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Objective: The aim of present study is study the effect of one bout incremental exercise on salivary IgA changes in boy athlete and no athlete high school students. Design: 15 no athlete and 30 athlete (15 wrestlers, 15 endurance runners) students were selected as subject randomly among students of Neishabur city in Iran. Subject ran on the treadmill to exhaustion range using Bruce protocol. Four milliliter unstimated saliva was collected pre, immediately and 2 hour after exercise. Results: The result showed that one bout incremental exercise caused significant increase in S-IgA concentration in non-athlete and endurance runners groups, and this increase continued to 2 hours after exercise. There was significant increase in S-IgA concentration in wrestlers group after activity. S-IgA concentration decreased after 2 hours of activity, but it did not reach to initial levels of pre-activity, this different was statically significant. Conclusion: Based on these findings, it is inferred that one bout incremental exercise in young students had no suppressor effect on the mucosal immune system and there is no probability of existence of the upper respiratory tract infection following this activities

Salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) is postulated to protect against dental caries. Dental hygiene and health are usually poor in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) due to several factors. We hypothesized higher salivary sIgA in caries-free subjects and a higher extent of caries in RA. A protocol-driven cross-sectional pilot study was carried out to determine salivary sIgA in 48 patients with RA and 102 non-RA, healthy case controls. Standard of care in clinical and dental assessments were done by experts. A decay, missing teeth, filled teeth (DMFT) index was used to classify caries. Whole unstimulated saliva was collected to assay sIgA using a commercial ELISA kit. Dental caries was diagnosed in 67% and 86% of the RA and healthy subjects, respectively. Eight percent of RA patients had visited a dental surgeon. Though they tend to be higher in caries-free status, there were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) between RA and non-RA subjects with respect to salivary sIgA and extent of caries. The salivary sIgA levels for both RA and healthy case control subjects in this ethnic Indian (Asian) study were much higher than that reported in literature and need further validation. Rheumatologists ought to educate patients on dental matters.

According to previous studies, minor glands produce about 35% of the total salivary immunoglobulin A (salivary IgA). The age-dependent increase in whole-saliva salivary IgA concentrations has been studied extensively, but we found no published reports comparing the minor-gland saliva concentrations of salivary IgA in children, adolescents, and adults. In this study we measured the concentration of salivary IgA in saliva from the labial and the buccal minor glands of children, adolescents, and adults. Three age groups donated saliva for analysis: 3-yr-old children, 14-yr-old adolescents, and 20- to 25-yr-old adults. Minor-gland saliva was collected on filter paper and unstimulated whole saliva was collected by draining into a tube, and the salivary IgA concentration was determined by ELISA. The salivary IgA concentration in labial saliva was significantly lower among 3-yr-old children (0.037 mg 100 ml(-1), SD = 0.035) than among 14-yr-old adolescents (0.126 mg 100 ml(-1), SD = 0.128) and adults (0.128 mg 100 ml(-1), SD = 0.13). The 3-yr-old children also had significantly lower whole-saliva salivary IgA values compared with the other age groups (0.09 mg 100 ml(-1), SD = 0.091; 0.179 mg 100 ml(-1), SD = 0.149; and 0.170 mg 100 ml(-1), SD = 0.099, respectively). This increase in salivary IgA concentrations with age might reflect a developing immune response in the growing child.

The hypothesis that salivary cortisol would increase and salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) decrease after a kickboxing match was tested among 20 male athletes. Saliva samples collected before and after the match were analyzed. Salivary cortisol and salivary IgA concentrations (absolute concentration, salivary IgAabs) and the secretion rate of IgA (salivary IgArate) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A Wilcoxon test for paired samples showed significant increases in salivary Cortisol from pre- to postmatch. No significant changes were observed in salivary IgAabs or secretory IgArate and saliva flow rate. This study indicates that a kickboxing match might increase salivary concentration and thereafter it could be considered a significant source of exercise-related stress. On the other hand, the effect of a kickboxing match on mucosal immunity seems not to be relevant.

This study attempted to determine the relationship of physiological indices of stress (ie, cortisol and salivary immunoglobulin A) to the job strain and the job demand-control-support models.A sample of 98 direct-care disability workers completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Job Content Questionnaire. In addition, participants' morning saliva samples were analyzed for cortisol and salivary immunoglobulin A concentration levels.The job strain and job demand-control-support models were tested using structural equation modeling. The job demand-control-support model successfully fitted with the data and was able to predict physiological outcomes, the job strain model did not. The salivary immunoglobulin A scores, in comparison to the cortisol data, were predicted more successfully by these models.Researchers are encouraged to study if different employee groups are at-risk for differing types of stress-related-illness, which may be triggered by occupation-specific stressors and/or physiological reactions.

International audience; Owen, AL, Wong, DP, Dunlop, G, Groussard, C, Kebsi, W, Dellal, A, Morgans, R, and Zouhal, H. High-intensity training and salivary immunoglobulin A responses in professional top-level soccer players: Effect of training intensity. J Strength Cond Res 30(9): 2460-2469, 2016-This study aimed (a) to test the hypothesis that salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) would vary with training intensity sessions (low-intensity [LI] vs. high-intensity sessions [HI]) during a traditional training program divided into 4 training periods and (b) to identify key variables (e.g., GPS data, rating of perceived exertion [RPE], and training duration), which could affect s-IgA. Saliva samples of 10 elite professional soccer players were collected (a) before the investigation started to establish the baseline level and (b) before and after each 4 training sessions (LI vs. HI). Training intensity was monitored as internal (through heart rate responses and RPE) and external (through GPS) loads. High-intensity sessions were associated with higher external load (GPS) and with higher RPE. Baseline and pretraining s-IgA did not differ between the 4 training sessions both for HI and LI. Post-training s-IgA were not different (in absolute value and in percentage of change) between HI and LI sessions at the first 3 periods. However, at the fourth period, s-IgA concentration for HI session was significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05) than the LI session. The percentage change between s-IgA post-training and s-IgA baseline concentrations differ significantly (p ≤ 0.05) between HI and LI training sessions. Significant correlations between s-IgA and training intensity were also noted. High-intensity soccer training sessions might cause a significant decrease in s-IgA values during the postexercise window as compared with LI sessions. This study encourages coaches to monitor s-IgA in routine, particularly during HI training periods, to take precautions to avoid upper respiratory tract infection in highly trained soccer players.

