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Cantave CY, Ouellet-Morin I, Giguère CÉ, Lupien SJ, Juster RP, Geoffrion S, Marin MF. The Association of Childhood Maltreatment, Sex, and Hair Cortisol Concentrations With Trajectories of Depressive and Anxious Symptoms Among Adult Psychiatric Inpatients. Psychosom Med 2022; 84:20-28. [PMID: 34596058 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Depression and anxiety symptoms are commonly observed among clinical populations, especially among women and maltreated individuals. Few investigations have, however, assessed the existence of distinct symptoms trajectories among clinical populations and how these relate to childhood maltreatment, sex differences, and stress physiology indexed by hair cortisol concentrations (HCCs). The current study a) identified distinct depression and anxious trajectories in a sample of psychiatric inpatients followed up prospectively from their admission to a psychiatric emergency service, and b) examined whether HCC, childhood maltreatment, and sex independently and jointly predict these trajectories. METHODS Adult inpatients (n = 402; 55% women) were recruited upon admission to psychiatric emergency service (T1) during which HCC (reflecting cortisol secretion for the last 3 months), childhood maltreatment, and depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed. Symptoms were reevaluated when patients were discharged from the hospital (T2), admitted to outpatient clinics (T3), and 12 months later or at the end of outpatient treatment (T4). RESULTS Three trajectories were identified for depression and anxiety symptoms. Among men, higher HCC predicted higher odds of evincing chronic depressive symptoms compared with a low stable trajectory (odds ratio [OR] = 3.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.43-8.40). Greater childhood maltreatment among men predicted higher chances of exhibiting chronic anxious symptoms than the low stable (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.07-2.02) and the high decreasing trajectories (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.51-0.95). Opposite findings were noted for women. CONCLUSIONS Childhood maltreatment and HCC should be further investigated as predictors of anxious and depressive trajectories, during which sex-specific associations ought to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Y Cantave
- From the School of Criminology (Cantave, Ouellet-Morin), University of Montreal; Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute (Ouellet-Morin, Giguère, Lupien, Juster, Geoffrion, Marin); Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Faculty of Medicine (Lupien, Juster, Marin) and School of Psychoeducation (Geoffrion), University of Montreal; and Department of Psychology (Marin), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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202
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Kim J, Li L, Korous KM, Valiente C, Tsethlikai M. Chronic stress predicts post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms via executive function deficits among urban American Indian children. Stress 2022; 25:97-104. [PMID: 35037551 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2021.2024164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about how chronic exposure to stress affects mental health among American Indian (AI) children. The current study aimed to fill this gap by exploring if hair cortisol concentration (HCC), an indicator of chronic stress, predicted post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms through deficits in executive function (EF) skills commonly referred to as inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. A total of 163 urban AI children between 8- and 15-years old participated in the study (92 girls, 56.4%; Mage = 11.19, SD = 1.98). Chronic stress was measured as the concentration of cortisol in children's hair. EF deficits and PTSD symptoms were reported by primary caregivers using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function and the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Young Children. The results demonstrated that higher HCC was indirectly associated with more PTSD symptoms through deficits in EF skills. Specifically, higher levels of HCC were related to more symptoms of PTSD arousal through impaired working memory, and more symptoms of PTSD avoidance and Intrusion through deficits in cognitive flexibility. The findings suggest interventions that reduce or buffer chronic stress, or that focus on improving EF skills, may promote not only cognitive development but also the mental health of AI children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juyoung Kim
- School of Social and Family Dynamics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Longfeng Li
- School of Social and Family Dynamics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Kevin M Korous
- School of Social and Family Dynamics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Carlos Valiente
- School of Social and Family Dynamics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Monica Tsethlikai
- School of Social and Family Dynamics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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203
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Ryan M, Ryznar R. The Molecular Basis of Resilience: A Narrative Review. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:856998. [PMID: 35599764 PMCID: PMC9120427 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.856998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Resilience refers to the adaptability of a person - an ability to "bounce-back" from stressors. We question if resilience can be strengthened, potentially to decrease the risk of stress-related disorders. Unfortunately, the molecular origins of resilience are complicated and not yet well understood. In this review, we examine the various physiological biomarkers of resilience, including the associated genes, epigenetic changes, and protein biomarkers associated with resilient phenotypes. In addition to assessing biomarkers that may indicate higher levels of resilience, we also review at length the many biomarkers that confer lower levels of resilience and may lead to disorders of low resilience, such as anxiety and depression. This large and encompassing review may help to identify the possible therapeutic targets of resilience. Hopefully these studies will lead to a future where stress-related disorders can be prevented, rather than treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Ryan
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Parker, CO, United States
| | - Rebecca Ryznar
- Molecular Biology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Rocky Vista University, Parker, CO, United States
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204
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Lee S, Park JT, Bang M, An SK, Namkoong K, Park HY, Lee E. Theory of mind and hair cortisol in healthy young adults: the moderating effects of childhood trauma. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2022; 13:2116826. [PMID: 36186166 PMCID: PMC9518292 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2022.2116826] [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] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Experiences of negative social interactions and childhood trauma (CT) can lead to aberrant hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal functions. Poor theory of mind (ToM) ability is related to increased social stress levels; however, studies on the relationship between ToM and cortisol remain scarce. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between ToM and the hair cortisol concentration (HCC) in healthy young adults considering the moderating role of CT. Method: A total of 206 healthy young adults were divided into two groups based on an experience of moderate-to-severe childhood trauma (CT+ and CT-). To determine whether CT moderated the relationship between ToM and HCC, moderation analysis was conducted controlling for age, sex, years of education, and scores of perceived stress, depression, and anxiety. Results: CT+ individuals reported higher subjective stress perception and depressive symptoms than CT- individuals, whereas anxiety-related symptoms, ToM, and HCC were not different between the groups. The experience of CT significantly moderated the relationship between ToM and HCC. The association between poorer ToM ability and higher HCC was significant only in CT+ group. Conclusion: CT is a moderator of the association between ToM and HCC, indicating the importance of CT in social cognition and the stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suonaa Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Tak Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Kidney Disease Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minji Bang
- Department of Psychiatry, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk Kyoon An
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kee Namkoong
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Yoon Park
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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205
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Hair cortisol-a stress marker in children and adolescents with chronic tic disorders? A large European cross-sectional study. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2022; 31:771-779. [PMID: 33459885 PMCID: PMC9142457 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-020-01714-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is clear evidence that tic disorders (TDs) are associated with psychosocial stress as well as emotional and behavioral problems. Studies have shown that individuals with TDs have higher acute physiological stress responses to external, single stressors (as reflected by saliva cortisol). The aim of the present study was to examine a physiological marker of longer-term stress (as reflected by hair cortisol concentration) in children and adolescents with TDs and unaffected siblings of individuals with TDs. METHODS Two samples of a European cohort were included in this study. In the COURSE sample, 412 children and adolescents aged 3-16 years with a chronic TD including Tourette syndrome according to DSM IV-TR criteria were included. The ONSET sample included 131 3-10 years old siblings of individuals with TDs, who themselves had no tics. Differences in hair cortisol concentration (HCC) between the two samples were examined. Within the COURSE sample, relations of HCC with tic severity and perceived psychosocial stress as well as potential effects and interaction effects of comorbid emotional and behavioral problems and psychotropic medication on HCC were investigated. RESULTS There were no differences in HCC between the two samples. In participants with TDs, there were no associations between HCC and tic severity or perceived psychosocial stress. No main effects of sex, psychotropic medication status and comorbid emotional and behavioral problems on HCC were found in participants with TDs. CONCLUSION A link between HCC and TDs is not supported by the present results.
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206
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van der Wal RAB, Bijleveld E, Herwaarden AEV, Bucx MJL, Prins JB, Scheffer G. Chronic stress indicated by hair cortisol concentration in anaesthesiologists and its relationship to work experience and emotional intelligence: A cross-sectional biomarker and survey study. Eur J Anaesthesiol 2022; 39:26-32. [PMID: 33278085 DOI: 10.1097/eja.0000000000001393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaesthesia is a stressful medical specialty. The reaction to stress is constituted by behavioural, psychological and physiological components. Chronic physiological stress can have negative consequences for health. OBJECTIVES First, we hypothesised that chronic physiological stress is higher for both beginning and late-career consultant anaesthesiologists. Second, we hypothesised that individuals high in emotional intelligence endure lower physiological stress. DESIGN Cross-sectional biomarker and survey study. SETTING Participants were recruited during the May 2019 annual meeting of the Dutch Anaesthesia Society. PARTICIPANTS Of the 1348 colleagues who attended the meeting, 184 (70 male/114 female) participated in the study. Of the study participants, 123 (67%) were consultant anaesthesiologists (52 male/71 female) and 61 (33%) were resident anaesthesiologists (18 male/43 female). Exclusion criteria were endocrine disorders and not having enough hair. Also, experience of a recent major life event led to exclusion from analysis of our hypotheses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Chronic physiological stress was measured by hair cortisol concentration. Emotional intelligence was assessed using a validated Dutch version of the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire. As secondary measures, psychological sources of stress were assessed using validated Dutch versions of the home-work interference (SWING) and the effort-reward imbalance questionnaires. RESULTS In support of Hypothesis 1, hair cortisol concentration was highest among early and late-career consultant anaesthesiologists (quadratic effect: b = 45.5, SE = 16.1, t = 2.8, P = 0.006, R2 = 0.14). This nonlinear pattern was not mirrored by self-reported sources of psychological stress. Our results did not support Hypothesis 2; we found no evidence for a relationship between emotional intelligence and physiological stress. CONCLUSION In the early and later phases of an anaesthesiologist's career, physiological chronic stress is higher than in the middle of the career. However, this physiological response could not be explained from known sources of psychological stress. We discuss these findings against the background of key differences between physiological and psychological stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond A B van der Wal
- From the Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center (RABVDW, MJLB, GS), Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University (EB), Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center (AEVH), Department of Medical Psychology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands (JBP)
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207
