Variaciones de alfa-amilasa salival relacionadas con edad, sexo e índice de masa corporal en estudiantes universitarios / Variations of salivary alpha-amylase related to age, sex and body mass index in university students

Objetivo. Determinar la presencia y dirección de la relación entre alfa-amilasa salival (AAs), edad, sexo e índice de masa corporal (IMC) en adultos jóvenes. Métodos. Este estudio transversal se desarrolló con una muestra de 50 estudiantes de odontología de 19 a 34 años de edad, 58% mujeres y 42% hombres. Se recogieron muestras de saliva entera sin estimular en la mañana (6:30-7:30 a.m.) y en la tarde (4:00-6:00 p.m.). Los valores de AAs se determinaron mediante método cinético y se expresaron como media ± desviación estándar. Se realizaron análisis descriptivo de datos, prueba de chi-cuadrado, prueba de correlación de Pearson y prueba t de muestras pareadas. Resultados. El IMC promedio fue de 23,85 ± 3,30 kg/m2, 66% de los participantes presentó peso normal (IMC ≤ 25 kg/m2). Los niveles de AAs por la tarde (282,74 ± 59,60 U/ml) fueron mayores a los de la mañana (190,84 ± 61,80 U/ml), (t = 16,51, p < 0,0001). Los hombres mostraron niveles de AAs más altos que las mujeres (p < 0,0001). La edad no mostró asociación con los niveles de AAs. Los valores de IMC y AAs presentaron una correlación positiva (AM: r = 0,35, p = 0,0121; PM: r = 0,40, p = 0,0036). Conclusión. El nivel de actividad de AAs se puede utilizar como posible biomarcador para evaluar el IMC en relación con el sexo, especialmente en los adultos jóvenes.

Objective. To determine the presence and direction of the relationship between salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) in young adults. Methods. This cross-sectional study was developed with a sample of 50 dental students from 19 to 34 years of age, 58% women and 42% men. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected in the morning (6:30-7:30 a.m.) and in the afternoon (4:00-6:00 p.m.). sAA values were determined by the kinetic method and expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Descriptive data analysis, chi-square test, Pearson correlation test, and paired samples t-test were made. Results. Mean BMI was 23.85 ± 3.30 kg/m2, 66% of the participants presented normal weight (BMI ≤ 25 kg/m2). Levels of sAA in the afternoon (282.74 ± 59.60 U/ml) were higher than those in the morning (190.84 ± 61.80 U/ml), (t = 16.51, p < 0, 0001). Men showed higher levels of sAA than women (p < 0.0001). Age did not show an association with sAA levels. BMI and AAs values presented a positive correlation (AM: r = 0,35, p = 0,0121; PM: r = 0,40, p = 0,0036). Conclusions. AAs activity level can be used as a potential biomarker to assess BMI in relation to sex, especially in young adults.

Association among childhood adversity and susceptibility to interference during varying salience: two studies in healthy males.

Childhood adversity, a prevalent experience, is related to a higher risk for externalizing and internalizing psychopathology. Alterations in the development of cognitive processes, for example in the attention-interference domain may link childhood adversity and psychopathology. Interfering stimuli can vary in their salience, i.e. ability to capture attentional focus, and valence. However, it is not known if interference by salience or valence is associated with self-reported adversity. In two independent study samples of healthy men (Study 1: n = 44; mean age [standard deviation (SD)] = 25.9 [3.4] years; Study 2: n = 37; 43.5 [9.7] years) we used the attention modulation task (AMT) that probed interference by two attention-modulating conditions, salience and valence separately across repeated target stimuli. The AMT measures the effects of visual distractors (pictures) on the performance of auditory discrimination tasks (target stimuli). We hypothesized that participants reporting higher levels of childhood adversity, measured with the childhood trauma questionnaire, would show sustained interference in trials with lower salience. Due to conflicting reports on the valence-modulation, we tested the valence condition in an exploratory manner. Linear mixed models revealed an interaction between reported childhood adversity and the salience condition across tone presentations in both study samples (Sample 1: p = .03; Sample 2: p = .04), while there were no effects for the valence condition across both studies. Our study suggests that higher self-reported childhood adversity is related to faster processing of target cues during high salience, but slower during low salience conditions. These results hint to the mechanisms linking childhood adversity and psychopathological symptoms in the attentional domain.

Clinical correlation of salivary alpha-amylase levels with pain intensity in patients undergoing emergency endodontic treatment.

BACKGROUND: Pain is usually subjective and thus it is challenging to describe its characteristics such as nature, intensity, and origin. Non-invasive methods such as assessing salivary alpha-amylase (SAA) may aid the practitioner to evaluate the pain intensity. Hence, the current study aimed to correlate the levels of SAA with the pain intensity in patients presenting with varied endodontic pain levels. METHODS: Sixty patients who presented with varied intensities of endodontic pain were selected for the present study out of which seven patients were excluded/dropped, leaving a total sample of fifty-five patients for assessment. Mandibular molar with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis without periapical pathology were included in the study. A 5ml of un-stimulated was obtained from the patients, following which the local anesthesia was administered. Root canal treatment was then performed and the pain scores at pre-operative and post-operative were recorded. Additionally, salivary samples were collected after emergency endodontic treatment and sent for sialochemical analysis. IBM.SPSS statistics software 23.0 was employed to assess the obtained data. RESULTS: A statistically significant drop in the pain score (P < 0.001) and SAA levels (P < 0.001) were observed post-operatively in the contract to pre-operative state. A strong positive correlation was reported between SAA levels and pain scores in patients undergoing emergency endodontic treatment at both time intervals namely pre-operative (P < 0.001) and post-operative (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this preliminary showed a strong association between the pain score and SAA levels in patients undergoing an emergency endodontic treatment.

The salivary alpha-amylase concentration in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A case-control study.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases. Previous studies have reported an association between stress and salivary alpha-amylase. The aim of this study was to investigate the concentration of salivary alpha-amylase in patients with RA (by elimination of stress factor). Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, we enrolled 50 patients with RA and 48 healthy patients as the control group. The perceived stress scale questionnaire was used to evaluate scores of stress in both case and control groups, and then the participants with high scores of stress were excluded from the study. Moreover, the alpha-amylase activity kit was used for the assessment of the levels of salivary alpha-amylase. In all analyses, the significance level was considered to be < 0.05. Finally, the obtained data were analyzed by SPSS22. Results: Our results indicated a high score of stress in the case group (19.42 ± 5.83 units) compared with the control group (18.02 ± 6.07 units) which was not statistically significant (P < 0.248). Moreover, we demonstrated a high salivary alpha-amylase concentration in the case group (340.65 ± 38.04 units) compared to the control group (302.62 ± 58.72 units), which was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of this method, at >312 alpha-amylase concentrations, were 80% and 46%, respectively. Conclusion: In general, we indicated that the alpha-amylase concentration in patients with RA is higher than the healthy controls, and can be used as a codiagnostic factor.

Spectrophotometric Analysis and Determination of Anti-inflammatory Effect of Punica granatum and Woodfordia fruticosa in Subjects With Chronic Periodontitis - A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Long-term use of chemical plaque control methods has led to adverse effects. In the current scenario, herbal mouthwashes have adequately remediated periodontal disease. Moreover, in the salivary interactome, biomarkers such as salivary amylase, a key protein secreted in the saliva, have been immensely useful in detecting the progression of periodontal disease. Therefore, we aimed to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of ethanolic crude extracts of Woodordiafruticosa leaf and Punicagranatum peel and to estimate salivary amylase levels in subjects diagnosed with chronic periodontitis. METHODOLOGY: Ethanolic extracts of both plants were prepared using the soxhlet extraction method, and the obtained metabolites were confirmed by thin-layer chromatography. After a mouthwash was prepared, 100 subjects were randomly divided into two groups. Group I received Punica peel (Pgp) mouthwash, and Group II received Woodfordialeaf (Wfl). Clinical parameters such as probing depth and clinical attachment loss were recorded to determine the grades of periodontitis. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected, and amylase levels were analyzed at three-time intervals using spectrophotometric assay. RESULTS: For both groups, the mean reduction in salivary amylase levels was calculated at baseline after 1 hour and 1 week of using the mouthwash. A statistically highly significant reduction was seen with (p=0.000*) at the 1-hr interval in Group I. CONCLUSION: The anti-inflammatory effect was more effective with Pgp mouthwash when compared to Wfl mouthwash.

Type 1 Diabetes: A Disorder of the Exocrine and Endocrine Pancreas.

