effect of exam stress on serum IL-6, cortisol, CRP and IgE levels

ABSTRACT

Stress has determining effects on the immune response. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of exam stress on serum IL-6, cortisol, CRP and IgE levels of medical students. Thirty five university medical students in Southern Iran were enrolled. Two blood samples were provided from each participant one month [first stage] and one hour [second stage] before the exam at 1.00 PM. The students completed the SpielBerger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI] questionnaire. IL-6, cortisol, CRP and IgE changes were determined in these students. The mean age of the students was 21 years. The exam stress resulted in a significant decrease in the IgE level and a significant increase in the cortisol level. The exam stress can result in a decrease in the IgE level and a significant increase in the cortisol level. So, these changes may indicate the alterations of immunological status and presence of stress in an immunosuppressed individual, affecting his/her health