Journal of Clinical & Experimental Pathology
Open Access

Abstract

Purpose: The present study was conducted on undergraduate dental students to asses and compares the levels of salivary stress biomarkers including cortisol, immulnoglobulin A and �±-amylase enzyme during periods of academic assessments and non assessments and to relate these biomarkers to studentsâ�� academic performance. Methods: Saliva samples were collected from undergraduate dental students; one before taking a final assessment exam and another during non assessment period. Salivary stress biomarkers concentrations were obtained using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results: The level of salivary stress biomarkers including s-cortisol, �±-amylase and immulnoglobulin A significantly increased during periods of assessment exams as compared to non assessment (p=0,000, 0.001 and 0.003 consecutively). The study found a significant correlation between salivary �±-amylase and academic performance especially among male students (p=0.008) and those in their final academic year (p=0.040). Conclusion: We conclude that the stress of academic assessment can markedly increase the level of salivary stress biomarkers. Students who show less academic performance generally depict higher levels of salivary �±-amylase, especially male students and those in their final academic year.

Biography

Soliman Ouda has completed his Ph.D. from AL-Azhar University, Egypt and postdoctoral studies from ULM University School of Dental Medicine, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. December 1994, He got PhD degree in Oral medicine, Alazhar University Cairo. December 1988, He got his Master Degree in Oral medicine and periodontology Alazhar University Cairo. Currently he is a Professor in Oral medicine division, Oral diagnostic Sciences Department, king Abdulaziz University.

Email: souda@kau.edu.sa