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Dell’Oste V, Palego L, Betti L, Fantasia S, Gravina D, Bordacchini A, Pedrinelli V, Giannaccini G, Carmassi C. Plasma and Platelet Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Levels in Bipolar Disorder Patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or in a Major Depressive Episode Compared to Healthy Controls. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3529. [PMID: 38542503 PMCID: PMC10970837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25063529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly disabling mental disorder arising after traumatism exposure, often revealing critical and complex courses when comorbidity with bipolar disorder (BD) occurs. To search for PTSD or depression biomarkers that would help clinicians define BD presentations, this study aimed at preliminarily evaluating circulating brain-derived-neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in BD subjects with PTSD or experiencing a major depressive episode versus controls. Two bloodstream BDNF components were specifically investigated, the storage (intraplatelet) and the released (plasma) ones, both as adaptogenic/repair signals during neuroendocrine stress response dynamics. Bipolar patients with PTSD (n = 20) or in a major depressive episode (n = 20) were rigorously recruited together with unrelated healthy controls (n = 24) and subsequently examined by psychiatric questionnaires and blood samplings. Platelet-poor plasma (PPP) and intraplatelet (PLT) BDNF were measured by ELISA assays. The results showed markedly higher intraplatelet vs. plasma BDNF, confirming platelets' role in neurotrophin transport/storage. No between-group PPP-BDNF difference was reported, whereas PLT-BDNF was significantly reduced in depressed BD patients. PLT-BDNF negatively correlated with mood scores but not with PTSD items like PPP-BDNF, which instead displayed opposite correlation trends with depression and manic severity. Present findings highlight PLT-BDNF as more reliable at detecting depression than PTSD in BD, encouraging further study into BDNF variability contextually with immune-inflammatory parameters in wider cohorts of differentially symptomatic bipolar patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Dell’Oste
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (S.F.); (D.G.); (A.B.); (V.P.); (C.C.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- UFCSMA Zona Valdinievole, Azienda USL Toscana Centro, 51016 Montecatini Terme, Italy
| | - Lionella Palego
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (S.F.); (D.G.); (A.B.); (V.P.); (C.C.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Biochemistry, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Laura Betti
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Biochemistry, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Sara Fantasia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (S.F.); (D.G.); (A.B.); (V.P.); (C.C.)
| | - Davide Gravina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (S.F.); (D.G.); (A.B.); (V.P.); (C.C.)
| | - Andrea Bordacchini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (S.F.); (D.G.); (A.B.); (V.P.); (C.C.)
| | - Virginia Pedrinelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (S.F.); (D.G.); (A.B.); (V.P.); (C.C.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- UFSMA Zona Apuana, Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest, 54100 Massa, Italy
| | - Gino Giannaccini
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Biochemistry, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (S.F.); (D.G.); (A.B.); (V.P.); (C.C.)
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Ballestar-Tarín ML, Ibáñez-del Valle V, Mafla-España MA, Navarro-Martínez R, Cauli O. Salivary Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Cortisol Associated with Psychological Alterations in University Students. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:447. [PMID: 38396487 PMCID: PMC10887844 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14040447] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent evidence reported mental health issues in university students such as anxiety and depressive symptoms and poor sleep quality. Decreased plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels have been proposed as a biomarker of depressive symptoms, whereas cortisol levels are an index of energy mobilization and stress and have been linked to sleep quality. Given that salivary biomarkers represent an interesting new field of research, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate salivary BDNF and cortisol levels in university students to assess whether they have associations with psychological disturbances such as anxiety and depressive symptoms, sleep quality, and stress level. METHODS Salivary BDNF and cortisol levels were measured by specific immunoassays in 70 students whose mental health was also evaluated on the same day through the evaluation of anxiety and depression symptoms (Goldberg scale), sleep quality (Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index and Athens Insomnia Scale), and stress (self-perceived stress scale) and healthy lifestyle habits (alcohol consumption, smoking, regular exercise, and body mass index) were also measured. Multivariate regression analyses were performed in order to identify the strengths of associations between psychological alterations and the concentrations of BDNF, cortisol, and other variables. RESULTS Salivary BDNF levels were significantly higher in students with more depressive symptoms, whereas no significant differences were found for cortisol levels. When performing the binary logistic regression model, BDNF levels are included as a predictor variable for a high-depressive-symptoms burden (p < 0.05). Students with worse sleep quality on the Pittsburg Scale had higher cortisol levels (p < 0.05). The subdomains of sleep latency and sleep medication were those significantly associated with salivary cortisol levels in logistic regression analyses (OR = 15.150, p = 0.028). Sleep medication only appeared to be related to cortisol levels (OR = 185.142, p = 0.019). Perceived stress levels and anxiety symptoms were not associated with BDNF or cortisol levels. CONCLUSIONS BDNF could play a key role in the pathophysiology of mood-related disorders, and elevation of its peripheral levels could contribute to protecting neurons from the development of mental illness. Higher salivary cortisol levels measured in the morning are accompanied by poorer sleep quality. More research is needed, focusing on salivary biomarkers of disorders related to depressive symptoms and poor sleep quality as a potential tool for the diagnosis and prevention of mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Luisa Ballestar-Tarín
- Department of Nursing, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.L.B.-T.); (M.A.M.-E.); (R.N.-M.)