Type 1 diabetes has historically been described as an endocrine (ß-cell) specific autoimmune disease. However, a substantial reduction (20-50%) in pancreas organ size and subclinical to symptomatic exocrine pancreatic insufficiency are present at diagnosis and may begin even prior to the development of islet autoimmunity. The mechanisms of exocrine loss in type 1 diabetes are not well understood, but leading hypotheses include developmental defects, ß-cell loss resulting in exocrine atrophy, or autoimmune or inflammatory destruction of exocrine cells. Inflammatory changes including acute and chronic pancreatitis, exocrine T cell infiltration and classical complement activation, and serum exocrine autoantibodies within type 1 diabetes individuals suggest that an autoimmune or inflammatory process may contribute to exocrine pancreatic dysfunction. Exocrine pancreas atrophy primarily occurs prior to the onset of clinical disease. Indeed, recent work implicates exocrine-specific alterations in gene and protein expression as key in type 1 diabetes development. Measures of exocrine size and function could be useful additions in the prediction of disease onset and in identifying potential therapeutic responders to disease therapies, however, this is an underdeveloped area of research. Additionally, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is underdiagnosed in individuals with type 1 diabetes and individualized treatment protocols are lacking. Much work remains to be done in this area, but we can definitively say that type 1 diabetes is a disorder of both the exocrine and endocrine pancreas likely from the start.

Saliva Changes in Pediatric Patients with Eating Disorders.

Objectives: To determine the differences between pediatric patients with eating disorders (ED) and the control group in the amount of saliva and the concentration of total amylase and electrolytes in saliva, and to evaluate the correlation between the saliva changes and nutritional status. Material and methods: The study included 101 participants (14.34 ±1.99 years), out of which 50 participants with ED subgroups and 51 participants in the control group. Data were statistically analyzed (Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, chi-square, Spearman rank correlation test, α=0.05). Results: No significant differences in salivary volume between the groups were found. A significant difference in the volume of saliva secreted in the 5th and 15th minute was found between the anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa subgroups. The examined anthropometric parameters were marginally or significantly positively associated with saliva volume at 5 and 15 minutes, noting a more significant correlation of the same at 15 than at 5 minutes. The patients with ED had a significantly higher concentration of inorganic phosphates in saliva while the concentrations of other electrolytes and total amylase in saliva did not differ significantly. Conclusions: Nutritional status affects salivation. There is a difference in saliva volume in pediatric patients with different ED disorders. Variations in saliva electrolytes in pediatric patients with ED are possible.

Phytochemical analysis and inhibitory effects of Calligonum polygonoides on pancreatic α-amylase and ß-glucosidase enzymes.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the existence of phyto-chemicals and then to determine the antidiabetic activity against α-amylase and ß-glucosidase inhibition . METHODS: The study was carried out by following standard procedures. RESULTS: Phytochemicals analysis indicated the presence of different phytochemicals. The total phenolic content was 6.055 mg GAE/g and the total flavonoid content was 5.706 mg RU/g in the plant extract. The total saponins, alkaloids, and tannins contents were (0.044%), (2.88%) and (2.862 nm) respectively. α-amylase inhibition activity of Calligonum polygonoides (CP) extract was 70% with IC50 of 610 µg/mL and that of ß-gluco-sidase inhibition activity was 65% with IC50 of 640 µg/mL. CONCLUSION: The findings reported for the first time the antidiabetes-promoting effects of an extract of CP, thus validating their promising anti-diabetes potential.

Reversible occlusion of the pulmonary vasculature by transarterial embolisation with degradable starch microspheres: preclinical assessment in a human isolated lung perfusion model.

BACKGROUND: Transpulmonary embolisation (TPE) using degradable starch microspheres (DSM) is a potential approach to treat pulmonary metastases. However, there is a paucity of detailed information on perfusion dynamics. The aim of this study was to establish a human ex vivo isolated lung perfusion (ILP) model to observe and evaluate the effects of DSM-TPE in a near-physiologic setting. METHODS: ILP was carried out on six surgically resected lung lobes. At baseline, computed tomography (CT), including CT perfusion imaging (CTPI), and histopathological sampling were performed (t30). DSM-TPE was initiated and increased stepwise (t45, t60, t75, and t90) to be followed by CT imaging, histopathological sampling, and pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP). After the last assessment (t90), alpha-amylase was injected into the pulmonary artery to allow for DSM hydrolysation and two additional assessments (t105; t120). Histopathological specimens were evaluated using a semiquantitative ordinal score. CTPI was used for time to peak (TTP) analysis. RESULTS: After DSM administration, PAP and TTP increased significantly: PAP slope 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.104-0.483, p = 0.004; TTP t30 versus t45, p = 0.046. After the addition of alpha-amylase, functional parameters reverted to values comparable to baseline. In histopathological samples, embolisation grades increased significantly until t90 (slope 95% CI 0.027-0.066, p < 0.001) and decreased after addition of alpha-amylase (slope 95% CI -0.060-0.012, p = 0.165), CONCLUSIONS: The ILP model demonstrated successfully both the physiologic effect of DSM-TPE on human lungs and its reversibility with alpha-amylase. Thus, it can be used as a near-physiologic preclinical tool to simulate and assess later clinical approaches.

