Characterizing Endogenous Salivary Oxytocin Levels, a Biomarker of Resiliency, Among Latina Breast Cancer Survivors: The Nuevo Amanecer- II Study
Authors: Yajaira Carreon, Adriana Mejia Lopez, Odessa Garay, Rebecca Mendez
Faculty Supervisor: Cathy Samayoa
Department: Biology
Breast cancer is the leading cause of mortality among Latinas in the United States. Among Latinas, breast cancer disparities exist and may be driven by chronic stress. Interestingly, chronic stress can be buffered by Oxytocin. However, the role of oxytocin in breast cancer disparities remains unclear. This study aims 1) to assess endogenous salivary oxytocin levels and 2) to explore their association with stress measures among Latina breast cancer survivors involved in the Nuevo-Amanacer-II stress management intervention. Saliva samples were collected from 103 participants residing in rural areas of California. We conducted solid-phase oxytocin extraction and quantified endogenous oxytocin levels utilizing an enzyme immunoassay. Associations between oxytocin levels, self-reported somatization, stress levels, and cortisol levels will be measured. We expect to see an increase in salivary oxytocin levels as a result of the stress management intervention and expect oxytocin levels to be inversely correlated with cortisol, perceived stress, and somatization. In conclusion, this study will characterize endogenous oxytocin levels, a biomarker of resilience, in Latina breast cancer survivors, while exploring the impact of stress-management interventions on relevant biomarkers. Understanding the biological mechanisms that drive or buffer breast cancer disparities can uncover points of intervention to address inequities.