- Nursing Care and Education Research Group in (GRIECE) GIUV 2019-456, Department of Nursing, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Vanessa Ibáñez-del Valle
- Department of Nursing, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.L.B.-T.); (M.A.M.-E.); (R.N.-M.)
- Frailty Research Organized Group (FROG), University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Rut Navarro-Martínez
- Department of Nursing, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.L.B.-T.); (M.A.M.-E.); (R.N.-M.)
- Frailty Research Organized Group (FROG), University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Hematology, University General Hospital, 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Omar Cauli
- Department of Nursing, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.L.B.-T.); (M.A.M.-E.); (R.N.-M.)
- Frailty Research Organized Group (FROG), University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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Ko CH, Wong TH, Suen JL, Lin PC, Long CY, Yen JY. Estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 169:307-317. [PMID: 38070471 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.11.019] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
The interplay between ovarian hormones, stress, and inflammatory markers in developing premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) remains inadequately understood. This study investigated the associations of dynamic changes in the levels of estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with PMDD during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. A total of 58 women with PMDD and 50 healthy women were recruited in this study. These women's estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, BDNF, and VEGF levels were evaluated during the preovulation (PO), mid-luteal (ML), and late-luteal (LL) phases. Furthermore, the severity of P MDD symptoms, depressive symptoms, perceived stress, inattention, craving for sweet foods, and fatigue was assessed. The findings revealed that women with PMDD with higher levels of progesterone during the ML or LL phase or a greater increase (ML-PO) or higher sum (ML + LL) of luteal progesterone level exhibited a greater increase in PMDD symptoms during the luteal phase than did the healthy controls. Furthermore, women with PMDD exhibited higher cortisol levels during the LL phase than did the controls. The BDNF level was negatively correlated with PMDD severity. Furthermore, BDNF and VEGF levels were negatively correlated with inattention and craving for sweet foods among women with PMDD. These results suggest an association between progesterone and the exacerbation of PMDD symptoms during the LL phase. Women with PMDD have relatively high cortisol levels during the LL phase. Future investigations with experimental designs or larger sample sizes are warranted to verify the roles of progesterone and cortisol in the development of PMDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Hung Ko
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Hsuan Wong
- Research Center for Precision Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jau-Ling Suen
- Research Center for Precision Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Pai-Cheng Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yu Long
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ju-Yu Yen
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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Ikenouchi A, Okamoto N, Hamada S, Chibaatar E, Fujii R, Konishi Y, Igata R, Tesen H, Yoshimura R. Association between salivary mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor and psychological distress in healthcare workers. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e3278. [PMID: 37822121 PMCID: PMC10726813 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3278] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous studies have suggested association between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the stress level of workers. However, no studies have investigated the potential of salivary mature BDNF (mBDNF) level as a noninvasive biomarker for psychological distress. This study aimed to explore the reliability of salivary mBDNF as a biomarker for psychological distress in healthcare workers. Furthermore, we examined the relationship between salivary and plasma mBDNF levels and their correlation with age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and exercise habits. METHODS Fifty-one healthy healthcare workers (26 men) from the University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, participated in this study. In this cross-sectional study, participants provided demographic information. Psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler 6 (K6). Saliva and blood samples were collected, and mBDNF was measured by ELISA. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was performed to analyze the relationship between mBDNF (saliva and plasma) and K6. Statistical analyses were conducted using Stata 17.0, and a significance level of p < .05 was applied. RESULTS The median K6 score was 1 (interquartile range [IQR]: 0-3). The median (IQR) salivary mBDNF was 1.36 (1.12-1.96) pg/mL, whereas the mean (standard deviation) plasma mBDNF was 1261.11 (242.98) pg/mL. No correlation was observed between salivary and plasma mBDNF concentrations or with the K6 score. Additionally, there were no associations between salivary or plasma mBDNF concentrations and age, sex, or exercise habits. Finally, an association between plasma mBDNF concentration and BMI was found only in univariate analysis. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that salivary mBDNF can be accurately measured noninvasively in healthcare workers. Within our study sample, salivary mBDNF did not demonstrate any correlation with K6 and plasma mBDNF. Future studies with a larger study sample and a diverse study population consisting of healthy participants and patients with psychiatric disorders are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuko Ikenouchi
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Occupational and Environmental Health, JapanKitakyushuJapan
- Medical Center for DementiaHospital of University of Occupational and Environmental Health, JapanKitakyushuJapan
| | - Naomichi Okamoto
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Occupational and Environmental Health, JapanKitakyushuJapan
| | - Shinsuke Hamada
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Occupational and Environmental Health, JapanKitakyushuJapan