Assessment of child's dental anxiety/fear and stress during dental treatment: a systematic review by CEDACORE

Abstract: There is a lack of evidence on the correlation between salivary biomarkers and subjective measures of dental fear and anxiety in children. This systematic review aimed to retrieve the scientific evidence comparing the results of dental anxiety measured by salivary biomarkers with patient-reported outcomes in pediatric dental setting. The PECOS was as follows: population: pediatric patients aged ≤ 18 years; exposure: patient-reported outcome measures, such as scales and/or questionnaires; comparator: salivary biomarkers; outcome: anxiety, fear, phobia or stress during dental treatment; study design: observational studies or controlled trials. Electronic searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Ovid databases. Studies that compared scales/questionnaires and salivary biomarkers for the evaluation of dental anxiety, fear, and stress in children/adolescents during dental treatment were included. Certainty of evidence was assessed with GRADE. Risk of bias of the included studies was assessed with the Cochrane tool or the University of Adelaide tool. From the 314 studies identified, eight were included. Participants' age ranged from three to 13 years. The most used salivary biomarkers and instruments were cortisol and the Dental Subscale of the Children's Fear Survey Schedule, respectively. Most studies showed a weak correlation between objective and subjective measures. The main issues regarding bias were on allocation concealment, blinding of assessors, follow up, and exposure assessment. Certainty of evidence was low/very low. Evidence of salivary biomarkers and patient-reported outcome measures to investigate anxiety, fear and stress in children during in the dental environment is limited. There was no correlation between subjective and objective measures in almost all included studies.

Patients´ Anxiety Related to Dental Radiographic Examinations: Levels, Perception and Management

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated patients´ anxiety levels related to dental radiographic examinations in addition to dentists' perception and management. Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) activity of 47 patients was measured before and after exposure to radiographic examinations to assess their anxiety level and compared using Wilcoxon test. Mann-Whitney test assessed the sAA activity related to sex, type of examination, and previous experience with radiographic examinations. 50 dentists were interviewed using a semi-structured script containing open-ended questions perception on their patients' anxiety. Before the radiographic examination, sAA activity was significantly higher for women (p ≤0.05). SAA activity significantly increased after the examination for men, patients of both sexes with no previous experience and for those who underwent CBCT (p≤0.05). Anxiety was reported to be observed in adult patients' speech and pediatric patients' behavior. Dental radiographic examinations may be a source of anxiety for women before the examination. After the examination, men, patients with no previous experience, and those subjected to CBCT present higher anxiety levels. Dentists perceive anxiety in adult and pediatric patients differently.

RESUMEN: Este estudio evaluó los niveles de ansiedad en los pacientes relacionados con exámenes radiográficos dentales, además de la percepción y el manejo de los dentistas. Se midió la actividad de la alfa-amilasa salival (sAA) de 47 pacientes antes y después de la exposición a exámenes radiográficos para evaluar su nivel de ansiedad y se comparó mediante la prueba de Wilcoxon. La prueba de Mann-Whitney evaluó la actividad de la sAA relacionada con el sexo, el tipo de examen y la experiencia previa con exámenes radiográficos. Se entrevistó a 50 dentistas utilizando un guión semiestructurado de preguntas abiertas sobre la percepción de la ansiedad de sus pacientes. Antes del examen radiográfico, la actividad de la sAA era significativamente mayor para las mujeres (p≤0.05). La actividad de SAA aumentó significativamente después del examen para los hombres, pacientes de ambos sexos sin experiencia previa y para los que se sometieron a CBCT (p≤0.05). Se informó que se observa ansiedad en el habla de los pacientes adultos y en el comportamiento de los pacientes pediátricos. Los exámenes radiográficos dentales pueden ser una fuente de ansiedad para las mujeres antes del examen. Tras la exploración, los hombres, los pacientes sin experiencia previa y los sometidos a CBCT presentan niveles de ansiedad más elevados. Los dentistas perciben la ansiedad en los pacientes adultos y pacientes pediátricos de manera diferente.