Aim: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of Official basketball competition on the levels of Cortisol and Immunoglobulin A among pre pubertal girls of 10-11 years old. Method: The statistical population of the study consisted of 12 female basketball players with an average age of (10.58 ± 0.15 years).Collection of the salivary specimen was conducted in accordance with the standard procedures, before and immediately five minutes after the competition. Cortisol concentration and Salivary IgA level were measured, using ELISA quantitative method. Statistical analysis was conducted using the dependent t-Test. Results: the results revealed that an official basketball competition increases cortisol and salivary IgA concentrations, significantly (p ≤ 0.00).Regarding the results of the analysis, one may conclude that sport competition is likely to affect physiological responses of the children and juvenile’s immune systems. Conclusion: It worth to note that despite widespread participation of children and juveniles in competitions and sport events, little researches have been conducted on their immunological factors and stress hormones in response to stressful conditions dominated over the competitions and sport events. Even insufficient information and data achieved through investigations are necessary and useful in evaluation of this age group, concerning their hormone responses to the competitions and sport events.

The aim was to investigate the effects of a 48 h period of fluid, energy or combined fluid and energy restriction on salivary IgA (s-IgA) responses at rest and after exercise. Thirteen healthy males (age 21 (sem1) years) participated in four randomised 48 h trials. In the control trial participants received their estimated energy (12 154 (sem230) kJ/d) and water (3912 (sem140) ml/d) requirements. On fluid restriction (FR) participants received their energy requirements and 193 (sem19) ml water/d to drink and on energy restriction (ER) participants received their water requirements and 1214 (sem25) kJ/d. Fluid and energy restriction (F+ER) was a combination of FR and ER. After 48 h, participants performed a 30 min treadmill time trial (TT) followed by rehydration (0–2 h) and refeeding (2–6 h). Unstimulated saliva was collected at 0, 24 and 48 h, post-TT, and 2 and 6 h post-TT. Saliva flow rate (sflw) and s-IgA (ELISA) remained unchanged in control conditions and on ER. However, 48 h on FR decreased sflw (64 %) which most probably accounted for the increase in s-IgA concentration (P sem2); 24 h: 12 (sem2) μg/min;P

Transient fluctuations in immune function after heavy exercise have been linked to an increased incidence of infection in athletes. Several parameters of immunity, including salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA), are affected by heavy exercise in the laboratory setting. However, few observations have been made during true competition. We tested the hypothesis that salivary IgA levels will be decreased after a collegiate rugby game. Saliva samples obtained from 16 men's college rugby players before and after an 80-minute regulation rugby game were analyzed for total volume, IgA, total protein content, and osmolality. Salivary IgA was expressed relative to secretion rate (s-IgA), osmolality (IgA-Osm), and total protein (IgA-Pro). No significant pregame-postgame changes in salivary IgA were observed (s-IgA: -13%, IgA-Osm: -16%, IgA-Pro: +10%). These data indicate that strenuous physical activity, such as a competitive rugby game, does not affect IgA levels. More study on the immune response to athletic competition is needed.

Purpose:To assess match-to-match variations in salivary immunoglobulin A concentration ([s-IgA]) measured at 36 h postmatch throughout an Australian Football League (AFL) premiership season and to assess the trends between 36-h-postmatch [s-IgA] and match-play exercise workloads throughout the same season.Methods:Eighteen elite male AFL athletes (24 ± 4.2 y, 187.0 ± 7.1 cm, 87.0 ± 7.6 kg) were monitored on a weekly basis to determine total match-play exercise workloads and 36-h-postmatch [s-IgA] throughout 16 consecutive matches in an AFL premiership season. Global positioning systems (GPS) with integrated triaxial accelerometers were used to measure exercise workloads (PlayerLoad) during each AFL match. A linear mixed-model analyses was conducted for time-dependent changes in [s-IgA] and player load.Results:A significant main effect was found for longitudinal postmatch [s-IgA] data (F16,240 = 3.78, P < .01) and PlayerLoad data (F16,66 = 1.98, P = .03). For all matches after and including match 7, a substantial suppression trend in [s-IgA] 36-h-postmatch values was found compared with preseason baseline [s-IgA].Conclusion:The current study provides novel data regarding longitudinal trends in 36-h-postmatch [s-IgA] for AFL athletes. Results demonstrate that weekly in-season AFL match-play exercise workloads may result in delayed mucosal immunological recovery beyond 36 h postmatch. The inclusion of individual athlete-monitoring strategies of [s-IgA] may be advantageous in the detection of compromised postmatch mucosal immunological function for AFL athletes.

