Relaxation Response in Stressed Volunteers: Psychometric Tests and Neurotrophin Changes in Biological Fluids

Frontiers in Psychiatry

Rocco Manieri¹  Filippo Biamonte³  Enrico Di Stasio³  Maurizio Rizzuto⁴  Miriam Zappella⁵  Alessandra Micera⁶  Magdalena Cortes⁷  Daniela Santucci⁸  Bijorn Omar Balzamino⁹ 

[1] IRCCS – Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Italy;Cellular Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Rome, Italy;Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensive and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy;Department of Laboratory and Infectivological Sciences, UOC Chemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Clinic, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy;Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy;Department of Psychology, Salesian University of Rome, Rome, Italy;Hebrew Hospital Rome Ophthalmology Department, Rome, Italy;Prevention and Health Care Department, Campus Bio Medico University, Rome, Italy;Research and Development Laboratory for Biochemical, Molecular and Cellular Applications in Ophthalmological Sciences;

关键词: PSS-10 perceived stress scale;    nerve growth factor;    brain derived neurotrophic factor;    tears analysis;    saliva analysis;    relaxation response meditation technique;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fpsyt.2021.655453

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Background: To evaluate the beneficial effects of relaxation response (RR) training in adult stressed subjects by evaluating the psychometric response recorded at relaxation session. Cortisol as well as nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mediators were quantified in both saliva and tears, and their levels were related to each other and to the psychometric response.Methods: Stressed subjects (n = 23; 10M/13F; age range 21–53 years old) were voluntarily enrolled in the study. RR training sessions were carried out for 2 months, 1 day per week, at the same time (3–5 p.m.). Two different psychological questionnaires, the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) and the Beck Depression Inventory - Short Form (BDI-SF) and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) tests, were administered before each session. Saliva and tears were sampled for cortisol (EIA), NGF (ELISA), and BDNF (ELISA) quantifications. Questionnaires' data were analyzed and compared to biochemical ones.Results: All subjects reported beneficial effects from training. RR significantly reduced the psychological stress indexes (p = 0.039 for PSS-10 and p = 0.001 for BDI-SF). Specifically, RR training lowered the perception of Perceived Helplessness (items 1, 3, 10; p < 0.05) in PSS-10 and increased the Perceived Self-Efficacy (p < 0.05). OSDI score was in the normal range (0–25). Biochemically, a decrease in cortisol, a trend to a decrease in NGF, and an increase in BDNF levels were observed in saliva samples after RR treatment. Furthermore, a trend to a decrease in NGF and an increase in BDNF were quantified in tear samples. A correlation between PSS-10 total score and saliva NGF variation (%) as well as between BDI-SF total score and BDNF tear levels were also observed.Conclusion: RR training appeared useful to lowering psychological, mental, and physical stress, as supported by both psychological total and single scores. The finding on biochemical levels of BDNF in saliva and tears are sustained by previous studies while those of NGF require further investigation. Overall, these data on a small population highlight the potential use of RR training and potential neurotrophic changes in biological fluids, in stressed volunteers.

【 授权许可】

Unknown