- Medical Center for DementiaHospital of University of Occupational and Environmental Health, JapanKitakyushuJapan
| | - Enkhmurun Chibaatar
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Occupational and Environmental Health, JapanKitakyushuJapan
| | - Rintaro Fujii
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Occupational and Environmental Health, JapanKitakyushuJapan
| | - Yuki Konishi
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Occupational and Environmental Health, JapanKitakyushuJapan
| | - Ryohei Igata
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Occupational and Environmental Health, JapanKitakyushuJapan
| | - Hirofumi Tesen
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Occupational and Environmental Health, JapanKitakyushuJapan
| | - Reiji Yoshimura
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Occupational and Environmental Health, JapanKitakyushuJapan
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Falaschi V, Palego L, Marazziti D, Betti L, Musetti L, Maglio A, Dell'Oste V, Sagona S, Felicioli A, Carpita B, Brogi A, Mucci F, Massimetti E, Dell'Osso L, Giannaccini G. Variation of Circulating Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in Depression: Relationships with Inflammatory Indices, Metabolic Status and Patients' Clinical Features. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1555. [PMID: 37511930 PMCID: PMC10381762 DOI: 10.3390/life13071555] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This study seeks to offer a contribution to the method of subtyping major depressed patients by exploring the possible relationships between circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), different peripheral inflammatory/metabolic markers in the blood and clinical characteristics. Thirty-nine patients, thoroughly diagnosed according to the DSM-5 criteria, underwent a comprehensive set of evaluations encompassing structured interviews, rating scales and a panel of blood tests. Correlation and comparison analyses were carried out by means of non-parametric statistical tests. Concurrently, a principal component analysis was performed to explain biochemical variance. The findings of our research unveiled that leukocyte counts, their ratios and other inflammatory parameters are positively correlated with depression scores. Moreover, we found variations within the BDNF pools of depressed patients. Specifically, higher levels of platelet-poor plasma BDNF (PPP-BDNF) were correlated with augmented inflammatory markers in patients showing specific episode characteristics, whereas reduced platelet BDNF (PLT-BDNF) provided a better indication of the changes that were linked to a diagnosis of long-term depression. Our findings suggest that PPP-BDNF and PLT-BDNF might differentiate depression conditions. They also imply usefulness in appraising peripheral biomarker profiles in patients for a deeper characterization of major depressive episodes. At the same time, it is plausible that they might constitute novel avenues for developing more tailored therapeutic strategies for patients with MDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Falaschi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lionella Palego
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Donatella Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Section of Clinical Psychology, Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences-UniCamillus, Via sant'Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Betti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Musetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Maglio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Valerio Dell'Oste
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Simona Sagona
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Science, Section of Biochemistry, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Felicioli
- Department of Veterinary Science, Section of Biochemistry, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Barbara Carpita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alberto Brogi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Federico Mucci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
- North-Western Tuscany Region NHS Local Health Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Head Office, Via Cocchi 7/9, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Enrico Massimetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- North-Western Tuscany Region NHS Local Health Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Head Office, Via Cocchi 7/9, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Liliana Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gino Giannaccini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Aliyari H, Golabi S, Sahraei H, Sahraei M, Minaei-Bidgoli B, Daliri MR, Hazrati R, Tadayyoni H, Kazemi M. Perceived Stress and Cfognition Function Quantification in a Scary Video Game: An Electroencephalogram Features and Biochemical Measures. Basic Clin Neurosci 2023; 14:297-309. [PMID: 38107533 PMCID: PMC10719968 DOI: 10.32598/bcn.2022.3811.1] [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: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Video games affect the stress system and cognitive abilities in different ways. Here, we evaluated electrophysiological and biochemical indicators of stress and assessed their effects on cognition and behavioral indexes after playing a scary video game. Methods Thirty volunteers were recruited into two groups as control and experimental. The saliva and blood samples were collected before and after intervention (watching/playing the scary game for control and experimental groups respectively). To measure cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) levels, oxytocin (OT), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plasma levels, dedicated ELISA kits were used. Electroencephalography recording was done before and after interventions for electroencephalogram (EEG)-based emotion and stress recognition. Then, the feature extraction (for mental stress, arousal, and valence) was done. Matrix laboratory (MATLAB) software, version 7.0.1 was used for processing EEG-acquired data. The repeated measures were applied to determine the intragroup significance level of difference. Results Scary gameplay increases mental stress (P<0.001) and arousal (P<0.001) features and decreases the valence (P<0.001) one. The salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase levels were significantly higher after the gameplay (P<0.001 