Effect of testosterone replacement therapy and mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis) on biochemical, functional and redox parameters of saliva in orchiectomized rats.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effects of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and mate tea (MT) [Ilex paraguariensis] on biochemical, functional, and redox parameters of saliva in orchiectomized rats (ORX) DESIGN: Sixty young adult male Wistar rats (3 months old) were either castrated bilaterally or underwent fictitious surgery (SHAM) and were distributed into 5 groups: SHAM, ORX, TU (castrated rats that received a single intramuscular injection of testosterone undecanoate 100 mg/kg), MT (castrated rats that received MT 20 mg/kg, via intragastric gavage, daily), and TU + MT. All treatments started 4 weeks after castration (4 months old) and lasted 4 weeks (5 months old). At the end of treatment, pilocarpine-induced salivary secretion was collected to analyze salivary flow rate (SFR) and biochemistry composition through determination of total protein (TP), amylase (AMY), electrolyte, and biomarkers of oxidative stress. RESULTS: ORX increased SFR, salivary buffering capacity, calcium, phosphate, chloride, total antioxidant capacity, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), and carbonyl protein, reduced TP and AMY activity, and did not change pH, sodium, and potassium compared to SHAM. TU and TU+MT restored all salivary parameters to values of SHAM, while only TBARs and AMY returned to SHAM levels in the MT group. CONCLUSIONS: TRT with long-acting TU restored the biochemical, functional, and redox parameters of saliva in orchiectomized rats. Although MT did not have a TRT-like effect on salivary gland function, the more effective reduction in lipid oxidative damage in the MT and TU + MT groups could be considered as adjuvant to alleviate the salivary oxidative stress induced by orchiectomy.

[Influences of Autonomic Function, Salivary Cortisol and Physical Activity on Cognitive Functions in Institutionalized Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: Based on Neurovisceral Integration Model].

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate objectively measured physical activity (PA) in institutionalized older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and to elucidate the influence of autonomic nervous function, salivary cortisol, and PA on cognitive functions based on neurovisceral integration model. METHODS: Overall cognitive function was evaluated using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and executive function was evaluated using semantic verbal fluency test and clock drawing test. Actigraph for PA, HRV and sAA for autonomous function, and the geriatric depression scale for depression were used. Saliva specimens were collected in the morning for sAA and cortisol. RESULTS: Ninety-eight older adults from four regional geriatric hospitals participated in the study. They took 4,499 steps per day on average. They spent 753.93 minutes and 23.12 minutes on average in sedentary and moderate-to-vigorous activity, respectively. In the multiple regression analysis, lower salivary cortisol level (ß = - .33, p = .041) and greater step counts (ß = .37, p = .029) significantly improved MMSE score. Greater step count (ß = .27, p = .016) also exerted a significant influence on verbal fluency, and greater sAA (ß = .35, p = .026) was significantly associated with a better clock drawing test result. CONCLUSION: Salivary cortisol, sAA and physical activity were significantly associated with cognitive functions. To prevent older adults from developing dementia, strategies are needed to increase their overall PA amount by decreasing sedentary time and to decrease salivary cortisol for cognitive function, and to maintain their sympathetic nervous activity for executive function.

Neuronal α-amylase is important for neuronal activity and glycogenolysis and reduces in presence of amyloid beta pathology.

Recent studies indicate a crucial role for neuronal glycogen storage and degradation in memory formation. We have previously identified alpha-amylase (α-amylase), a glycogen degradation enzyme, located within synaptic-like structures in CA1 pyramidal neurons and shown that individuals with a high copy number variation of α-amylase perform better on the episodic memory test. We reported that neuronal α-amylase was absent in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and that this loss corresponded to increased AD pathology. In the current study, we verified these findings in a larger patient cohort and determined a similar reduction in α-amylase immunoreactivity in the molecular layer of hippocampus in AD patients. Next, we demonstrated reduced α-amylase concentrations in oligomer amyloid beta 42 (Aß42 ) stimulated SH-SY5Y cells and neurons derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) with PSEN1 mutation. Reduction of α-amylase production and activity, induced by siRNA and α-amylase inhibitor Tendamistat, respectively, was further shown to enhance glycogen load in SH-SY5Y cells. Both oligomer Aß42  stimulated SH-SY5Y cells and hiPSC neurons with PSEN1 mutation showed, however, reduced load of glycogen. Finally, we demonstrate the presence of α-amylase within synapses of isolated primary neurons and show that inhibition of α-amylase activity with Tendamistat alters neuronal activity measured by calcium imaging. In view of these findings, we hypothesize that α-amylase has a glycogen degrading function within synapses, potentially important in memory formation. Hence, a loss of α-amylase, which can be induced by Aß pathology, may in part underlie the disrupted memory formation seen in AD patients.

