Unstimulated whole saliva cortisol levels during Ramadan in Iranian Muslims.

AIMS Ramadan is a great opportunity for scientific research due to its peculiar nature. This study was designed to investigate whether morning saliva cortisol pick can change during and after Ramadan compared to before it. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 30 healthy volunteer men (aged between 30 and 76 years) were asked to participate in a cross-sectional study between August 12 and September 10, 2010. Saliva was collected 2 weeks before the beginning of Ramadan (BR), during the first week (R1), middle (R2), the last week (R3) of Ramadan and 3 weeks after Ramadan (AR). Cortisol concentration was analyzed by ELISA. Statistical analysis of one-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used. RESULTS The mean unstimulated saliva cortisol concentration and its output were significantly higher in the BR than during and after Ramadan. CONCLUSION Mean saliva cortisol concentration and its output tended to be lower during and 3 weeks after Ramadan. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Cortisol as a stress hormone seems to be low during Ramadan.