for both). OT and BDNF plasma levels decreased after playing the scary game (P<0.05 for both). Conclusion We conclude that perceived stress considerably elevates among players of scary video games, which adversely affects the emotional and cognitive capabilities, possibly via the strength of synaptic connections, and dendritic thorn construction of the brain neurons among players. Highlights The mental stress level increases in players of scary video games.The salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase levels are significantly higher after the scary gameplay.Plasma levels of oxytocin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor decrease after the scary gameplay.The arousal and valence features increase in players of scary video game.Cognitive capabilities are adversely affected by the scary gameplay. Plain Language Summary Nowadays, video games have become an important part of human life at different ages. Therefore, assessing their effects (improving and/or damaging) on cognition and behavior is important for understanding how they affect the nervous system. The results of such studies can be used to design a variety of games in the future in a way that minimizes the harmful side effects of video games on human cognitive functions and maximizes their beneficial effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Aliyari
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre at Dallas, Dallas, United States
| | - Sahar Golabi
- Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran
| | - Hedayat Sahraei
- Neuroscience Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sahraei
- Department of Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran Iran
| | - Behrouz Minaei-Bidgoli
- Department of Computer Engineering, School of Computer Engineering, University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Daliri
- Department of Electrical Engineering, School of Electrical Engineering, University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Hazrati
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Laval University, Quebec, Canada
| | - Hamed Tadayyoni
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Masoomeh Kazemi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Buselli R, Veltri A, Corsi M, Marino R, Necciari G, Baldanzi S, Chiumiento M, Del Lupo E, Foddis R, Caldi F, Kozakova M, Guglielmi G, Palombo C. Heart rate variability, serum cortisol levels and temperament in a sample of workers exposed to occupational stress: a preliminary report. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2023; 28:764-771. [PMID: 34957887 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2021.2019812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Work-related stress is an emerging risk for psychiatric occupational disorders including Adjustment Disorders (AD). The aim of this study was to investigate in workers exposed to occupational stress suffering from AD about putative indices of stress and mental health resilience such as serum cortisol (seC) levels, Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and affective temperaments. We consecutively recruited 15 male and 15 female AD patients between workers evaluated for occupational stress at an Italian Occupational Medicine Unit. SeC levels were measured by specific immunoassay. HRV indices were recorded using Task Force® Monitor system (CNSystems, Graz, Austria). Specific questionnaires were used to measure perceived and occupational stress, psychopathological symptoms and temperament. Women presented higher levels of occupational stress, higher High-Frequency HRV (HF-HRV) and lower Low-Frequency HRV (LF-HRV) than men. SeC levels were positively correlated with LF-HRV values and negatively with HF-HRV values. The LF/HF ratio resulted to be inversely correlated with the score of Harm Avoidance temperament dimension and directly with the score of Reward Dependence temperament dimension. In conclusion, in AD patients exposed to occupational stress high seC levels and reward dependence appear to be associated with a pattern of HRV reflecting less mental health resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Buselli
- Occupational Health Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonello Veltri
- Occupational Health Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Martina Corsi
- Occupational Health Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Riccardo Marino
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Necciari
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sigrid Baldanzi
- Occupational Health Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Martina Chiumiento
- Occupational Health Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Del Lupo
- Occupational Health Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rudy Foddis
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Caldi
- Occupational Health Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Guglielmi
- Occupational Health Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Carlo Palombo
- Department of Surgical, Medical Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa Italy
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Goulet N, McCormick JJ, King KE, Notley SR, Goldfield GS, Fujii N, Amano T, Kenny GP. Elevations in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor following occupational heat stress are not influenced by age or common chronic disease. Temperature (Austin) 2023; 10:454-464. [PMID: 38130657 PMCID: PMC10732602 DOI: 10.1080/23328940.2023.2176107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
With global warming, workers are increasingly exposed to strenuous occupations in hot environments. Given age- and disease-associated declines in thermoregulatory function, older workers are at an elevated risk of developing heat-related injuries. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is thought to confer neuroprotection during acute exercise, however, the influence of environmental heat on BDNF responses during prolonged work remains unclear. Therefore, we evaluated serum BDNF concentrations before and after 180 min of moderate-intensity treadmill walking (200 W/m2) and after 60 min of post-exercise recovery in temperate (wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) 16°C) and hot (WBGT 32°C) environments in 13 healthy young men (mean [SD; 22 [3] years), 12 healthy older men (59 [4] years), 10 men with hypertension (HTN) (60 [4] years), and 9 men with type 2 diabetes (T2D) (60 [5] years). In the temperate condition, all but one participant (1 HTN) completed the 180 min of exercise. While exercise tolerance in the heat was lower in older men with HTN (117 min [45]) and T2D (123 min [42]) compared to healthy older men (159 min [31]) (both p ≤ 0.049), similar end-exercise rectal temperatures (38.9°C [0.4]) were observed across groups, paralleled by similar elevations in serum BDNF across groups at end-exercise (+1106 pg/mL [203]) and end-recovery (+938 pg/mL [146]; all p ≤ 0.01) in the heat. No changes in serum BDNF were observed in the temperate condition. Our findings indicate similar BDNF responses in individuals with HTN or T2D compared to their healthy counterparts, despite exhibiting reduced tolerance to heat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Goulet
- Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Canada
- Behavioural and Metabolic Research Unit, School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Canada
| | - James J. McCormick
- Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Canada
| | - Kelli E. King
- Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Canada
| | - Sean R. Notley
- Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Canada
| | - Gary S. Goldfield
- Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ontario, Canada, Canada
| | - Naoto Fujii
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Amano
- Laboratory for Exercise and Environmental Physiology, Faculty of Education, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Glen P. Kenny
- Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ontario, Canada, Canada
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9
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Cesari V, Vallefuoco A, Agrimi J, Gemignani A, Paolocci N, Menicucci D. Intimate partner violence: psycho-physio-pathological sequelae for defining a holistic enriched treatment. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:943081. [PMID: 36248029 PMCID: PMC9561850 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.943081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a health priority, which worldwide, mainly affects women. The consequences of IPV include several psychophysiological effects. These range from altered levels of hormones and neurotrophins to difficulties in emotion regulation and cognitive impairment. Mounting evidence from preclinical studies has shown that environmental enrichment, a form of sensory-motor, cognitive, and social stimulation, can induce a wide range of neuroplastic processes in the brain which consistently improve recovery from a wide variety of somatic and psychiatric diseases. To support IPV survivors, it is essential to ensure a safe housing environment, which can serve as a foundation for environmental enrichment-based interventions. However, some concerns have been raised when supportive housing interventions focus on the economic aspects of survivors’ lives instead of the emotional ones. We thus propose a holistic intervention in which supportive housing is integrated with evidenced-based psychotherapies which could constitute an enriched therapeutic approach for IPV survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Cesari
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Vallefuoco
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Jacopo Agrimi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Angelo Gemignani
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Clinical Psychology branch, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nazareno Paolocci
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Danilo Menicucci
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Comitato Unico di Garanzia, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- *Correspondence: Danilo Menicucci
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10
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Li Y, Xue T, Jin J, Wu HE, Dong Y, Zhen S, He SC, Zhang XY. Interaction between the BDNF gene rs16917237 polymorphism and job stress on job burnout of Chinese university teachers. J Affect Disord 2022; 309:282-288. [PMID: 35489561 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.04.135] [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: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Job burnout is related to both environmental and genetic factors. However, previous studies on job burnout in teachers have mainly focused on potential stressors in the environment, while ignoring genetic factors. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) may be a pathogenic factor involved in burnout symptoms. Therefore, this study further investigated the relationship between the BNDF gene polymorphism, job stress and job burnout in Chinese university teachers. METHODS Using a cross-sectional design, 361 faculty and staff members from a university in Beijing were enrolled. Job stress was measured with the Work Stress Scale. Job burnout was measured by the Chinese version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory which has three dimensions, namely emotional exhaustion (EE), cynicism (CY), and reduced personal accomplishment (PA). The BDNF gene rs16917237 polymorphism was genotyped in all participants. RESULTS CY score was associated with education level (p < 0.01), and PA score was associated with age (p < 0.05). Job stress was positively correlated with EE (r = 0.776), CY (r = 0.457), and PA (r = 0.163) (all p < 0.01). After controlling for gender, age and education level, the BDNF gene rs16917237 polymorphism did not affect job burnout, but it interacted with job stress to influence EE and CY (both p < 0.05), indicating that individuals with TT genotype were more susceptible to higher levels of job stress, resulting in job burnout symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the BDNF gene rs16917237 TT genotype may be a risk factor for job burnout in Chinese university teachers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuling Li
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences and Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Tao Xue
- Departments of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Qingdao Central Hospital, Affiliated Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266042, Shandong, China
| | - Jeff Jin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hanjing Emily Wu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yan Dong
- Department of Psychology, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Shiqian Zhen
- Institute of Circulation and Consumption, Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, Beijing 100710, China.