Association of salivary alpha-amylase with anxiety and stress in nursing professionals / Associação da alfa amilase salivar com a ansiedade e o estresse de profissionais de enfermagem / Asociación de la alfa amilasa salival con la ansiedad y el estrés en profesionales de enfermería

Objective: to assess if changes in salivary alpha-amylase activity are associated with anxiety and stress among hospital nursing professionals and whether anxiety and stress are associated with sociodemographic, epidemiological, and occupational factors. Method: cross-sectional, quantitative study, carried out with 210 nursing professionals from a hospital. For data collection, we used a questionnaire to characterize workers, Beck's Anxiety Inventory, Lipp's Stress Symptoms Inventory for Adults and samples and saliva samples collected in work shifts. The data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially using the software Statistical Package for the Social Science and GraphPad Prism. Results: most professionals experienced stress and anxiety. The variables age group, number of children, use of medication and workload were associated with anxiety; age group, smoking and medication use were associated with stress. An increase in the salivary alpha-amylase activity was observed in the middle of the work shift. Professionals who had stress and anxiety had significant changes in alpha-amylase in the night shift. Conclusion: changes in salivary alpha-amylase were associated with anxiety and stress among nursing professionals, indicating that this enzyme can be a possible biomarker of anxiety and stress in workers.

Objetivo: avaliar se a alteração na atividade da alfa amilase salivar está associada à ansiedade e ao estresse dos profissionais de enfermagem hospitalar e, se a ansiedade e o estresse estão associados aos fatores sociodemográficos, epidemiológicos e laborais. Método: estudo transversal, quantitativo, desenvolvido com 210 profissionais de enfermagem de uma instituição hospitalar. Para a coleta de dados, utilizouse um questionário de caracterização dos trabalhadores, o Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck, o Inventário de Sintomas de Stress para Adultos de Lipp e as amostras de saliva coletadas durante os turnos de trabalho. Os dados foram analisados de forma descritiva e inferencial utilizando os softwares Statistical Package for the Social Science e GraphPad Prism. Resultados: a maioria dos profissionais apresentou estresse e ansiedade. As variáveis faixa etária, quantidade de filhos, uso de medicamentos e carga horária de trabalho estavam associadas à ansiedade; faixa etária, tabagismo e uso de medicamentos estavam associadas ao estresse. Observouse um aumento da atividade da alfa amilase salivar no meio do turno de trabalho. Os profissionais que tinham estresse e ansiedade apresentaram alteração significativa da alfa amilase no turno da noite. Conclusão: as alterações na atividade da alfa amilase estavam associadas à ansiedade e ao estresse dos profissionais de enfermagem, demonstrando que essa enzima pode ser um possível biomarcador de ansiedade e estresse em trabalhadores.

Objetivo: evaluar si la alteración en la actividad de la alfa amilasa salival está asociada a la ansiedad y al estrés de los profesionales de enfermería hospitalaria y, si la ansiedad y el estrés están asociados a factores sociodemográficos, epidemiológicos y laborales. Método: estudio transversal, cuantitativo, desarrollado en 210 profesionales de enfermería, en una institución hospitalaria. Para la recogida de datos, se utilizó un cuestionario de caracterización de los trabajadores, el Inventario de Ansiedad de Beck, el Inventario de Síntomas de Stress para Adultos de Lipp y las muestras de saliva recogidas durante los turnos de trabajo. Los datos fueron analizados de forma descriptiva e inferencial utilizando los softwares Statistical Package for the Social Science y GraphPad Prism. Resultados: la mayoría de los profesionales presentó estrés y ansiedad. Las variables intervalo etario, cantidad de hijos, uso de medicamentos y carga horaria de trabajo estaban asociadas a la ansiedad; el intervalo etario, el tabaquismo y el uso de medicamentos estaban asociados al estrés. Se observó un aumento de la actividad de la alfa amilasa salival en los ambientes de los turnos de trabajo. Los profesionales que tenían estrés y ansiedad presentaron alteración significativa de la alfa amilasa en el turno de la noche. Conclusión: las alteraciones en la actividad de la alfa amilasa estaban asociadas a la ansiedad y al estrés de los profesionales de enfermería, demostrando que esa enzima puede ser un posible biomarcador de ansiedad y estrés en trabajadores.

