2023 Volume 72 Issue 4 Pages 513-521
Background: Oxytocin is known to have anxiolytic, antistress, and analgesic effects, and it supports social connection. We examined the utility of salivary biomarkers as indicators for the early detection of developmental disorders and understanding stress responses. Methods: We recruited 56 university-aged males and females (age range: 21–23). They donated saliva samples from 12:00 to 13:10, then completed three questionnaires on the same day. Salivary oxytocin, cortisol, and α-amylase activity levels were measured using an enzyme immunoassay kit. Traits of developmental disorders and stress responses were assessed using three questionnaires: the Autism-Spectrum Quotient Japanese version (AQ), Public Health Research Foundation scale (PHRF-SCL-SF), and Connors Adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Rating Scale (CAARS) Japanese version. We analyzed the relationship between questionnaire scores and biomarker measurements. Results: In the group with autistic tendencies (who scored highly on the AQ), we found that interpersonal problems were significantly associated with elevated salivary cortisol levels, and imagination problems were significantly associated with decreased salivary α-amylase activity. We also found a significant association between communication difficulties and reduced salivary oxytocin levels in the group with autistic tendencies. Conclusions: Measurement of salivary biomarkers may lead to the detection of developmental or stress disorders in university students who have not yet been diagnosed.