| | - Shu-Chang He
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences and Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Xiang Yang Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Healthy, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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11
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The impact of perceived stress on the hair follicle: Towards solving a psychoneuroendocrine and neuroimmunological puzzle. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 66:101008. [PMID: 35660551 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
While popular belief harbors little doubt that perceived stress can cause hair loss and premature graying, the scientific evidence for this is arguably much thinner. Here, we investigate whether these phenomena are real, and show that the cyclic growth and pigmentation of the hair follicle (HF) provides a tractable model system for dissecting how perceived stress modulates aspects of human physiology. Local production of stress-associated neurohormones and neurotrophins coalesces with neurotransmitters and neuropeptides released from HF-associated sensory and autonomic nerve endings, forming a complex local stress-response system that regulates perifollicular neurogenic inflammation, interacts with the HF microbiome and controls mitochondrial function. This local system integrates into the central stress response systems, allowing the study of systemic stress responses affecting organ function by quantifying stress mediator content of hair. Focusing on selected mediators in this "brain-HF axis" under stress conditions, we distill general principles of HF dysfunction induced by perceived stress.
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12
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Sex-specific association of high maternal psychological stress during pregnancy on newborn birthweight. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262641. [PMID: 35051242 PMCID: PMC8775189 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Birthweight is an important predictor of newborn health and has been linked to maternal psychological stress during pregnancy. However, it is unclear whether prenatal stress affects birthweight similarly for both male and female infants. We used a well-established pregnancy cohort to investigate the impact of high maternal psychological stress during pregnancy on birthweight as a function of infant sex. Overall, 5702 mother-newborn pairs were analysed. Of these, 198 mothers reported high levels of stress using the Psychological Stress Measure (nine-items version; PSM-9). Maternal psychological stress was assessed between the 24th and 28th week of gestation and analyses were performed jointly and independently as a function of neonatal sex (separate analyses for male and female infants). Newborns exposed to high maternal psychological stress during pregnancy (a score above 26 measured using the PSM-9 questionnaire, corresponding to >97.5th percentile) were compared to newborns of mothers who reported lower stress. ANCOVAs revealed that high levels of maternal stress during pregnancy were linked to infant birthweight as a function of infant sex. Male infants of mothers who reported high levels of stress had a greater birthweight whereas female infants had a lower birthweight under the same conditions, in comparison to mothers who did not report greater levels of stress. Although the effect size is small, these results underline the possibility that male and female fetuses may use different strategies when adapting to maternal adversity and highlight the need to consider infant sex as a moderator of the association between maternal psychological stress during pregnancy and infant birthweight.
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13
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Buselli R, Corsi M, Veltri A, Baldanzi S, Chiumiento M, Del Lupo E, Marino R, Necciari G, Caldi F, Perretta S, Foddis R, Guglielmi G, Cristaudo A. Quarantine and Mental Health Challenges for Occupational Medicine: The Case Report of a Nurse Infected With SARS-CoV-2. Workplace Health Saf 2022; 70:43-49. [PMID: 35037513 DOI: 10.1177/21650799211045715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This case study draws attention to the psychosocial difficulties that emerged in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in relation to the remote management of subjects with psychiatric vulnerabilities following exposure to prolonged quarantine. The case involves a 56-year-old hospital nurse, followed by the Occupational Health Department of a major university hospital in central Italy for mood instability in the context of a cyclothymic temperament. She was quarantined for occupationally acquired COVID-19 and remained positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) via swab test for more than 2 months between March and May 2020. In this case study, we discuss the challenges presented by the risk of a prolonged quarantine in a psychologically vulnerable employee, the need for occupational medicine to provide adequate health surveillance of all health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the effectiveness of telepsychiatry, and the difficulties in formulating a proper treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Buselli
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana
| | - M Corsi
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana
| | - A Veltri
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana
| | - S Baldanzi
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana
| | | | - E Del Lupo
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana
| | - R Marino
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana
| | - G Necciari
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana
| | - F Caldi
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana
| | - S Perretta
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana
| | - R Foddis
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana
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14