Salivary secretory IgA (s-IgA) is considered to act as an important first line of defense mechanism in the oral cavity. It has therefore been suggested that an increased antigenic load would induce an increase in salivary IgA production. This study investigated the pure glandular levels of salivary IgA in parotid and submandibular/sublingual (SM/SL) saliva during plaque accumulation leading to experimental gingivitis. Starting from regular oral hygiene, 14 healthy, nonsmoking men refrained from all oral hygiene measures for 12 days. On days -2, 0, 3, 6, and 12 a plaque index, a bleeding index, and unstimulated and stimulated saliva from the parotid and the SM/SL glands were measured. Salivary IgA was quantified using a sandwich ELISA. All subjects developed gingivitis as measured by a bleeding index. Compared to baseline the salivary flow rate was increased on day 12. Regarding the secretion rate of IgA there was a statistically significant increase in stimulated parotid saliva but not SM/SL saliva compared to baseline after 6 and 12 days without oral hygiene. No significant changes were observed for the concentration of IgA during the trial. Thus, in healthy subjects with regular oral hygiene the development of plaque induced gingivitis is associated with increased salivary gland output and increased total IgA output levels in stimulated parotid saliva but not in SM/SL saliva.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a concentração sérica e salivar de IgA. Pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço podem apresentar alterações na concentração de IgA sérica e salivar, decorrentes de desordem imunológica inespecífica que acompanha o desenvolvimento das lesões malignas. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo em dois grupos: 34 pacientes portadores de carcinoma epidermóide da boca e orofaringe e 34 controles pareados por idade e sexo. Sangue e saliva foram colhidos e as amostras dosadas por nefelometria e imunodifusão radial. A análise estatística incluiu teste t de Student, ANOVA e coeficiente de correlação de Pearson, com limite de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: A comparação entre os métodos de nefelometria e imunodifusão radial não mostrou diferença (p = 0,039). As concentrações de IgA sérica foram de 279,4 ± 131,7 mg/dl no grupo controle e 310,9 ± 194,1 mg/dl no grupo de estudo. A concentração de IgA salivar, por nefelometria, foi de 17,0 ± 10,4 mg/dl para os controles e 7,2 ± 5,0 mg/dl nos portadores de câncer e a imunodifusão radial mostrou concentrações de 13,7 ± 9,1 mg/dl e 5,6 ± 4,2 mg/dl para controles e grupo de estudo, respectivamente. Não foram encontradas correlações entre idade, estádio clínico da doença e níveis sérico ou salivar de IgA. CONCLUSÃO: Os indivíduos com câncer da boca e orofaringe apresentaram concentração sérica de IgA semelhante aos controles, mas com concentração de IgA salivar menor no grupo oncológico. Causas associadas à diminuição de IgA salivar como desnutrição, estresse e uso de tabaco podem estar relacionadas a estes achados. OBJECTIVE: Patients carriers of head and neck cancer (HNC) may show changes in concentrations of serum and salivary IgA owing to an inespecific immunologic disorder that follows the development of malignant lesions. PURPOSE: Evaluate the serum and salivary IgA levelS in Patients With Hnc. METHODS: A prospective study based on a sample of 34 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth and oropharynx and 34 normal control cases, matched by sex and age. Blood and saliva samples were collected at the same time and assayed for IgA by nephelometry and single radial immunodiffusion (RID). Statistical analysis included Student t Test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation index. RESULTS: The differences between nephelometry and RID could not be detected (p=0.039). The serum concentrations of IgA were 279.4 ± 131.7 mg/dl and 310.9 ± 194.1 mg/dl for control and study groups, respectively. Concerning salivary IgA, levels obtained by nephelometry were 17.0 ± 10.4 mg/dl for control cases and 7.2 ± 5.0 mg/dl for cancer cases and RID showed concentrations of 13.7 ± 9.1 mg/dl and 5.6 ± 4.2 mg/dl for control and study group, respectively. There were no significant correlations between serum or salivary IgA levels and age or disease stage. CONCLUSION: Patients carriers of HNC and control subjects showed similar serum concentrations of IgA but it was found that salivary IgA levels were reduced in cancer patients. Causes associated with decreased salivary IgA levels like malnutrition, stress and tobacco could be related to these findings.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a concentração sérica e salivar de IgA. Pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço podem apresentar alterações na concentração de IgA sérica e salivar, decorrentes de desordem imunológica inespecífica que acompanha o desenvolvimento das lesões malignas. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo em dois grupos: 34 pacientes portadores de carcinoma epidermóide da boca e orofaringe e 34 controles pareados por idade e sexo. Sangue e saliva foram colhidos e as amostras dosadas por nefelometria e imunodifusão radial. A análise estatística incluiu teste t de Student, ANOVA e coeficiente de correlação de Pearson, com limite de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: A comparação entre os métodos de nefelometria e imunodifusão radial não mostrou diferença (p = 0,039). As concentrações de IgA sérica foram de 279,4 ± 131,7 mg/dl no grupo controle e 310,9 ± 194,1 mg/dl no grupo de estudo. A concentração de IgA salivar, por nefelometria, foi de 17,0 ± 10,4 mg/dl para os controles e 7,2 ± 5,0 mg/dl nos portadores de câncer e a imunodifusão radial mostrou concentrações de 13,7 ± 9,1 mg/dl e 5,6 ± 4,2 mg/dl para controles e grupo de estudo, respectivamente. Não foram encontradas correlações entre idade, estádio clínico da doença e níveis sérico ou salivar de IgA. CONCLUSÃO: Os indivíduos com câncer da boca e orofaringe apresentaram concentração sérica de IgA semelhante aos controles, mas com concentração de IgA salivar menor no grupo oncológico. Causas associadas à diminuição de IgA salivar como desnutrição, estresse e uso de tabaco podem estar relacionadas a estes achados.OBJECTIVE: Patients carriers of head and neck cancer (HNC) may show changes in concentrations of serum and salivary IgA owing to an inespecific immunologic disorder that follows the development of malignant lesions. PURPOSE: Evaluate the serum and salivary IgA levelS in Patients With Hnc. METHODS: A prospective study based on a sample of 34 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth and oropharynx and 34 normal control cases, matched by sex and age. Blood and saliva samples were collected at the same time and assayed for IgA by nephelometry and single radial immunodiffusion (RID). Statistical analysis included Student t Test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation index. RESULTS: The differences between nephelometry and RID could not be detected (p=0.039). The serum concentrations of IgA were 279.4 ± 131.7 mg/dl and 310.9 ± 194.1 mg/dl for control and study groups, respectively. Concerning salivary IgA, levels obtained by nephelometry were 17.0 ± 10.4 mg/dl for control cases and 7.2 ± 5.0 mg/dl for cancer cases and RID showed concentrations of 13.7 ± 9.1 mg/dl and 5.6 ± 4.2 mg/dl for control and study group, respectively. There were no significant correlations between serum or salivary IgA levels and age or disease stage. CONCLUSION: Patients carriers of HNC and control subjects showed similar serum concentrations of IgA but it was found that salivary IgA levels were reduced in cancer patients. Causes associated with decreased salivary IgA levels like malnutrition, stress and tobacco could be related to these findings.

