Objective:

The present study examined the relationship between academic stress, the cytosines (lL-1β, IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) changes in a group of dental students.

Materials and Methods:

Descriptive cross-sectional study, in which the academic stress level was evaluated in university students and the levels of l-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were established in two groups, one under stress (in an academic test), and in another (back from the holiday period or moment of no-stress).

Results:

A total of 65 participants were included. The overall results of stress 1.86 ± 0.37 was found at the time of no stress and 2.61 ± 0.38 at the time of stress (p <0.05). Compared to summer vacation, during examinations individuals reported significantly more perceived stress (P < 0.0059), there was higher gene expression of IL-1 (P < 0.01) and IL-6 (P < 0.05) during the period of stress vs. non-stress.

Conclusion:

Academic exams are one of the stressors that can influence the cytosines of the immune system, since their values varied when patients were under situations of academic stress.

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