Objective: To evaluate the salivary levels of cortisol and chromogranin A (CgA) in patients with dry mouth (perceived xerostomia and hyposalivation) compared with age-matched controls.
Study design: We studied 174 subjects, including those with dry mouth, classified into 2 subgroups based on perceived xerostomia and salivation, and those without (control subjects). The control subjects were patients at the same hospital and healthy volunteers. Cortisol and CgA levels in stimulated whole saliva were measured using ELISA kits.
Results: All subjects with dry mouth had significantly higher cortisol and CgA levels than the control subjects. The statistical associations remained significant when they were divided into the 2 subgroups, although somewhat weaker associations were observed. The influences of xerogenic drugs were found to be minimal on salivary flow rate and levels of cortisol and CgA.
Conclusions: We found significant associations between salivary cortisol and CgA levels and symptoms of oral dryness and reduced salivary flow.