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- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2Modulation of stress and neuroplasticity biomarkers via rhythmic vocalization: a controlled study on NDNF, cortisol, and monoamines
Okur, Süheyb; Bayraktar, Bülent
Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of reciting the Quran (from Mushaf) on serotonin, dopamine, NDNF, and cortisol levels in relation to mental well-being. Methods: This study was conducted on a sample of university students who know how to read the Quran in Türkiye, selected by a non-probability method, with a pre-test-post-test control group and a longitudinal design; the assignment to the groups was also done randomly. The research was carried out with 72 university students (36 female, 36 male), aged 19–30, who know how to read the Quran and do not have any health problems. Two groups were formed: a 36-person experimental group and a 36-person passive resting control group. The Mental Well-Being Scale and a personal information form were used to evaluate the participants’ well-being status. Salivary serotonin, dopamine, NDNF, and cortisol levels were examined using the ELISA technique in samples taken before and after the experimental group recited verses 195–200 of Surah Al-i Imran aloud. Number, percentage, mean, Pearson correlation, and ANOVA tests were used to evaluate the data. Statistical significance was accepted as p <.05 for all analyses. Results: A significant group-time interaction was found (p <.05). Compared to the passive resting control group, the experimental group showed statistically significant increases in salivary serotonin, dopamine, and NDNF levels, and a significant decrease in cortisol levels. However, a critical dissociation was observed: despite this neuroprotective biomarker profile, the control group reported statistically significantly higher post-intervention mental well-being scores than the experimental group (p <.05). This suggests that the acute cognitive load and performance anxiety associated with the recitation task may temporarily mask physiological benefits in self-reports. Conclusions: A brief (5-minute) ‘Tartil’ recitation of the Quran demonstrates immediate, positive neurobiological effects by reducing stress hormones (cortisol) and increasing reward- and neuroplasticity-related biomarkers (dopamine, serotonin, NDNF). However, this did not immediately translate to higher self-reported well-being, suggesting the relationship between the neurobiology of recitation and its perceived psychological effects is complex and potentially confounded by factors such as performance anxiety or cognitive load in an experimental setting. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.
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İncele - MakaleYalnız künye2024Scopus SJRQ2Investigation of emotion regulation skills, salivary apelin, and serotonin levels in children in Türkiye: a cross-sectional study
Kırbaş, Zila Özlem; Bayraktar, Bülent; Odabaşı Aktaş, Elif
Purpose: Little is known about the relationship between apelin and serotonin in emotion regulation. This study aimed to examine children’s emotional regulation skills and salivary apelin and serotonin levels. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study performed in Türkiye. The research was completed with the participation of 146 children, 8–10 years old, from the general population. Emotion Regulation Skills Scale for Children (CERS) was used to assess children’s levels of emotion regulation skills. Apelin and serotonin levels were examined by ELISA technique in saliva samples obtained from children. Results: A statistically significant correlation was found between the mean total score of the CERS and the mean apelin and serotonin levels (p ˂.01). We found that females had higher emotion regulation skills compared to males, older higher than younger ones (p ˂.01). The regression analysis results show that age and gender together explain 50.5% of the variance in CERS scores, while apelin and serotonin together explain 35.8% of the variance. When all four variables (age, gender, apelin, and serotonin) are included in the model, they explain 51.3% of the variance in CERS scores. Conclusion: Older age and female gender explained most of emotion regulations skills.Key points It was determined that the average salivary apelin and serotonin levels increased with increased age, and with increased age ERS also increased. More research is needed as this is the first time that the relationship between emotion regulation skills and serotonin and apelin levels has been examined.
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