Rugby union is a sport involving high force and frequency impacts making the likelihood of injury a significant risk. The aim of this study was to measure and report the individual and group acute and cumulative physiological stress response during 3 professional rugby games through non-invasive sampling. 24 professional rugby players volunteered for the study. Urine and saliva samples were collected pre and post 3 matches. Myoglobin, salivary immunoglobulin A, cortisol, neopterin and total neopterin (neopterin+7,8-dihydroneopterin) were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography or enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Significant increases in cortisol, myoglobin, neopterin and total neopterin when urine volume was corrected with specific gravity were observed (p0.05). Significant decreases in salivary immunoglobulin A concentration were observed for games 1 and 2 while secretion rate decreased after games 2 and 3. Significant decreases were seen with the percent of 7,8-dihydroneopterin being converted to neopterin following games 2 and 3. The intensity of 3 professional rugby games was sufficient to elicit significant changes in the physiological markers selected for our study. Furthermore, results suggest the selected markers not only provide a means for analysing the stress encountered during a single game of rugby but also highlight the unique pattern of response for each individual player.

The role of saliva in maintaining oral health and homeostasis is based on its physicochemical properties and biological activities of its components, including salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA). Both salivary rates and immunological status of saliva are found to be compromised in smokers. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute time-dependent effect of smoking and black currant consumption on the salivary flow rate (SFR) and salivary IgA secretion rate (sIgA SR) in healthy smokers. SFR, sIgA levels in saliva, and sIgA SRs were determined in healthy smokers (n=8) at eight times of assessment within three consecutive interventions: at the baseline; 5, 30, and 60 min after smoking; 5, 30, and 60 min after black currant consumption (100 g), followed by smoking; and 5 min after black currant consumption. Smoking induced a significant delayed effect on SFR measured 60 min after smoking (P=.03), while black currant consumption preceding smoking prevented that effect. Salivary IgA concentrations and sIgA flow rates were not acutely influenced by smoking. Black currant consumption preceding smoking induced a significant decrease in sIgA concentrations 5 min after the intervention compared with the baseline (P=.046), with a further increasing trend, statistically significant, 60 min after the intervention (P=.025). Although smoking cessation is the most important strategy in the prevention of chronic diseases, the obtained results suggest that the influence of black currant consumption on negative effects of tobacco smoke on salivary flow and immunological status of saliva could partly reduce the smoking-associated risk on oral health.

Rugby union is a sport governed by the impacts of high force and high frequency. Analysis of physiological markers following a game can provide an understanding of the physiological response of an individual and the time course changes in response to recovery. Urine and saliva were collected from 11 elite amateur rugby players 24 h before, immediately after, and at 17, 25, 38, 62 and 86 h post-game. Myoglobin, salivary immunoglobulin A and cortisol were analysed by ELISA, whereas neopterin and total neopterin were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography. There was a significant post-game increase of all four markers. The increases were cortisol 4-fold, myoglobin 2.85-fold, neopterin 1.75-fold and total neopterin 2.3-fold when corrected with specific gravity. All significant changes occurred post-game only, with markers returning to and remaining at baseline within 17 h. The intensity of the game caused significant changes in key physiological markers of stress. They provide an understanding of the stress experienced during a single game of rugby and the time course changes associated with player recovery. Neopterin provides a new marker of detecting an acute inflammatory response in physical exercise, while specific gravity should be considered for urine volume correction post-exercise.

Salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) and lysozyme have been studied as possible biomarkers of stress. This study examined the stress levels among female nurses in various units and the relationship between these stress levels and salivary IgA and lysozyme secretion. One hundred ninety-five (43%) of 457 eligible female nurses from surgical wards/operating theaters (SURG), medical wards (MED), and outpatient clinics/day-surgery theaters (OPD) completed a self-administered questionnaire. From this group of 195 nurses, 124 provided a salivary sample accumulated over 5 minutes. Stress levels were assessed with a ten-point Stress Assessment Score (SAS) for Asians and a direct question on perceived life stress. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and lyso-plate methods were used to determine salivary IgA and lysozyme levels. Forty-five percent of SURG, 35% of MED, and 17% of OPD nurses scored at least four points on the SAS. SURG nurses had the lowest IgA secretion (geometric mean; 95% confidence interval [CI]) rates (43 micrograms/min; 36 to 51 micrograms/min). The other groups had significantly higher salivary IgA secretion rates: MED (96 micrograms/min; 80 to 116 micrograms/min) and OPD (77 micrograms/min; 60 to 98 micrograms/min) Findings for salivary lysozyme (microgram/min) were similar; SURG (9 micrograms/min; 6 to 13 micrograms/min) MED (19 micrograms/min; 12 to 28 micrograms/min) and OPD (16 micrograms/min; 9 to 28 micrograms/min). The salivary IgA (Spearman's r = -0.22, P = 0.01) but not the lysozyme (Spearman's r = -0.01, P = 0.9) secretion rate correlated negatively with SAS. Nurses working in various units under different conditions experienced dissimilar levels of stress. Salivary IgA, but not lysozyme, correlated inversely with self-reported levels of stress. It may thus be a potential biomarker in future studies on stress.

