151
|
Cantave CY, Brendgen M, Lupien S, Dionne G, Vitaro F, Boivin M, Ouellet-Morin I. Association between the timing of family socioeconomic deprivation and adolescence hair cortisol among adolescent twins: A study of the genetic and environmental processes involved. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 144:105889. [PMID: 35944454 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While evidence shows that lower socioeconomic status (SES) is related to dysregulated hair cortisol concentration (HCC), the genetic and environmental processes underlying this association remain understudied. OBJECTIVES (1) to examine whether childhood and adolescence SES are phenotypically related to late adolescence HCC and to what extent these associations are explained by common underlying genetic factors (2) to estimate whether the genetic and environmental etiology of HCC varies according to SES and the timing of these experiences. METHODS Participants were 422 twin pairs for whom SES was measured in childhood (ages 0-5 years) and adolescence (age 14 years). Hair cortisol was assessed at age 19. RESULTS Additive genetic factors explained 39% of variability in HCC, whereas nonshared environmental factors accounted for the remaining 61%. A significant negative association emerged between HCC and family SES assessed in adolescence (β=-.11,p = .02), which was entirely explained by common underlying environmental influences. We also found evidence of stronger genetic contributions to HCC among youths who lived in more disadvantaged households during childhood in comparison to those from wealthier backgrounds. CONCLUSIONS This study provides first-time evidence that the association between adolescence SES and HCC is environmentally-explained and that genetic influences underlying HCC are not uniformly distributed across the family SES continuum measured during childhood. These findings may pave the way for a fuller understanding of the impact of early adversity on HPA axis activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mara Brendgen
- Department of Psychology, University of Quebec at Montreal, Canada; Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sonia Lupien
- Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada; Centre for Studies on Human Stress, Department of Psychiatry, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Ginette Dionne
- School of Psychology, Laval University, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Frank Vitaro
- School of Psychoeducation, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - Michel Boivin
- School of Psychology, Laval University, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Isabelle Ouellet-Morin
- School of Criminology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
152
|
Raymond C, Bilodeau-Houle A, Zerroug Y, Provencher J, Beaudin M, Marin MF. Pre-pandemic socio-emotional vulnerability, internalizing and externalizing symptoms predict changes in hair cortisol concentrations in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic in children. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 144:105888. [PMID: 35933864 PMCID: PMC9344696 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased distress in many children, particularly in girls. Socio-emotional vulnerability, as well as psychiatric symptomatology prior to or during the initial stages of the pandemic, have been identified as important predictors of this distress. Still, it is unclear whether the pandemic also had physiological repercussions in children. If so, it remains to be determined whether these same predictors could provide insight into inter-individual variability. This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the effects of socio-emotional vulnerability, as well as pre-pandemic internalizing and externalizing symptoms, on hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in healthy youth. In June 2020 (T1), 69 healthy children (M = 11.57 y/o) who visited the laboratory between 2017 and 2019 (T0) provided a 6 cm hair sample. This technique allowed us to quantify cortisol secretion during the three months preceding the COVID-19 pandemic (Segment A) and during the first three months of the first wave of the pandemic in Quebec, Canada (Segment B). At T0, participants completed the Dominic Interactive to assess pre-pandemic internalizing and externalizing symptoms. A socio-emotional composite score (SECS) was derived using a weighted z-score with the following constructs: anxiety sensitivity (Childhood Anxiety Sensitivity Index) measured at T0, trait anxiety (Trait subscale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAI-C)), intolerance of uncertainty (Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale for Children), and trait rumination (Children's Response Style Scale) measured at T1. A linear regression was conducted using the percent change in HCC across Segment A and B as the dependent variable, where SECS, pre-pandemic internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and sex were used as predictors. We found a main effect of sex, with girls presenting increased HCC reactivity compared to boys. We also found that SECS and internalizing symptoms negatively predicted HCC, whereas the opposite relationship was found between externalizing symptoms and HCC reactivity. For healthy children, our results suggest that previous psychiatric symptoms and socio-emotional vulnerability may be risk factors for the presentation of diverging cortisol response patterns in response to an adverse life event (such as the COVID-19 pandemic).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Raymond
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada,Research Centre of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alexe Bilodeau-Houle
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada,Research Centre of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Yasmine Zerroug
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada,Research Centre of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jessie Provencher
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada,Research Centre of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Myriam Beaudin
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada,Research Centre of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-France Marin
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Research Centre of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
153
|
Ahrens KF, Neumann RJ, von Werthern NM, Kranz TM, Kollmann B, Mattes B, Puhlmann LMC, Weichert D, Lutz B, Basten U, Fiebach CJ, Wessa M, Kalisch R, Lieb K, Chiocchetti AG, Tüscher O, Reif A, Plichta MM. Association of polygenic risk scores and hair cortisol with mental health trajectories during COVID lockdown. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:396. [PMID: 36130942 PMCID: PMC9490720 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02165-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is a global stressor with inter-individually differing influences on mental health trajectories. Polygenic Risk Scores (PRSs) for psychiatric phenotypes are associated with individual mental health predispositions. Elevated hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) and high PRSs are related to negative mental health outcomes. We analyzed whether PRSs and HCC are related to different mental health trajectories during the first COVID lockdown in Germany. Among 523 participants selected from the longitudinal resilience assessment study (LORA), we previously reported three subgroups (acute dysfunction, delayed dysfunction, resilient) based on weekly mental health (GHQ-28) assessment during COVID lockdown. DNA from blood was collected at the baseline of the original LORA study (n = 364) and used to calculate the PRSs of 12 different psychopathological phenotypes. An explorative bifactor model with Schmid-Leiman transformation was calculated to extract a general genetic factor for psychiatric disorders. Hair samples were collected quarterly prior to the pandemic for determining HCC (n = 192). Bivariate logistic regressions were performed to test the associations of HCC and the PRS factors with the reported trajectories. The bifactor model revealed 1 general factor and 4 sub-factors. Results indicate a significant association between increased values on the general risk factor and the allocation to the acute dysfunction class. The same was found for elevated HCC and the exploratorily tested sub-factor "childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorders". Genetic risk and long-term cortisol secretion as a potential indicator of stress, indicated by PRSs and HCC, respectively, predicted different mental health trajectories. Results indicate a potential for future studies on risk prediction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kira F. Ahrens
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Rebecca J. Neumann
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nina M. von Werthern
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Thorsten M. Kranz
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Bianca Kollmann
- grid.410607.4Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany ,grid.509458.50000 0004 8087 0005Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR), Mainz, Germany
| | - Björn Mattes
- grid.6546.10000 0001 0940 1669Institute of Psychology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Lara M. C. Puhlmann
- grid.509458.50000 0004 8087 0005Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR), Mainz, Germany
| | - Danuta Weichert
- grid.410607.4Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Beat Lutz
- grid.509458.50000 0004 8087 0005Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR), Mainz, Germany ,grid.410607.4Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ulrike Basten
- grid.7839.50000 0004 1936 9721Department of Psychology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany ,grid.7839.50000 0004 1936 9721Brain Imaging Center, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christian J. Fiebach
- grid.7839.50000 0004 1936 9721Department of Psychology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany ,grid.7839.50000 0004 1936 9721Brain Imaging Center, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Michèle Wessa
- grid.509458.50000 0004 8087 0005Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR), Mainz, Germany ,grid.5802.f0000 0001 1941 7111Department of Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, Institute for Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Raffael Kalisch
- grid.509458.50000 0004 8087 0005Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR), Mainz, Germany ,grid.410607.4Neuroimaging Center (NIC), Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN), Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Klaus Lieb
- grid.410607.4Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany ,grid.509458.50000 0004 8087 0005Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR), Mainz, Germany
| | - Andreas G. Chiocchetti
- grid.7839.50000 0004 1936 9721Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Oliver Tüscher
- grid.410607.4Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany ,grid.509458.50000 0004 8087 0005Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR), Mainz, Germany
| | - Andreas Reif
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Michael M. Plichta
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
154
|
Co-Rooming Accounts for Socioeconomic Disparities in Infant Sleep Quality among Families Living in Urban Environments. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9101429. [PMID: 36291365 PMCID: PMC9600685 DOI: 10.3390/children9101429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Poor infant sleep quality is associated with negative maternal and infant health outcomes. This study measures socioeconomic disparities in infant sleep quality, and assesses whether child sleep location and maternal stress mediate associations between socioeconomic status (SES) and infant sleep quality. The study includes 86 socioeconomically diverse, mother-infant dyads living in an urban area with infants aged 6–12 months. Mothers reported socioeconomic demographics, infant sleep quality (Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire) and maternal subjective stress (Perceived Stress Scale). Maternal objective stress was measured via hair cortisol concentration (HCC). The associations among SES, infant sleep quality, infant co-rooming, and maternal stress were assessed. Infants from families with lower income-to-needs (ITN) ratios had poorer infant sleep quality. The association between familial ITN and infant sleep quality was mediated by whether the child co-rooms with parents. Maternal perceived stress was independently associated with infant sleep quality, but HCC was not associated with infant sleep quality.