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Work-related stress presents a significant impact on work performance and physical health. It has been associated with the onset of a multitude of symptoms. The main aim of this investigation is to better understand the impact of post-traumatic stress symptomatology, using a specific self-assessment questionnaire, in subjects experiencing occupational stress with the rationale to address the variegated symptoms expressed by this particular population in a post-traumatic dimensional perspective. METHODS Authors collected socio-demographic, occupational, and clinical data. They utilized Trauma and Loss Spectrum Self Report (TALS-SR), a questionnaire investigating post-traumatic stress symptoms. The population size was 345 subjects who presented at the Occupational Health Department of a university hospital over a 3 years period (2016-2018). RESULTS Data analysis revealed 33.9% of subjects who met post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) criteria. Gender distribution of this set was (36.4% female, 31% male). A family history or personal history of mental disorders were related to higher scores in almost all TALS-SR domains and were related, respectively, to higher scores of criterion B "intrusion symptoms" (P = .014), criterion D "negative alterations in cognitions and mood" (P = .023), and criterion E "arousal" (P = .033) of PTSD. Differences in TALS-SR scores also emerged based on age and gender. CONCLUSIONS PTSD symptoms manifest at a significant level in those who experience work-related stress. Personal background of individuals, both in terms of family and personal history for mental disorders, seems to increase their vulnerability to develop post-traumatic stress symptoms. This study suggests the importance of evaluating occupational stress from a post-traumatic stress perspective also at an early stage.
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15
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Buselli R, Veltri A, Corsi M, Marino R, Necciari G, Baldanzi S, Chiumiento M, Del Lupo E, Foddis R, Caldi F, Lambiase C, Pancetti A, Marchi S, Guglielmi G, Bellini M. Irritable Bowel Syndrome prevalence and work ability in a sample of healthcare workers exposed to occupational stress. J Psychosom Res 2021; 148:110566. [PMID: 34246982 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2021.110566] [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] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Occupational stress represents a significant precipitating factor in different diseases but its role in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) needs to be clarified. The present cross-sectional study aimed at investigating the prevalence of IBS diagnosis in a sample of health workers and exploring the potential relationships between IBS, work-related stress levels and work ability. METHODS 653 health workers undergoing periodical occupational health surveillance at the Occupational and Preventive Medicine Unit of a major University Hospital in central Italy, were consecutively recruited and screened for IBS diagnosis, according to ROMA IV criteria. The rating scales IBS Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS), Demand-Control-Support Questionnaire (DCSQ) and Work Ability Index (WAI) were used to assess respectively IBS severity, occupational stress and work ability levels. RESULTS IBS prevalence in the sample was 16.8%. Participants suffering from IBS were characterized by a higher prevalence of psychiatric diagnosis and sleep disturbances, higher levels of job strain and isostrain as well as by lower levels of work ability compared to non affected subjects. Moreover, the severity of IBS correlated positively with occupational stress and both were negatively associated with work ability. CONCLUSIONS The present results suggest the need for preventive, organizational and management strategies at workplace aimed at protecting the health and well-being but also productivity of the worker with IBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Buselli
- Occupational and Preventive Medicine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonello Veltri
- Occupational and Preventive Medicine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Martina Corsi
- Occupational and Preventive Medicine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Riccardo Marino
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Necciari
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sigrid Baldanzi
- Occupational and Preventive Medicine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Martina Chiumiento
- Occupational and Preventive Medicine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Del Lupo
- Occupational and Preventive Medicine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rudy Foddis
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Caldi
- Occupational and Preventive Medicine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Christian Lambiase
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Translational Sciences and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Pancetti
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Translational Sciences and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Santino Marchi
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Translational Sciences and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Guglielmi
- Occupational and Preventive Medicine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Bellini
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Translational Sciences and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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16
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Buselli R, Corsi M, Veltri A, Baldanzi S, Chiumiento M, Lupo ED, Marino R, Necciari G, Caldi F, Foddis R, Guglielmi G, Cristaudo A. Mental health of Health Care Workers (HCWs): a review of organizational interventions put in place by local institutions to cope with new psychosocial challenges resulting from COVID-19. Psychiatry Res 2021; 299:113847. [PMID: 33721785 PMCID: PMC7920813 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.113847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak has been associated with significant occupational stressors and challenges for healthcare workers (HCWs) including the risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Many reports from all over the world have already found that HCWs have significant levels of self-reported anxiety, depression and even symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Therefore, supporting mental health of HCWs is a crucial part of the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the present review is to ascertain the interventions put in place worldwide in reducing stress in HCWs during the COVID-19 outbreak. We evidenced how only few countries have published specific psychological support intervention protocols for HCWs. All programs were developed in university associated hospitals and highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration. All of them had as their purpose to manage the psychosocial challenges to HCW's during the pandemic in order to prevent mental health problems.Whether one program offers distinct benefit compared to the others cannot be known given the heterogeneity of the protocols and the lack of a rigorous protocol and clinical outcomes. Further research is crucial to find out the best ways to support the resilience and mental well-being of HCWs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martina Corsi
- Occupational Health Department, U.O. Medicina Preventiva del Lavoro, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56124 Pisa (PI), Italy.