Objective. The aim of this study was to determine salivary immunoglobulin A levels in people who stopped smoking for at least 2 weeks. Salivary immunoglobulin A is a primary antibody at mucosal surfaces. Study Design. Salivary immunoglobulin A levels of each of 20 subjects were determined on 3 occasions: first, while the subject was still smoking; second, 7 days after cessation of smoking; third, on the 14th day after cessation. Two control groups (with 20 people in each group) were also used: the members of the first had never smoked, and the members of the second were current smokers. Results were analyzed through use of a repeated-measures analysis of variance and the t test. Results. Seven days after cessation of the smoking habit, a transient decrease in salivary immunoglobulin A levels was observed. However, within 14 days the levels returned to normal. Conclusions. Salivary immunoglobulin A levels transiently decrease in people who have stopped smoking for 7 days, but they recover to normal values within 2 weeks after cessation of the habit.(Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 1999;87:170-3)

The dynamics of stress-related decrease of salivary Immunoglobulin A (sIgA) were examined with respect to whether an increase of upper respiratory tract (URT) symptoms can be observed concurrently with or subsequent to sIgA alterations and whether one can use students' studying behavior during academic examinations to predict changes in sIgA. From a 2-part medical examination of 42 students, daily measures of sIgA were obtained, and symptoms of URT infections and studying behavior were determined by means of questionnaires. Assessment periods began 7 days before each part of the academic examination began and lasted until the 6th day afterward. A control group of 24 medical students who were not undergoing examinations also responded to all questionnaires. A progressive suppression of sIgA, outlasting the examination period by more than 6 days, was observed. Time spent studying explained a significant proportion in sIgA variation. However, no relationship between sIgA and URT symptoms was observed, nor did students who took academic examinations differ from untested controls in symptom rates.

Circadian variations in core temperature, skin temperatures, heart rate, and salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) were compared in subjects wearing two different types of clothing that covered, or left uncovered, their extremities. The experiments were carried out on six female subjects at an ambient temperature of 24 +/- 0.5 degrees C and relative humidity of 50 +/- 5%. One type of clothing consisted of long-sleeved shirts, full-length trousers, and socks (Type L: 1042 g, 1.048 clo); the other was half-sleeved shirts and knee-length trousers (Type H: 747 g, 0.744 clo). The main results were as follows: (i) The level of rectal temperature during night sleep was significantly lower with Type H than Type L clothing, and cosinor analysis indicated a significantly higher circadian amplitude with Type H clothing. (ii) Skin temperatures in the lower extremities increased significantly more on retiring to sleep with Type H than Type L clothing. (iii) Heart rate was significantly lower with Type H than Type L clothing during the sleep period. (iv) The day-night variation of salivary IgA showed a pattern that was the inverse of that of rectal temperature (i.e., low in the daytime and high in the nighttime), and the concentration of salivary IgA was significantly higher with Type H than Type L clothing at 02:30. (v) Subjectively, the self-assessed sleep quality was better with Type H clothing. These results suggest that clothing that leaves the extremities uncovered might be regarded as favorable at the moderate temperature since it induces good sleep and activates the immune response.

Purpose:Altered autonomic innervation in tetraplegic individuals has been shown to depress certain immune parameters at rest and alter exercise-related salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA) responses. The purpose of this study was to examine resting sIgA responses as a function of training load and episodes of upper respiratory symptoms (URS) in elite tetraplegic athletes.Methods:Resting saliva samples were obtained from 14 tetraplegic athletes at 12 predefined time points over 5 months and analyzed for sIgA. Occurrence of self-reported URS and training load was recorded throughout the study’s duration. Regression analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between sIgA responses and training load. Furthermore, the relationships between sIgA responses and URS occurrence were examined.Results:sIgA secretion rate was negatively correlated with training load (P = .04), which only accounted for 8% of the variance. No significant relationships were found between sIgA responses and subsequent URS occurrence. Finally, sIgA responses did not differ between athletes with and without recorded URS during the study period.Conclusions:In line with findings in ablebodied athletes, negative relationships between sIgA secretion rate and training load were found in tetraplegic athletes. This may explain some of the higher infection risk in wheelchair athletes with a high training load, which has been previously observed in paraplegic athletes. However, the nonsignificant relationship between sIgA responses and URS occurrence brings into question the use of sIgA as a prognostic tool for the early detection of URS episodes in the studied population.

Objective: This study attempted to determine the relationship of physiological indices of stress (ie, cortisol and salivary immunoglobulin A) to the effort-reward imbalance model (ERI). Methods: A sample of 98 direct-care disability workers completed the Work-Related Questions II-III and provided morning saliva samples on the same day of completion, which were subsequently analyzed for cortisol and salivary immunoglobulin A concentration levels. Results: Using structural equation modeling, the ERI successfully predicted potentially adverse physiological outcomes. The salivary immunoglobulin A scores were predicted more successfully by the ERI than the cortisol data. Conclusions: The present investigation suggests that the ERI may be useful in determining which aspects of work life are associated with ill health and as such may be useful in identifying meaningful intervention.

In the field of athletics, acupuncture has been used for treatment of injury, reduction of fatigue and management of physical condition. However, there is little information on the effect of acupuncture on the immune function in response to exercise. Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the effect of acupuncture treatment on the mucosal immune function after a single period of intense exercise by measuring salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA). Methods 12 healthy men (23.6±SEv 0.3 years) participated in this study with a crossover design. The subjects exercised on a bicycle equipped with an ergometer at 75% VO2max for 60 min. Acupuncture treatment was applied at LU6, LI4, ST36 and ST6, for 30 min after the exercise. The control treatment was rest without acupuncture and that the order of the treatment was randomised. We measured parameters including saliva flow rate, SIgA concentration, SIgA secretion rate, heart rate and plasma catecholamine concentration all before the exercise and at 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, 4 h and 24 h after the exercise. The visual analogue scale for self-perceived tiredness and the profile of mood states questionnaires were recorded before the exercise and at 24 h after the exercise. Result Intense exercise-induced decrease of SIgA levels was attenuated by the acupuncture treatment. In contrast, the subjective fatigue score and psychological measurement were not affected by the acupuncture. Conclusion Acupuncture treatment may attenuate the decrease in SIgA level induced by intense exercise.