Salivary flow, amylase, and total protein in hospitalized patients with HIV infection / AIDS complications.

BACKGROUND: Saliva is a complex secretion produced daily by the salivary glands. Saliva consists mainly of water, enzymes, ions and amino acids and performs several important functions in oral health. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the flow rate and concentrations of amylase and total proteins in the saliva of hospitalized patients due to AIDS complications. METHODS: Ninety-three men and women (20-64 years of age) were divided into two groups (46 HIV-infected patients and 47 controls) and had salivary flow rate and levels of amylase enzyme and total proteins evaluated. RESULT: The mean salivary flow rate was lower in individuals with HIV when compared to controls (P < 0.05). No significant difference between amylase enzyme levels and total proteins were observed in the saliva of patients with HIV infection when compared to controls. CONCLUSION: Individuals with HIV / AIDS infection (in hospital treatment) suffer no interference in levels of amylase and total salivary proteins, but they have significantly reduced salivary flow.

Alpha-amylase 1A copy number variants and the association with memory performance and Alzheimer's dementia.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that copy number variation (CNV) in the alpha (α)-amylase gene (AMY1A) is associated with body mass index, insulin resistance, and blood glucose levels, factors also shown to increase the risk of Alzheimer's dementia (AD). We have previously demonstrated the presence of α-amylase in healthy neuronal dendritic spines and a reduction of the same in AD patients. In the current study, we investigate the relationship between AMY1A copy number and AD, memory performance, and brain α-amylase activity. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The association between AMY1A copy number and development of AD was analyzed in 5422 individuals (mean age at baseline 57.5 ± 5.9, females 58.2%) from the Malmö diet and cancer study genotyped for AMY1A copy number, whereof 247 where diagnosed with AD during a mean follow-up of 20 years. Associations between AMY1A copy number and cognitive performance where analyzed in 791 individuals (mean age at baseline 54.7 ± 6.3, females 63%), who performed Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test. Correlation analysis between α-amylase activity or α-amylase gene expression and AMY1A copy number in post-mortem hippocampal tissue from on demented controls (n = 8) and AD patients (n = 10) was also performed. RESULTS: Individuals with very high ( ≥10) AMY1A copy number had a significantly lower hazard ratio of AD (HR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.41-0.94) and performed significantly better on MoCA delayed word recall test, compared to the reference group with AMY1A copy number 6. A trend to lower hazard ratio of AD was also found among individuals with low AMY1A copy number (1-5) (HR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.53-1.02). A tendency towards a positive correlation between brain α-amylase activity and AMY1A copy number was found, and females showed higher brain α-amylase activity compared to males. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that the degree of α-amylase activity in the brain is affected by AMY1A copy number and gender, in addition to AD pathology. The study further suggests that very high AMY1A copy number is associated with a decreased hazard ratio of AD and we speculate that this effect is mediated via a beneficial impact of AMY1A copy number on episodic memory performance.

Recent Patents on the Industrial Application of Alpha-amylases.

BACKGROUND: Alpha-amylases are enzymes capable of degrading polysaccharides, such as starch and glycogen. Found in various organisms, such as fungi and bacteria, these enzymes have great biotechnological potential due to their insertion in several industrial sectors ranging from food to biofuels. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze patents deposited in intellectual property databases on alpha-amylases in the fields of food, beverages, detergents, animal feeds, biofuels, pharmaceuticals and textiles, with the search period being 5 years. METHODS: This study targeted the use of alpha-amylases in various industrial sectors, so searches were carried out on the intellectual property database Espacenet website (European Patent Office - EPO) which contains more than 90 million patents deposited in its database. RESULTS: During the search for patents filed in the last 5 years, 186 were found related to the use of alpha-amylases. These were disturbed as follows: 84 (biofuel), 41 (drinks), 16 (pharmaceuticals), 15 (detergents), 11 (food), 10 (animal feed), 9 (textiles). From the total number of patents found, we selected 6 from each area, except pharmaceutical products, to discuss and provide information on the application of this enzyme. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the sectors of beverages and animal feed have preferences for thermostable alpha-amylases while sectors such as food, biofuels and textiles only regarded the importance of enzymatic efficiency. The detergent sector presented the greatest use of alpha-amylases which had distinct biochemical characteristics as solvent resistance and thermostability. The pharmaceutical sector was the one that presented less patents related to the application of alpha amylases. In addition, this work showed that China is the country with the highest patent registration for the use of alpha-amylases in the analyzed period.

