AI Article Synopsis
- A meta-regression of 229 studies with over 12,700 participants highlighted significant variations in endogenous oxytocin measurements based on specimen type and extraction method.
- Unextracted blood samples showed much higher oxytocin levels compared to extracted blood and other specimen types, with higher values also observed in samples with more older and female participants.
- The study found that while certain factors like smoking cessation improved oxytocin levels in unextracted samples, instructions related to eating or alcohol consumption had no significant effect, and oxytocin concentrations generally increased throughout the day.
Article Abstract
Studies on endogenous oxytocin concentrations are often criticized for the debatable comparability between specimens and the variation in reported values. We performed meta-regressions on k = 229 studies (n = 12 741 participants), testing whether specimen, extraction, sex, age, time of day, or fasting instructions influenced oxytocin measurements. Predicted oxytocin concentrations differed depending on specimen and extraction: Measurements were extremely high in unextracted blood, compared to extracted blood and other specimens. Measurements were higher in samples with more female participants and higher age. Instructions not to smoke before sampling were correlated with higher oxytocin in unextracted samples. There was no impact of instructions to refrain from eating, drinking, consume caffeine, alcohol or exercising. Oxytocin concentrations increased from morning to afternoon. Our results showed that oxytocin is differentially reflected in blood, saliva, urine and cerebrospinal fluid. Extraction impacts oxytocin measurements, particularly in blood. Considering relevant confounders might increase comparability between studies.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100775 | DOI Listing |
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