The Effect of Exam Stress on Serum IL-6, Cortisol, CRP and Ige Levels

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.