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Möschl M, Schmidt K, Enge S, Weckesser LJ, Miller R. Chronic stress and executive functioning: A specification-curve analysis. Physiol Behav 2022; 243:113639. [PMID: 34732334 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113639] [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: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the association between chronic stress and executive functioning (EF), we assessed 514 young to middle-aged adults in three EF tasks (i.e., Number-Letter, 2-Back, Go/Nogo) that assessed shifting, updating, and inhibition. Chronic stress was assessed by various self-report measures and hair cortisol concentrations as indicators of subjective and objective chronic stress, respectively. In order to test the association between chronic stress and EF, we fit a structural equation model with a latent common EF factor predicted by subjective and objective chronic stress on Kaplan-Meier estimates of response times. Controlling for participants' sex, age household income and the delay between cognitive testing and hair sample collection, neither subjective nor objective chronic stress showed a meaningful association with common EF. Exploratory analyses suggested a moderation effect of income on the association between subjective chronic stress and common EF, with a smaller association for high-income participants. Additionally, we conducted a specification-curve analysis on the association between chronic stress and EF to assess the influence of different analysis choices on results in our dataset. This analysis confirmed the absence of a coherent association between chronic stress and EF by showing that the majority of analytical choices produced null effects and only a small number of analytical choices produced meaningful associations (negative or positive). Taken together, our findings suggest that common EF likely remains preserved under the influence of chronic stress. Our specification-curve analysis, however, also shows that chronic stress may also have either a positive or a negative effect on EF, depending on the choice of covariates and measures of chronic stress and EF. Consequently, more research on the role of these factors for the association between chronic stress and EF is needed to avoid the interpretation of non-replicable stress-EF associations caused by analytical choices or selection bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Möschl
- Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01062 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Kornelius Schmidt
- Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Sören Enge
- Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01062 Dresden, Germany; Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Psychology, Medical School Berlin, Germany
| | - Lisa J Weckesser
- Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Robert Miller
- Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01062 Dresden, Germany
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208
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Lynch R, Flores-Torres MH, Hinojosa G, Aspelund T, Hauksdóttir A, Kirschbaum C, Catzin-Kuhlmann A, Lajous M, Valdimarsdottir U. Perceived stress and hair cortisol concentration in a study of Mexican and Icelandic women. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000571. [PMID: 36962547 PMCID: PMC10021558 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) represent a potential biomarker of chronic psychological stress. Previous studies exploring the association between perceived stress and HCC have been limited to relatively small and selected populations. We collected hair samples from 881 women from the Mexican Teachers' Cohort (MTC) and 398 women from the Icelandic SAGA pilot-cohort following identical protocols. HCC was quantified using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The self-reported Perceived Stress Scale (PSS, 10 and 4 item, range 0-40 and 0-16) was used to assess psychological stress. We conducted multivariable linear regression analyses to assess the association between perceived stress and log-transformed HCC in the combined sample and in each cohort separately. MTC participants had slightly higher HCC and PSS scores than SAGA participants (median HCC 6.0pg/mg vs. 4.7pg/mg and mean PSS-10 score 12.4 vs. 11.7, respectively). After adjusting for sociodemographic factors and health behaviors, we observed a 1.4% (95% CI 0.6, 2.1) increase in HCC for each unit increase in the PSS-10 score in the combined sample. Furthermore, PSS-10 quintiles were associated with a 24.3% (95% CI 8.4, 42.6, mean logHCC 1.8 vs 1.6) increase in HCC when comparing the highest to the lowest quintile, after multivariable adjustment. Similar results were obtained when we analyzed each cohort separately and when using the PSS-4. Despite relatively small absolute differences, an association between perceived stress and HCC was found in a sample of women from two diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds supporting the hypothesis that HCC is a viable biomarker in studies of chronic psychological stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Lynch
- Centre of Public Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Mario H Flores-Torres
- Center for Research on Population Health, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico City, Mexico
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Gabriela Hinojosa
- Center for Research on Population Health, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Thor Aspelund
- Centre of Public Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Arna Hauksdóttir
- Centre of Public Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | - Andres Catzin-Kuhlmann
- Department of Medicine, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Mexico City, Mexico
- Escuela de Medicina, Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Martín Lajous
- Center for Research on Population Health, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico City, Mexico
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Unnur Valdimarsdottir
- Centre of Public Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
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209
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Basso L, Boecking B, Neff P, Brueggemann P, Mazurek B, Peters EMJ. Psychological Treatment Effects Unrelated to Hair-Cortisol and Hair-BDNF Levels in Chronic Tinnitus. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:764368. [PMID: 35250657 PMCID: PMC8895295 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.764368] [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: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, there are no objective markers to measure treatment efficacy in chronic (distressing) tinnitus. This study explores whether stress-related biomarkers cortisol and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) measured in hair samples of chronic tinnitus patients change after compact multimodal tinnitus-specific cognitive behavioral therapy. METHODS In this longitudinal study, hair-cortisol and hair-BDNF levels, self-reported tinnitus-related distress (Tinnitus Questionnaire; TQ), and perceived stress (Perceived Stress Questionnaire; PSQ-20) were assessed before and 3 months after 5 days of treatment in N = 80 chronic tinnitus patients. Linear mixed-effects models with backward elimination were used to assess treatment-induced changes, and a cross-lagged panel model (structural equation model) was used for additional exploratory analysis of the temporal associations between TQ and hair-BDNF. RESULTS At follow-up, a reduction in TQ (p < 0.001) and PSQ-20 scores (p = 0.045) was observed, which was not influenced by baseline hair-cortisol or hair-BDNF levels. No changes in biomarker levels were observed after treatment. The exploratory analysis tentatively suggests that a directional effect of baseline TQ scores on hair-BDNF levels at follow-up (trend; p = 0.070) was more likely than the opposite directional effect of baseline hair-BDNF levels on TQ scores at follow-up (n.s.). DISCUSSION While the treatment effectively reduced tinnitus-related distress and perceived stress in chronic tinnitus patients, this effect was not mirrored in biological changes. However, the lack of changes in hair-cortisol and hair-BDNF levels might have been influenced by the treatment duration, follow-up interval, or confounding medical factors, and therefore must be interpreted with caution. The relationship between tinnitus-related distress and hair-BDNF levels should be explored further to obtain a better understanding of stress-related effects in chronic tinnitus.
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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.,Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience and Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Petra Brueggemann
- Tinnitus Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Birgit Mazurek
- 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
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210
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The relationship of adverse childhood experiences, hair cortisol, C-reactive protein, and polygenic susceptibility with older adults' psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:5038-5048. [PMID: 36198766 PMCID: PMC9533280 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01805-2] [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: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to poorer mental health outcomes, and growing evidence implicates biological and genetic pathways from early adversity to psychopathology. However, little is known about the relationship of ACEs and their underlying biological and genetic mechanisms with older people's mental health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. We tested the associations of ACEs, hair cortisol, C-reactive protein (CRP), and polygenic scores (PGS) with depression, anxiety, and loneliness among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, accounting for the potential interplay of ACEs with biological and genetic risk markers. Data were drawn from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, a prospective cohort study of older adults living in England. Retrospective information on ACEs were collected in 2006/7, while CRP and hair cortisol were measured at wave 6 (2012/13). Psychological distress was assessed before the pandemic (2018-19) and at two COVID-19 assessments in 2020 (June-July and November-December). Associations were tested on 2050 participants using linear/logistic regression models adjusted for pre-pandemic outcome measures and mixed-effect models to assess changes before and during the pandemic. The results showed that ACEs were associated with higher levels of depression (OR = 2.55[95%CI:1.81,3.59]) anxiety (OR = 1.84[95%CI:1.13,3.01]), and loneliness (b = 0.28[95%CI:0.14,0.42]) during the pandemic. Hair cortisol was related to an increased risk of depression (OR = 1.15[95%CI:1.04,1.26]), and CRP was associated with greater loneliness scores (b = 0.16[95%CI:0.03,0.30]). The relationship between cortisol and psychological distress was larger among participants with ACEs (e.g., ORdepression = 1.07[95%CI:1.00,1.14]). Further, individuals with high CRP experienced greater increases in feelings of loneliness from before to during the pandemic, compared to those with lower CRP levels (interaction effect=0.23; 95%CI:0.1-0.37). Individuals with 2+ ACEs experienced greater increases in depressive symptoms compared to those with none (interaction effect=2.09; 95%CI:1.1-3.98). Higher levels of hair cortisol were also related to worse changes in depressive symptoms across timepoints (interaction effect=1.84;95%CI:1.41-2.41). These results highlight the lasting impact of biosocial vulnerabilities on older adults' mental health responses to new environmental stressors. They also implicate biological mechanisms in the pathophysiology of later-life psychological distress.
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211
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Fung MH, Taylor BK, Embury CM, Spooner RK, Johnson HJ, Willett MP, Frenzel MR, Badura-Brack AS, White SF, Wilson TW. Cortisol changes in healthy children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stress 2022; 25:323-330. [PMID: 36168664 PMCID: PMC9744629 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2022.2125798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused massive disruptions to daily life in the United States, closing schools and businesses and increasing physical and social isolation, leading to deteriorations in mental health and well-being in people of all ages. Many studies have linked chronic stress with long-term changes in cortisol secretion, which has been implicated in many stress-related physical and mental health problems that commonly emerge in adolescence. However, the physiological consequences of the pandemic in youth remain understudied. Using hair cortisol concentrations (HCC), we quantified average longitudinal changes in cortisol secretion across a four-month period capturing before, during, and after the transition to pandemic-lockdown conditions in a sample of healthy youth (n = 49). Longitudinal changes in HCC were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. Perceived levels of pandemic-related stress were measured and compared to the physiological changes in HCC. In children and adolescents, cortisol levels significantly increased across the course of the pandemic. These youth reported a multitude of stressors during this time, although changes in HCC were not associated with self-reported levels of COVID-19-related distress. We provide evidence that youth are experiencing significant physiological changes in cortisol activity across the COVID-19 pandemic, yet these biological responses are not associated with perceived stress levels. Youth may be especially vulnerable to the deleterious impacts of chronic cortisol exposure due to their current status in the sensitive periods for development, and the incongruency between biological and psychological stress responses may further complicate these developmental problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison H. Fung
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Brittany K. Taylor
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Christine M. Embury
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Rachel K. Spooner
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Hallie J. Johnson
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Madelyn P. Willett
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Michaela R. Frenzel
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE, USA
| | | | - Stuart F. White
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Tony W. Wilson
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA
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Mendes SS, Martino MMFD, Borghi F, Rocha-Teles CM, Souza ALD, Grassi-Kassisse DM. Fatores de estresse psicológico e cortisol salivar em alunos de enfermagem ao longo da formação. Rev Esc Enferm USP 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1980-220x-reeusp-2022-0078pt] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
RESUMO Objetivo: analisar os fatores de estresse psicológico e a concentração de cortisol salivar de graduandos de Enfermagem ao longo da formação. Método: estudo transversal, analítico e comparativo realizado em curso noturno por meio de questionário sociodemográfico, Instrumento para Avaliação de Estresse em Estudantes de Enfermagem e análise do cortisol salivar. Foram feitas análises descritivas, comparativas e modelo de regressão linear múltipla. Resultados: um total de 187 responderam aos questionários, e 129 tiveram o cortisol quantificado. Os domínios Realização das Atividades Práticas, Comunicação Profissional e Formação Profissional representaram os fatores de estresse com os maiores valores médios para alunos do 3º, 4º e 5º anos em comparação ao 1º e 2º anos. Para o 5º ano, foram os domínios Comunicação Profissional e Formação Profissional em relação ao 3º ano e Ambiente em comparação ao 1º e 3º anos. Obteve-se resultado significativo entre os horários das coletas de cortisol para homens (p < 0,0001), mulheres (p < 0,0001) e para o 1º (p = 0,0319) 2º (p = 0,0245) e 5º (p < 0,0001) anos. Conclusão alunos do 3º ao 5º ano tiveram maior exposição aos fatores de estresse, e houve ajustes na ritmicidade de produção do cortisol para alunos do 1º, 2º e 5º anos.
