0.001), and HRV was higher in males (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Based on the sample size evaluated, it is reported that being a dental student has a moderate impact on stress, anxiety, and burnout while a strong impact on executive functions buffered by rest.

Feeling the Stress: Salivary Cortisol Responses of Softball Umpires during National Championships

Stress research in sports tends to focus on athletes, with sports officials typically being overlooked. In the current study, baseline, pre-game, and post-game cortisol levels among a sample of softball umpires were measured to assess the pattern of stress responses and determine if umpire performance (pass/fail) and position on the diamond (plate/field) could be predicted from cortisol levels. Nine male and four female participants aged 25-68 years (N = 13, M = 47.06 ± 15.65 years) each provided saliva samples on multiple occasions prior to and after officiating games at two Australian National Softball Championships. Data from 65 games were analysed. Performance was assessed using Softball Australia's official umpire assessment tool. Cortisol levels increased significantly from baseline to pre-game (p < 0.001, d = -0.69) and declined significantly from pre-game to post-game (p < 0.001, d = 0.47). Umpiring performances were correctly classified as pass or fail from baseline and pre-game cortisol levels in 61.5% of cases and umpire position on the diamond from pre-game cortisol in 63.1% of cases. Findings suggest that stress management strategies should be recommended to softball umpires for performance enhancement and to safeguard their mental health.

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

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the potential reduction of academic stress related to a graded oral presentation in postgraduate dental students using coffee aromatherapy.

METHODS

Healthy postgraduate dental students in a seminar class were divided into coffee (n = 32) and control (n = 26) groups. There were 3 modes of aroma distribution: personal distribution with a coffee pad attached to a lanyard, a lanyard plus a personal fan for ventilation of the aroma, and the typical method of the diffuser to spread the aroma in the ambient air. Stress markers comprised levels of salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), cortisol (sCort), and chromogranin A (sCgA). Pulse rates were also measured.

RESULTS

Levels of sAA increased 176.62% ± 30.26% between pre- and postpresentation in the control group. Inhaling coffee aroma during the presentation period significantly ameliorated sAA increase at 81.02% ± 14.90% (P = .015). sCort levels tended to decrease in the coffee group, but not significantly. Surprisingly, sCgA levels increased more in the coffee group. Also, pulse rates decreased in the coffee group (-2.07 ± 2.81 bpm) and increased in the control group (6.90 ± 3.22 bpm; P = .035). Subgroup analysis did not reveal differences in salivary markers amongst the 3 aroma distribution modes.

CONCLUSIONS

Coffee aroma could have an anxiolytic effect on postgraduate dental students, as evidenced by changes in sAA levels and pulse rates. Personal aroma distribution was also a useful and effective mode of aromatherapy.

Anxiety in a regular day of work: A 24 hour psychophysiological investigation in young dentists with gender comparison

Introduction and aim

Dentistry is a highly demanding profession with a strong mental and physical involvement, possibly generating anxiety. Very few studies assessed psychophysiological activity in dentists, while none tried to relate it with gender during a routine working day. This study aims at evaluating correlations between gender, psychophysiological indexes, and psychological variables.

Materials and methods

Data were acquired at the Dental Clinic of the University of Padua on 20 healthy young dentists (10 M-10F) during a 24 h period of a working day. Physiological variables (measured with E4 Empatica) were electrodermal activity (EDA), heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate (HR). Participants anxiety was measured through a self-reported scale on patient-relationship anxiety and through the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Questionnaire (GAD-7).

Results

5 (3F, 2 M) participants over 20 had a GAD-7 score ≥ 10. Female gender, in comparison to Male, was associated with higher perceived patient relationship anxiety (p = 0.002) and lower HRV (p-adj = 0.022). The gender Male, although being associated with lower level of self-reported anxiety (p = 0.002), showed an equal number of subjects with a GAD-7 score ≥ 10 (p = 0.371). No interaction between gender and EDA was found, nor an effect of GAD score on EDA, HRV and HR values. Higher values of EDA were found during sleep time; a difference between sleep time and working time EDA (p = 0.037) and a difference between sleep time and daytime (p = 0.0045). A different HR between sleep and all daytime (p < 0.001) was also highlighted.

