Cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone salivary levels, stress and anxiety in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis

Authors

  • Anete Rejane Michel São Lucas Hospital - Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul
  • Clarice Luz São Lucas Hospital - Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul
  • Sílvia Wudarcki São Lucas Hospital - Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul
  • Karen Cherubini São Lucas Hospital - Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul
  • Maria Antonia Z. de Figueiredo São Lucas Hospital - Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul
  • Fernanda G. Salum São Lucas Hospital - Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15448/1980-6523.2015.4.14541

Keywords:

Aphthous stomatitis, Cortisol, Dehydroepiandrosterone, Stress, Anxiety

Abstract

Objective: In the present study we investigated salivary concentrations of the hormones cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), stress and anxiety levels in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS).
Methods: The sample consisted of 60 individuals of both sexes, aged between 18 and 50 years: 30 patients with RAS and 30 controls. Stress and anxiety were assessed using the Lipp’s Adult Stress Symptom Inventory and the Beck’s Anxiety Inventory, respectively. The saliva samples were collected in the morning and in the afternoon on the same day. In the RAS group, the samples were collected in the presence of active lesions and after remission. The salivary levels of cortisol and DHEA were determined by radioimmunoassay.
Results: RAS patients exhibited significantly higher anxiety scores (P=0.001) and prevalence of stress (P=0.004). There was no significant difference in DHEA and cortisol levels between RAS and control groups. Cortisol levels (P=0.008 and P=0.001) and the cortisol/DHEA ratio (P=0.054 and P=0.007) were significantly increased in the RAS patients with active lesions comparing with the remission phase (P=0.007).
Conclusion: The present study demonstrates an association of stress and anxiety with RAS. However cortisol and DHEA did not differ between patients with RAS and controls.

Author Biography

Fernanda G. Salum, São Lucas Hospital - Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul

Professora da disciplina de Estomatologia da Faculdade de Odontologia e do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Odontologia (área de concentração em Estomatologia Clínica). Doutora em Estomatologia Clínica - PUCRS

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2016-03-21

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