I read the recent report on effect of acupuncture on salivary immunoglobulin A by Matsubara et al with a great interest.1 Matsubara et al concluded that ‘Acupuncture treatment may attenuate the decrease in SIgA level induced by intense exercise.’1 Indeed, there are …

We have built an imaging SPR device with incident angle calibration system allowing selection of the most sensitive measurement area. Applying the device, an assay for salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) was developed. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) provides a highly sensitive, fast and label-free detection method for biomarkers. The specific binding of measured analyte onto the active bio-sensitive layer of the SPR sensor surface causes a change in the refractive index. Imaging SPR allows the analysis of the several different immobilization areas at the same time. Our imaging SPR device utilises a 750nm superluminescent light emitting diode (SLED) with manual incident angle calibration system, which enables us to choose the most sensitive measurement area. This makes the measurement faster and more sensitive for samples of varying refractive index. We demonstrated the applicability of the instrument by developing an immunoassay detection method for immunoglobulin A. IgA is a dominant immunoglobulin in secretions in the mucosal immune system and it has a role in upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). It is also a marker of physical stress.

Avaliou-se a influência da ingestão de cafeína na resposta da imunoglobulina A salivar (IgA-s) em atletas de voleibol. Usou-se o modelo crossover e duplo-cego. Nove atletas participaram de duas sessões de treino e ingeriram cafeína (6mg/kg de peso corporal) ou placebo. Analisou-se a concentração de IgA-s antes e após as sessões. Os resultados mostraram que não houve diferença significativa (P > 0,05) nos níveis de IgA-s pré e pós-treino nos atletas que ingeriram CAF (8,54 ± 4,03 mg/dL e 7,45 ± 4,72 mg/dL, respectivamente), bem como naqueles que tomaram PLA (6,88 ± 3,17 mg/dL e 9,76 ± 5,81 mg/dL, respectivamente). Concluiu-se que a suplementação adotada não afetou a resposta da IgA-s durante as sessões de treino realizadas pelos atletas de voleibol. We tested the influence of caffeine (CAF) ingestion on the salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) of volleyball's athletes. In a cross-over and double blind way, nine male volleyball players performed two training sessions within 15 days interval when ingested either CAF (6 mg/kg b.w.) or placebo (PLA) one hour before. The levels of s-IgA were measured at rest and after exercise. The results showed that the levels of s-IgA at rest were not statistically different (P>0.05) from those after exercise when athletes ingested either CAF (8.54 ± 4.03 mg/dL and 7.45 ± 4.72 mg/dL, respectively) or PLA (6.88 ± 3.17 mg/dL and 9.76 ± 5.81 mg/dL, respectively). It is concluded that caffeine ingestion did not affect the s-IgA response during the training session performed by the athletes. Se avalio la influencia de la ingestión de cafeína en la respuesta de a inmunoglobulina A salivar (IgA-s) en atletas de voleibol se uso el modelo crossover y doble-cego. Nueve atletas participaran de dos sesiones de entrenamiento y ingirieron cafeína (6 mg de peso corporal) o placebo. Se analizo la concentración de IgA-s antes y después de la sesión. Los resultados mostraron que no hubo diferencia significativa (P > 0,05) en los niveles de (IgA-s) pre e pos entrenamiento en los atetas que ingirieron CAF (8,54 ± 4,03 mg/dL e 7,45 ± 4,72 mg/dL, respectivamente) como en aquellos que tomaron PLA (6,88 ± 3,17 mg/dL e 9,76 ± 5,81 mg/dL, respectivamente). Se concluyo que la suplementación adoptada no afecto la respuesta de la IgA-s durante las sesiones del entrenamiento realizados por los atletas de voleibol.

It has been suggested that several parameters of mucosal immunity, including salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA), are affected by heavy exercise either in field sports or in the laboratory environment. Few observations have been made during a true sporting environment, particularly in professional soccer. We tested the hypothesis that salivary IgA levels will be decreased after a 70-minute regulation in a top-level professional soccer friendly match. Saliva samples from 24 male professional soccer players collected before and after the match were analyzed. Salivary immunoglobulin A concentration was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and expressed as the absolute concentration (s-IgAabs), s-IgA relative to total protein concentration (IgA-Pro), and the secretion rate of IgA (s-IgArate). Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was used to monitor the exercise intensity. The paired t-test showed no significant changes in s-IgAabs and s-IgArate (p > 0.05) from PRE to POST match. However, a significant (p < 0.05) increase in total protein concentration (1.46 +/- 0.4 to 2.00 +/- 07) and a decrease in IgA-Pro were observed. The best and most significant correlation was obtained with the RPE and changes in IgA-Pro (rs = -0.43) and could indicate that this expression may be an interesting marker of intensity in a soccer match. However, further investigation regarding exercise intensity, protein concentration, and immune suppression, particularly in team sports, is warranted. From a practical application, the variability of the responses among the players leads us to suggest that there is a need to individually analyze the results with team sports. Some athletes showed a decrease in s-IgA expressions, suggesting the need for taking protective actions to minimize contact with cold viruses or even reducing the training load.

The study examined salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentrations during pregnancy and at parturition. A significant drop in salivary IgA (p less than 0.001) occurred at parturition. State anxiety appeared to account for some of the variance in IgA concentration during pregnancy and at childbirth. Mothers who had very low or undetectable IgA concentrations when they gave birth had increased incidences of postpartum complications, and their infants had more illnesses during the first six weeks postpartum.