Collapse
|
155
|
Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Metse AP, Drummond PD. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating the effects of an Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Basil) extract (HolixerTM) on stress, mood, and sleep in adults experiencing stress. Front Nutr 2022; 9:965130. [PMID: 36185698 PMCID: PMC9524226 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.965130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Ayurveda, Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Basil) is referred to as “the elixir of life” and is believed to promote longevity and general wellbeing. Although limited, there are clinical trials to suggest Ocimum tenuiflorum has anti-stress effects. Purpose Examine the effects of a standardized Ocimum tenuiflorum extract (HolixerTM) on subjective and objective measures of stress and sleep quality in adults experiencing stress. Study design Two-arm, parallel-group, 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry trial registration number ACTRN12621000609853. Methods One hundred volunteers aged 18–65 years received either 125 mg of Ocimum tenuiflorum twice daily or a placebo. Outcome measures included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) (primary outcome measure), Profile of Mood States, Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), Restorative Sleep Questionnaire, and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-29. Sleep quality was also assessed using a wrist-worn sleep tracker (Fitbit), and stress changes were examined by measuring between-group differences in hair cortisol and stress responses after exposure to an experiment stress procedure known as the Maastricht Acute Stress Test (MAST). Results Compared to the placebo, Ocimum tenuiflorum supplementation was associated with greater improvements in PSS (p = 0.003) and AIS (p = 0.025) scores; and at week 8, concentrations in hair cortisol were also lower (p = 0.025). Moreover, Ocimum tenuiflorum supplementation was associated with a buffered stress responses after exposure to the MAST as demonstrated by significantly lower concentrations in salivary cortisol (p = 0.001), salivary amylase (p = 0.001), systolic (p = 0.010) and diastolic (p = 0.025) blood pressure, and subjective stress ratings (p < 0.001). Ocimum tenuiflorum supplementation was well-tolerated with no reports of major adverse effects. Conclusion The results from this trial suggest that 8 weeks of supplementation with an Ocimum tenuiflorum extract (HolixerTM) may reduce objective and subjective measures of stress, and improve subjective measures of sleep quality. However, further research using gold-standard objective sleep measures will be required to substantiate the sleep-related findings. Clinical trial registration https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12621000609853p.aspx, identifier: ACTRN12621000609853p.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian L. Lopresti
- Clinical Research Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Healthy Ageing Research Centre and Discipline of Psychology, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- *Correspondence: Adrian L. Lopresti
| | - Stephen J. Smith
- Clinical Research Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Healthy Ageing Research Centre and Discipline of Psychology, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Alexandra P. Metse
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
- School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter D. Drummond
- Healthy Ageing Research Centre and Discipline of Psychology, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
156
|
Bürgin D, Clemens V, Varghese N, Eckert A, Huber M, Bruttin E, Boonmann C, Unternährer E, O'Donovan A, Schmid M. Adverse and traumatic exposures, posttraumatic stress disorder, telomere length, and hair cortisol – Exploring associations in a high-risk sample of young adult residential care leavers. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 26:100524. [PMID: 36213488 PMCID: PMC9535425 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Childhood adversities (CAs), potentially traumatic exposures (PTEs), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are known to increase the risk for poor health outcomes, including diseases of aging and early mortality. Telomere length (TL) and hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) are biomarkers known to be associated with CA and PTEs, and PTSD, but there is considerable heterogeneity in findings. Objectives This study aims to investigate the association of CAs, PTEs, and PTSD with TL and HCC in a high-risk sample of young adults who were previously placed in youth residential care institutions throughout Switzerland. Method Our sample includes 130 participants (30.8% women, M Age = 26.5 ± 3.7 years) with previous youth residential care placements (MPlacements= 3.9). CAs and PTEs, as well as PTSD, were assessed with self-reported questionnaires and semi-structured clinical interviews. Immune cell TL was measured with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in whole blood. Hair samples were collected for HCC measurement and assayed with high-sensitivity ELISA. Multivariate regression models were fitted to describe the associations between CAs, PTEs, and PTSD with TL and HCC, adjusting for covariates. Results In our high-risk sample, a higher burden of CAs, PTEs, Criterion A trauma, and PTSD was associated with longer TL. PTEs, Criterion A trauma, and PTSD were associated with lower HCC, however no significant associations between CAs and HCC were found. The magnitude of these effects varied depending on the dimensional or categorical nature of the stress-phenotype and the specific measure used. Conclusions Our findings are in contrast with many, but not all, previous studies of associations between adversity and both TL and HCC. For instance, our findings are in line with other studies that find a state of hypocortisolism in PTSD. Better measurement of adversities and trauma, multisystem biomarker approaches, and more research in larger high-risk samples at the upper end of the adversity-continuum is warranted. In this high-risk sample,childhood adversities, potential traumatic exposures, criterion A trauma, or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was associated with longer telomere length (TL). Potentially traumatic exposures, criterion A trauma, and PTSD were associated with lower hair cortisol concentrations. The magnitude of these effects varied depending on the dimensional or categorical nature of the stress-phenotype and the specific measure used. Hypocortisolism might explain findings of longer TL in participants with cumulated adverse and traumatic exposures. Research in high-risk populations is strongly needed as results across the entire spectrum of adversity exposures may not generalize to the top end of the spectrum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Bürgin
- Research Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Psychiatric Hospitals Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Corresponding author. University Psychiatric Hospitals Basel Research Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Wilhelm-Klein Strasse 27, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Vera Clemens
- Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Nimmy Varghese
- Neurobiological Laboratory for Brain Aging and Mental Health, Transfaculty Research Platform, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anne Eckert
- Neurobiological Laboratory for Brain Aging and Mental Health, Transfaculty Research Platform, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mara Huber
- Research Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Psychiatric Hospitals Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Evelyne Bruttin
- Research Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Psychiatric Hospitals Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cyril Boonmann
- Research Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Psychiatric Hospitals Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eva Unternährer
- Research Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Psychiatric Hospitals Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aoife O'Donovan
- Department of Psychiatry and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Marc Schmid
- Research Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Psychiatric Hospitals Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
157
|
Taylor BK, Fung MH, Frenzel MR, Johnson HJ, Willett MP, Badura-Brack AS, White SF, Wilson TW. Increases in Circulating Cortisol during the COVID-19 Pandemic are Associated with Changes in Perceived Positive and Negative Affect among Adolescents. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2022; 50:1543-1555. [PMID: 36048374 PMCID: PMC9435427 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-022-00967-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has spread across the world and resulted in over 5 million deaths to date, as well as countless lockdowns, disruptions to daily life, and extended period of social distancing and isolation. The impacts on youth in particular are astounding, with shifts in learning platforms, limited social outlets, and prolonged uncertainty about the future. Surveys have shown that mental health among youth has severely suffered during the pandemic. However, limited research to date has reported on physiological indices of stress surrounding the pandemic, such as cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone that typically increases during stressful situations and can have deleterious effects on mental and physical health when chronically heightened. The present study leveraged hair cortisol concentration measurements, which allowed the retrospectiveinvestigation of circulating cortisol prior to- versus after pandemic-related local lockdowns during the first wave of the pandemic. A final sample of 44 youth ages 10- to 18-years-old provided hair samples and reported on their perceived affective well-being and level of concern regarding pandemic-related stressors between May and June of 2020. We found significant levels of concern and decreases in affective well-being following local lockdowns. Moreover, we saw that cortisol robustly increased following local lockdowns, and those increases were predictive of changes in affect. These findings provide critical insights into the underlying neuroendocrinology of stress during the pandemic and support the need for resources to support youths’ mental health and well-being during this globally significant event.
Collapse
|
158
|
Lynch T, Davis SL, Johnson AH, Gray L, Coleman E, Phillips SR, Soistmann HC, Rice M. Definitions, theories, and measurement of stress in children. J Pediatr Nurs 2022; 66:202-212. [PMID: 35868219 PMCID: PMC10085063 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2022.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM Stress in children remains a complex concept to examine due to the inherent subjectivity and lack of specific manifestations, as well as the multiple ways stress can be defined and measured in children. Because stress is multifactorial,is experienced daily by children, and undergirds adolescent health and early mental illness, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of stress and the effects of stress in children from infancy through age twelve years. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA To be included in this review, literature must pertain to and highlight theories, definitions/classifications, and measurements of stress in children from infancy to 12 years of age. SAMPLE The most pertinent articles identified through database searches (PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Google Scholar), gray literature sources (e.g., child health websites), and reference lists of identified articles were included in this narrative overview. RESULTS The results of this review are organized by themes and include: classifications and definitions of stress, stress-related theories, and tools to measure stress in children. CONCLUSIONS Research addressing stressors and stress in children is limited, and there is wide variation in how researchers define and classify stress in children. Existing measures of stress in children younger than 12 address physiological, psychological, and observational components, but may be inconsistent and threaten validity of otherwise well-designed and well-executed studies. IMPLICATIONS Improving the understanding and accurate measurement of stress in children enables researchers and clinicians to curtail undesirable health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Lynch
- University of Alabama in Huntsville, 301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA.
| | - Sara L Davis
- University of South Alabama, 5721 USA Drive, N., Mobile, AL 36688, USA.
| | - Ann Hammack Johnson
- Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Texas Christian University, 2800 S. University Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA.
| | - Laura Gray
- Gordon E. Inman College of Health Sciences and Nursing, Belmont University, 1900 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37212, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Coleman
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1701 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | | | - Heather C Soistmann
- Penn State Health Children's Hospital, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
| | - Marti Rice
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1701 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
159
|
Feeney J, Kenny R. Hair cortisol as a risk marker for increased depressive symptoms among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 143:105847. [PMID: 35779340 PMCID: PMC9221173 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Determining pre-existing biological risk markers of incident depression and other mental health sequelae after exposure to a new stressor would help identify vulnerable individuals and mechanistic pathways. This study investigated primarily whether hair cortisol predicted elevated depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, 6 years later. A secondary aim was to deduce whether any association differed by sex. METHODS We studied 1025 adults aged 50 and older (75% female) as part of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. Hair cortisol samples were collected at 2014 (Wave 3) and depressive symptoms were assessed using the 8-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale in 2014 (Wave 3), 2016 (Wave 4), 2018 (Wave 5) and again in 2020 as part of TILDA's COVID-19 Study. Hierarchical mixed effects logistic regression models were applied to investigate the association between cortisol levels and clinically significant depressive symptoms before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS In a full covariate adjusted model there was a significant interaction between cortisol and wave on depressive symptoms (χ2 = 8.5, p = .03). Cortisol was positively and significantly associated with elevated depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 Study (OR =1.3, 95% CI 1.11, 1.56, p = .003), and was associated with an increased likelihood of reporting clinically significant depressive symptoms during first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, when compared with before, OR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.05, 1.9, p = .015. There was no evidence of effect modification by sex. CONCLUSIONS Higher hair cortisol, assessed 6 years previously, predicted clinically significant depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults during (but not before) the pandemic. Findings suggest a biological phenotype which denotes increased susceptibility to the negative impact of environmental stress on psychological health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J. Feeney
- The Irish longitudinal Study on Ageing, Department of Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland,Corresponding author
| | - R.A. Kenny
- The Irish longitudinal Study on Ageing, Department of Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland,Mercer’s Institute for Successful Ageing, St. James’s Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
160
|
Schauffel N, Kaufmann LM, Rynek M, Ellwart T. Technostress During COVID-19: Action Regulation Hindrances and the Mediating Role of Basic Human Needs among Psychology Students. PSYCHOLOGY LEARNING AND TEACHING-PLAT 2022; 21:235-253. [PMID: 37521119 PMCID: PMC9162883 DOI: 10.1177/14757257221102563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic led to an abrupt change from in-person to online teaching in higher education, resulting in increased use of information and communication technology (ICT) and students' stress and uncertainty. Integrating theories of human motivation, stress, and humane work design, we investigated whether different types of action regulation hindrances (ARH) pertaining to human (ICT competence deficits), technology (technical problems), interaction (coordination difficulties), and task aspects (work overload) related to technostress (H1). Furthermore, we examined if this relationship was mediated by satisfaction of the basic human needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness (H2). Our analysis of causes and mechanisms of technostress is based on cross-sectional survey data (self-report) from 205 psychology students attending an organizational psychology class that was switched from an in-person to an online format due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Structural equation modeling revealed that different types of ARH (i.e., ICT competence deficits, technical problems, coordination difficulties, work overload) positively predicted technostress (β = .17 to β = .42, p < .05). The effects were (partially) mediated by satisfaction of the need for autonomy (β = .11 to β = .15, p < .05), for all ARH except technical problems (β = .01, p = .86). We discuss implications for online course planning, technostress prevention as well as potential interventions beyond pandemic times.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mona Rynek
- Business Psychology, Trier University, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
161
|
Casjens S, Tisch A, Brenscheidt F, Beermann B, Brüning T, Behrens T, Rabstein S. Investigating the influence of shift work rosters on stress measured as cortisol in hair during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 143:105858. [PMID: 35810571 PMCID: PMC9251898 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the workload and has affected physical and mental health of many employees. Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) has proven useful as a marker for retrospective assessment of stress in epidemiological studies and was measured here in non-healthcare night-shift workers with standard shifts (8-h shifts) and extended shifts (12-h shifts) before and during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Results showed a twofold increase in HCC among shift workers during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic compared with previous measurements. Subjectively reported measures of psychosomatic stress were not found to be reliable predictors of HCC. No statistically significant HCC differences were found between rosters. Working 12-h shifts does not appear to be an additional stressor in the already demanding COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Swaantje Casjens
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany.