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213
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Lynch R, Aspelund T, Kormáksson M, Flores-Torres MH, Hauksdóttir A, Arnberg FK, Lajous M, Kirschbaum C, Valdimarsdóttir U. Lifetime exposure to violence and other life stressors and hair cortisol concentration in women. Stress 2022; 25:48-56. [PMID: 34962229 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2021.2011204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Women are exposed to a variety of life stressors, particularly violence, during their lifetime which increases the risk of developing various psychiatric and somatic diseases, with the dysregulated secretion of cortisol as one potential biological mechanism. We examined the association between violence and other life stressors and hair cortisol concentration (HCC) in a population of urban women. We included 470 adult women (age = 21-86 years) attending the Cancer Detection Clinic in Iceland. The Life Stressor Checklist-Revised (LSC-R; 30-items) was used to assess exposure. HCC was measured with liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. We used linear regression models to assess the association between life stressors and log-transformed HCC. The median HCC (pg/mg) in the study population was 4.9 (range 0.6-616.6). HCC was not associated with background covariates, including age (p = 0.868), education level (p = 0.824), marital status (p = 0.545), income (p = 0.363), occupation (p = 0.192), but associated with current smoking (p = 0.013). We noted a 3.3% (95% CI: 0.17-6.6%) associated increase in HCC per endorsed life stressor after adjusting for age and smoking, while non-violent life stressors were not associated with HCC. Per endorsed violence item, we observed a 10.2% (95% CI: 1.4-19.7%) associated increase in HCC after age and smoking adjustment. Women with lifetime exposure to both physical and sexual violence presented with higher HCC than unexposed women (p = 0.010), after age and smoking adjustment. Lifetime exposure to violence was associated with higher levels of HCC in a community sample of women. These findings need confirmation with prospective studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Lynch
- Centre of Public Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Thor Aspelund
- Centre of Public Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | | | - Mario H Flores-Torres
- Center for Research on Population Health, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico City, Mexico
- School of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Arna Hauksdóttir
- Centre of Public Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Filip K Arnberg
- Department of Neuroscience, National Centre for Disaster Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Martín Lajous
- Center for Research on Population Health, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico City, Mexico
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Unnur Valdimarsdóttir
- Centre of Public Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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214
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Anand C, Hengst K, Gellner R, Englert H. Eight Weeks of Lifestyle Change: What are the Effects of the Healthy Lifestyle Community Programme (Cohort 1) on Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) and Perceived Stress? CHRONIC STRESS 2022; 6:24705470221099206. [PMID: 36187212 PMCID: PMC9523833 DOI: 10.1177/24705470221099206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: Stress and cortisol dysregulation are linked to NCDs. Moreover, stress favours unhealthy lifestyle patterns, which increase the risk for NCDs. The role of the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) and the effect of lifestyle interventions on the same remain unclear. Methods: The impact of the intensive 8-week phase of the Healthy Lifestyle Community Programme (HLCP, cohort 1) on parameters of the CAR, ie cortisol values 0 (sample [S]1), 30), 45 and 60 minutes post-awakening, average peak, S1-peak delta and area under the increase curve (AUCI), and perceived stress levels (PSL) was evaluated in a non-randomized, controlled trial. Covariates of the CAR (eg sleep measures) and irregularities in sampling were assessed. The intervention focussed on stress management, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and social support. Participants were recruited from the general population. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. Results: 97 participants (age: 56 ± 10 years; 71% female), with 68 in the intervention group (IG; age: 55 ± 8, 77% female) and 29 participants in the control group (CG; age: 59 ± 12, 59% female), were included in the analysis. The baseline characteristics of both groups were comparable, except participants of IG were younger. On average, the PSL at baseline was low in both groups (IG: 9.7 ± 5.4 points; CG: 8.5 ± 6.9 points; p = .165), but 22% (n = 15) in the IG and 20% (n = 6) in the CG reported a high PSL. Most participants reported irregularities in CAR sampling, eg interruption of sleep (IG: 80% CG: 81%). After 8 weeks, most CAR parameters and the PSL decreased in the IG and CG, resulting in no differences of change between the groups. In the IG only, a decrease of PSL was linked to an increase of CAR parameters, eg AUCI (correlation coefficient = −0.307; p = .017). Conclusion: The HLCP may potentially reduce PSL and change the CAR, but results cannot be clearly attributed to the programme. Methodological challenges and multiple confounders, limit suitability of the CAR in the context of lifestyle interventions. Other measures (eg hair-cortisol) may give further insights. Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS); DRKS00018821; www.drks.de
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Anand
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Muenster (WWU), Muenster
- Department of Food Nutrition Facilities, University of Applied Sciences Muenster, Muenster
| | - Karin Hengst
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Muenster (WWU), Muenster
| | | | - Heike Englert
- Department of Food Nutrition Facilities, University of Applied Sciences Muenster, Muenster
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215
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A randomized controlled trial of an emotion socialization parenting program and its impact on parenting, children's behavior and parent and child stress cortisol: Tuning in to Toddlers. Behav Res Ther 2021; 149:104016. [PMID: 35007962 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2021.104016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This paper examines the efficacy of a universally-offered parenting program, Tuning in to Toddlers (TOTS), that aims to improve parent emotion socialization, reduce parent and toddler stress and improve social, emotional, and behavioral functioning in toddlers. Three hundred parents of an 18-36 month old toddler were cluster randomized into intervention or control. Parents in the intervention participated in 6 × 2 h group sessions of TOTS. Baseline and 12-months post-intervention measures were collected using parent-report questionnaires and hair samples from parents and toddlers of systemic cortisol stress. Compared to controls, intervention parents reported significantly greater reductions in difficulties in emotion regulation (difficulty remaining goal directed: 95% CI.10, 1.71, p = .028; lack of access to strategies: 95% CI 0.62, 2.42, p = .001), emotion dismissing (beliefs: 95% CI 2.33,4.82, p < .001; behaviors: 95% CI 0.32, 0.65, p = <.001), greater increase in empathy (95% CI -2.83, -1.50, p < .001), emotion coaching (beliefs: 95% CI -2.56, -0.27, p = .016; behaviors: 95% CI -0.58, -0.24, p = <.001), children's behavior (95% CI 0.19, 2.43, p = .022) and competence (95% CI -1.46, -0.22, p = .008). Significant greater reductions in systemic cortisol were found for intervention but not control children (95% CI 0.01, 0.35, p = .041). Findings provide preliminary support for the use of TOTS as a universal prevention program to improve parent emotion socialization and children's functioning. Trial Registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12615000962538.
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216
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Scalp hair sweating as a predictor of hair cortisol level in human compared to obesity and other confounders. Sci Rep 2021; 11:24160. [PMID: 34921159 PMCID: PMC8683402 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02223-0] [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: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Inconsistent results were found throughout the literature regarding factors affecting hair cortisol levels. Hair cortisol level in humans was not studied for its associations to scalp hair sweating or hair wash frequency in a patient-based way. Factors affecting hair cortisol levels must be precisely known in order to interpret the results correctly. The aims of the study are to assess if BMI, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), hair wash frequency, and sweating with scalp hair affect hair cortisol levels. It will assess which of these factors are more significant predictors of hair cortisol levels. In a study on healthy adults, information about history, socio-demographics, PSS, hair wash frequency, hair treatment, and scalp hair sweating were collected, and hair samples were taken and analyzed for their hair cortisol level. Associations of hair cortisol levels with each of the variables were investigated and significant predictors of hair cortisol levels among the variables were found. Mean hair cortisol level in the study participants was 16.84 pg/mg hair. Hair cortisol has a significant positive association with weight, BMI, PSS, and scalp hair sweating, p < 0.05. Scalp hair sweating significantly predicts hair cortisol levels by 12.3%, while other variables did not significantly predict hair cortisol levels, p < 0.05. Scalp hair sweating significantly predicts hair cortisol levels. Age, hair wash frequency, hair treatment, and stressful events have no associations with hair cortisol levels. Although BMI and PSS are associated with hair cortisol levels, they do not significantly predict it. Obesity is significantly associated with profuse sweating, thus the increase in hair cortisol levels in obese individuals could partly be the result of a higher incidence of sweating in these individuals. Thus, scalp hair sweating should be taken into consideration during the study and interpretation of hair cortisol levels.
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217
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Verheyen VJ, Remy S, Govarts E, Colles A, Koppen G, Martin LR, Nielsen F, Bruckers L, Bijnens EM, Vos S, Morrens B, Coertjens D, Loots I, De Decker A, Franken C, Den Hond E, Nelen V, De Henauw S, Covaci A, Van Larebeke N, Teughels C, Nawrot TS, Schoeters G. Determinants of Chronic Biological Stress, Measured as Hair Cortisol Concentration, in a General Population of Adolescents: From Individual and Household Characteristics to Neighborhood Urbanicity. Front Public Health 2021; 9:669022. [PMID: 34888272 PMCID: PMC8650704 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.669022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic biological stress may adversely affect adolescents' physical and mental health, but insight in the personal and environmental factors that determine chronic stress is limited. We measured 3-month cumulative hair cortisol concentration (HCC) in 419 adolescents, participating in the Flemish Environment and Health Study. Adolescents' health and lifestyle characteristics, household and neighborhood socio-economic status as well as neighborhood urbanicity were assessed as potential determinants of HCC, using multiple linear regression models. We additionally explored heterogeneity of our results by sex. HCC were significantly higher in boys from densely populated neighborhoods, the association was not significant in girls. Accordingly, boys living outside cities had significantly lower HCC than boys, living in cities. HCC was significantly lower in adolescents with an optimal vitality, a measure of a positive mental health status. In adolescent girls, menarcheal status (pre-/postmenarche) was a significant determinant of HCC. Our findings are the first to suggest that residential urbanicity may have an impact on chronic biological stress in a general population of adolescent boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veerle J Verheyen
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Remy
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Eva Govarts
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ann Colles
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Gudrun Koppen
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Flemming Nielsen
- Institute of Public Health, Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Liesbeth Bruckers
- I-BioStat, Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Esmée M Bijnens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Stijn Vos
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Bert Morrens
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Dries Coertjens
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ilse Loots
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Annelies De Decker
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Provincial Research Centre for Environment and Health, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Carmen Franken
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Provincial Research Centre for Environment and Health, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Elly Den Hond
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Provincial Research Centre for Environment and Health, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Vera Nelen
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Provincial Research Centre for Environment and Health, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Stefaan De Henauw
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Van Larebeke
- Analytical, Environmental and Geo-Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Radiotherapy and Experimental Cancerology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Caroline Teughels
- Flemish Planning Bureau for the Environment and Spatial Development, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Greet Schoeters
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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218
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Williamson JB, Jaffee MS, Jorge RE. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Anxiety-Related Conditions. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2021; 27:1738-1763. [PMID: 34881734 DOI: 10.1212/con.0000000000001054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article provides a synopsis of current assessment and treatment considerations for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related anxiety disorder characteristics. Epidemiologic and neurobiological data are reviewed as well as common associated symptoms, including sleep disruption, and treatment approaches to these conditions. RECENT FINDINGS PTSD is no longer considered an anxiety-related disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition classification and instead is associated with trauma/stressor-related disorders. PTSD symptoms are clustered into four domains including intrusive experiences, avoidance, mood, and arousal symptoms. Despite this reclassification, similarities exist in consideration of diagnosis, treatment, and comorbidities with anxiety disorders. PTSD and anxiety-related disorders are heterogeneous, which is reflected by the neural circuits involved in the genesis of symptoms that may vary across symptom domains. Treatment is likely to benefit from consideration of this heterogeneity.Research in animal models of fear and anxiety, as well as in humans, suggests that patients with PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder have difficulty accurately determining safety from danger and struggle to suppress fear in the presence of safety cues.Empirically supported psychotherapies commonly involved exposure (fear extinction learning) and are recommended for PTSD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been shown to be effective in other anxiety-related disorders. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly used in the treatment of PTSD and anxiety disorders in which pharmacologic intervention is supported. Treating sleep disruption including sleep apnea (continuous positive airway pressure [CPAP]), nightmares, and insomnia (preferably via psychotherapy) may improve symptoms of PTSD, as well as improve mood in anxiety disorders. SUMMARY PTSD has a lifetime prevalence that is close to 10% and shares neurobiological features with anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders are the most common class of mental conditions and are highly comorbid with other disorders; treatment considerations typically include cognitive-behavioral therapy and pharmacologic intervention. Developing technologies show some promise as treatment alternatives in the future.
