Inflammatory Biomarkers in Saliva Research Program

Measurement of salivary inflammatory biomarkers in psychological stress.

Program Overview

It has been established by many studies that a relationship exists between psychosocial factors and an increased risk for disease, with a heightened pro-inflammatory status implicated as one of the potential mechanisms involved.  Alterations in pro- and anti- inflammatory stress hormones, cytokines and acute phase proteins have been associated with inflammation-related disease and with neuropsychological disorders.  Thus, the study of alterations to pro-/anti-inflammatory biomarkers is relevant to both mental and physical health.  The purpose of this program is to study the behavior of salivary biomarkers of inflammation, including hormones, cytokines, acute phase proteins and markers, under conditions of acute or chronic psychological stress and determining how those changes are related to increased risk for disease.  Studies involve the collection and storage of salivary samples and the measurement of different biomarkers using immunoassays. 

Details about our Program