Total Antioxidant Capacity of Saliva: An Effective Marker of Stress

Aim: To assess and correlate the level of stress to the total anti­ oxidant capacity of saliva of university exam­going students study­ ing at KLE Vishwanath Katti Institute of Dental Sciences, Belagavi, Karnataka, India, on the day of examination (stressed condition) and in the postexamination period (nonstressed condition). Materials and methods: Saliva samples of 30 students evaluated by the perceived stress scale on both the day of examination and in the postexamination period were col­ lected and labeled as group I (day of examination) and group II (postexamination period). The total antioxidant capacity was assessed using the spectrophotometric assay based on the molar absorption coefficient of the phosphomolybdenum complex. The correlation between the level of stress and the antioxidant capacity was done using Spearman’s correlation test, and the mean values obtained with respect to the two groups were evaluated using Mann–Whitney U test. Results: The total antioxidant capacity was lower on the day of examination than in the postexamination period (p = 0.001). As the stress level increases, the total antioxidant capacity decreases. Conclusion: Total antioxidant capacity of saliva can serve as an effective marker of stress. Thus, supplementation with antioxidants routinely and especially during periods of stress may be beneficial. Clinical significance: Present day life is full of targets, neces­ sities, and frustrations. For many people, stress has become a way of life. Stress is not always detrimental. Stress within your comfort zone helps you compete, motivates you, and can even keep you secure. But when stress becomes overwhelming, it damages your well­being, relationships, and quality of life. Thus, managing and diagnosing stress is important.