This study examined the effects of relaxation training on salivary IgA (s-IgA) and mood state in Japanese female medical workers. Participants were enrolled and assigned to relaxation or control groups. The relaxation group Japanese female medical workers (n = 38, mean age = 33.5 years, SD = 9.6) participated in a lecture on stress for 1 h and had 10 min of relaxation training. The control group (n = 41, mean age = 35.0 years, SD = 8.6) participated in only the lecture. S-IgA was measured, and a self-report mood questionnaire administered before the lecture and then again after the relaxation training for the relaxation group. The control group was measured before and after the lecture. The results showed that s-IgA levels significantly increased after relaxation training in the relaxation group compared with the control group (p = 0.03). A marginally significant intervention effect was observed for mood state (p = 0.06) ; indicating that the relaxation group was more likely to reduce any fatigue and confusion than was the control group. These findings suggest that short-time relaxation training is effective in relaxing mood and causes changes in immunological function.

In a follow-up study of children infected with Streptococcus mutans at an early age (children previously shown to respond poorly to S. mutans GbpB), there was a delay in their immune response, rather than a complete inability to respond to this antigen. Epitopes in the N-terminal third of GbpB were identified as targets for naturally induced immunoglobulin A antibody in children at an early age.

This study examined the effects of relaxation training on salivary IgA (s-IgA) and mood state in Japanese female medical workers. Participants were enrolled and assigned to relaxation or control groups. The relaxation group Japanese female medical workers (n = 38, mean age = 33.5 years, SD = 9.6) participated in a lecture on stress for 1 h and had 10 min of relaxation training. The control group (n = 41, mean age = 35.0 years, SD = 8.6) participated in only the lecture. S-IgA was measured, and a self-report mood questionnaire administered before the lecture and then again after the relaxation training for the relaxation group. The control group was measured before and after the lecture. The results showed that s-IgA levels significantly increased after relaxation training in the relaxation group compared with the control group (p = 0.03). A marginally significant intervention effect was observed for mood state (p = 0.06) ; indicating that the relaxation group was more likely to reduce any fatigue and confusion than was the control group. These findings suggest that short-time relaxation training is effective in relaxing mood and causes changes in immunological function.

Aims: This study was designed to investigate if folate treatment is able to reverse the phenytoin-induced deficiency of salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA). Methods and Material: Twenty-five epileptic patients who had been under phenytoin therapy for at least the last 6 months were randomly selected and subjected to folic acid supplementation, 1 mg/day. The salivary IgA concentration of these patients was measured before and after 2 months of folic acid administration and compared with those of 10 healthy individuals. Independent and paired Student’s t tests were used to analyze the effects of phenytoin and folic acid, respectively. Results: Salivary IgA levels of patients receiving phenytoin (11.7 ± 4.8 IU/l) were significantly (p = 0.039) lower than those of healthy controls (14.8 ± 3.2 IU/l), but did not statistically (p = 0.541) differ from levels (11.8 ± 4.6 IU/l) measured after 2 months of folic acid supplementation. Conclusions: According to these results, folic acid supplementation does not seem to have the efficacy to ameliorate phenytoin-induced salivary IgA hyposecretion.

To study the perceived sources of stressful events in dental students and the relationships between their self-perceived stress levels and salivary IgA. Undergraduates as well as postgraduates at the Faculty of Dentistry, National University of Singapore were surveyed one month after the new term. A 38-item dental environmental stress (DES) questionnaire, with subscales of academic work (AW), clinical factors (CF), faculty and administration factors (FA) and personal factors (PF), was used to identify the potential stressors in the dental environment. A 4-point perceived stress scale was used to rank their self-perceived stress levels. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method was used to determine the salivary IgA level. One hundred and thirty students (81.3% - valid response rate) participated in the study. Overall, students ranked AW with the highest score (mean 2.76), followed by CF (2.67), FA (2.24) and PF (2.16). Among the 38 items of DES questionnaire, 1st year students perceived “fear of being unable to catch up if behind” as the most stressful event (mean 3.30). For 2nd and 3rd year students, examination and grades had the highest scores (mean 3.28, 3.19, respectively). Completing graduation requirements was the most important stressor for 4th year students (mean 3.89). Postgraduates perceived atmosphere created by clinical faculty was most stressful to them (mean 3.05). The mean total perceived stress scores were highest (22.1) in 1st year students and lowest (21.0) in postgraduates, however, no significant different among various classes. First year students had the lowest IgA secretion rates (geometric mean [GM] 46.8 μg/min), significantly lower (p

112 college students reported the frequency of their sexual encounters and were divided into four categories: none, infrequent (less than once a week), frequent (one to two times per week), and very frequent (three or more times per week). Participants also described their overall sexual satisfaction. Saliva samples were collected and assayed for salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA). Individuals in the frequent group showed significantly higher levels of IgA than the other three groups, which were comparable. Data on length of relationship and sexual satisfaction were not related to the group differences.

In many research settings, storage of samples prior to analysis is unavoidable. This study investigates the effects of storage time on stability of salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) and lysozyme.Saliva samples were obtained from 30 healthy adults. Each sample was divided into five aliquots and stored at -30 degrees C until analysis. The samples were measured for IgA and lysozyme concentrations after 1, 2, 3, 8 and 12 months of storage using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.There was a decline in the concentrations of IgA and lysozyme with increasing storage time. Repeated measures analyses for both salivary IgA and lysozyme showed a significant difference after 8 months of storage as compared to the 1st month (p0.05). IgA levels decreased significantly with % change in majority of the samples10% after storage for 8 months or more. A similar pattern was observed for lysozyme with % change in majority of the samples14% levels when the samples were assayed at 8th month and beyond (mean% change+/-S.D.14%).Salivary IgA and lysozyme concentrations remain stable for up to 3 months when stored at -30 degrees C. These findings have important implications with regard to measurement validity of salivary biomarkers research.

