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The following is a summary of “Salivary alpha-amylase over cortisol ratio as a longitudinal indicator of work stress and psychosomatic strain in teachers,” published in the May 2025 issue of Frontiers in Endocrinology by Schneider et al. 

The study examined whether salivary alpha-amylase, salivary cortisol, and their ratio accurately indicated stress by measuring activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in teachers.  

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to analyze the association between dysregulation of the SNS and HPA axis and individual risk and protective factors in teachers.  

They used self-report questionnaires to measure personality traits, coping strategies, and perceived psychological and psychosomatic strain, with strain reassessed after 2 years. The study involved 42 apparently healthy teachers (28 female) at baseline, with an average age of 39.66 years (SD = 11.99). Participants were recruited through flyers and circular emails sent to school administrations in the canton of Bern, Switzerland.  

The results showed that alpha-amylase was positively linked to individual risk factors and psychological strain in teachers cross-sectionally, while cortisol showed no significant associations. Longitudinally, the alpha-amylase to cortisol ratio consistently predicted greater stress and psychosomatic strain.  

Investigators concluded that an asymmetry between SNS and HPA axis activity validly indicated work stress and psychosomatic strain. 

Source: frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2025.1492379/full