Correlation between salivary α-amylase and stress-related anxiety

Abstract

Salivary α-amylase is a useful biomarker that can be used in assessing human psychobiological and social behavioural processes. Studying it opens up possibilities for the creation of novel concepts concerning the interaction of biological and social processes and their impact on health and behaviour. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The levels of salivary α-amylase and situation anxiety self-assessment using Spielberger test were measured twice in 30 individuals aged 21.37 ± 0.96 yrs (18 females and 12 males): once during stressful situation (prior to examination) and, again a month later, in stress-free environment (during a training session). Salivary α-amylase was measured using kinetic reaction kit Salimetrics LLC -USA. RESULTS: The mean level of salivary α-amylase measured during the fi rst measurement 156.0 ± 93.33 U/ml. During the second measurement in the absence of intense stress, the levels were two times lower -74.03 ± 58.06 U/ml and the differences were statistically signifi cant (P < 0.001). We found a statistically signifi cant correlation between the levels of salivary α-amylase in both measurements (P < 0.01). The correlation coeffi cient was r = 0.472 (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The adapted version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score (STAI) created by Spielberger is appropriate for assessment of stress-related anxiety in young individuals. Salivary α-amylase may be used as a biomarker for objective evaluation of the psychosomatic state of individuals in a stressful environment. The combination of psychological test and objective indicator such as salivary α-amylase is an excellent tool for objective evaluation of individual's state in stressful environment. Similar tests may be used in assessment of patients' behaviours at dental treatment that may be considered a stressor in most patients.

Comparison of Salivary Cortisol and α‐amylase Levels and Psychological Profiles in Patients with Burning Mouth Syndrome

“…showed that salivary levels of α‐amylase were significantly different between stressed subjects and healthy controls. Their results showed a twofold increase in α‐amylase concentrations in stressful conditions and a decrease in its concentration in stress‐free conditions …”

Evaluation of Salivary Alpha Amylase as a Biomarker for Dental Anxiety

“…Several studies have shown that cortisol shows a less increase in stimulation time and reach its peak in a longer time than SAA, as the sensitivity of sympathetic system is higher than HPA system. Thus, SAA level represents individual's response to stress more accurately and sensitively (17,21). Therefore, it can be stated that there is a relationship among personality characteristics, with more anxiety and alpha amylase rate that represents SNS system.…”

Salivary Alpha Amylase, Dental Anxiety, and Extraction Pain: A Pilot Study

“…13 This was not found to be the case. Campos et al 24 also reported no correlation between sAA concentration and pain intensity.…”

“…3 In our study, sAA was used as a biomarker for sympathetic activity on account of the powerful role the autonomic nervous system plays in sAA secretion and the acceptance within the published literature of sAA as a sympathetic biomarker. 4,5,[12][13][14][15] The net result of sympathetic stimulation on the salivary glands is a thicker, protein-rich saliva, in contrast to the watery saliva produced by parasympathetic activity. Multiple peer-reviewed studies have validated the application of sAA concentration as a noninvasive biomarker for both objective pain intensity and emotional status in a stressful environment.…”

“…sAA variables measure sympathetic activity and therefore may better reflect general state anxiety. 13 The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) is a superior instrument for the purposes of assessing general state and trait anxiety. Although the Corah-DAS has been traditionally used as an indicator of anxiety in dentistry, recent studies show that the STAI-State actually appears to be a more sensitive measurement of anxiety in oral surgery.…”