| | - Anita Tisch
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), Dortmund, Germany
| | - Frank Brenscheidt
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), Dortmund, Germany
| | - Beate Beermann
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), Dortmund, Germany
| | - Thomas Brüning
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Behrens
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Sylvia Rabstein
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
162
|
Michaud DS, Thomson EM, van Oosterhout P, McNamee JP. Hair cortisol as a viable tool for the assessment of an association between environmental noise exposure and chronic stress. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 152:866. [PMID: 36050175 DOI: 10.1121/10.0012887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Entrenched in the well-established link between stress and health, noise exposure as a potential contributor to stress-related health effects receives tremendous attention. Indeed, exposure to noise can act as a stressor as evidenced through increased heart rate, blood pressure, adrenaline, epinephrine, and cortisol. Cortisol is secreted from the adrenal glands in response to stressor-induced activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. For assessment of environmental noise and stress, repeated sampling in blood, saliva, or urine is necessary to evaluate the association between environmental noise exposure and protracted changes in cortisol. Controlling for the many variables that influence the secretion of cortisol at discrete sampling intervals is challenging. Studies suggest that systemically produced cortisol integrates and remains in hair as it grows, providing a measure that integrates a cortisol response over a longer period, circumventing several limitations associated with multiple sampling. Robust evidence supports the integration of cortisol into hair, yet recent studies call into question the notion that cortisol is retained with growth. The current paper discusses the strengths and limitations of hair cortisol analysis with an emphasis on its utility as a measure of chronic stress in environmental noise studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David S Michaud
- Health Canada, Environmental and Radiation Health Sciences Directorate, Consumer and Clinical Radiation Protection Bureau, 775 Brookfield Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1C1, Canada
| | - Errol M Thomson
- Health Canada, Environmental and Radiation Health Sciences Directorate, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Priya van Oosterhout
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - James P McNamee
- Health Canada, Environmental and Radiation Health Sciences Directorate, Consumer and Clinical Radiation Protection Bureau, 775 Brookfield Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1C1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
163
|
van den Heuvel LL, Smit AM, Stalder T, Kirschbaum C, Seedat S, Emsley R. Hair cortisol levels in schizophrenia and metabolic syndrome. Early Interv Psychiatry 2022; 16:902-911. [PMID: 34978366 DOI: 10.1111/eip.13238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM Individuals with schizophrenia demonstrate higher rates of metabolic syndrome (MetS) than the general population. Hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) reflect longer-term cortisol secretion and can provide additional insights into the role of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis in schizophrenia and co-occurring MetS. METHODS In a case-control study of 16 patients with schizophrenia (11 first episode psychosis [FEP] and 5 chronic) and 21 controls hair samples, representing a 3-month retrospective window of cortisol, were collected and analysed utilizing liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. We investigated whether schizophrenia and MetS co-occurrence were associated with HCC utilizing multivariate regression models. We also explored the longitudinal trajectory of HCC in FEP patients by conducting a mixed models analysis. RESULTS At baseline HCC were significantly lower (Cohen's d = 0.88) in patients with schizophrenia than in controls (p = .014). HCC increased from baseline to month-12 in FEP patients compared to controls, demonstrating a trend towards significance (p = .097). MetS was not associated with HCC at baseline, but HCC increased significantly from baseline to month-12 in relation to MetS (p = .037). CONCLUSIONS In a subgroup of schizophrenia patients, psychosis may be associated with a blunted HPA axis with lower long-term cortisol output. MetS was associated with an increase in HCC and elevated cortisol levels observed in schizophrenia may be related to increased rates of MetS in schizophrenia patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leigh Luella van den Heuvel
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council, Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anna Margaretha Smit
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Tobias Stalder
- Clinical Psychology, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| | - Clemens Kirschbaum
- Biological Psychology, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Soraya Seedat
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council, Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Robin Emsley
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council, Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
164
|
Moody SN, van Dammen L, Wang W, Greder KA, Neiderhiser JM, Afulani PA, Willette A, Shirtcliff EA. Impact of hair type, hair sample weight, external hair exposures, and race on cumulative hair cortisol. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 142:105805. [PMID: 35687978 PMCID: PMC10914121 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The biomarker cortisol assesses the impact of biopsychosocial stressors that activate the stress response system. Hair has emerged as a valid and non-invasive means of gauging cumulative cortisol deposited over month-long periods of time. Established protocols for the extraction of hair cortisol are being validated and refined in humans, yet methodological information about hair characteristics on cortisol remains limited. In addition to external hair exposures (e.g. dye, time spent outside), we examined hair categorization or type (e.g. kinky, straight) by extending a hair typing methodology for scientific use that is currently popular among hair care professionals. We then examined the interaction between hair type and race on cortisol levels with a hair questionnaire. Three studies were pooled to investigate how sample weight, hair type, race, heat exposures, and hair treatments impacted cumulative hair cortisol concentrations. Study 1 consisted of Adult Kenyan Medical Workers (N = 44); Study 2 Mexican and Mexican Americans (N = 106); and Study 3 American Youth (N = 107). We found significantly higher cortisol in 5 mg of hair when compared to larger sample weights, and higher cortisol in those who spent more time outdoors. Cortisol concentrations differed between racial groups and varied by hair type; moreover, there were directional differences in cumulative cortisol from straighter to curlier hair types which depended on racial group. In addition to demonstrating the impact of relatively novel control factors like hair sample weight, outdoor exposure, and hair type, the present study illustrates the importance of disentangling hair type and race to understand variability in cumulative hair cortisol. These influences should be included in future studies that measure hair cortisol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shannin N Moody
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center- New Orleans; Iowa State University.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
165
|
Bergquist SH, Wang D, Roberts DL, Moore MA. Hair cortisol, perceived stress, and resilience as predictors of coronary arterial disease. Stress Health 2022; 38:453-462. [PMID: 34652868 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The widespread prevalence of cardiovascular disease underscores the continuing need for identifying modifiable risk factors and novel targets for therapeutic intervention. Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) is a promising biomarker for evaluating the contribution of chronic stress to the pathogenesis and prognosis of coronary arterial disease (CAD). In this cross-sectional study of 24 participants, we assessed the risk of CAD associated with HCC and with perceived chronic stress (Perceived Stress Score), controlling for the established risk factors of age, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity. In fully adjusted Poisson regression models, we additionally evaluated CAD risk with the simultaneous inclusion of psychological and physiologic resilience measures (CD-RISC, DHEA-S). Our results show that HCC, but not PSS, is significantly associated with CAD (incident rate ratio 0.99, confidence interval 0.98-1.00, p = 0.01), but the magnitude of the association is weak and inverse, and less than with dyslipidemia and age. The association remained significant after inclusion of the sum of resilience measures via a combined resiliency score. Resilience was not independently significantly associated with CAD. Our findings indicate the contribution of HCC to CAD risk is small in an average-risk population and remains after adjustment for multisystem resilience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon H Bergquist
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Danyang Wang
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - David L Roberts
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Miranda A Moore
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
166
|
Association between Precarious Employment and Chronic Stress: Effect of Gender, Stress Measurement and Precariousness Dimensions-A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159099. [PMID: 35897463 PMCID: PMC9330896 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Precarious employment has been highlighted as a social determinant of health, given, among others, to its alleged association with chronic stress. However, few studies have been conducted analyzing such association, using both perceived stress indicators and biological markers. Accordingly, the present study analyzed the association of multidimensional (6 dimensions) precarious employment scale with perceived stress and 23 markers of adrenal and gonadal hormone production, including cortisol. The sample consisted of 255 salaried workers from Barcelona (125 men, 130 women) aged 25-60. OLS regression models stratified by sex were conducted. Results demonstrated that precarious employment increased the probabilities of having perceived stress in both sexes. In addition, the production of adrenal hormones among men is associated with precarious wages and among women with precarious contracts ("Temporariness", "Disempowerment", and "Rights" dimensions). Therefore, precarious employment could be embodied by workers, altering their perceived well-being and physiological characteristics. Differences between men and women in the physiological effect of precarious employment could express not just the biochemical differences inherent to biological sex, but also the social construction of gender identities, positions and roles in society and family, as well as gender inequalities in the labour market.
Collapse
|
167
|
Musana J, Cohen CR, Kuppermann M, Gerona R, Wanyoro A, Aguilar D, Santos N, Temmerman M, Weiss SJ. Obstetric risk in pregnancy interacts with hair cortisone levels to reduce gestational length. Front Glob Womens Health 2022; 3:878538. [PMID: 35936818 PMCID: PMC9354598 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.878538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal psychological stress has been linked to preterm birth. However, the differential contribution of psychological stress versus stress hormones is not clear. Studies focus primarily on perceived stress and cortisol, with few assessing its inter-convertible hormone cortisone. Furthermore, little is known about the potential moderating roles of obstetric risk and fetal sex in the relationship between maternal stress and gestational length. This gap in knowledge is particularly evident for rural women who typically experience chronic multiple stressors during pregnancy. We explored the relationship of hormonal and psychological stress to gestational length and the effects of obstetric risks and fetal sex on this relationship among Kenyan pregnant women. Methods The sample included 130 women recruited between 22 to 28 weeks gestation. They completed a clinical and sociodemographic questionnaire together with the Perceived Stress Scale and provided a hair sample for cortisol and cortisone assay. Women underwent an ultrasound to assess weeks of gestation. At delivery, their pregnancy-related health problems were identified using information extracted from medical records to compile each woman's number of pregnancy risks on the Obstetric Medical Risk Index (OMRI). Results Perceived stress and hair cortisol were not significant predictors of gestational length. However, a greater number of obstetric risks on the OMRI was associated with shorter gestational length. This effect was further explained by the interaction between obstetric risk and hair cortisone (B = 0.709, p = 0.02). Hair cortisone levels of mothers who had a shorter gestation were significantly higher in mothers with 2 or more risks on the OMRI but not among mothers with only one or no risks (t = 2.39, p = 0.02). Fetal sex had no relationship to gestational length and also had no moderating effect on the relationship between any stress-related metric and gestational length. Conclusion Cortisone levels may increase in anticipation of shorter gestation as a compensatory response to increased obstetric risk. Elevated cortisone may be a more sensitive marker of risk for early delivery than cortisol or psychological stress, with salience for both the male and female fetus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Musana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
- *Correspondence: Joseph Musana
| | - Craig R. Cohen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Miriam Kuppermann
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Roy Gerona
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Anthony Wanyoro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - David Aguilar
- Clinical Toxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring Lab, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Nicole Santos
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Marleen Temmerman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sandra J. Weiss
- Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
168
|
Higher hair cortisol concentrations associated with shorter leukocyte telomere length in high-risk young adults. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11730. [PMID: 35821228 PMCID: PMC9276815 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14905-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress is associated with accelerated biological aging as indexed by short age-adjusted leukocyte telomere length (LTL). Exploring links of biological stress responses with LTL has proved challenging due to the lack of biological measures of chronic psychological stress. Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) has emerged as a measure of chronic hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis activation, allowing the examination of relationships between aggregate cortisol concentrations over time and LTL. Our sample includes 92 participants (38% women, Mage = 26 ± 3.7 years) from a high-risk sample of young adults with previous residential care placements. Two cm hair was collected for HCC, reflecting approximately eight weeks of cortisol secretion. LTL was measured with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in whole blood samples. All samples for LTL were run in triplicate and assayed twice. Linear and polynomial regression models were used to describe the association between HCC and LTL, adjusting for age and sex. HCC and LTL showed negative associations (std. ß = − 0.67, 95% CI [− 0.83, − 0.52], p < .001) in age- and sex-adjusted analyses, indicating that higher HCCs are associated with shorter LTL. Using polynomial regression, we found a curvilinear relationship indicating a stronger negative association at lower cortisol concentrations. Higher HCCs were associated with shorter LTL, supporting the hypothesized involvement of prolonged cortisol secretion in telomere attrition. Thus, HCC may prove useful as a biological indicator of chronic stress associated with aging-related processes in samples exposed to high levels of stress.
Collapse
|
169
|
Schneider S, Wettstein A, Tschacher W, Torchetti L, Jenni G, Kühne F, grosse Holtforth M, La Marca R. Longitudinal Associations Between Core Self-Evaluation, Vital Exhaustion and Hair Cortisol in Teachers and the Mediating Effects of Resignation Tendency. Front Psychol 2022; 13:907056. [PMID: 35874408 PMCID: PMC9302200 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.907056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Work-related stress appears to be especially high among teachers. However, most research on teacher stress relies exclusively on teachers' self-reports. Little is known about the physiological correlates of affective stress in teachers. This longitudinal study investigates the relationship between core self-evaluation and adverse psychological and physiological stress outcomes in 42 teachers. Self-report questionnaires were used to assess core self-evaluation, vital exhaustion, and resignation tendency. The concentration of cortisol was assessed using hair samples. One year after the initial measurement, vital exhaustion and hair cortisol were assessed again. Path-analytic mediational models showed that core self-evaluation strongly predicted vital exhaustion, and resignation tendency partially mediated this relationship. However, core self-evaluation did not predict hair cortisol concentration. These findings suggest that core self-evaluation plays a crucial role in preventing vital exhaustion among teachers. A positive core self-evaluation seems beneficial for teachers' primary and secondary appraisal and an essential resource for the long-term prevention of self-reported vital exhaustion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Schneider
- Department of Research and Development, University of Teacher Education Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Wettstein
- Department of Research and Development, University of Teacher Education Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Tschacher
- Experimental Psychology Division, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Loredana Torchetti
- Department of Research and Development, University of Teacher Education Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gabriel Jenni
- Department of Research and Development, University of Teacher Education Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabienne Kühne
- Department of Research and Development, University of Teacher Education Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin grosse Holtforth
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Psychosomatic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Roberto La Marca
- Department of Research and Development, University of Teacher Education Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Clinica Holistica Engiadina, Centre for Stress-Related Disorders, Susch, Switzerland
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
170
|
Restin T, Byland N, Voegel CD, La Marca-Ghaemmaghami P, Baumgartner MR, Bassler D, Kraemer T, Binz TM. Endocannabinoid and steroid analysis in infant and adult nails by LC-MS/MS. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:6201-6211. [PMID: 35781588 PMCID: PMC9314307 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-04189-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
A common method to quantify chronic stress is the analysis of stress markers in keratinized matrices such as hair or nail. In this study, we aimed to validate a sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for the combined quantification of steroid hormones and endocannabinoids (eCBs) in the keratinized matrix nail. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate the suitability of the nail matrix for the detection of these stress markers in a pilot study. An LC–MS/MS method was used for the simultaneous identification and quantification of four eCBs (2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), anandamide (AEA), oleoylethanolamide (OEA), palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)) and five steroid hormones (cortisol, cortisone, androstenedione, progesterone, testosterone) in human nails using a surrogate analyte method for each analyte. The method was validated in terms of selectivity, response factor, linearity, limit of quantification (LOQ), precision, accuracy, matrix effect, recovery, robustness, and autosampler stability. Nail samples were extracted for 1 h with methanol following a clean-up with a fully automated supported liquid extraction (SLE). The influence of nail weight on the quantification was investigated by using 0.5–20 mg of nail sample. As a proof of concept, nail samples (N = 57) were analyzed from a cohort representing newborns (1 month old), children (between 1 and 10 years), and adults (up to 43 years). It could be shown that the established workflow using a 1 hour extraction and clean-up by SLE was very robust and resulted in a short sample preparation time. The LC–MS/MS method was successfully validated. Matrix effects with ion enhancement occurred mainly for 2-AG. Sample weights below 5 mg showed variations in quantification for some analytes. Certain analytes such as PEA and progesterone could be accurately quantified at a sample weight lower than 5 mg. This is the first study where steroids and eCBs could be simultaneously detected and quantified in infant and adult nails. These results show that nails may serve as an alternative keratinized matrix (compared to hair) for the retrospective monitoring of cumulative eCB and steroid hormone levels. The combined assessment of eCBs and steroids from nails could provide a new approach to gain new insights into stress exposure in newborns and adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Restin
- Newborn Research Zurich, Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nastassja Byland
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Clarissa D Voegel
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pearl La Marca-Ghaemmaghami
- Psychology Counselling and Research Institute for Sexuality, Marriage and the Family, International Academy for Human Sciences and Culture, Walenstadt, Switzerland
| | - Markus R Baumgartner
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dirk Bassler
- Newborn Research Zurich, Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Kraemer
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tina M Binz
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
171
|
Schär S, Mürner-Lavanchy I, Schmidt SJ, Koenig J, Kaess M. Child maltreatment and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 66:100987. [PMID: 35202606 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.100987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and its effector hormone cortisol have been proposed as one possible mechanism linking child maltreatment experiences to health disparities. In this series of meta-analyses, we aimed to quantify the existing evidence on the effect of child maltreatment on various measures of HPA axis activity. The systematic literature search yielded 1,858 records, of which 87 studies (k = 132) were included. Using random-effects models, we found evidence for blunted cortisol stress reactivity in individuals exposed to child maltreatment. In contrast, no overall differences were found in any of the other HPA axis activity measures (including measures of daily activity, cortisol assessed in the context of pharmacological challenges and cumulative measures of cortisol secretion). The impact of several moderators (e.g., sex, psychopathology, study quality), the role of methodological shortcomings of existing studies, as well as potential directions for future research are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Selina Schär
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ines Mürner-Lavanchy
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie J Schmidt
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Julian Koenig
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Cologne, Germany; Section for Experimental Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Kaess
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
172
|
Wuttke-Linnemann A, Palm S, Geschke K, Skoluda N, Bischoff T, Nater UM, Endres K, Fellgiebel A. Psychobiological Evaluation of Day Clinic Treatment for People Living With Dementia – Feasibility and Pilot Analyses. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:866437. [PMID: 35847670 PMCID: PMC9279127 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.866437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hospitalization is often stressful and burdensome for people living with dementia (PwD) and their informal caregivers (ICs). Day clinic treatment may provide a suitable alternative, but is often precluded by a diagnosis of dementia. Furthermore, it is often caregiver-based ratings that measure treatment success as the validity of self-reports in PwD is critically discussed. We therefore set out to examine the feasibility of psychobiological stress measures in PwD and ICs and to evaluate treatment trajectories considering both the day clinic context and the daily life of the dyads. Method A total of 40 dyads of PwD (mean age: 78.15 ± 6.80) and their ICs (mean age: 63.85 ± 13.09) completed paper-and-pencil questionnaires (covering stress, depressive symptoms, and caregiver burden among others) in addition to the measurement of hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) at admission, discharge, and follow-up 6 months after day clinic treatment. As part of an ambulatory assessment, for 2 days at the beginning and 2 days at the end of the day clinic treatment, PwD and ICs collected six saliva samples per day for the analysis of salivary cortisol (sCort) and alpha-amylase (sAA). Results Paper-and-pencil questionnaires and HCC assessments were more feasible than the ambulatory assessment. We found discrepancies between subjective and physiological markers of stress in PwD. Whereas HCC decreased over time, self-reported stress increased. Child–parent dyads reported decreases in neuropsychiatric symptoms, associated burden, and self-reported stress from admission to follow-up. In daily life, both PwD and ICs showed characteristic diurnal profiles of sAA and sCort, however, we found no differences in summary indicators of salivary stress markers over time. Discussion The psychobiological evaluation was feasible and added informative value, underlining the potential of physiological stress markers to complement self-reports on stress in PwD and to objectively evaluate treatment trajectories. In this sample, HCC was more feasible and acceptable as biological marker of stress compared to saliva samples. Concerning treatment trajectories, differential effects on the dyads were found, with child–parent dyads benefiting more from day clinic treatment compared to spousal dyads.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Wuttke-Linnemann
- Center for Mental Health in Old Age, Landeskrankenhaus (AöR), Mainz, Germany
- *Correspondence: Alexandra Wuttke-Linnemann,
| | - Svenja Palm
- Center for Mental Health in Old Age, Landeskrankenhaus (AöR), Mainz, Germany
| | - Katharina Geschke
- Center for Mental Health in Old Age, Landeskrankenhaus (AöR), Mainz, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Katharina Geschke,
| | - Nadine Skoluda
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- University Research Platform “The Stress of Life (SOLE) – Processes and Mechanisms Underlying Everyday Life Stress”, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Theresa Bischoff
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Urs M. Nater
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- University Research Platform “The Stress of Life (SOLE) – Processes and Mechanisms Underlying Everyday Life Stress”, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kristina Endres
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Andreas Fellgiebel
- Center for Mental Health in Old Age, Landeskrankenhaus (AöR), Mainz, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Hospital for Psychiatry, Psychosomatic and Psychotherapy, Agaplesion Elisabethenstift, Darmstadt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
173
|
Ma L, Liu X, Yan N, Gan Y, Wu Y, Li Y, Chu M, Chiu DT, Ma L. Associations Between Different Cortisol Measures and Adiposity in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Nutr 2022; 9:879256. [PMID: 35811977 PMCID: PMC9260431 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.879256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined associations between hair, salivary, serum, and urinary cortisol concentration with adiposity-related indicators in children, and explored their potential effects modification by age, sex, cortisol measurement method, and country developmental context. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase for studies examining at least one of the four aforementioned cortisol with objectively measured adiposity-related outcomes in children. Meta-analyses of cross-sectional studies revealed that hair cortisol concentration was associated with fat mass index (FMI)-standard deviation score (SDS)/FMI z-score (pooled-β = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.08) and BMI/BMI z-score (pooled-β = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.25), and these associations were significant among children aged ≤ 12 years (pooled-β = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.26) and >12 years (pooled-β = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.22), children from developed countries (pooled β = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.21) and developing countries (pooled-β = 0.193, 95% CI: 0.188, 0.198), and in studies extracting cortisol via LC-MS/MS (pooled-β = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.29) but not ELISA (pooled-β = 0.08, 95% CI: −0.06, 0.22). Meta-analyses of both cohort and cross-sectional studies revealed non-significant associations of morning salivary cortisol concentration and total daily cortisol output with BMI/BMI z-score. Serum cortisol concentration was not associated with BMI or waist circumference. Meta-analysis of urinary cortisol concentration and adiposity was hindered by insufficient data. These findings further corroborate understanding of chronic stress’ physiological contribution to increased pediatric obesity risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Ma
- School of Public Health, Global Health Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, China
| | - Xi Liu
- School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Na Yan
- School of Public Health, Global Health Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, China
| | - Yiqun Gan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi’an, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, Xi’an, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Meng Chu
- School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, China
| | - Dorothy T. Chiu
- Community Health Sciences Division, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Dorothy T. Chiu,
| | - Le Ma
- School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, China
- Le Ma,
| |
Collapse
|
174
|
Wuttke-Linnemann A, Henrici C, Skoluda N, Nater UM, Endres K, Fellgiebel A. Psychobiological Monitoring of a Home-Based Dyadic Intervention for People Living with Dementia and Their Caregivers: Added Value to Evaluate Treatment Success and Understand Underlying Mechanisms. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 87:1725-1739. [PMID: 35527544 DOI: 10.3233/jad-210618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research concerning people living with dementia (PwD) and their informal caregivers (ICs) has recently begun to focus on dyadic aspects of psychosocial interventions. OBJECTIVE We adapted a dyadic psychosocial intervention and examined its effects on psychobiological stress in daily life. METHODS Twenty-four PwD-caregiver dyads were visited seven times at home by specialized nursing staff. Momentary subjective stress, salivary cortisol (sCort), and salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) were measured in PwD and ICs before and after each home visit as well as six times per day at two days each at the beginning and end of the intervention as part of an ambulatory assessment. Hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) were measured twice. RESULTS After each home visit session, ICs reported lower subjective stress. sCort was lower in both ICs and PwD, whereas sAA did not change. In daily life, area under the curve (AUCg) concerning sCort secretion indicated that PwD had lower sCort daily output at the end of the intervention, and AUCg concerning subjective stress indicated that both PwD and ICs reported lower subjective stress than at the beginning of the intervention. AUCg concerning sAA did not change over time in either group. HCC did not vary over time but increased with disease severity. CONCLUSION The psychosocial intervention reduced psychobiological stress but affected psychobiological stress measures differently in PwD and ICs. In particular, the discrepancy between subjective and physiological markers of stress in PwD emphasizes the added value to evaluate treatment success and understand underlying mechanisms as a complement to self-reports.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Clara Henrici
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nadine Skoluda
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,University Research Platform 'The Stress of Life - Processes and Mechanisms Underlying Everyday Life Stress', University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Urs M Nater
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,University Research Platform 'The Stress of Life - Processes and Mechanisms Underlying Everyday Life Stress', University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kristina Endres
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Andreas Fellgiebel
- Center for Mental Health in Old Age, Landeskrankenhaus (AöR), Mainz, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,Hospital for Psychiatry, Psychosomatic and Psychotherapy, Agaplesion Elisabethenstift, Darmstadt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
175
|
Martins LB, Braga Tibães JR, Berk M, Teixeira AL. Diabetes and mood disorders: shared mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2022; 26:183-195. [PMID: 34348557 DOI: 10.1080/13651501.2021.1957117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive and critical overview of the current evidence on the association between Diabetes mellitus (DM) and mood disorders [i.e., Major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD)], and therapeutic opportunities. METHODS We searched in MEDLINE (via Ovid) for placebo-controlled clinical trials published in the last 20 years that assessed drug repurposing approaches for the treatment of DM or mood disorders. RESULTS We found seven studies that aimed to verify the effects of antidepressants in patients diagnosed with DM, and eight studies that tested the effect of antidiabetic drugs in patients diagnosed with MDD or BD. Most studies published in the last two decades did not report a positive effect of antidepressants on glycemic control in patients with DM. On the other hand, antidiabetic drugs seem to have a positive effect on the treatment of MDD and BD. CONCLUSIONS While effect of antidepressants on glycemic control in patients with DM is still controversial, the use of antidiabetic drugs may be a promising strategy for patients with MDD or BD. Prospective studies are still needed.Key pointsMood disorders in patients with DM affect glycemic control, potentially increasing mortality risk.The effect of antidepressants on glycemic control in patients with DM is still controversial. The coexistence of complicated DM and a mood disorders would require a careful, individualised, and comprehensive evaluation.Insulin resistance may increase the risk of depressive symptoms and is associated with worse outcomes in BD.The use antidiabetic drugs may be a promising strategy for patients with MDD or BD. However, prospective trials are needed to prove a potential antidepressant activity of antidiabetic drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laís Bhering Martins
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Departamento de Nutrição, Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Jenneffer Rayane Braga Tibães
- Departamento de Nutrição, Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, Division of Human Nutrition, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Michael Berk
- Deakin University, IMPACT (the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation), Geelong, Australia.,Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Centre for Youth Mental Health, Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Antonio Lucio Teixeira
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
176
|
Schumacher S, Engel S, Klusmann H, Niemeyer H, Küster A, Burchert S, Skoluda N, Rau H, Nater UM, Willmund GD, Knaevelsrud C. Trauma-related but not PTSD-related increases in hair cortisol concentrations in military personnel. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 150:17-20. [PMID: 35344923 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning has been associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The current literature is inconsistent regarding this association, possibly due to confounding influences. Hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) allow for retrospective assessment of cumulative HPA axis secretion over several weeks and are considered a trait-like marker of HPA axis activity. Three groups of active and former German Armed Forces service members, comprising PTSD patients (n = 19), healthy controls with deployment-related trauma exposure (n = 10), and non-deployed healthy controls (n = 10) provided samples for HCC analysis. We observed significantly higher HCC in the PTSD and the deployed compared to the non-deployed group. HCC was neither significantly correlated with perceived chronic stress, nor with PTSD severity within patients. The results suggest a differential impact of trauma exposure on HPA axis activity and highlight the notion of cumulative, retrospective cortisol secretion as a psychobiological indicator of trauma exposure. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12616000956404).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Schumacher
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Health, HMU Health and Medical University, Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Sinha Engel
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hannah Klusmann
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Helen Niemeyer
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annika Küster
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Burchert
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nadine Skoluda
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heinrich Rau
- Psychotrauma Centre, German Armed Forces Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Urs M Nater
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Christine Knaevelsrud
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
177
|
Gorter JW, Fehlings D, Ferro MA, Gonzalez A, Green AD, Hopmans SN, McCauley D, Palisano RJ, Rosenbaum P, Speller B. Correlates of Mental Health in Adolescents and Young Adults with Cerebral Palsy: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the MyStory Project. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11113060. [PMID: 35683448 PMCID: PMC9181041 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11113060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: It is important to gain a better understanding of mental health issues in adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cerebral palsy (CP). In this cross-sectional study, we explore if demographics, social and clinical questionnaire scores, and cortisol levels in hair samples from AYA with CP are associated with higher scores on anxiety and/or depression questionnaires. Methods: Data from a community-based sample of 63 AYA with CP (30 females; ages 16 to 30 (median age of 25)) were analyzed. Forty-one (65%) participants (20 females) provided a hair sample. Outcomes were assessed using bivariate linear regression analyses and hierarchical regression analyses. Results: Clinical depressive and anxiety symptoms were present in 33% and 31% of participants, respectively. Family functioning, B = 9.62 (95%CI: 5.49–13.74), fatigue, B = 0.15 (95%CI: 0.05–0.25), and pain, B = 1.53 (95%CI: 0.48–2.58) were statistically significant predictors of depressive symptoms. Fatigue, B = 0.24 (95%CI: 0.12–0.35) and pain, B = 1.63 (95%CI: 0.33–2.94) were statistically significant predictors of anxiety. Cortisol levels from hair samples were not found to be associated with depressive symptoms or anxiety. Conclusions: A high prevalence of mental health problems and co-occurring physical problems was found in AYA with CP. Integrating mental support into regular care for AYA with CP is recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Willem Gorter
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 1C7, Canada; (A.D.G.); (S.N.H.); (P.R.); (B.S.)
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 1C7, Canada; (D.F.); (M.A.F.); (D.M.); (R.J.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Darcy Fehlings
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 1C7, Canada; (D.F.); (M.A.F.); (D.M.); (R.J.P.)
- Department of Paediatrics, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M4G 1R8, Canada
| | - Mark A. Ferro
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 1C7, Canada; (D.F.); (M.A.F.); (D.M.); (R.J.P.)
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Andrea Gonzalez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 1C7, Canada;
| | - Amanda D. Green
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 1C7, Canada; (A.D.G.); (S.N.H.); (P.R.); (B.S.)
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 1C7, Canada; (D.F.); (M.A.F.); (D.M.); (R.J.P.)
| | - Sarah N. Hopmans
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 1C7, Canada; (A.D.G.); (S.N.H.); (P.R.); (B.S.)
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 1C7, Canada; (D.F.); (M.A.F.); (D.M.); (R.J.P.)
| | - Dayle McCauley
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 1C7, Canada; (D.F.); (M.A.F.); (D.M.); (R.J.P.)
| | - Robert J. Palisano
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 1C7, Canada; (D.F.); (M.A.F.); (D.M.); (R.J.P.)
| | - Peter Rosenbaum
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 1C7, Canada; (A.D.G.); (S.N.H.); (P.R.); (B.S.)
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 1C7, Canada; (D.F.); (M.A.F.); (D.M.); (R.J.P.)
| | - Brittany Speller
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 1C7, Canada; (A.D.G.); (S.N.H.); (P.R.); (B.S.)
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 1C7, Canada; (D.F.); (M.A.F.); (D.M.); (R.J.P.)
| | | |
Collapse
|
178
|
Feneberg AC, Forbes PAG, Piperno G, Pronizius E, Stijovic A, Skoluda N, Lamm C, Nater UM, Silani G. Diurnal dynamics of stress and mood during COVID-19 lockdown: a large multinational ecological momentary assessment study. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20212480. [PMID: 35611528 PMCID: PMC9130787 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.2480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in severe disruption to people's lives as governments imposed national 'lockdowns'. Several large surveys have underlined the detrimental short- and long-term mental health consequences resulting from this disruption, but survey findings are only informative of individuals' retrospectively reported psychological states. Furthermore, knowledge on psychobiological responses to lockdown restrictions is scarce. We used smartphone-based real-time assessments in 731 participants for 7 days and investigated how individuals' self-reported stress and mood fluctuated diurnally during lockdown in spring 2020. We found that age, gender, financial security, depressive symptoms and trait loneliness modulated the diurnal dynamics of participants' momentary stress and mood. For example, younger and less financially secure individuals showed an attenuated decline in stress as the day progressed, and similarly, more lonely individuals showed a diminished increase in calmness throughout the day. Hair collected from a subsample (n = 140) indicated a decrease in cortisol concentrations following lockdown, but these changes were not related to any of the assessed person-related characteristics. Our findings provide novel insights into the psychobiological impact of lockdown and have implications for how, when and which individuals might benefit most from interventions during psychologically demanding periods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja C. Feneberg
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paul A. G. Forbes
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Giulio Piperno
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ekaterina Pronizius
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ana Stijovic
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nadine Skoluda
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria,Research Platform The Stress of Life (SOLE)—Processes and Mechanisms underlying Everyday Life Stress, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claus Lamm
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria,Research Platform The Stress of Life (SOLE)—Processes and Mechanisms underlying Everyday Life Stress, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Urs M. Nater
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria,Research Platform The Stress of Life (SOLE)—Processes and Mechanisms underlying Everyday Life Stress, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Giorgia Silani
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria,Research Platform The Stress of Life (SOLE)—Processes and Mechanisms underlying Everyday Life Stress, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
179
|
Petraskova Touskova T, Bob P, Bares Z, Vanickova Z, Nyvlt D, Raboch J. A novel Wim Hof psychophysiological training program to reduce stress responses during an Antarctic expedition. J Int Med Res 2022; 50:3000605221089883. [PMID: 35437052 PMCID: PMC9021496 DOI: 10.1177/03000605221089883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this prospective observational study was to investigate the effects of a novel Wim Hof psychophysiological training program on stress responses and hormone release in healthy participants during an Antarctic expedition. Methods All members of an Antarctic expedition were included in the study. The participants were healthy volunteers allocated to an intervention group (n = 6) and a control group (n = 7). The intervention consisted of 8 weeks of Wim Hof training. The training program comprised three integrated parts: breathing exercises, cold exposure and meditation. Psychometric measures (the Beck Depression Inventory and the Trauma Symptom Checklist-40) and neuroendocrine measures (cortisol, melatonin) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results The results showed that the 8-week training program significantly reduced stress responses, as indicated by a reduction in depressive symptoms. A non-significant reduction in cortisol was also observed. Conclusions These data constitute preliminary findings indicating that the Wim Hof Method may positively affect stress symptoms and adaptability of the hormonal system to respond adequately to the circadian rhythm in healthy volunteers who participated in an Antarctic expedition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Petraskova Touskova
- Centre for Neuropsychiatric Research of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry and UHSL, First Faculty of Medicine, and Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Bob
- Centre for Neuropsychiatric Research of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry and UHSL, First Faculty of Medicine, and Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,CEITEC, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenek Bares
- Czech Antarctic Research Programme, Department of Geography, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zdislava Vanickova
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Nyvlt
- Czech Antarctic Research Programme, Department of Geography, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Raboch
- Centre for Neuropsychiatric Research of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry and UHSL, First Faculty of Medicine, and Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
180
|
Bob P, Touskova TP, Pec O, Raboch J, Boutros N, Lysaker P. Psychosocial Stress, Epileptic-Like Symptoms and Psychotic Experiences. Front Psychol 2022; 13:804628. [PMID: 35496146 PMCID: PMC9048482 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.804628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Current research suggests that stressful life experiences and situations create a substantive effect in the development of the initial manifestations of psychotic disorders and may influence temporo-limbic epileptic-like activity manifesting as cognitive and affective seizure-like symptoms in non-epileptic conditions. Methods The current study assessed trauma history, hair cortisol levels, epileptic-like manifestations and other psychopathological symptoms in 56 drug naive adult young women experiencing their initial occurrence of psychosis. Results Hair cortisol levels among patients experiencing their initial episode of psychosis, were significantly correlated with stress symptoms measured by Trauma Symptom Checklist-40 (r = − 0.48, p < 0.01), and complex partial seizure-like symptoms measured by the Complex Partial Seizure-Like Symptoms Inventory (r = − 0.33, p < 0.05) and LSCL-33 (r = − 0.33, p < 0.05). Hair cortisol levels were not found to be significantly correlated with symptoms of anxiety and depression measured by Beck depression Inventory and Zung Anxiety Scale. Conclusion These findings suggest a significant relationship between epileptic-like symptoms and stress responses demonstrated by patients in their first psychotic episode. These findings may suggest the potential for research to explore usefulness of anticonvulsant treatment in patients who do not respond to usual psychotropic medication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petr Bob
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry and UHSL, First Faculty of Medicine, and Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Petr Bob,
| | - Tereza Petraskova Touskova
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry and UHSL, First Faculty of Medicine, and Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Ondrej Pec
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry and UHSL, First Faculty of Medicine, and Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jiri Raboch
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry and UHSL, First Faculty of Medicine, and Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Nash Boutros
- Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Paul Lysaker
- Roudebush VA Medical Center and the Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
181
|
Mclean MA, Scoten OC, Yu W, Ye XY, Petrie J, Church PT, Soraisham AS, Mirea LS, Weinberg J, Synnes AR, O'Brien K, Grunau RE. Lower Maternal Chronic Physiological Stress and Better Child Behavior at 18 Months: Follow-Up of a Cluster Randomized Trial of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Family Integrated Care. J Pediatr 2022; 243:107-115.e4. [PMID: 34971651 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.12.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether Family Integrated Care (FICare) in the neonatal intensive care unit improves maternal chronic physiological stress and child behavior at 18 months of corrected age for infants born preterm. STUDY DESIGN Follow-up of a multicenter, prospective cluster-randomized controlled trial comparing FICare and standard care of children born at <33 weeks of gestation and parents, stratified by tertiary neonatal intensive care units, across Canada. Primary outcomes at 18 months of corrected age were maternal stress hormones (cortisol, ie, hair cumulative cortisol [HCC], dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA]) assayed from hair samples. Secondary outcomes included maternal reports of parenting stress, child behaviors (Internalizing, Externalizing, Dysregulation), and observer-rated caregiving behaviors. Outcomes were analyzed using multilevel modeling. RESULTS We included 126 mother-child dyads from 12 sites (6 FICare sites, n = 83; 6 standard care sites, n = 43). FICare intervention significantly lowered maternal physiological stress as indicated by HCC (B = -0.22 [-0.41, -0.04]) and cortisol/DHEA ratio (B = -0.25 [-0.48, -0.02]), but not DHEA (B = 0.01 [-0.11, 0.14]). Enrollment in FICare led to lower child Internalizing (B = -0.93 [-2.33, 0.02]) and Externalizing behavior T scores (B = -0.91 [-2.25, -0.01]) via improvements to maternal HCC (mediation). FICare buffered the negative effects of high maternal HCC on child Dysregulation T scores (B = -11.40 [-23.01, 0.21]; moderation). For mothers reporting high parenting stress at 18 months, FICare was related to lower Dysregulation T scores via maternal HCC; moderated mediation = -0.17 (-0.41, -0.01). CONCLUSIONS FICare has long-term beneficial effects for mother and child, attenuating maternal chronic physiological stress, and improving child behavior in toddlerhood. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT01852695.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mia A Mclean
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Olivia C Scoten
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Wayne Yu
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Xiang Y Ye
- Maternal-Infant Care Research Centre, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julie Petrie
- BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Paige T Church
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Joanne Weinberg
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Anne R Synnes
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Karel O'Brien
- Maternal-Infant Care Research Centre, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ruth E Grunau
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
182
|
Marcil MJ, Cyr S, Marin MF, Rosa C, Tardif JC, Guay S, Guertin MC, Genest C, Forest J, Lavoie P, Labrosse M, Vadeboncoeur A, Selcer S, Ducharme S, Brouillette J. Hair cortisol change at COVID-19 pandemic onset predicts burnout among health personnel. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 138:105645. [PMID: 35134663 PMCID: PMC8697418 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has put chronic pressure on worldwide healthcare systems. While the literature regarding the prevalence of psychological distress and associated risk factors among healthcare workers facing COVID-19 has exploded, biological variables have been mostly overlooked. METHODS 467 healthcare workers from Quebec, Canada, answered an electronic survey covering various risk factors and mental health outcomes three months after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of them, 372 (80%) provided a hair sample, providing a history of cortisol secretion for the three months preceding and following the pandemic's start. We used multivariable regression models and a receiver operating characteristic curve to study hair cortisol as a predictor of burnout and psychological health, together with individual, occupational, social, and organizational factors. RESULTS As expected, hair cortisol levels increased after the start of the pandemic, with a median relative change of 29% (IQR = 3-59%, p < 0.0001). There was a significant association between burnout status and change in cortisol, with participants in the second quarter of change having lower odds of burnout. No association was found between cortisol change and post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Adding cortisol to individual-occupational-socio-organizational factors noticeably enhanced our burnout logistic regression model's predictability. CONCLUSION Change in hair cortisol levels predicted burnout at three months in health personnel at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This non-invasive biological marker of the stress response could be used in further clinical or research initiatives to screen high-risk individuals to prevent and control burnout in health personnel facing an important stressor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Joëlle Marcil
- Research Centre, Montreal Heart Institute, 5000 Bélanger Street, Montréal, H1T 1C8 Québec, Canada,Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Université de Montréal, Roger-Gaudry Pavilion, Faculty of Medicine, P.O. Box 6128, Downtown Branch, Montréal, H3C 3J7 Québec, Canada
| | - Samuel Cyr
- Research Centre, Montreal Heart Institute, 5000 Bélanger Street, Montréal, H1T 1C8 Québec, Canada,Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, Downtown Branch, Montréal, H3C 3J7 Québec, Canada
| | - Marie-France Marin
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Université de Montréal, Roger-Gaudry Pavilion, Faculty of Medicine, P.O. Box 6128, Downtown Branch, Montréal, H3C 3J7 Québec, Canada,Department of Psychology, UQAM, 100 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, H2X 3P2 Québec, Canada,Research Centre, Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, 7331 Hochelaga Street, Montréal, H1N 3V2 Québec, Canada
| | - Camille Rosa
- Montreal Health Innovations Coordinating Centre, 5000 Bélanger Street, Montréal, H1T 1C8 Québec, Canada
| | - Jean-Claude Tardif
- Research Centre, Montreal Heart Institute, 5000 Bélanger Street, Montréal, H1T 1C8 Québec, Canada,Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, Downtown Branch, Montréal, H3C 3J7 Québec, Canada
| | - Stéphane Guay
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Université de Montréal, Roger-Gaudry Pavilion, Faculty of Medicine, P.O. Box 6128, Downtown Branch, Montréal, H3C 3J7 Québec, Canada,Centre d’étude sur le Trauma, Research Centre, Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, 7331 Hochelaga Street, Montréal, H1N 3V2 Québec, Canada
| | - Marie-Claude Guertin
- Montreal Health Innovations Coordinating Centre, 5000 Bélanger Street, Montréal, H1T 1C8 Québec, Canada
| | - Christine Genest
- Centre d’étude sur le Trauma, Research Centre, Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, 7331 Hochelaga Street, Montréal, H1N 3V2 Québec, Canada,Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, Marguerite-d'Youville Pavilion, P.O. Box 6128, Downtown Branch, Montréal, H3C 3J7 Québec, Canada
| | - Jacques Forest
- Department of Organization and Human Resources, ESG UQAM, P.O. Box 8888, Downtown Branch, Montréal, H3C 3P8 Québec, Canada
| | - Patrick Lavoie
- Research Centre, Montreal Heart Institute, 5000 Bélanger Street, Montréal, H1T 1C8 Québec, Canada,Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, Marguerite-d'Youville Pavilion, P.O. Box 6128, Downtown Branch, Montréal, H3C 3J7 Québec, Canada
| | - Mélanie Labrosse
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, Downtown Branch, Montréal, H3C 3J7 Québec, Canada,Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, 3175 Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road, Montréal, H3T 1C5 Québec, Canada
| | - Alain Vadeboncoeur
- Research Centre, Montreal Heart Institute, 5000 Bélanger Street, Montréal, H1T 1C8 Québec, Canada,Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, Downtown Branch, Montréal, H3C 3J7 Québec, Canada
| | - Shaun Selcer
- Research Centre, Montreal Heart Institute, 5000 Bélanger Street, Montréal, H1T 1C8 Québec, Canada,Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, Downtown Branch, Montréal, H3C 3J7 Québec, Canada
| | - Simon Ducharme
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Verdun, H4H 1R3 Québec, Canada,McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, 3801 University St, Montréal, H3A 2B4 Québec, Canada
| | - Judith Brouillette
- Research Centre, Montreal Heart Institute, 5000 Bélanger Street, Montréal, H1T 1C8 Québec, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Université de Montréal, Roger-Gaudry Pavilion, Faculty of Medicine, P.O. Box 6128, Downtown Branch, Montréal, H3C 3J7 Québec, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
183
|
Gettler LT, Barr R. Fathers, families, and physiology: Exploring the psychobiological context of fathering. Dev Psychobiol 2022; 64:e22267. [DOI: 10.1002/dev.22267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lee T. Gettler
- Department of Anthropology University of Notre Dame Notre Dame Indiana USA
| | - Rachel Barr
- Department of Psychology Georgetown University Washington D.C. USA
| |
Collapse
|
184
|
Peng FJ, Palazzi P, Mezzache S, Bourokba N, Soeur J, Appenzeller BMR. Profiling steroid and thyroid hormones with hair analysis in a cohort of women aged 25 to 45 years old. Eur J Endocrinol 2022; 186:K9-K15. [PMID: 35192511 PMCID: PMC8942333 DOI: 10.1530/eje-22-0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Endogenous hormones regulate numerous physiological processes in humans. Some of them are routinely measured in blood, saliva and/or urine for the diagnosis of disorders. The analysis of fluids may, however, require multiple samples collected at different time points to avoid the high variability in the concentration of some hormones. In contrast, hair analysis has been proposed as an interesting alternative to reveal average hormone levels over a longer period. In this work, we developed and validated an analytical method for analyzing 36 endogenous steroid and thyroid hormones and one pineal hormone in human hair using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). METHODS Sample preparation involved hair decontamination, pulverization, methanol extraction, and purification with C18-solid phase extraction. Extracts were then divided into two portions, respectively injected into an UPLC-MS/MS system, and analyzed using two different instrumental methods. The method was applied to a healthy female population aged 25-45 years. RESULTS The method was validated on supplemented hair samples for the 37 targeted hormones, and its application to the population under study allowed to detect 32 compounds in 2-100% of the samples. Complete reference intervals (2.5-97.5th percentiles) were established for estrone, 17β-estradiol, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, progesterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, cortisone, cortisol and 3,3',5-triiodo-L-thyronine. Hair cortisone, cortisol, tetrahydrocortisone and tetrahydrocortisol concentrations were highly correlated with each other, with Kendall's τ correlation coefficients ranging from 0.52 to 0.68. CONCLUSION Allowing the detection of 32 hormones from different chemical classes, the present method will allow to broaden hormonal profiling for better identifying endocrine disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Jiao Peng
- Human Biomonitoring Research Unit, Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Paul Palazzi
- Human Biomonitoring Research Unit, Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | | | | | - Jeremie Soeur
- L’Oréal Research and Innovation, Aulnay sous Bois, France
| | - Brice M R Appenzeller
- Human Biomonitoring Research Unit, Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
- Correspondence should be addressed to B M R Appenzeller;
| |
Collapse
|
185
|
Jia R, Carlisle S, Vedhara K. The Association of Lifestyle and Mood with Long-Term Levels of Cortisol: A Systematic Review. COGENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/23311908.2022.2036487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ru Jia
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Sophie Carlisle
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Kavita Vedhara
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
186
|
van der Valk E, Abawi O, Mohseni M, Abdelmoumen A, Wester V, van der Voorn B, Iyer A, van den Akker E, Hoeks S, van den Berg S, de Rijke Y, Stalder T, van Rossum E. Cross-sectional relation of long-term glucocorticoids in hair with anthropometric measurements and their possible determinants: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Obes Rev 2022; 23:e13376. [PMID: 34811866 PMCID: PMC9285618 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term glucocorticoids (HairGC) measured in scalp hair have been associated with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-hip-ratio (WHR) in several cross-sectional studies. We aimed to investigate the magnitude, strength, and clinical relevance of these relations across all ages. METHODS We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO registration CRD42020205187) searching for articles relating HairGC to measures of obesity. Main outcomes were bivariate correlation coefficients and unadjusted simple linear regression coefficients relating hair cortisol (HairF) and hair cortisone (HairE) to BMI, WC, and WHR. RESULTS We included k = 146 cohorts (n = 34,342 individuals). HairGC were positively related to all anthropometric measurements. The strongest correlation and largest effect size were seen for HairE-WC: pooled correlation 0.18 (95%CI 0.11-0.24; k = 7; n = 3,158; I2 = 45.7%) and pooled regression coefficient 11.0 cm increase in WC per point increase in 10-log-transformed HairE (pg/mg) on liquid-chromatography-(tandem) mass spectrometry (LC-MS) (95%CI 10.1-11.9 cm; k = 6; n = 3,102). Pooled correlation for HairF-BMI was 0.10 (95%CI 0.08-0.13; k = 122; n = 26,527; I2 = 51.2%) and pooled regression coefficient 0.049 kg/m2 per point increase in 10-log-transformed HairF (pg/mg) on LC-MS (95%CI 0.045-0.054 kg/m2 ; k = 26; n = 11,635). DISCUSSION There is a consistent positive association between HairGC and BMI, WC, and WHR, most prominently and clinically relevant for HairE-WC. These findings overall suggest an altered setpoint of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis with increasing central adiposity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eline van der Valk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ozair Abawi
- Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mostafa Mohseni
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Amir Abdelmoumen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent Wester
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bibian van der Voorn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anand Iyer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erica van den Akker
- Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne Hoeks
- Department of Anesthesiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd van den Berg
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Chemistry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yolanda de Rijke
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tobias Stalder
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth van Rossum
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
187
|
Larsson G, Smaliukienė R, Mažeikienė A, Vaičaitienė R, Bekešienė S, Mazgelytė E, Karčiauskaitė D. Perceived stress and hair cortisol levels amongst conscripts during basic military training: A repeated measures study. MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2021.2018902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gerry Larsson
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Department of Security, Strategy and Leadership, Swedish Defence University, Karlstad, Sweden
- Department of Health and Welfare, Inland University College of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway
| | - Rasa Smaliukienė
- The General Jonas Zemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Asta Mažeikienė
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Ramutė Vaičaitienė
- The General Jonas Zemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Svajonė Bekešienė
- The General Jonas Zemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Eglė Mazgelytė
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Dovilė Karčiauskaitė
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| |
Collapse
|
188
|
Connors K, Flores-Torres MH, Cortés-Valencia A, Barrientos-Gutiérrez T, Cantú-Brito C, Rodriguez B, Lajous M, Valdimarsdóttir U, Catzin-Kuhlmann A. Serious Financial Difficulties, Psychological Stress, and Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease in Mexican Women. Ann Epidemiol 2022; 71:38-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
189
|
Levhar M, Schonblum A, Arnon L, Michael Y, Sheelo LS, Eisner M, Hadar E, Meizner I, Wiznitzer A, Weller A, Koren L, Agay-Shay K. Residential greenness and hair cortisol levels during the first trimester of pregnancy. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112378. [PMID: 34780787 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Studies have shown that increased maternal cortisol level is associated with child adverse health outcomes. Hair cortisol (HC) is suitable for assessing long-term circulating cortisol concentration. Only two previous studies reported beneficial associations between cortisol and residential greenness during pregnancy and no study focused on the first trimester. Our aim was to evaluate the association between residential greenness and first trimester HC levels among pregnant women in Israel. METHODS Women were recruited during second and third trimesters. Hair samples were collected from the scalp and retrospective HC levels during the first trimester were quantified for 217 women. HC levels were natural log transformed and outliers were excluded. Based on geocoded birth address, small area sociodemographic status (SES) and mean residential surrounding greenness were calculated using high-resolution satellite-based Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data at 100, 300 and 500-m buffers in a cross-sectional approach. In addition, longitudinal exposure to mean greenness during a week preconception and during the first trimester were calculated. Missing covariates were imputed and linearity of the associations were evaluated. Generalized linear models were used to estimate the crude and adjusted associations controlled for the relevant covariates. RESULTS After exclusion of outliers, for 211 women, crude and adjusted beneficial associations between exposure to higher mean NDVI and HC levels were observed for all the exposure measures. An increase in 1 interquartile range of greenness (100 m buffer) was associated with a statistically significant lower estimated natural log mean HC level (-0.27 95% CI: -0.44; -0.11). The associations were robust to adjustment for covariates. The findings were consistent for different buffers, for the longitudinal approach, when all observations were included in the analysis and slightly stronger associations were observed for women with addresses geocoded at the home or street level. For most of the exposure measures, stronger associations were observed among those of lower sociodemographic status. CONCLUSION Our findings that more greenness associated with reduced maternal cortisol levels measured in the hair during the first trimester, could have substantial implications for urban planners and public health professional. If our observations will be replicated, it may present a useful avenue for public-health intervention to promote health through the provision of greenness exposure during early pregnancy, specifically to disadvantage populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maya Levhar
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel; Health and Environment Research (HER) Lab, Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Anat Schonblum
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel; Health and Environment Research (HER) Lab, Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Liat Arnon
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Yaron Michael
- Department of Geography and Environment, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Liat Salzer Sheelo
- Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petach-Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Michal Eisner
- Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petach-Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eran Hadar
- Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petach-Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Israel Meizner
- Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petach-Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Arnon Wiznitzer
- Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petach-Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Aron Weller
- Department of Psychology & Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Lee Koren
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Keren Agay-Shay
- Health and Environment Research (HER) Lab, Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
190
|
Lengton R, Iyer AM, van der Valk ES, Hoogeveen EK, Meijer OC, van der Voorn B, van Rossum EFC. Variation in glucocorticoid sensitivity and the relation with obesity. Obes Rev 2022; 23:e13401. [PMID: 34837448 PMCID: PMC9285588 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence points to a relation between increased glucocorticoid (GC) exposure and weight gain. In support, long-term cortisol measurements using hair analysis revealed that many individuals with obesity appear to have cortisol values in the high physiological range. The mechanisms behind this relationship need to be determined in order to develop targeted therapy to reach sustainable weight loss in these subgroups. The effect of GCs is not only determined by the plasma concentration of GCs but also by individual differences in GC sensitivity and the target tissue, which can be analyzed by functional GC assays. GC sensitivity is influenced by multiple genetic and acquired (e.g., disease-related) factors, including intracellular GC availability, hormone binding affinity, and expression levels of the GC receptors and their isoforms, as well as factors involved in the modulation of gene transcription. Interindividual differences in GC sensitivity also play a role in the response to exogenous GCs, with respect to both therapeutic and adverse effects. Accordingly, in this review, we summarize current knowledge on mechanisms that influence GC sensitivity and their relationships with obesity and discuss personalized treatment options targeting the GC receptor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robin Lengton
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anand M Iyer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eline S van der Valk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen K Hoogeveen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Onno C Meijer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bibian van der Voorn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth F C van Rossum
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
191
|
Mazgelytė E, Burokienė N, Vysocka A, Narkevičius M, Petrėnas T, Kaminskas A, Songailienė J, Utkus A, Karčiauskaitė D. Higher Levels of Stress-Related Hair Steroid Hormones Are Associated with the Increased SCORE2 Risk Prediction Algorithm in Apparently Healthy Women. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:jcdd9030070. [PMID: 35323618 PMCID: PMC8955541 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9030070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the major cause of death worldwide. Although the importance of conventional CVD risk factors, including older age, male gender, hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia, is well-studied, psychosocial stress, which is considered an independent CVD risk factor, requires further investigation. Thus, we aimed to investigate the association between long-term secretion of stress-related steroid hormones, including cortisol, cortisone and dehydroepiandrosterone, and the 10-year fatal and non-fatal CVD risk estimated by the SCORE2 risk prediction algorithm, as well as traditional CVD risk factors in a group of apparently healthy women. A total of 145 women (aged 50–64 years) participating in the national CVD prevention program were enrolled in the study. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, health-related characteristics, stress, anxiety and sleep quality indicators were evaluated using specific questionnaires. Anthropometric and arterial blood pressure measures were assessed by trained personnel, lipid and glucose metabolism biomarkers were measured using routine methods, and hair steroid hormone levels were determined by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The results showed that higher levels of hair cortisol and cortisone are associated with increased SCORE2 values. Moreover, significant associations between hair glucocorticoids and individual cardiovascular risk factors, including obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia, were found. These findings indicate that stress-related hair steroid hormones might be valuable biomarkers for CVD prediction and prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eglė Mazgelytė
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, M. K. Čiurlionio st. 21, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania;
- Correspondence:
| | - Neringa Burokienė
- Clinics of Internal Diseases, Family Medicine and Oncology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, M. K. Čiurlionio st. 21, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania; (N.B.); (A.V.); (M.N.)
| | - Agata Vysocka
- Clinics of Internal Diseases, Family Medicine and Oncology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, M. K. Čiurlionio st. 21, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania; (N.B.); (A.V.); (M.N.)
| | - Martynas Narkevičius
- Clinics of Internal Diseases, Family Medicine and Oncology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, M. K. Čiurlionio st. 21, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania; (N.B.); (A.V.); (M.N.)
| | - Tomas Petrėnas
- Department of Human and Medical Genetics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, M. K. Čiurlionio st. 21, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania; (T.P.); (A.K.); (J.S.); (A.U.)
| | - Andrius Kaminskas
- Department of Human and Medical Genetics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, M. K. Čiurlionio st. 21, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania; (T.P.); (A.K.); (J.S.); (A.U.)
| | - Jurgita Songailienė
- Department of Human and Medical Genetics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, M. K. Čiurlionio st. 21, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania; (T.P.); (A.K.); (J.S.); (A.U.)
| | - Algirdas Utkus
- Department of Human and Medical Genetics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, M. K. Čiurlionio st. 21, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania; (T.P.); (A.K.); (J.S.); (A.U.)
| | - Dovilė Karčiauskaitė
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, M. K. Čiurlionio st. 21, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania;
| |
Collapse
|
192
|
Müller S, Moser D, Frach L, Wimberger P, Nitzsche K, Li SC, Kirschbaum C, Alexander N. No long-term effects of antenatal synthetic glucocorticoid exposure on epigenetic regulation of stress-related genes. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:62. [PMID: 35173143 PMCID: PMC8850596 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01828-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Antenatal synthetic glucocorticoid (sGC) treatment is a potent modifier of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In this context, epigenetic modifications are discussed as potential regulators explaining how prenatal exposure to GCs might translate into persistent changes of HPA axis "functioning". The purpose of this study was to investigate whether DNA methylation and gene expression profiles of stress-associated genes (NR3C1; FKBP5; SLC6A4) may mediate the persistent effects of sGC on cortisol stress reactivity that have been previously observed. In addition, hair cortisol concentrations (hairC) were investigated as a valid biomarker of long-term HPA axis activity. This cross-sectional study comprised 108 term-born children and adolescents, including individuals with antenatal GC treatment and controls. From whole blood, DNA methylation was analyzed by targeted deep bisulfite sequencing. Relative mRNA expression was determined by RT-qPCR experiments and qBase analysis. Acute stress reactivity was assessed by the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) measuring salivary cortisol by ELISA and hairC concentrations were determined from hair samples by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. First, no differences in DNA methylation and mRNA expression levels of the stress-associated genes between individuals treated with antenatal sGC compared to controls were found. Second, DNA methylation and mRNA expression levels were neither associated with cortisol stress reactivity nor with hairC. These findings do not corroborate the belief that DNA methylation and mRNA expression profiles of stress-associated genes (NR3C1; FKBP5; SLC6A4) play a key mediating role of the persistent effects of sGC on HPA axis functioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Müller
- Department of Genetic Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Dirk Moser
- grid.5570.70000 0004 0490 981XDepartment of Genetic Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Leonard Frach
- grid.5570.70000 0004 0490 981XDepartment of Genetic Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany ,grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, 26 Bedford Way, London, WC1H 0AP UK
| | - Pauline Wimberger
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Katharina Nitzsche
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Shu-Chen Li
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Zellescher Weg 17, 01602 Dresden, Germany ,grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257CeTI – Centre for Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop, Technische Universität Dresden, Georg-Schumann-Str. 9, 01187 Dresden, Germany
| | - Clemens Kirschbaum
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Zellescher Weg 17, 01602 Dresden, Germany
| | - Nina Alexander
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps University Marburg, Rudolf-Bultmann-Str. 8, 35039, Marburg, Germany. .,Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 6, 35032, Marburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
193
|
Increased hair cortisol in mothers of children with ADHD symptoms and psychosocial adversity background. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2022; 129:353-360. [PMID: 35122542 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-022-02463-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have shown high perceived parenting stress. Hence, physiological adjustment processes, involving the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, seem possible. We hypothesized that (1) ADHD symptoms of the child predict an increase of maternal hair cortisol concentration (HCC), and (2) presence of psychosocial adversity amplifies the prediction. We analyzed a preschool-aged sample using a longitudinal design (T1, at the children's age of 4 years; T2, 12 months later). 128 mothers and their children participated in the study. To determine HCC of the previous 3 months, the first scalp-near 3 cm hair segment was used. ADHD symptoms of the child were measured using teacher- and parent-report questionnaires and a clinical interview with the mother. The T1 teacher-reported ADHD symptoms score of the child was significantly positively associated with the mother`s T1 and T2 HCC score. In families with high psychosocial adversity, the prediction of an increase in maternal HCC by the teacher-reported ADHD symptoms of child was significantly stronger than in low-adversity families. In presence of psychosocial family adversity, ADHD symptoms of the child predicted an increase in the mother's HCC. As a continuously high cortisol level implicates health risks and might in turn affect parenting resources, the identifying of caregivers at risk through biological markers of stress could be helpful for planning targeted interventions. As our study is the first on this issue, cross-validation is needed.