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219
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Fendel JC, Aeschbach VM, Schmidt S, Göritz AS. The impact of a tailored mindfulness-based program for resident physicians on distress and the quality of care: A randomised controlled trial. J Intern Med 2021; 290:1233-1248. [PMID: 34369618 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many resident physicians suffer from distress, which endangers their individual health and the quality of care. OBJECTIVE To examine the impact of a tailored mindfulness-based program (MBP) for resident physicians on distress and the quality of care. METHODS A single-centre, two-armed, longitudinal randomised controlled trial. The intervention group took part in an 8-week, tailored MBP that included a coursebook. The MBP was followed by a 4-month maintenance phase. The active control group received the coursebook for self-study. Assessments were at baseline (t0, 0 months), after the intervention (t1, 2 months), after the maintenance phase (t2, 6 months), and at follow-up (t3, 12 months). The primary outcome was a change in burnout at t2. Secondary outcomes included perceived stress, mental distress, perceived job strain, depression, anxiety, hair cortisol secretion, self-reported medical errors and third-party ratings by patients, supervisors and colleagues. RESULTS Seventy-six participants were randomised to the intervention and 71 to the control group. The intervention group showed greater improvements in the primary outcome (burnout at t2, d = 0.32, p = 0.046), in perceived stress (d = 0.31, p = 0.046) and perceived job strain (d = 0.33, p = 0.026) at t1, and in supervisor rated empathy (d = 0.71, p = 0.037) and colleague rated attentiveness (d = 0.85, p = .006) at t2. There was no difference between groups in the other outcomes. CONCLUSION A tailored MBP for resident physicians improved burnout and might have improved other aspects of distress and the quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes C Fendel
- Department of Occupational and Consumer Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Medical Centre, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Vanessa M Aeschbach
- Department of Occupational and Consumer Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Medical Centre, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Schmidt
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Medical Centre, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anja S Göritz
- Department of Occupational and Consumer Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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221
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Rosinger AY, Bethancourt HJ, Young SL, Schultz AF. The embodiment of water insecurity: Injuries and chronic stress in lowland Bolivia. Soc Sci Med 2021; 291:114490. [PMID: 34662760 PMCID: PMC8671240 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Water is critical to health and wellbeing. Studies have theorized that problems with water can become embodied, yet few studies have quantified this. Therefore, we first sought to understand the lowland Bolivian water environment of Tsimane' forager-horticulturalists. We assessed the water environment holistically, using objective measures of water quality and water services (Joint Monitoring Programme's drinking water services ladder) and subjective measures, including perceived water safety and water insecurity experiences [Household Water Insecurity Experiences Scale (HWISE)]. We tested how water service levels, perceived water safety, and water fetching frequency were associated with HWISE scores using Tobit regression models among 270 households. We then tested if and how water becomes embodied via self-reported water-related injury and a chronic stress biomarker, hair cortisol concentration (HCC). Results demonstrated that, compared with households using surface water, households with basic water services had HWISE scores 1.59-pts lower (SE = 0.29; P < 0.001). Ingestion of water perceived to be "bad" and more daily water-fetching trips were associated with higher HWISE scores. Twenty percent of households reported prior water-related injuries, with women most commonly injured. In logistic regressions, each point higher HWISE score was associated with 28% (95%CI:1.16-1.41; P < 0.001) higher odds of injury. Basic water services compared to surface water was associated with 48% lower odds (OR = 0.52; 95%CI:0.33-0.82; P = 0.005) of injury. Finally, using linear regressions among 332 adults, HWISE scores were not associated with HCC. Past water-related injury was associated with higher HCC (Beta = 0.31; SE = 0.09; P = 0.029) among women, but not men. Relying on unimproved water services compared to surface was associated with 46.2% higher HCC for women (Beta=0.38; SE=0.14; P=0.048) and 55.3% higher HCC for men (Beta=0.44; SE=0.15; P=0.044), respectively. Overall, our findings demonstrate that water insecurity can become embodied through water-related injuries and elevated HCC. Improving water service levels through an equity lens may help ameliorate water insecurity and its accompanying negative health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asher Y Rosinger
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA; Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Hilary J Bethancourt
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA; Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA; Anthropology Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, IL, USA
| | - Sera L Young
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA; Anthropology Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, IL, USA
| | - Alan F Schultz
- Centro Boliviano de Investigación y Desarrollo Socio Integral, San Borja, Bolivia
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Langhammer T, Hilbert K, Praxl B, Kirschbaum C, Ertle A, Asbrand J, Lueken U. Mental health trajectories of individuals and families following the COVID-19 pandemic: Study protocol of a longitudinal investigation and prevention program. MENTAL HEALTH & PREVENTION 2021; 24:200221. [PMID: 34608431 PMCID: PMC8482555 DOI: 10.1016/j.mhp.2021.200221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Many adults, adolescents and children are suffering from persistent stress symptoms in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to characterize long-term trajectories of mental health and to reduce the transition to manifest mental disorders by means of a stepped care program for indicated prevention. Methods and analysis Using a prospective-longitudinal design, we will assess the mental strain of the pandemic using the Patient Health Questionnaire, Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire and Spence Child Anxiety Scale. Hair samples will be collected to assess cortisol as a biological stress marker of the previous months. Additionally, we will implement a stepped-care program with online- and face-to-face-interventions for adults, adolescents, and children. After that we will assess long-term trajectories of mental health at 6, 12, and 24 months follow-up. The primary outcome will be psychological distress (depression, anxiety and somatoform symptoms). Data will be analyzed with general linear model and machine learning. This study will contribute to the understanding of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health. The evaluation of the stepped-care program and longitudinal investigation will inform clinicians and mental health stakeholders on populations at risk, disease trajectories and the sufficiency of indicated prevention to ameliorate the mental strain of the pandemic. Ethics and dissemination The study is performed according to the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Department of Psychology at the Humboldt Universität zu Berlin (no. 2020-35). Trial registration number DRKS00023220.
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Affiliation(s)
- Till Langhammer
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, Berlin 10099, Germany
| | - Kevin Hilbert
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, Berlin 10099, Germany
| | - Berit Praxl
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, Berlin 10099, Germany
| | - Clemens Kirschbaum
- Department of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andrea Ertle
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, Berlin 10099, Germany
| | - Julia Asbrand
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, Berlin 10099, Germany
| | - Ulrike Lueken
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, Berlin 10099, Germany
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Yang F, Hong X, Tao J, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Xiao H. Hair cortisol, social support, personality traits, and clinical course: differences in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Brain Behav 2021; 11:e2412. [PMID: 34775692 PMCID: PMC8671778 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the differences in the relationship between hair cortisol concentration (HCC) and psychosocial stress, social support, clinical features, clinical course, and outcome in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. METHODS A total of 109 schizophrenia patients, 93 bipolar disorder patients and 86 healthy controls between 18 and 60 years old were enrolled in the study. Linear regression and factor analysis were employed to examine and compare the relationship between HCC and childhood trauma, the number of stressful life events, the amount of social support in the three months before the hair cortisol assessment, clinical fearures, clinical course, and outcome in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. RESULTS HCC is significantly associated with clinical syndromes, including depression-anxiety factor of Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale in schizophrenia patients, and thought disorder in bipolar disorder patients. However, HCC is positively related to social support and personality traits only in schizophrenia patients but not in bipolar disorder patients. Factor analysis indicates schizophrenia and bipolar disorder share a very similar but somewhat different structure in terms of HCC, psychosocial stress, social support, clinical features, clinical course, and outcome. CONCLUSION Findings support that schizophrenia and bipolar disoder have a significant overlap in both clinical characteristics and enviromental risk factors. Aberrant HCC contributes to the complexity of clinical characteristics mainly in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuzhong Yang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangfei Hong
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Tao
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yupeng Chen
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanbo Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hua Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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224
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Predicting Hair Cortisol and Cortisone Concentration in Postpartum Women through Repeated Measurements of Perceived Stress. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11120815. [PMID: 34940573 PMCID: PMC8707977 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11120815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate whether hair cortisol (HCC) and hair cortisone (HCNC) can be predicted by repeated stress reports from postpartum women in different mental health conditions (non-depressed, ND, adjustment disorder, AD, postpartum depression, PPD), 240 mothers (mean age 31.8 years; SD = 4.7) were monitored from within 1 to 6 days of childbirth over a period of three months. HCC and HCNC in 3 cm hair samples were assessed via triple mass spectrometry after liquid chromatographic separation. Every second day, participants reported their stress levels online. The summed perceived stress scores were not found to be predictive of HCC. However, perceived stress predicted a decrease in HCNC (rSpearman = -0.153, p = 0.035) and an increase in the HCC/HCNC ratio (rSpearman = 0.304, p < 0.001) in the ND group. With AD in the first few weeks after childbirth, an inverse effect appeared for HCNC (rSpearman = 0.318, p = 0.011), suggesting an overall downregulation of the HPA axis owing to the stressful experience of adjusting to the new situation. No effects were found for mothers developing PPD. The indirect results of HPA-axis activity are better indicators of the experience of psychological stress in postpartum women than the absolute HCC value.
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225
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Klinger-König J, Frenzel S, Hannemann A, Wittfeld K, Bülow R, Friedrich N, Nauck M, Völzke H, Grabe HJ. Sex differences in the association between basal serum cortisol concentrations and cortical thickness. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 15:100416. [PMID: 34786441 PMCID: PMC8578044 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Basal cortisol concentrations vary between men and women. Likewise, previous findings suggest stress-related cortical thickness alterations. Thus, we aimed at elucidating sex differences in the association between serum cortisol concentrations and cortical thickness. Methods Data of 2594 participants (55.55% male; mean age = 53.55 years ± 13.17 years) of the general population were used to investigate sex differences in basal serum cortisol concentrations and associations of serum cortisol concentrations with global and regional cortical thickness. The validity of the results was tested by including sex hormone concentrations as a biological and childhood maltreatment and depressive symptoms as a psychological confounder. Results Basal serum cortisol concentrations were higher in men than in women (β = -0.158, t(2575) = -6.852, p = 9.056e-12). Sex differences in serum cortisol concentrations were diminished by including serum concentrations of testosterone, estrone, or estradiol in the models. In men but not in women, serum cortisol concentrations were inversely associated with the global cortical thickness (men: β = -0.064, t(1412) = -3.010, p = .003; women: β = -0.016, t(1131) = -0.607, p = .544). Additionally, these effects were observed in eleven cortical regions after adjusting for multiple testing. The associations were independent of childhood maltreatment and depressive symptoms. Conclusion Sex differences in serum cortisol concentrations and the association between serum cortisol concentrations and cortical thickness suggest important sex-specific effects of stress on the brain. Future studies should integrate the interaction between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in sex-stratified analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefan Frenzel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany
| | - Anke Hannemann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Greifswald, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany
| | - Katharina Wittfeld
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Rostock/Greifswald, Germany
| | - Robin Bülow
- Institute of Diagnostic Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany
| | - Nele Friedrich
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Greifswald, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany
| | - Matthias Nauck
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Greifswald, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany
| | - Henry Völzke
- Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany
| | - Hans J Grabe
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Rostock/Greifswald, Germany
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226
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Senehi N, Flykt M, Biringen Z, Laudenslager ML, Watamura SE, Garrett BA, Kominsky TK, Wurster HE, Sarche M. Emotional Availability as a Moderator of Stress for Young Children and Parents in Two Diverse Early Head Start Samples. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2021:10.1007/s11121-021-01307-7. [PMID: 34773574 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-021-01307-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Positive parent-child relationship quality is critical for buffering children from the effects of stress on development. It is thus vital to develop interventions that target parent-child relationship quality for families experiencing stress. We examined the moderating role of parent-child relationship quality (as measured by parental emotional availability [EA]) in the intergenerational association between parental adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their young children's hair cortisol concentrations (HCCs)-a physiological marker of cumulative hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA)-axis activity. Using data from 127 parent-child dyads collected by two of six ACF-funded Buffering Toxic Stress consortium sites, we tested interaction effects of parental ACEs with parental EA on young children's (Mage = 18.38, SDage = 7.10) HCC. Results revealed curvilinear main effects such that higher parental ACEs were significantly associated with greater HCC and stronger associations occurred at higher levels of parental ACEs. However, this association was moderated by parental EA. Thus, among children with higher parental history of ACEs, children of parents with higher EA had lower HCC compared to children of parents with lower EA. These findings provide support for the risk-buffering and risk-exacerbating role of parent-child relationship quality (e.g., EA) for the transmission of parents' early life adversity on their children's HPA-axis activity, documented here in a racially and ethnically diverse sample of children and parents served by Early Head Start. Findings suggest that intervention and prevention efforts targeting stress response in children of mothers with childhood adversity should also support parents in building an emotionally available relationship with their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Senehi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 31001 E 17th Place, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Marjo Flykt
- Faculty of Social Sciences/Psychology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine/Psychology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Zeynep Biringen
- Department of Human Development and Family Services, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
| | - Mark L Laudenslager
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 31001 E 17th Place, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | | | | | - Hannah E Wurster
- Department of Human Development and Family Services, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
| | - Michelle Sarche
- Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
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227
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Torrecilla P, Barrantes-Vidal N. Examining the Relationship Between Hair Cortisol With Stress-Related and Transdiagnostic Subclinical Measures. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:746155. [PMID: 34858226 PMCID: PMC8631911 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.746155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) provide a retrospective examination of long-term cortisol production as a measure of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning, one of the major neural systems implicated in mediating the effects of stress on mental illness. However, evidence about the relationship between HCC with stressors and symptoms is scattered. In the present study, we aimed to examine the association between HCC and a wide range of stress-related and transdiagnostic subclinical measures in a sample of non-clinical young adults with a wide distribution of schizotypy. Methods: A total sample of 132 non-clinical young adults recruited at college and technical schools oversampled for schizotypy scores were assessed on distal and proximal stressful experiences, appraisals of stress, traits and symptoms of the affective, psychosis and dissociation spectrums, as well as stress-buffering measures, and provided 3 cm-hair samples. Results: No significant associations were found between HCC and any of the stress-related and subclinical measures. Only suspiciousness and disorganization showed a trend for a positive association with HCC but the magnitude was small. Conclusions: The present findings support previous studies indicating an overall lack of concordance between a broad range of stress-related and (sub)clinical phenotypic measures with hair cortisol. This study examined for the first time the relationship of HCC with the non-clinical expression of the psychosis spectrum, that is, schizotypy, which complements previous studies on clinical high risk and established psychosis and offers a promising strategy for studying possible HPA dysfunctions characterizing the subclinical psychosis continuum without the confounds associated to clinical psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Torrecilla
- Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Facultat de Psicologia, Edifici B, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Neus Barrantes-Vidal
- Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Facultat de Psicologia, Edifici B, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Salut Mental, Sant Pere Claver—Fundació Sanitària, Barcelona, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
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228
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Kim WJ, Park KM, Park JT, Seo E, Bang M, An SK, Park HY, Lee E. Effect of Childhood Trauma on the Association Between Stress-Related Psychological Factors and Hair Cortisol Level in Young Adults. Psychiatry Investig 2021; 18:1131-1136. [PMID: 34710957 PMCID: PMC8600212 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2021.0256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Relationship between hair cortisol concentration (HCC) and stress-related psychological measures are inconclusive, possibly due to overlooked heterogeneity regarding childhood trauma and a lack of comprehensive research on stress-related psychological factors. This study aims to compare young adults without history of childhood trauma to young adults who experienced childhood trauma using HCC and various stress-related psychological factors, as well as investigate the impacts of childhood trauma on the association between HCC and stress-related psychological measures. METHODS A total of 206 young, healthy adults were recruited. We divided participants into two groups depending on whether or not they had suffered moderate-to-severe childhood trauma (CT+ and CT-) and compared HCC and various stress-related psychological measures between groups. Using multiple linear regression analyses, we assessed the associations between HCC and stress-related psychological measures for each group. RESULTS We found no difference between the groups in HCC or the reported number of stressful life events in the past year; however, CT+ individuals reported higher stress perception, more depressive and anxiety-related symptoms, and more difficulties in emotion regulation than CT- individuals. HCC was associated with emotion dysregulation among the CT- individuals, but not among the CT+ individuals. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that history of childhood trauma should be considered in studies using HCC as a biomarker for stress in young adults. Furthermore, HCC might be a useful biomarker of stress and stress-related emotion dysregulation in individuals without moderate-to-severe childhood trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won Jae Kim
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Mee Park
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Hospital Medicine, Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yongin, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Tak Park
- Department of Internal Medicine and Institute of Kidney Disease Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunchong Seo
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, Veteran Health Service Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minji Bang
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk Kyoon An
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Yoon Park
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Lee
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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229
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Big five traits and interpersonal goals during stressors as predictors of hair cortisol. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2021; 8:100084. [PMID: 35757659 PMCID: PMC9216620 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2021.100084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) provide a biomarker for stress adaptation, which has downstream health consequences. Personality traits (e.g., neuroticism) and social processes (e.g., chronic interpersonal goals) may confer risk or buffer against dysregulated cortisol secretion. However, few studies have examined personality or interpersonal factors predicting hair cortisol, which estimates longer-term secretion and therefore provides a potential biomarker for studying trait-like psychological processes. The present study investigated effects of personality traits and daily interpersonal goals during stressors on HCC. Method Participants (N = 90) reported Big Five traits at baseline, recorded interpersonal (self-image and compassionate) goals pursued during their worst psychosocial stressors for 4–5 weeks (1,949 entries), then provided a hair sample to estimate cortisol secretion over the past two months. Results As hypothesized, neuroticism predicted higher HCC, beyond other Big Five traits (b = 7.45, SE = 3.36, p = .029). Moreover, this effect was greater for those chronically striving to promote/protect one’s self-image during psychosocial stressors (b = 14.53, SE = 4.72, p = .003), and for those low in conscientiousness (b = 14.84, SE = 4.83, p = .003). Moderate extraversion was associated with higher HCC. Striving to support others (compassionate goals) exerted no direct or interactive effect on HCC, contrary to hypotheses. Conclusions Results support the relevance of neuroticism and maladaptive interpersonal strivings to longer-term neuroendocrine responses, suggesting hair cortisol as a potential method for studying links of trait-like psychological and HPA processes. Trait neuroticism uniquely predicted higher hair cortisol concentration. Interpersonal goals during chronic social stressors amplified effects of neuroticism. Trait conscientiousness blunted the effect of neuroticism on hair cortisol.
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230
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Izawa S, Sugaya N, Ogawa N, Shirotsuki K, Nomura S. A validation study on fingernail cortisol: correlations with one-month cortisol levels estimated by hair and saliva samples. Stress 2021; 24:734-741. [PMID: 33792492 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2021.1895113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have focused on the cortisol levels in fingernail samples as a possible index of cumulative hormone production; however, the biological validity of fingernail cortisol has not been fully established. We investigated the association between cortisol levels in fingernail samples and other biological specimens, including hair and saliva samples, in healthy young adults to determine whether fingernail cortisol was associated with past cumulative hormone production. Participants were 23 adults (14 men and 9 women; mean age = 22.7 ± 2.8 years). Saliva samples were collected three times per day for 30 days, and hair samples (1 cm) from participants' scalps were obtained. Fingernail samples were repeatedly collected for 8 months, considering growth rate of fingernail and time lag for fingernails to fully extend from the nail matrix. Cortisol levels in hair samples were significantly associated with the levels in fingernail samples that were obtained 3 months after hair collection (r = .48, p < .05). The 30-day integrated area under the curve, based on salivary cortisol levels at awakening and bedtime, were significantly associated with cortisol levels in fingernail samples that were collected 2-5 months after saliva collection. This finding was especially significant after adjusting for the awakening time when the saliva was collected. This study provided evidence that fingernail cortisol was associated with cumulative hormone levels measured several months before but not those in the present. The samples may be useful for endocrinological evaluation in the investigation of chronic stress, cortisol levels, and health; moreover, the use of fingernail samples would permit larger-scale studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhei Izawa
- Occupational Stress and Health Management Research Group, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Nagisa Sugaya
- Unit of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Namiko Ogawa
- Advanced Research Center for Human Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | | | - Shusaku Nomura
- Faculty of Engineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, Nagaoka, Japan
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231
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Sadoughi B, Lacroix L, Berbesque C, Meunier H, Lehmann J. Effects of social tolerance on stress: hair cortisol concentrations in the tolerant Tonkean macaques ( Macaca tonkeana) and the despotic long-tailed macaques ( Macaca fascicularis). Stress 2021; 24:1033-1041. [PMID: 34756152 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2021.1998443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Group living is a source of stress and an individuals' social environment has been shown to have a significant effect on its health and well-being. However, little is known about how different social organizations affect the stress levels of their members. Is living in a hierarchical society more or less stressful than living in a more tolerant structure? Here, we assess cortisol concentrations in the hair of two macaque species with radically different dominance styles: the egalitarian Tonkean macaque (Macaca Tonkeana) and the despotic long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis). Hair was sampled in winter and again in late spring in two mixed-sex groups of 22 Tonkean macaques and 9 long-tailed macaques; Hair cortisol concentrations were significantly higher in the egalitarian Tonkean macaques than in the despotic long-tailed macaques, ranging from 161.13 to 938.8 pg/mg (mean ± SD 349.67 ± 126.22) and from 134.46 to 339.86 pg/mg (mean ± SD 231.2 ± 44.24), respectively. There was no difference between male and female cortisol concentrations, but hair cortisol increased with age in males. Dominance rank certainty was lower among female Tonkean macaques compared to long-tailed macaques. Our results suggest that species differences in dominance styles may translate into differences in long-term cortisol concentrations. We suggest that the higher cortisol concentrations in Tonkean macaques could be linked to the instability and lack of predictability and control around social relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baptiste Sadoughi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Roehampton, London, UK
- Oniris - Nantes Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine, Food Science and Engineering, Nantes, France
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives, UMR 7364, Primate Centre of Strasbourg University, Strasbourg, France
- Centre de Primatologie de l'Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Department of Behavioral Ecology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute for Zoology & Anthropology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Leibniz ScienceCampus Primate Cognition, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Laurent Lacroix
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Roehampton, London, UK
| | | | - Hélène Meunier
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives, UMR 7364, Primate Centre of Strasbourg University, Strasbourg, France
- Centre de Primatologie de l'Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Julia Lehmann
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Roehampton, London, UK
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232
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Hagan M, Coccia M, Rivera L, Epel E, Aschbacher K, Laudenslager M, Lieberman A, Bush NR. Longitudinal hair cortisol in low-income young children: A useful biomarker of behavioral symptom change? Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 133:105389. [PMID: 34403872 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Early childhood is a developmental period characterized by significant plasticity, heterogeneity in behaviors and biological functioning. Yet, cumulative cortisol secretion, as measured by hair cortisol, has not been examined longitudinally in relation to change in behavioral problems in young children. The current study examined cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between hair cortisol and changes in behavior problems in a combined sample (N = 88) of two groups of young children from low-income families: 1) A trauma-exposed sample that participated in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) (n = 43; Mean Age = 4.31, SD = 1.16; 53% Female; 77% Hispanic), and 2) A community sample of children from families experiencing high stress (n = 45; Mean Age = 3.20, SD = 0.29; 67% Female; 58% Hispanic). Cortisol was assayed from hair collected from children at baseline and, on average, one year later. Mothers completed the Child Behavior Checklist at the same time hair samples were collected. Baseline hair cortisol in children was not associated with maternally-reported child behavioral problems at baseline and did not predict change in behavior problems over time. In contrast, increases in cortisol were associated with greater improvement in child behavior problems (b = -2.98, p < 0.05), controlling for group status and relevant covariates. Subgroup analyses showed that cortisol change across one year significantly differed between the two groups (p = 0.043): on average, community children exhibited a decrease, whereas CPP children demonstrated no change. Hair cortisol concentration was similarly related to improvements in mother-reported behavior problems across both CPP and community groups over time. In summary, there were no cross-sectional associations with hair cortisol, whereas increases were associated with improved child well-being. Findings demonstrate an important link between this increasingly common biomarker and child health, but suggest that changes over time may be more informative than cross-sectional associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Hagan
- San Francisco State University, Department of Psychology, 1600 Holloway Avenue, EP239, San Francisco, CA 94132, United States; University of California, San Francisco, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States.
| | - Michael Coccia
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
| | - Luisa Rivera
- Emory University, Department of Anthropology, United Stataes
| | - Elissa Epel
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
| | - Kirstin Aschbacher
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
| | - Mark Laudenslager
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, United States
| | - Alicia Lieberman
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
| | - Nicole R Bush
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States; University of California, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Medicine, San Francisco, United States
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233
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Gao W, Schmidt K, Enge S, Kirschbaum C. Intra-individual stability of hair endocannabinoid and N-acylethanolamine concentrations. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 133:105395. [PMID: 34482257 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Hair analysis of endocannabinoids and N-acylethanolamines presents a promising methodological advancement for the retrospective assessment of long-term cumulative endocannabinoids and N-acylethanolamines secretion over extended periods of time. A main assumption of this method application that hair endocannabinoid and N-acylethanolamine concentrations show intra-individual stability has not been confirmed yet. Thus, in the current study hair endocannabinoid and N-acylethanolamine levels were measured over a period of two and a half years with six months between each hair sample collection in 100 female participants. We found strong test-retest associations of hair endocannabinoid and N-acylethanolamine levels with intraclass correlation coefficients between 0.79 and 0.92. Furthermore, no correlations between perceived stress and hair endocannabinoids or N-acylethanolamines was observed. The current findings support the notion that endocannabinoids and N-acylethanolamines in hair are rather trait biomarkers that are stable over a considerable period of time rather than rapidly changing state markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Gao
- Faculty of Psychology, Chair of Biological Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Kornelius Schmidt
- Faculty of Psychology, Chair of Biological Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sören Enge
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Psychology, Medical School Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Clemens Kirschbaum
- Faculty of Psychology, Chair of Biological Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Schmid-Zalaudek K, Fredriksen PM, Fabiani E, Fredriksen MV, Brix B, Rössler A, Jantscher A, Goswami N. Children's hair cortisol and hair testosterone concentrations in response to environmental changes: from summer holidays to school. Stress 2021; 24:998-1007. [PMID: 34842033 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2021.1985107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated hair cortisol concentrations in children have been linked to several stress-related conditions, including school-related demands. However, little is known about changes in hair testosterone in children. The present study investigated changes in hair cortisol and hair testosterone concentrations in the time course of four months - from summer holidays until mid of autumn of the following school year - in 60, 10-12-year-old (11.31 ± 0.63) school children (29 girls). Children's mental health was assessed by the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) and related to hair cortisol and hair testosterone levels. Body mass index, waist-to-height ratio, and parental education were evaluated as potential confounders. In girls, the expected increase of hair cortisol concentrations was observed during school as compared to summer holidays, partly accounted for by peer- and emotional problems and the increase of HTC. In boys, hair cortisol and testosterone concentrations were significantly higher. Hair cortisol increased only slightly, while hair testosterone decreased significantly during school. The findings suggest a reciprocal influence of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, differentially affecting girls' and boys' hormone production in response to environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Schmid-Zalaudek
- Physiology Division, Otto Loewi Research Center for Vascular Biology, Immunology and Inflammation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Ester Fabiani
- Alma Mater Europaea, Maribor, Slovenia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Bianca Brix
- Physiology Division, Otto Loewi Research Center for Vascular Biology, Immunology and Inflammation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Rössler
- Physiology Division, Otto Loewi Research Center for Vascular Biology, Immunology and Inflammation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Jantscher
- Physiology Division, Otto Loewi Research Center for Vascular Biology, Immunology and Inflammation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Nandu Goswami
- Physiology Division, Otto Loewi Research Center for Vascular Biology, Immunology and Inflammation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Alma Mater Europaea, Maribor, Slovenia
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235
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Verhees M, van IJzendoorn MH, Alyousefi-van Dijk K, Lotz AM, de Waal N, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ. Child maltreatment affects fathers’ response to infant crying, not mediated by cortisol or testosterone. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2021; 8:100083. [PMID: 35757672 PMCID: PMC9216419 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2021.100083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Parents' ability to appropriately respond to infant crying is essential for parental care and has been found to relate to parents' own childhood experiences. Additionally, childhood experiences can affect endocrine factors, which may subsequently affect behavior. In the current study, preregistered on https://osf.io/hwgtu, we examined in expectant and new fathers (N = 152) associations between experiences of maltreatment in their own childhood, hair cortisol and testosterone concentrations and their ability to modulate handgrip force when exposed to infant crying. Cortisol and testosterone were quantified from the 1 cm of hair most proximal to the scalp using Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Participants were asked to squeeze a handgrip dynamometer at full and half strength while listening to infant cries and control sounds. Results indicated that fathers who experienced more childhood maltreatment used more excessive handgrip force during infant cry sounds. Hair cortisol and testosterone were not related to either experienced childhood maltreatment or handgrip strength modulation. These findings confirm that fathers’ early experiences of maltreatment reduce their ability to modulate their behavioral responses during infant cries, but suggest that hair cortisol and testosterone concentrations do not identify the underlying mechanism of this association. Childhood maltreatment relates to fathers' behavioural responses to infant crying. Childhood maltreatment is unrelated to fathers' hair cortisol and testosterone. Cortisol and testosterone are unrelated to behavioural responses to infant cries.
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236
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Rippon D, McDonnell A, Bristow M, Smith MA, McCreadie M, Wetherell MA. Elevated levels of hair cortisol concentrations in professional dementia caregivers. Stress 2021; 24:945-951. [PMID: 34392773 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2021.1968821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Providing care for people with dementia can be a highly stressful profession. Hair Cortisol Concentration (HCC) levels have been used as a biological marker for HPA axis activity to demonstrate that informal caregivers of people with dementia could be vulnerable to chronic stress. The current study aimed to progress the findings of research conducted with informal caregivers and is the first study to assess HCC as a biological indicator of stress in professional carers of people with dementia. HCC levels were compared between 32 professional dementia caregivers (30 females with a mean age of 45.83 and 2 males with a mean age of 24.50), 45 employees working in higher education settings (42 females with a mean age of 38.66 and 3 males with a mean age of 31.89) and 88 undergraduate students (67 females with a mean age of 24.04 and 21 males with a mean age of 23.91). Analysis of HCC was used to assess HPA axis activity over 1 month. A one-way ANCOVA, with age and gender being included as covariates, revealed that higher levels of HCC were observed in professional dementia carers than people who worked within higher education settings and undergraduate students. The results indicated that professional dementia caregivers may experience stress to the extent of activating biological stress responses at a greater frequency in comparison to people who work in higher education and undergraduate students. However, no significant differences were observed in the perceived stress levels reported across dementia caregivers, professionals working in higher education, and undergraduate students. These findings highlight the requirement to ascertain the extent to which work-related tasks or other factors, specific to the profession of caring for people with dementia, could elicit heightened HPA stress reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Rippon
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Department of Psychology, University of Northumbria at Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Matt Bristow
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Division of Psychology, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michael A Smith
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Department of Psychology, University of Northumbria at Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Mark A Wetherell
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Department of Psychology, University of Northumbria at Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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237
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Voegel CD, Kroll SL, Schmid MW, Kexel AK, Baumgartner MR, Kraemer T, Binz TM, Quednow BB. Alterations of Stress-Related Glucocorticoids and Endocannabinoids in Hair of Chronic Cocaine Users. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 25:226-237. [PMID: 34676867 PMCID: PMC8929753 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyab070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research in animals and humans has demonstrated a potential role of stress regulatory systems, such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the endocannabinoid (eCB) system, in the development of substance use disorders. We thus investigated alterations of HPA and eCB markers in individuals with chronic cocaine use disorder by using an advanced hair analysis technique. METHODS We compared hair concentrations of glucocorticoids (cortisone, cortisol) and the eCBs 2-arachidonylglycerol, anandamide (AEA), oleoylethanolamide (OEA), and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) between 48 recreational cocaine users (RCU), 25 dependent cocaine users (DCU), and 67 stimulant-naïve controls. Self-reported substance use and hair concentrations of substances were also assessed. RESULTS Significantly higher concentrations of hair cortisone were found in RCU and DCU compared with controls. Hair concentrations of OEA and PEA were significantly lower in DCU compared with RCU and controls. Additionally, within cocaine users, elevated cocaine hair concentration was a significant predictor for increased glucocorticoid and decreased OEA hair levels. Moreover, higher 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine hair concentration was correlated with elevated cortisone and AEA, OEA, and PEA levels in hair within cocaine users, whereas more self-reported cannabis use was associated with lower eCBs levels in hair across the total sample. CONCLUSION Our findings support the hypothesis that the HPA axis and eCB system might be important regulators for substance use disorders. The mechanistic understanding of changes in glucocorticoid and eCB levels in future research might be a promising pharmacological target to reduce stress-induced craving and relapse specifically in cocaine use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa D Voegel
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sara L Kroll
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | | | - Ann-Kathrin Kexel
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus R Baumgartner
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, 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
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland,Correspondence: B. B. Quednow, PhD, Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland ()
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238
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Kim WJ, Park KM, Park JT, Seo E, An SK, Park HY, Lee E. Sex-specific association of hair cortisol concentration with stress-related psychological factors in healthy young adults. Biol Sex Differ 2021; 12:56. [PMID: 34666803 PMCID: PMC8527770 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-021-00399-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) has received attention as a useful marker of stress, but evidence on associations between psychological factors and cortisol concentration is inconsistent. The purpose of this study was to investigate the sex differences in the relationship between cortisol concentration and psychological factors in healthy young adults. METHODS A total of 205 (103 females, 102 males) healthy young adults participated. HCC and various stress-related psychological measures were compared between sexes. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to assess associations between HCC and stress-related psychological measures for all participants and for each sex. RESULTS The difference in HCC according to sex was not significant. The reported number of stressful life events in the past year, stress perception, depressive and anxiety-related symptoms, and emotion dysregulation were not different between sexes, either. The association between HCC and emotion dysregulation was significant in females but not males. CONCLUSION We observed a sex-specific association between HCC and psychological factors. Our findings may imply that HCC could be a useful biomarker of stress and stress-related emotion dysregulation in healthy young women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won Jae Kim
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Mee Park
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.,Department of Hospital Medicine, Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 363 Dongbaekjukjeon-daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, 16995, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Tak Park
- Department of Internal Medicine and Institute of Kidney Disease Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunchong Seo
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, Veteran Health Service Medical Center, 53 Jinhwangdo-ro 61-gil, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, 05368, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk Kyoon An
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Yoon Park
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - Eun Lee
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
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239
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Sopp MR, Michael T, Lass-Hennemann J, Haim-Nachum S, Lommen MJJ. Longitudinal associations between hair cortisol, PTSD symptoms, and sleep disturbances in a sample of firefighters with duty-related trauma exposure. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 134:105449. [PMID: 34687966 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have found evidence of altered cortisol levels in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Based on these findings, it is assumed that these patients may show signs of cortisol dysregulation after trauma. Posttrauma cortisol levels are thus considered a potential biomarker of PTSD. However, longitudinal studies using indicators of long-term cortisol secretion such as hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) are scarce. The current study investigated prospective associations between HCC and PTSD symptoms in a sample of Dutch firefighters taking into account varying levels of work-related trauma severity. In addition, we assessed posttraumatic sleep disturbances as a secondary outcome measure to investigate whether effects generalize to this frequent comorbidity of PTSD. Three hundred seventy-one Dutch firefighters with a mean of 14.01 years of work experience were included in the analyses. Baseline assessment included the collection of hair samples and the measurement of work-related trauma severity, PTSD symptoms, and sleep disturbances. PTSD symptoms and sleep disturbance were re-assessed after six and twelve months. Multilevel analyses indicate a significant positive correlation between HCC and baseline PTSD symptoms in those with average or above-average work-related trauma severity. A similar pattern was evident for posttraumatic sleep disturbances at baseline. Moreover, higher HCC predicted more posttraumatic sleep disturbances after 6 months in participants with above-average work-related trauma severity. No other associations emerged for PTSD symptoms or posttraumatic sleep disturbances at six or twelve months. As such, our study supports the existence of a cross-sectional association between HCC and trauma symptoms, which may vary for different levels of subjective trauma severity. The longitudinal stability of this association should be reinvestigated by future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Sopp
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, Campus A1 3, Saarland University, D-66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - T Michael
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, Campus A1 3, Saarland University, D-66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
| | - J Lass-Hennemann
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, Campus A1 3, Saarland University, D-66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - S Haim-Nachum
- School of Education, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - M J J Lommen
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, 9712 TS Groningen, The Netherlands
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240
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A School-Based Progressive Muscle Relaxation Program for Female Adolescents: Development and the Effectiveness on Physiological and Psychological Evidence. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9101319. [PMID: 34682999 PMCID: PMC8544355 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9101319] [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: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: A variety of stressors may be potentially harmful to adolescents' health and well-being. Relaxation techniques have been recognized as a valid method for stress release, but the challenge is to apply them practically in schools to produce the desired effects. (2) Methods: This feasibility study used the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and hair cortisol concentration (HCC) to test the effects of an abbreviated progressive muscle relaxation (APMR) program on female adolescents. The participants were recruited from a high school and assigned by class cluster to either the experimental group (EG, n = 40) or the control group (CG, n = 35). Both received 4 weeks of stress-related lessons. The EG received 60 additional sessions of APMR over 12 weeks. (3) Results: The program dropout rate of the participants was 1.3%. The EG's program adhesion rate was 99.1%, and nearly half felt satisfied with the program. After adjusting for the BMI and the pretest in the ANCOVA, it was found that the CG had a greater change in HCC between the pre- and post-tests than the EG, while the PSS did not change significantly in either group. (4) Conclusion: APMR is a valid practice for physiological homeostasis of HCC for female adolescents, but it has no significant effect on perceived stress.
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241
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Verheyen VJ, Remy S, Govarts E, Colles A, Rodriguez Martin L, Koppen G, Voorspoels S, Bruckers L, Bijnens EM, Vos S, Morrens B, Coertjens D, De Decker A, Franken C, Den Hond E, Nelen V, Covaci A, Loots I, De Henauw S, Van Larebeke N, Teughels C, Nawrot TS, Schoeters G. Urinary Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Metabolites Are Associated with Biomarkers of Chronic Endocrine Stress, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Adolescents: FLEHS-4 (2016-2020). TOXICS 2021; 9:toxics9100245. [PMID: 34678941 PMCID: PMC8537433 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9100245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are environmental pollutants of public health concern. Multiple biological mechanisms have been hypothesized to contribute to PAHs-associated adverse health effects. Little is known about the impact of PAHs on endocrine stress and inflammation in adolescence. We examined 393 Flemish adolescents (14-15 years) cross-sectionally, measured urinary concentrations of hydroxylated naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene and pyrene metabolites, and calculated the sum of all measured metabolites. We determined hair cortisol concentration (HCC) as endocrine stress biomarker, leucocyte counts and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in peripheral blood as inflammatory biomarkers, and urinary 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) concentration as oxidative stress biomarker. Exposure-response associations were analyzed by multiple regression, adjusted for a priori selected covariates. A doubling of 1-hydroxypyrene concentration was associated with a factor of 1.13 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.24) increase in HCC and a factor of 1.07 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.13) increase in 8-oxodG. Doublings of 2- and 3-hydroxyphenanthrene concentrations were associated with a factor of 1.08 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.14) and 1.06 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.12) increase in 8-oxodG, respectively. Doubling of 2-hydroxyphenanthrene and of the sum of 2- and 3-hydroxyfluorene was associated with, respectively, a factor of 1.08 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.14) and 1.06 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.13) increase in NLR. Our results indicate the glucocorticoid pathway as a potential target for PAH exposure in adolescents and suggest oxidative stress, endocrine stress, and inflammation in adolescence as underlying mechanisms and early markers for PAH-related adverse health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veerle J. Verheyen
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (S.R.); (E.G.); (A.C.); (L.R.M.); (G.K.); (G.S.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
- Correspondence:
| | - Sylvie Remy
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (S.R.); (E.G.); (A.C.); (L.R.M.); (G.K.); (G.S.)
| | - Eva Govarts
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (S.R.); (E.G.); (A.C.); (L.R.M.); (G.K.); (G.S.)
| | - Ann Colles
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (S.R.); (E.G.); (A.C.); (L.R.M.); (G.K.); (G.S.)
| | - Laura Rodriguez Martin
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (S.R.); (E.G.); (A.C.); (L.R.M.); (G.K.); (G.S.)
| | - Gudrun Koppen
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (S.R.); (E.G.); (A.C.); (L.R.M.); (G.K.); (G.S.)
| | - Stefan Voorspoels
- VITO GOAL, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium;
| | - Liesbeth Bruckers
- I-BioStat, Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium;
| | - Esmée M. Bijnens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (E.M.B.); (S.V.); (T.S.N.)
| | - Stijn Vos
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (E.M.B.); (S.V.); (T.S.N.)
| | - Bert Morrens
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Sint-Jacobstraat 2, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (B.M.); (D.C.); (I.L.)
| | - Dries Coertjens
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Sint-Jacobstraat 2, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (B.M.); (D.C.); (I.L.)
| | - Annelies De Decker
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (A.D.D.); (C.F.); (E.D.H.); (V.N.)
| | - Carmen Franken
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (A.D.D.); (C.F.); (E.D.H.); (V.N.)
| | - Elly Den Hond
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (A.D.D.); (C.F.); (E.D.H.); (V.N.)
| | - Vera Nelen
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (A.D.D.); (C.F.); (E.D.H.); (V.N.)
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium;
| | - Ilse Loots
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Sint-Jacobstraat 2, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (B.M.); (D.C.); (I.L.)
| | - Stefaan De Henauw
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Nicolas Van Larebeke
- Analytical, Environmental and Geo-Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
- Department of Radiotherapy and Experimental Cancerology, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Caroline Teughels
- Flemish Planning Bureau for the Environment and Spatial Development, Koning Albert II laan 20, bus 8, 1000 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Tim S. Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (E.M.B.); (S.V.); (T.S.N.)
| | - Greet Schoeters
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (S.R.); (E.G.); (A.C.); (L.R.M.); (G.K.); (G.S.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
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Puhlmann LM, Vrtička P, Linz R, Stalder T, Kirschbaum C, Engert V, Singer T. Contemplative Mental Training Reduces Hair Glucocorticoid Levels in a Randomized Clinical Trial. Psychosom Med 2021; 83:894-905. [PMID: 34259441 PMCID: PMC8505163 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000000970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the effect of regular contemplative mental training on endocrine and psychological indices of long-term stress. METHODS An open-label efficacy trial that comprised three distinct 3-month long modules targeting attention and interoception, socioaffective, or sociocognitive abilities through dyadic exercises and secularized meditation practices was conducted with healthy adults. Participants underwent the training for 3 or 9 months, or were assigned to a retest control cohort. Chronic stress indices were assayed at four time points: pretraining and after 3, 6, and 9 months. The main outcome measures were cortisol (HC) and cortisone (HE) concentration in hair and self-reported long-term stress. RESULTS Of 362 initially randomized individuals, 30 dropped out before study initiation (n = 332; mean [SD] age = 40.7 [9.2] years; 197 women). Hair-based glucocorticoid assays were available from n = 227, and questionnaire data from n = 326. Results from three separate training cohorts (TC1-3) revealed consistent decreases in HC and HE levels over the first three (TC3) to 6 months (TC1 and TC2) of training, with no further reduction at the final 9-month mark (baseline to end of training differences, HC, TC1: t(355) = 2.59, p = .010, contrast estimate (est.) [SE] = 0.35 [0.14]; HC, TC2: t(363) = 4.06, p < .001, est. = 0.48 [0.12]; HC, TC3: t(368) = 3.18, p = .002, est. = 0.41 [0.13]; HE, TC1: t(435) = 3.23, p = .001, est. = 0.45 [0.14]; HE, TC2: t(442) = 2.60, p = .010, est. = 0.33 [0.13]; HE, TC3: t(446) = 4.18, p < .001, est. = 0.57 [0.14]). Training effects on HC increased with individual compliance (practice frequency), and effects on both HC and HE were independent of training content and unrelated to change in self-reported chronic stress. Self-reported stress, and cortisol-to-dehydroepiandrosterone ratios as an exploratory endpoint, were also reduced, albeit less consistently. CONCLUSIONS Our results point to the reduction of long-term cortisol exposure as a mechanism through which meditation-based mental training may exert positive effects on practitioners' health.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01833104.