Actividad hipoglucemiante in vitro de los polisacáridos digeridos de Nostoc sphaericum Vaucher ex Bornet & Flahault (cushuro) / In vitro hypoglycemic activity of polysaccharides digested from Nostoc sphaericum Vaucher ex Bornet & Flahault (cushuro)

Objetivo: Evaluar el potencial inhibitorio de las enzimas α-amilasa y α-glucosidasa, así como la inhibición de la difusión de la glucosa, por los polisacáridos aislados de Nostoc Sphaericum Vaucher ex Bornet & Flahault tratados mediante digestión gastrointestinal simulada a nivel in vitro. Materiales y métodos: Los polisacáridos obtenidos de microalga fueron purificados y tratados mediante digestibilidad gastrointestinal in vitro, con la finalidad de simular su digestión. Se evaluó la actividad hipoglucemiante mediante los métodos de inhibición de la α-glucosidasa, α-amilasa y la difusión de la glucosa de los polisacáridos digeridos, comparados con el medicamento acarbosa. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron que la concentración de 50 mg/mL de polisacáridos digeridos disminuye en un 85,26 % la difusión de la glucosa a nivel in vitro. La concentración inhibitoria (CI50) de la enzima α-glucosidasa fue de 314,23 ± 4,87 mg/mL y la enzima α-amilasa 113,59 ± 3,10 mg/mL. Conclusiones: Los polisacáridos de Nostoc sphaericum tratados mediante digestión gastrointestinal in vitro, mostraron capacidad de inhibir las enzimas α-amilasa, α-glucosidasa y la difusión de glucosa; motivo por el cual la especie sería considerado promisoria para un posible tratamiento coadyuvante de la diabetes tipo 2

Objective: To evaluate the inhibitory potential of the α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, as well as the inhibition of glucose diffusion, using polysaccharides isolated from Nostoc sphaericum Vaucher ex Bornet & Flahault and treated by in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Materials and methods: The polysaccharides obtained from the microalga were purified and treated through in vitro gastrointestinal digestibility in order to simulate digestion. The hypoglycemic activity was evaluated by methods such as the inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase, and glucose diffusion of the digested polysaccharides, and compared with the medication acarbose. Results: The results showed that the concentration of 50 mg/mL of digested polysaccharides decreases by 85.26 % the spread of in vitro glucose. The inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the α-glucosidase enzyme was 314.23 ± 4.87 mg/mL and that of the α-amylase enzyme was 113.59 ± 3.10 mg/mL. Conclusions: Nostoc sphaericum polysaccharides treated by in vitro gastrointestinal digestion showed the ability to inhibit the α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, and glucose diffusion. Therefore, this species would be considered promising for a possible adjuvant treatment of type 2 diabetes

Relationship between Parafunctional Habits and Salivary Biomarkers.

OBJECTIVES: Parafunctional habits, as one of the etiological factors of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), are an individual's response to increased stress. During stress and depression, biomarkers such as cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase (SAA) are secreted in the saliva. The present study aimed to investigate whether there is a correlation between salivary stress biomarkers and parafunctional habits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two cases, from May to September 2015, were selected based on two standard stress questionnaires, namely the depression anxiety stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Saliva samples were collected to examine the level of unstimulated salivary cortisol and SAA. The significance of the results was assessed via student's t-test and Mann-Whitney test (α=0.05). RESULTS: The mean concentrations of cortisol and SAA in unstimulated saliva were significantly higher in the case group than in the control group (P=0.01 and 0.44, respectively). The mean scores of anxiety, stress, and depression were significantly higher in the case group than in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: It seems that the levels of salivary cortisol and SAA, as well as stress, anxiety, and depression scores, are higher in patients with parafunctional habits.