Evaluating Salivary Cortisol and Alpha-Amylase as Candidate Biomarkers in Anorexia Nervosa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT: Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated whether salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase levels differ between patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and healthy controls. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Scopus for relevant studies published up to December 2024. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q and the I² statistic. Results: Data on salivary alpha-amylase were extracted from six studies including 218 patients with AN and 220 healthy controls. No significant group difference was observed (SMD = -0.48; 95% CI, -1.05 to 0.10;

SUBMITTER: Seura T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12731984 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature