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Researchers from the London Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience at University College London want to use the sticky combination of sweat, skin cells and oil as a diagnostic tool.
A team led by psychiatrist Andrés Herane-Vives was able to demonstrate in a small study with 37 participants that it is possible to measure the cortisol deposits in the fatty secretion of the ear canal. Matching tests would reliably make chronically elevated cortisol levels visible instead of just showing point values. This is reported by, among others BBC.
Stress-free measurement
Currently, the current (and fluctuating throughout the day) cortisol concentration can be detected in blood serum, urine or saliva. Since blood tests in particular are often experienced as stressful, the results can potentially be falsified. Herane-Vives, whose study is in the journal Propeller has developed a new type of tampon with which earwax can be removed without damaging the sensitive eardrum.
Cortisol is one of the biochemical messengers. As such, the hormone is produced in the adrenal cortex and rapidly transported in the bloodstream when stressed. As a result, it stimulates the metabolism, has anti-inflammatory effects and ensures a higher level of glucose in the blood, which provides the cells with more energy.
Since cortisol is used to release the body’s energy reserves and prepare it for a “fight or flight” situation, it can affect almost every system in the body, from the immune system to the digestive system to sleep.
Herane-Vives believes the new findings have the potential to make diagnosing psychiatric illnesses, such as depression, much easier. The role of the hormone in the development and maintenance of mental illnesses such as anxiety or depression is not yet fully understood. In many depressed people, however, the cortisol level is increased.
More accurate results
Depression is currently diagnosed on the basis of various symptoms during a discussion of the medical history with the patient. Self-assessments of the person concerned play a central role. Neurological tests can also be used.
Herane-Vives supports the development of additional and objective diagnostic methods and sees them as the only “way to provide the correct treatment”. Such studies could also better show the effectiveness of antidepressants.
Hormones and other substances would accumulate in the wax over time. With the deposited ear wax test, Herane-Vives wants to determine a patient’s chronic cortisol level. Past experiments with cortisol testing on hair follicles have proved impractical. “The cortisol level in ear wax appears to be more stable.”
Determine the biomarkers
In the longer term, the method could be further developed to include other biomarkers (In medicine, these are measured values used for diagnosis, note) to determine earwax.
In any case, it is still too early for clear conclusions, Herane-Vives points out. However, he hopes his research will eventually establish an “objective biological marker” for psychiatric illness.
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