Collapse
|
194
|
Basso L, Boecking B, Neff P, Brueggemann P, Peters EMJ, Mazurek B. Hair-cortisol and hair-BDNF as biomarkers of tinnitus loudness and distress in chronic tinnitus. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1934. [PMID: 35121746 PMCID: PMC8817043 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-04811-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of stress and its neuroendocrine mediators in tinnitus is unclear. In this study, we measure cortisol as an indicator of hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis alterations and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a marker of adaptive neuroplasticity in hair of chronic tinnitus patients to investigate relationships with tinnitus-related and psychological factors. Cross-sectional data from chronic tinnitus inpatients were analyzed. Data collection included hair sampling, pure tone audiometry, tinnitus pitch and loudness matching, and psychometric questionnaires. Elastic net regressions with n-fold cross-validation were performed for cortisol (N = 91) and BDNF (N = 87). For hair-cortisol (R2 = 0.10), the strongest effects were sampling in autumn and body-mass index (BMI) (positive), followed by tinnitus loudness (positive) and smoking (negative). For hair-BDNF (R2 = 0.28), the strongest effects were hearing aid use, shift work (positive), and tinnitus loudness (negative), followed by smoking, tinnitus-related distress (Tinnitus Questionnaire), number of experienced traumatic events (negative), and physical health-related quality of life (Short Form-12 Health Survey) (positive). These findings suggest that in chronic tinnitus patients, higher perceived tinnitus loudness is associated with higher hair-cortisol and lower hair-BDNF, and higher tinnitus-related distress with lower hair-BDNF. Regarding hair-BDNF, traumatic experiences appear to have additional stress-related effects, whereas hearing aid use and high physical health-related quality of life appear beneficial. Implications include the potential use of hair-cortisol and hair-BDNF as biomarkers of tinnitus loudness or distress and the need for intensive future research into chronic stress-related HPA axis and neuroplasticity alterations in chronic tinnitus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Basso
- Tinnitus Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Benjamin Boecking
- Tinnitus Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrick Neff
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.,University Research Priority Program 'Dynamics of Healthy Aging', University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Psychology, Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Petra Brueggemann
- Tinnitus Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eva M J Peters
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Charité Center 12 Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Birgit Mazurek
- Tinnitus Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
195
|
Laufer S, Engel S, Lupien S, Knaevelsrud C, Schumacher S. The Cortisol Assessment List (CoAL) A tool to systematically document and evaluate cortisol assessment in blood, urine and saliva. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2022; 9:100108. [PMID: 35755928 PMCID: PMC9216417 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2021.100108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
|
196
|
Stern J, Arslan RC, Penke L. Stability and validity of steroid hormones in hair and saliva across two ovulatory cycles. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2022; 9:100114. [PMID: 35755924 PMCID: PMC9216405 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2022.100114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Steroid hormones are often assessed via saliva samples, as they are noninvasive and easy to collect. However, hormone levels in saliva can fluctuate from moment-to-moment, are influenced by factors such as momentary emotional states and food intake, and some vary strongly across women's ovulatory cycle. In contrast, hormone levels in hair seem to be more robust against these influences and were previously suggested to be a good alternative to obtain women's baseline hormone levels. In the current study, we investigated whether hormone levels are stable across multiple assays and whether hormone levels from saliva and hair samples correlate. We collected saliva and hair samples from N = 155 naturally cycling women across two ovulatory cycles. All samples were analyzed for progesterone, testosterone and cortisol levels via mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results showed that both averaged saliva and hair hormone levels were moderately stable across cycles. Hair progesterone levels showed higher stability than the respective levels from saliva. Saliva and hair levels for progesterone and testosterone were moderately correlated, whereas cortisol levels from saliva and hair were only weakly correlated. Results suggest that the type of sample from which baseline hormone levels are assessed and the cycle phase in which saliva samples are collected may have a high impact on the obtained results. Implications for future studies are suggested. Testosterone, progesterone, and cortisol were analyzed from repeated saliva and hair samples via LC-MS/MS. Hormone levels are moderately stable in both saliva and hair samples. Progesterone levels are significantly more stable in hair samples as compared to saliva samples. Hair and saliva hormone samples correlate moderately for progesterone and testosterone, but only weakly for cortisol.
Collapse
|
197
|
King LS, Humphreys KL, Cole DA, Gotlib IH. Hair cortisol concentration across the peripartum period: Documenting changes and associations with depressive symptoms and recent adversity. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2022; 9:100102. [PMID: 35755930 PMCID: PMC9216355 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2021.100102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Women experience dramatic physiological changes during pregnancy, including changes in the production of the “stress hormone,” cortisol. Evidence has been mixed regarding whether hair cortisol concentration (HCC) can be used to accurately capture the trajectory of cortisol during this period and whether factors related to psychosocial stress are related to HCC in pregnant and postpartum women. In the current study, we collected hair samples from 85 individuals during the peripartum period (with collection occasions in pregnancy [12–37 weeks], at 3–8 weeks postpartum, and at 5–8 months postpartum) from which we derived 783 monthly observations of HCC. In addition, at each assessment individuals reported their current depressive symptoms and experiences of recent psychosocial adversity. Using piecewise mixed effects modeling, we identified significant increases in HCC across pregnancy (approximately a 2-fold rise) followed by significant decreases in HCC postpartum. Beyond these effects, however, there was substantial within-individual variability in HCC. Disaggregating between- from within-individual associations of depressive symptoms and adversity with HCC, we found that within-individual fluctuations in adversity were positively coupled with levels of HCC. Overall, the current findings suggest that measurement of cortisol in human hair captures its trajectory from conception through six months postpartum, including prenatal increases and gradual recovery of typical levels following childbirth. In addition to the overall severity of psychosocial adversity, change in women's experiences of adversity during the peripartum period merit attention. We analyzed monthly estimates of hair cortisol concentration (HCC) across the peripartum period. HCC increased across pregnancy and decreased through six months postpartum. There was substantial within-person variability in HCC. Within-person fluctuations in recent adversity were positively coupled with HCC. Depressive symptoms were not significantly associated with HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy S. King
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Corresponding author. Tulane University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
| | - Kathryn L. Humphreys
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - David A. Cole
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ian H. Gotlib
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
198
|
Carlitz EHD, Lindholm AK, Gao W, Kirschbaum C, König B. Steroid hormones in hair and fresh wounds reveal sex specific costs of reproductive engagement and reproductive success in wild house mice (Mus musculus domesticus). Horm Behav 2022; 138:105102. [PMID: 34998227 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.105102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Not only males but also females compete over reproduction. In a population of free-living house mice (Mus musculus domesticus), we analyzed how (metabolic) costs of aggressive interactions (reflected in fresh wounds and long-term corticosterone concentrations in hair) are predicted by individual reproductive physiology and reproductive success in males and females. Over eight years, we studied wounds and reproduction of more than 2800 adults under naturally varying environmental conditions and analyzed steroid hormones from more than 1000 hair samples. Hair corticosterone were higher and wounds more frequent in males than females. In males, wound occurrence increased with increasing breeding activity in the population, without affecting hair corticosterone levels. Unexpectedly, individual male reproductive success did not predict wounds, while hair corticosterone increased with increasing levels of hair testosterone and reproductive success. High corticosterone in hair of males might therefore reflect metabolic costs of fighting over reproduction. In females, hair corticosterone was generally lower than in males and high levels did not impede pregnancy. Reproductive investment (reflected in hair progesterone) was dissociated from reproductive success. Occasional wounds in females indicated individuals without recent reproductive success and revealed reproductive competition, presumably driven by instability in the social environment. In both sexes, corticosterone increased with age, but there was no evidence that received overt aggression, as indicated by wounds or elevated corticosterone, suppressed reproductive physiology. Our results diverge from laboratory findings and emphasize the need to also study animals in their natural environment in order to understand the complexity of their behavioral physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esther H D Carlitz
- Department of Psychology, Biological Psychology, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Anna K Lindholm
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Wei Gao
- Department of Psychology, Biological Psychology, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Clemens Kirschbaum
- Department of Psychology, Biological Psychology, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Barbara König
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
199
|
Fischer S, Skoluda N, Ali N, Nater UM, Mewes R. Hair cortisol levels in women with medically unexplained symptoms. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 146:77-82. [PMID: 34954363 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.12.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Stress has been demonstrated to be involved in the development of medically unexplained symptoms. A key underlying mechanism could be lower levels of cortisol, which can contribute to symptoms such as fatigue or pain. However, the literature is highly equivocal, which may be due to methodological limitations inherent in short-term cortisol assessment. The aim of this case-control study was to investigate, for the first time, whether individuals with different forms of medically unexplained symptoms show altered hair cortisol concentrations, a long-term marker of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal functioning. Two groups of women with medically unexplained symptoms were recruited. The first had a functional somatic syndrome, characterised by specific medically unexplained symptoms (i.e., chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, or irritable bowel syndrome, n = 33). The second had somatic symptom disorder, characterised by excessive thoughts, feelings, and behaviours devoted to various medically unexplained symptoms (n = 23). These groups were contrasted with healthy controls (n = 30), and women with depression (n = 27). Cortisol representing the previous three months was extracted from hair. Chronic stress and childhood trauma were assessed (retrospectively). Women with somatic symptom disorder had lower hair cortisol than healthy controls and women with functional somatic syndromes. No differences in hair cortisol were found between healthy controls, functional somatic syndromes, and depression. Neither childhood trauma nor chronic stress was correlated with hair cortisol. Provided that our findings are replicated, they may suggest that hypocortisolism is found in a specific subgroup of individuals with medically unexplained symptoms, and potentially in those characterised by excessive thoughts, feelings, and behaviours about symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Fischer
- University of Zurich, Institute of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Switzerland.
| | - Nadine Skoluda
- University of Vienna, Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Austria
| | - Nida Ali
- University of Vienna, Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Austria
| | - Urs M Nater
- University of Vienna, Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Austria
| | - Ricarda Mewes
- University of Vienna, Department of Psychology, Outpatient Unit for Research, Teaching and Practice, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
200
|
Jin Y, Wei D, Liu P, Chen F, Li R, Zhang J, Zhang R, Liu Z, Huo W, Li L, Wang C, Ban J, Mao Z. Serum Cortisol, 25 (OH)D, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Int J Endocrinol 2022; 2022:5680170. [PMID: 35761983 PMCID: PMC9233598 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5680170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The effects of cortisol on cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and CVD risk are unknown, especially in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Furthermore, it is unclear whether 25 (OH)D can alter the associations of cortisol with CVD and CVD risk factors. Thus, the present study was to investigate the associations of serum cortisol with CVD and CVD risk factors and whether 25 (OH)D altered these associations among patients with T2DM. Materials and methods. A total of 762 patients diagnosed with T2DM were recruited. The levels of serum cortisol and 25 (OH)D were measured with a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Logistic regression and linear regression were used to assess the association of cortisol with CVD and multiple cardiovascular risk factors. Modification analyses were performed to identify whether 25 (OH)D altered the above associations. RESULTS A 1 SD increase in cortisol was associated with a higher prevalence of stroke (odds ratio (OR): 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05, 1.50). Elevated cortisol was associated with related cardiovascular risk factors, including deceased ß cell function, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and fasting insulin, as well as increased triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). In addition, modification analyses suggested that the associations of cortisol with ß cell function, fasting insulin, FPG, and HbA1c were modified by 25 (OH)D. CONCLUSIONS Serum cortisol was associated with the prevalence of stroke and cardiovascular risk factors, and the associations of cortisol with cardiovascular risk factors were moderated by 25 (OH)D, suggesting that T2DM patients with exposure to lower 25 (OH)D levels and higher cortisol levels were more susceptible to have higher cardiovascular risk factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Jin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Dandan Wei
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Pengling Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Rongrong Li
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi Municipality, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jinyu Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ruyi Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zuoxiang Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wenqian Huo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Linlin Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Chongjian Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jinbao Ban
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Zhenxing Mao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| |
Collapse
|