Conclusion

25% of dentists fell within generalized anxiety disorder diagnosis, compared to a maximum of 8.6% in the general population. A possible general biomarker of excessive stress response was measured: a shift of circadian sympathetic activity was found in dentists; a higher activity during sleep in comparison to working time and daytime. The Female gender was associated with higher perceived patient-approach anxiety, lower parasympathetic activity, and a comparable sympathetic activity to the Male gender, thus fostering a possible vulnerability to excessive stress. This study underlines the need to empower the psychological approach to stress and patient-relationship in dentistry.

How do students cope with stress during remote learning due to COVID-19 pandemic? Biological and psychological factors-protocol of the study

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the mental health of the Polish population. Students are the group with a high risk of developing mood disorders. The scientific data suggest the usefulness of biological substances as potential biomarkers of psychiatric disorders. Saliva is non-invasive, quick to obtain material and a promising fluid for measuring stress and depression severity. In this paper, we present the protocol of our study, which aims to assess the utility of concentrations of biological fluids as potential biomarkers of the stress response and risk of developing depression and anxiety disorders among students of Lublin.

Materials and methods: Total number of 80 students were included in the study. Participants were asked to collect saliva samples simultaneously with responding to the questionnaires concerning their mental state. Afterwards, the samples were examined with an ELISA test to assess the level of fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2), cortisol and chromogranin A (CgA). The relationship between biomarkers and severity of stress, depression, anxiety will be examined.

Results: Cortisol on its own is not a good material to investigate the stress reaction in saliva due to its variable levels among people during stressful situations. Scientific data indicate the usefulness of other biomarkers or their combination to indicate the potential risk of developing depression and/or anxiety.

Conclusions: Introducing objective tests, helpful for mood symptoms recognition, would improve the prevention and diagnosis of psychiatric disorders in vulnerable populations.

Salivary mental stress biomarkers in COVID-19 patients

BACKGROUND

During the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health disorders and level of stress show a major increase compared to before the pandemic. Coronavirus-related stress is recently the leading cause of negative impacts on global mental health. Thus, maintaining positive mental health is as important as maintaining physical health during COVID-19. The aim of this study was to analyze salivary mental stress biomarkers as cortisol, alpha-amylase, and chromogranin A in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 to compare their potential relationship with stress symptoms.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 80 adult hospitalized patients with moderate COVID-19 disease and a control group (n = 80) randomly selected were conducted as participants. Saliva cortisol (sCort), saliva alpha-amylase (sAA), and saliva and chromogranin A (sCgA) were determined by the ELISA method (Bio Vendor, USA). Symptoms of stress were measured with a stress symptom checklist (SSCL).

RESULTS

The patients group presented significantly higher levels of sCort, sAA, and sCgA compared with the control group. The correlation analysis showed a positive correlation with strong strength between sCort and sAA (r = 0.934, p < 0.01), as well as sAA with sCgA (r = 0.714, p < 0.01). A moderate positive correlation was found between sCort with sCgA (r = 0.618, p < 0.05). Based on their stress scores from the SSCL the patients were associated with high stress level (30.00%) and very high stress levels (67.5%). In terms of the controls, all the participants showed a low to moderate stress level. We found significant positive correlation between levels of stress and salivary biomarkers.

CONCLUSION

Data from our study demonstrated that salivary biomarkers are promising tools of exploring COVID-19 related stress.

