The association between the cortisol and cortisone awakening responses
Travis Anderson1, Laurie Wideman1
1Department of Kinesiology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA.
Psychoneuroendocrinology
|March 18, 2023
Summary
The study found a distinct cortisone awakening response (EAR) in saliva. This EAR may be a better indicator of serum cortisol dynamics than the salivary cortisol awakening response (CAR) for assessing the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Biomarker Discovery
- Physiological Response
Background:
- Salivary cortisol awakening response (CAR) is a common proxy for serum cortisol.
- Cortisol is rapidly converted to cortisone in saliva, potentially altering CAR accuracy.
- The cortisone awakening response (EAR) may better reflect serum cortisol dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure the salivary EAR and CAR.
- To compare salivary EAR and CAR with serum CAR.
- To evaluate EAR as a potential biomarker for hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function.
Main Methods:
- Serial serum and saliva samples collected from 12 male participants after awakening.
- Serum assayed for cortisol; saliva assayed for cortisol and cortisone.
- Analysis using mixed-effects growth models and common awakening response indices (AUCG, AUC I, Δ).
Main Results:
- A distinct salivary cortisone awakening response (EAR) was identified.
- Two EAR indices (AUCG, AUC I) were significantly associated with corresponding serum CAR indices.
- The EAR demonstrates a clear rise following awakening.
Conclusions:
- The cortisone awakening response (EAR) is demonstrated for the first time.
- EAR may be a valuable biomarker for assessing hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning.
- EAR may offer a more accurate reflection of serum cortisol dynamics post-awakening.
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