Relationships among salivary biomarker levels, traits of developmental disorders, and stress responses in university students

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  • UCHIBORI Emi
    Department of Medical Technology and Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kyoto Tachibana University
  • OKUBO Chie
    Department of Psychology, Kyoto Tachibana University
  • YONEDA Koji
    Department of Medical Technology, Kobe Tokiwa Unversity

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Other Title
  • 大学生の発達面の特性およびストレス反応と唾液中バイオマーカーの関連
  • ダイガクセイ ノ ハッタツメン ノ トクセイ オヨビ ストレス ハンノウ ト ダエキ チュウ バイオマーカー ノ カンレン

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Abstract

<p>Background: Oxytocin is known to have anxiolytic, antistress, and analgesic effects, and it supports social connection. We examined the utility of salivary biomarkers as indicators for the early detection of developmental disorders and understanding stress responses. Methods: We recruited 56 university-aged males and females (age range: 21–23). They donated saliva samples from 12:00 to 13:10, then completed three questionnaires on the same day. Salivary oxytocin, cortisol, and α-amylase activity levels were measured using an enzyme immunoassay kit. Traits of developmental disorders and stress responses were assessed using three questionnaires: the Autism-Spectrum Quotient Japanese version (AQ), Public Health Research Foundation scale (PHRF-SCL-SF), and Connors Adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Rating Scale (CAARS) Japanese version. We analyzed the relationship between questionnaire scores and biomarker measurements. Results: In the group with autistic tendencies (who scored highly on the AQ), we found that interpersonal problems were significantly associated with elevated salivary cortisol levels, and imagination problems were significantly associated with decreased salivary α-amylase activity. We also found a significant association between communication difficulties and reduced salivary oxytocin levels in the group with autistic tendencies. Conclusions: Measurement of salivary biomarkers may lead to the detection of developmental or stress disorders in university students who have not yet been diagnosed.</p>

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