El estrés en la enfermedad de Parkinson. Biomarcadores cortisol y amilasa. Revisión sistemática

Objective

To determine whether salivary alpha-amylase and salivary cortisol are adequate as biomarkers to evaluate the level of stress in patients suffering from Parkinson's disease.

Method

A systematic review was carried out on studies published in different databases on stress and both biomarkers. Seventeen analytical studies, including quasi-experimental and case-controls, were analysed. The population age was between 20 and 80 years, approximately, and the distribution between genders was fairly equitable.

Results

The results obtained in terms of biomarkers were different from those expected. Theoretically, cortisol is more associated with biomarker of stress, but in this literature review it is concluded that salivary alpha-amylase was a more reliable biomarker for stress measurement. This is a less studied biomarker, but a great candidate for future research.

In addition, stress has been shown to favour neurodegeneration, with the dopaminergic system being especially sensitive.

Conclusions

Both salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol are valid biomarkers for stress measurement in patients with PD, with salivary alpha-amylase being more reliable. It is essential to reduce stress levels in patients with PD in order to reduce its incidence, as well as the prodromal and motor symptoms, and to reduce pharmacological treatments by replacing them with anti-stress therapies.