Baseline states of mind differentially affected diurnal salivary stress biomarkers: A preliminary study

The study aimed to determine how different baseline states of mind in each day (relaxed, ordinary, or stressful) affected the diurnal patterns of three commonly investigated salivary stress biomarkers: cortisol (sCort), alpha-amylase (sAA), and chromogranin A (sCgA). A total of 32 healthy volunteers collected saliva on three different mood days at six time points each day (awakening, 30 min after, 10:00, 12:00, 16:00, and 19:00 h). Pulse rates and subjective feeling of stress using a visual analog scale (VAS) were also recorded. The levels of sCort and sAA were highest on a stressful day at certain time points. The levels of sAA were lowest on a relaxing day in the afternoon. Surprisingly, sCgA levels showed an opposite pattern with the highest level seen on a relaxing day. Of note was that the majority of the participants chose a day during a meditation retreat as their relaxing day and participants practicing mindfulness manifested lower levels of sCort (p = 0.003) and sAA (p = 0.043) at 19:00 h compared with those choosing a general leisure day as their relaxing day. Different states of mind were associated with different courses of salivary stress biomarkers. sCort and sAA are the most reliable markers showing the expected trend with higher levels on a stressful day and lower levels on a relaxing day. While the current result cast doubt on the use of sCgA as a stress marker since it was the only marker that showed the opposite trend compared with those of the other two markers as well as pulse rates and VAS. Furthermore, this is the first study to demonstrate that mindfulness practice might have different effects on these biomarkers from just a general relaxed state of mind.

Decreased sympathetic cardiovascular influences and hormone-physiological changes in response to Covid-19-related adaptations under different learning environments

To examine the implications of the transition from face-to-face to online learning from a psychobiological perspective, this study investigated potential differences in physiological stress parameters of students engaged in online or face-to-face learning and determined whether these can be identified as possible mediators between learning experience and achievement emotions. In a randomized experimental field study, medical students (n = 82) attended either regular face-to-face classes of the microscopic anatomy course or the same practical course online using Zoom videoconferencing platform. The present study investigated Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and salivary cortisol concentration as stress correlates, within the contexts of online and face-to-face learning and compared these parameters with a control group that was measured at rest. Additionally, participants completed a standardized questionnaire about their experienced emotions in relation to task achievement and subjective stress levels. A significant reduction in HRV was found in face-to-face learning, suggesting stronger stress responses in the face-to-face learning environment (η²  = 0.421, P < 0.001). Furthermore, participants engaged in face-to-face learning showed significantly higher cortisol concentrations (η²  = 0.115, P = 0.032). Additionally, increased sympathetic activation correlated with the discrete positive emotion of enjoyment exclusively within the face-to-face condition (r = 0.365, P = 0.043). These results indicate that the transfer of a face-to-face practical course in microscopic anatomy to an online learning environment is associated with decreased sympathetic and enhanced vagal cardiovascular influences, together with lower cortisol concentrations in healthy medical students.

Associations between chronic work stress and plasma chromogranin A/catestatin among healthy workers

OBJECTIVES

Plasma chromogranin A (CgA) may play a critical role on linking work stress to health outcomes. The aim of our study was to investigate the associations between work stress and plasma CgA levels in healthy workers without chronic diseases.

METHODS

The study included 260 healthy workers from EHOP study. Work stressors were assessed by the Chinese version of the 23-item ERI-Q questionnaire. Plasma CgA and catestatin levels were measured by ELISA kits. The demographic characteristics were collected from medical records.

RESULTS

Among the final 260 subjects including 173 males (66.5%) and 87 females (33.5%), the average age was 37.6 ± 10.6 years old. Effort, overcommitment, and ERI were positively associated with plasma CgA level, respectively (r = 0.267, 0.319, and 0.304, all p < .001), while reward was negatively associated with CgA level (r = -0.237, p < .001). The workers with high effort, overcommitment, or ERI had significantly higher plasma CgA levels, while the workers with high rewards had significantly lower plasma CgA levels. The workers with both high overcommitment and high ERI had highest plasma CgA levels. In the linear regression analysis, after adjustment for confounders, effort, overcommitment, and ERI were respectively positively related to plasma CgA, while reward negatively related to plasma CgA. The associations between work stress and plasma catestatin was not significant. The ratio of CgA and catestatin was associated with work stress.

CONCLUSIONS

Work stress is associated with plasma CgA which may be play a crucial role on the pathway from chronic work stress to cardiovascular diseases.