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van der Valk ES, van der Voorn B, Iyer AM, Mohseni M, Leenen PJM, Dik WA, van den Berg SAA, de Rijke YB, van den Akker ELT, Penninx BWJH, van Rossum EFC. Hair cortisol, obesity and the immune system: Results from a 3 year longitudinal study. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 134:105422. [PMID: 34666286 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Higher long-term glucocorticoid levels, measured in scalp hair (HairGC), are associated with obesity. This may represent the state of obesity (perhaps interrelated with chronic immune activation), but could also promote further weight gain. We studied whether hair cortisol (HairF) and hair cortisone (HairE) predict changes in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) over time, and assessed the association between HairGC and common immune parameters. METHODS We measured HairGC in 1604 participants of the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA), and investigated their associations to BMI, WC, and immune parameters (interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and leukocyte subsets). Also, we assessed whether baseline HairGC predict changes in BMI and WC at follow-up (three years later). RESULTS In cross-sectional analyses, HairF and HairE were positively associated to BMI (β = 2.06 kg/m2, 95% confidence interval (CI)= 1.22-2.90 kg/m2) and β = 2.84 kg/m2 (95%CI 1.75-3.93 kg/m2) respectively) and WC (β = 5.36 cm (95%CI 3.09-7.62 cm) and β = 8.54 cm (95%CI 5.60-11.48 cm) respectively, all p < 0.001). HairF was also positively associated to IL-6 (β = 0.15 (95%CI 0.003-0.292) p < 0.05) and leukocyte count (β = 0.57 (95%CI 0.234-0.909), p < 0.01), and HairE to IL-6 (β = 0.21 (95%CI 0.016-0.399), p < 0.05). In the longitudinal analyses, higher HairF was associated with yearly increases in BMI (β = 0.58% BMI change per year (95%CI 0.14-1.01%), p = 0.009) and higher HairE with increases in WC (β = 0.84% WC change per year (95%CI 0.02-1.69%), p = 0.049). Adjusting for baseline IL-6 or leukocytes did not change the found associations between HairGC and WC or BMI change. CONCLUSIONS HairGC levels are positively associated to BMI, WC, IL-6 and leukocyte numbers in cross-sectional analyses, and to increases in BMI and WC in longitudinal analyses. Although causality is yet to be proven, higher long-term glucocorticoid levels could represent a relevant risk factor for the development of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline S van der Valk
- Obesity Centre CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bibian van der Voorn
- Obesity Centre CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anand M Iyer
- Obesity Centre CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mostafa Mohseni
- Obesity Centre CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter J M Leenen
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Willem A Dik
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Laboratory Medical Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd A A van den Berg
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yolanda B de Rijke
- Obesity Centre CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erica L T van den Akker
- Obesity Centre CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Brenda W J H Penninx
- Department of Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth F C van Rossum
- Obesity Centre CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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244
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Wright KD, Lin CJ, Cothran FA, Williams KP. Beyond Allostatic Load: Focused Biological Measures of Chronic Stress in African American Older Adults. Res Gerontol Nurs 2021; 14:222-224. [PMID: 34542346 DOI: 10.3928/19404921-20210825-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kathy D Wright
- Center for Healthy Aging, Self-Management, and Complex Care, College of Nursing, Discovery Themes-Chronic Brain Injury Program, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Chyongchiou J Lin
- Martha S. Pitzer Center for Women, Children and Youth, The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Fawn A Cothran
- Family Caregiving Institute at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Karen Patricia Williams
- Martha S. Pitzer Center for Women, Children and Youth, The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, Ohio
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245
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The Role of Very Low Calorie Ketogenic Diet in Sympathetic Activation through Cortisol Secretion in Male Obese Population. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10184230. [PMID: 34575351 PMCID: PMC8470486 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10184230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Adipose tissue is considered an endocrine organ, and its excess compromises the immune response and metabolism of hormones and nutrients. Furthermore, the accumulation of visceral fat helps to increase the synthesis of cortisol. The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a neuroendocrine system involved in maintaining homeostasis in humans under physiological conditions and stress, and cortisol is the main hormone of the HPA axis. It is known that a stress-induced diet and cortisol reactivity to acute stress factors may be related to dietary behavior. In obesity, to reduce visceral adipose tissue, caloric restriction is a valid strategy. In light of this fact, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of a commercial dietary ketosis program for weight loss on the sympathetic nervous system and HPA axis, through evaluation of salivary cortisol and GSR levels. Thirty obese subjects were recruited and assessed before and after 8 weeks of Very Low Calorie Ketogenic Diet (VLCKD) intervention to evaluate body composition and biochemical parameters. Salivary cortisol levels and GSR significantly decreased after dietary treatment; in addition, body composition and biochemical features were ameliorated. The VLCKD had a short-term positive effect on the SNS and HPA axes regulating salivary cortisol levels. Finally, the effects of the VLCKD on the SNS and HPA axis may lead to more individualized treatment strategies that integrate obesity and stress and support the usefulness of such therapeutic interventions in promoting the reduction of the individual disease burden.
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246
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Hastings PD, Partington LC, Dajani R, von Suchodoletz A. Adrenocortical and psychosocial responses of families in Jordan to the COVID-19 pandemic. Child Dev 2021; 92:e798-e816. [PMID: 34486110 PMCID: PMC8653243 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This study of 52 predominantly lower income Jordanian and Syrian families with young children (31 girls; Mage = 53.37 months, SD = 3.53) in Jordan began in 2019, before the pandemic. Families were followed to explore stress physiology, family functioning, and mental health over the first 9 months of the pandemic. Mothers reported less adaptive coping and more negative changes to family life in June 2020 when their children had poorer behavioral self‐regulation and more behavior problems, and when families had lower income, in 2019. More negative changes to family life predicted greater hair cortisol concentrations in children in June 2020, and more negative changes and less adaptive coping predicted worse child and mother psychosocial adjustment in December 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul D Hastings
- Department of Psychology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Lindsey C Partington
- Department of Human Ecology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Rana Dajani
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan.,Jepson School of Leadership, Richmond University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Antje von Suchodoletz
- Department of Psychology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,New York University Global TIES for Children Research Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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247
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Chiodini I, Gennari L. Grand Challenge in Adrenal Endocrinology: Is the Legacy of the Past a Challenge for the Future of Precision Medicine? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:747006. [PMID: 34539585 PMCID: PMC8446680 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.747006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Iacopo Chiodini
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Gennari
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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248
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Cosan AS, Schloß S, Vasen Z, Hausner M, Christiansen H, Becker K, Skoluda N, Nater UM, Pauli-Pott U. Mother's hair cortisol and symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in her preschool child. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 131:105279. [PMID: 34087522 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) require increased caregiver assistance and supervision, and their parents have shown high perceived parenting stress. Hence, physiological adjustment processes in the caregivers, involving the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, seem plausible. We analyzed the association between maternal hair cortisol concentration (HCC) and symptoms of ADHD in preschool-aged children. 150 mothers of 4-5-year-old children participated in the study. To determine the HCC, 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. When controlling for several putative confounders, teacher-reported ADHD symptoms were significantly positively associated with mothers' HCC. No associations of HCC with the mother-reported ADHD symptoms of the child emerged. It is possible that teacher-reported ADHD symptoms of the child reflect relevant ADHD symptoms more validly. As our study is the first on this issue, cross-validation is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Susann Cosan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University of Marburg, Hans Sachs Str. 6, D-35039 Marburg, Germany.
| | - Susan Schloß
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University of Marburg, Hans Sachs Str. 6, D-35039 Marburg, Germany
| | - Zoe Vasen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University of Marburg, Hans Sachs Str. 6, D-35039 Marburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Hausner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University of Marburg, Hans Sachs Str. 6, D-35039 Marburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Christiansen
- Department of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology & Psychotherapy, Philipps-University of Marburg, Gutenbergstr 18, D-35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Katja Becker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University of Marburg, Hans Sachs Str. 6, D-35039 Marburg, Germany; Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior (CMBB), University of Marburg and Justus Liebig University Giessen, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 6, D-35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Nadine Skoluda
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Vienna, Liebiggasse 5, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Urs M Nater
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Vienna, Liebiggasse 5, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ursula Pauli-Pott
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University of Marburg, Hans Sachs Str. 6, D-35039 Marburg, Germany
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249
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Sääksjärvi K, Lehto E, Lehto R, Suhonen E, Leppänen M, Michels N, Saha M, Ray C, Vepsäläinen H, Pajulahti R, Heiman-Lindh A, Sainio T, Erkkola M, Roos E, Sajaniemi N. Associations between hair and salivary cortisol, salivary alpha-amylase, and temperament dimensions among 3-6-year-olds. Horm Behav 2021; 135:105042. [PMID: 34418581 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.105042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Associations between hair cortisol concentration (HCC), diurnal salivary cortisol (sCort) and alpha-amylase (sAA), and temperament dimensions were examined among 3-6-year-old Finnish children (n = 833). Children's hair samples were collected at preschool, while parents collected five saliva samples from children during one weekend day and completed a questionnaire assessing child's temperament dimensions i.e. surgency, negative affectivity, and effortful control (HCC, n = 677; AUCg of sAA, n = 380; AUCg of sCort, n = 302; temperament dimensions, n = 751). In linear regression analysis, diurnal sCort associated positively with HCC, the association persisting after adjustments (β 0.31, 95% CI 0.20-0.42). In logistic regression analysis, increasing scores in effortful control associated with higher likelihood of having high HCC (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.07-2.03), the association slightly attenuating to non-significant after adjustments. Otherwise, no clear indication for associations between temperament and stress-related biomarkers were found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katri Sääksjärvi
- Faculty of Educational Sciences, Department of Teacher Education, P. O. Box 9, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Elviira Lehto
- Faculty of Educational Sciences, Department of Teacher Education, P. O. Box 9, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Reetta Lehto
- Faculty of Educational Sciences, Department of Teacher Education, P. O. Box 9, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; Folkhälsan Research Center, Topeliuksenkatu 20, 00250 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Eira Suhonen
- Faculty of Educational Sciences, Department of Teacher Education, P. O. Box 9, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Marja Leppänen
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Topeliuksenkatu 20, 00250 Helsinki, Finland; Faculty of Medicine, P. O. Box 63, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Nathalie Michels
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Mari Saha
- Faculty of Education and Culture, P. O. Box 700, Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland.
| | - Carola Ray
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Topeliuksenkatu 20, 00250 Helsinki, Finland; Department of Food and Nutrition, P. O. Box 66, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Henna Vepsäläinen
- Department of Food and Nutrition, P. O. Box 66, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Riikka Pajulahti
- Department of Food and Nutrition, P. O. Box 66, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Anu Heiman-Lindh
- Department of Food and Nutrition, P. O. Box 66, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Taina Sainio
- Faculty of Educational Sciences, Department of Teacher Education, P. O. Box 9, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Maijaliisa Erkkola
- Department of Food and Nutrition, P. O. Box 66, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Eva Roos
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Topeliuksenkatu 20, 00250 Helsinki, Finland; Department of Food and Nutrition, P. O. Box 66, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; Department of Public Health, P. O. Box 20, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Nina Sajaniemi
- Faculty of Educational Sciences, Department of Teacher Education, P. O. Box 9, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; Philosophical Faculty, School of Applied Educational Science and Teacher Education, University of Eastern Finland, P. O. Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland.
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250
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Hummel KV, Schellong J, Trautmann S, Kummer S, Hürrig S, Klose M, Croy I, Weidner K, Kirschbaum C, Steudte-Schmiedgen S. The predictive role of hair cortisol concentrations for treatment outcome in PTSD inpatients. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 131:105326. [PMID: 34182250 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Psychological treatments of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are associated with non-response rates of up to 50%. This fact highlights the need to identify characteristics of poorer treatment outcome. Among others, previous evidence focused on the role of dysfunctional cortisol secretion which has been related to the development, maintenance and treatment of PTSD. Particularly, promising evidence stems from research using hair cortisol analysis which allows for a reliable assessment of cortisol secretion over several months. Another variable that has been linked to both HCC and non-response to treatment is childhood maltreatment (CM). In order to examine the predictive value of pre-treatment hair cortisol concentrations (HCC), treatment-related changes in HCC as well as CM for changes in PTSD symptomatology, we set up a prospective study in which we followed 52 female PTSD patients over the course of a trauma-focused inpatient treatment. Specifically, 3-month integrated HCC were assessed at treatment entry, at discharge and on average five months later accompanied by assessments of PTSD, overall and depressive symptomatology. CM was measured at treatment entry. Self-report indices improved following inpatient treatment. No evidence for pre-treatment HCC to be associated with changes in PTSD symptoms was revealed. However, attenuated pre-treatment HCC predicted less improvement in overall symptomatology from treatment entry to discharge. This effect lost significance after adjusting for baseline dissociative symptoms. Neither changes in HCC nor CM were predictive of treatment response. Pre-treatment cross-sectional analyses revealed no association between HCC and CM. The current hair cortisol data provided little evidence for a predictive role of lower long-term integrated cortisol secretion for poorer inpatient treatment outcome. If corroborated by further research in larger PTSD samples with much more methodological rigor, these data might be a valuable basis for future tailored research projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin V Hummel
- Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
| | - Julia Schellong
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Sylvia Kummer
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
| | - Sabine Hürrig
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Klose
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
| | - Ilona Croy
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
| | - Kerstin Weidner
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Susann Steudte-Schmiedgen
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany.
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