Stress
Cortisol
Cortisol is an adrenal glucocorticoid that is released when the HPA-axis has been engaged. It is frequently used as a measure of psychosocial stress. While acute stress tends to increase levels of cortisol, some research finds that chronic stress leads to blunted cortisol rhythms. Note that cortisol also influences blood sugar levels, metabolism, and immune activity. Most of the cortisol in the blood (~90%) is bound to corticosteroid-binding globulin which renders the hormone inactive. On the contrary, cortisol found in saliva is mostly free, unbound, and biologically active.
Alpha-amylase
Alpha-amylase is a digestive enzyme that increases in response to acute stress. It is frequently used as a salivary measure of sympathetic nervous system activity.
Aldosterone
Aldosterone is an adrenal mineralcorticoid that regulates electrolyte balance and blood pressure. Levels of aldosterone typically increase in response to stress. Aldosterone plays a mechanistic role in the link between chronic stress and excessive inflammation.
DHEA
DHEA is an adrenal androgen that increases in response to stress (especially chronic stress). DHEA-S is a sulfated version of DHEA, with levels that are 100x higher than DHEA. DHEA is converted to various sex hormones in the body and plays a role in regulating aging and immune function.
DHEA-S
DHEA is an adrenal androgen that increases in response to stress (especially chronic stress). DHEA-S is a sulfated version of DHEA, with levels that are 100x higher than DHEA. DHEA is converted to various sex hormones in the body and plays a role in regulating aging and immune function.
Analyte | Saliva Passive Drool | Blood Plasma / Serum | Correlation of Blood and Saliva |
---|---|---|---|
Total Cortisol | — | | N/A |
Free Cortisol | | N | .90 |
Alpha-amylase | | — | N/A |
Aldosterone | N | | .80 |
DHEA / DHEAs | N | | .85 |
N Indicates that this analyte has been validated in this medium
Indicates that this medium is the gold standard for measuring this analyte.
Correlations between blood and saliva are approximate and may vary between different populations.