Although natural disasters sometimes strengthen community ties, it was hypothesized that the negative affect following a hurricane would lower evaluations of strangers. This hypothesis was tested by having 105 students evaluate an individual that they had just met following Hurricane Andrew. The hypothesis did not receive support, but students living in storm-damaged neighborhoods expressed more negative affect than those living in less damaged neighborhoods. Regression analyses also disclosed that severity of a disaster predicted concentrations of immunoglobulin A in saliva. The results suggest that salivary immunoglobulin A can be used to assess the health consequence of disaster exposure.

Relations between feelings and salivary IgA secretion were assessed in co-medical students attending a lecture. The assessments were performed twice in two different classes held in December, 1999 and October, 2000 in the same manner, then the data of the two trials were combined and analyzed. On the basis of the impression of the lecture, students were divided into two groups: a group who felt interested and another group who felt indifferent or bored. Saliva samples were taken three times, at the beginning of, at the end of, and 15 minutes after the class, then the secretory IgA in saliva was determined by ELISA. At the end of the class, an increase in salivary IgA secretion was seen in the group who felt interested, while not in the group who felt indifferent or bored. The increasing change in salivary IgA secretion was, however, moderate and transient, namely it increased only by about +30% on average, and returned to the initial level after 15 minutes.

The incidence of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and salivary immunoglobulin A concentrations [IgA(s)] of nine individuals were examined during 12 weeks of moderate exercise training, and compared to ten sedentary controls. Changes in maximal oxygen uptake were assessed at initial, mid-point and final evaluations (T1-3), while changes in [IgA(s)] and salivary immunoglobulin concentration-salivary albumin concentration ratio ([IgA(s)]:[Alb(s)]) were monitored at T1 and T3. During the 12 week period, symptoms of URTI were self-recorded daily. During the period of training the level of fitness significantly increased ( P

Objective: In a previous study we observed a continuous reduction of salivary IgA concentration ([sIgA]) during a period of academic stress. This reduction of sIgA concentration exceeded the stress period by at least 1 week. The present study aimed to replicate and extend our previous finding. In particular, we wanted to examine the time of recovery of [sIgA] alterations associated with academic stress. Method: Twenty-seven participants in a major medical exam and 27 controls not participating in any exam during the study provided daily saliva samples (immediately after awakening), from the 6th day prior to their last exam until the 14th day afterwards, for analysis of salivary IgA. Data were averaged for the last weeks of exams and the first and second week after exams, respectively. Results: A prolonged reduction of sIgA in exam students as compared to controls was observed. Fourteen days post-stress sIgA concentrations of exam students were still significantly lower than control levels (P=0.004). No recovery was observable. At the same time exam students and controls did not differ in terms of self-reported stress and recovery. Conclusions: Psychological and immunological stress effects may be dissociated, the latter considerably exceeding the stress period. A closer look at the temporal dynamics of stress-induced immune alterations might increase our understanding of psychoimmuno relationships.

Salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) secreted by salivary glands is the predominant humoral factor of the local immune system in the oral cavity. Epidemiological studies emphasize the importance of salivary IgA in the protection from infections and caries. This study investigated how excavation of caries lesions affects total salivary IgA concentration. Fifteen patients were assigned to two sessions: the first session consisted of the excavation of a caries lesion. Thirty min before, during, directly after, and 30 min after the excavation, patients were asked for saliva samples. One wk later, a control session was performed on the same patients at the same time of the day, consisting of a dental inspection without any drilling. Marked, transient decreases were observed in concentration and secretion rate of total salivary immunoglobulin A during and immediately after caries excavation. Thirty min after caries excavation, immunoglobulin A concentrations returned to baseline. No differences were found between sessions with regard to saliva flow and cortisol concentration. It was concluded that transient decreases of total salivary immunoglobulin A concentrations are induced by excavation of caries lesions.

Analysis of the salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibody activity to antigens separated from oral streptococci was carried out on 49 individuals in 11 families. The aim of this study were to i) study the human salivary IgA activity within families to antigens separated from reference strains of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus and Streptococcus parasanguis and ii) to search for potential differences in the salivary IgA activity to the streptococcal antigens several years apart. The immunoblot revealed similarity in saliva IgA response within the families. A majority of the bands, approximately 7 (median) for each extract was found in both child and parent. A few bands (approximately 3) were found in parents but not in children. Only one to two bands were found in children's saliva without a corresponding band in any of the parents. The antibody activity of saliva samples obtained several years apart was essentially unchanged, especially considering the total number of bands. Differences in the relative intensity of the bands could be seen, and a few bands appeared only in some immunoblots for a specific subject. For 3 of 4 children participating in the longitudinal study, more bands against mutans streptococci appeared with age.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of smoking on the salivary immunoglobulin response in smokers and to evaluate the salivary immunoglobulin A in patients with recurrent aphthous ulcers. Materials and Methods: The study included total of 80 subjects, of whom 40 were having history of chronic smoking habit, 20 were clinically diagnosed cases of recurrent aphthous ulcer and 20 were in the control group. Sample of unstimulated saliva was collected, centrifuged and analyzed for the level of salivary immunoglobulin A with turbidimetric immunoassay. For all the tests, a P- value of < 0.05 was considered for statistical significance. Results: The mean salivary immunoglobulin A level in control group was 0.20 Grams/litre and in smokers the mean salivary immunoglobulin A level was 0.13 Grams / Litre. In patients with recurrent aphthous ulcers mean salivary immunoglobulin A level was 0.31 Grams / Litre. The mean salivary immunoglobulin A levels showed a decreasing trend from controls to smokers. These results were highly significant for values between control groups to smokers. Conclusion: The mean salivary immunoglobulin A levels demonstrated a progressive decrease from controls to smokers. This investigative procedure although non-specific, can be used as a diagnostic marker in smokers and patients with recurrent aphthous ulcers.