Diurnal profiles of salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase change across the adult lifespan: Evidence from repeated daily life assessments

Summary Salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase are known to have distinctive diurnal profiles. However, little is known about systematic changes in these biomarkers across the adult lifespan. In a study of 185 participants (aged 20–81 years), time-stamped salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase were collec...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Psychoneuroendocrinology 2013-12, Vol.38 (12), p.3167-3171
Main Authors: Nater, Urs M, Hoppmann, Christiane A, Scott, Stacey B
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Aging
Aging - physiology
alpha-Amylases - metabolism
Area Under Curve
Behavioral psychophysiology
Biological and medical sciences
Body Weight
Circadian Rhythm - physiology
Cortisol
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Female
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Hormones and behavior
Humans
Hydrocortisone - metabolism
Immunoassay
Lifespan
Likelihood Functions
Male
Middle Aged
Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychophysiology
Saliva - enzymology
Saliva - metabolism
Salivary alpha-amylase
Sex Factors
Young Adult
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Summary:Summary Salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase are known to have distinctive diurnal profiles. However, little is known about systematic changes in these biomarkers across the adult lifespan. In a study of 185 participants (aged 20–81 years), time-stamped salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase were collected 7 times/day over 10 days. Samples were taken upon waking, 30 min later, and then approximately every 3 h until 9 pm. Multilevel models showed that older age was associated with increased daily cortisol secretion as indicated by greater area under the curve, attenuated wake-evening slopes, and more pronounced cortisol awakening responses. Further, older age was related to greater daily alpha-amylase output and attenuated wake-evening slopes. No age differences were observed regarding the alpha-amylase awakening response. Our findings may contribute to a better understanding of age-related differences in functioning of stress-related systems.
ISSN:0306-4530
1873-3360
DOI:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2013.09.008