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17
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Al-Abbasi FA. Diazepam ameliorates altered proinflammatory and cardiac markers in stress exposed rats. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:566-571. [PMID: 33424340 PMCID: PMC7783838 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.10.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Regular exposure to stress causes alteration in biochemical parameter but till date no specific medicine prescribed for controlling it. Current study aimed to determine the effect of Diazepam on proinflammatory and cardiac markers in stress exposed rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups with six animals in each group for 90 days study. Group-1 served as a Normal Control (NC), Groups-2, as a Disease Control (DC), Group-3 as a Diazepam Control (DMC) and Group-4 as a Disease + Diazepam Treatment (DT). DMC and DT animals exposed to regular stress by forced swimming exercise method for 90 days. DMC and DT received 5 mg/kg, p.o the daily dose of Diazepam. At the end of the protocol, animals were sacrificed. The level of serum proinflammatory marker interleukin-6 in DC increased significantly (p < 0.001) while restored significantly (p < 0.001) in DT. Level of interleukin-10 in DC decreased significantly (p < 0.001) while restored significantly (p < 0.001) in DT. Level of fibrinogen was also increased by stress, which was restored significantly (p < 0.05) by diazepam. Increased level of Creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) by stress was restored significantly (p < 0.05) by diazepam. The level of cortisol was increased also significantly (p < 0.001) and restored to normal by diazepam. The level of C-reactive protein (CRP) and cholesterol was increased significantly (p < 0.01; p < 0.001) by stress while restored significantly (p < 0.01; p < 0.001) by diazepam. Findings from results suggest that diazepam ameliorates altered proinflammatory and cardiac markers in stress exposed rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad A. Al-Abbasi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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18
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Zafar T. Potential biomarkers of emotional stress induced neurodegeneration. eNeurologicalSci 2020; 21:100292. [PMID: 33294647 PMCID: PMC7695868 DOI: 10.1016/j.ensci.2020.100292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Mental health is a matter of great significance and interest both socially and scientifically. The present review aims to provide an informative platform about the classical biomarkers available to identify and diagnose the neurodegeneration induced by emotional stress and depression. Present article provides an expert comprehensive overview of the universally accepted markers and their mechanism of action involved in emotional stress assessment and its management. This envisioned piece of work emphasize on the incorporation of clinical markers in classical psychiatry experiments will make the information more significant, reliable and universally accepted. The information summaries in the article will facilitates the researchers of clinical psychiatry, neuropharmacology and neuropsychiatry in management of depressive disorders along with the identification of possible neurodegenerative association. Health is an overall outcome of emotional, physiological, endocrinological and neurological factors. Emotional stress and depression are silent causes of neurodegeneration. Clinical markers play a vital role in the management of neurological health. Endocrine secretions play a vital role in mediation of various neurotransmission, nerves excitability and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabassum Zafar
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Life Sciences, Barkatullah University, Bhopal 462026, Madhya Pradesh, India
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Buselli R, Corsi M, Baldanzi S, Chiumiento M, Del Lupo E, Dell’Oste V, Bertelloni CA, Massimetti G, Dell’Osso L, Cristaudo A, Carmassi C. Professional Quality of Life and Mental Health Outcomes among Health Care Workers Exposed to Sars-Cov-2 (Covid-19). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17176180. [PMID: 32858810 PMCID: PMC7504107 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic spreading worldwide, and Italy represented the first European country involved. Healthcare workers (HCWs) facing COVID-19 pandemic represented an at-risk population for new psychosocial COVID-19 strain and consequent mental health symptoms. The aim of the present study was to identify the possible impact of working contextual and personal variables (age, gender, working position, years of experience, proximity to infected patients) on professional quality of life, represented by compassion satisfaction (CS), burnout, and secondary traumatization (ST), in HCWs facing COVID-19 emergency. Further, two multivariable linear regression analyses were fitted to explore the association of mental health selected outcomes, anxiety and depression, with some personal and working characteristics that are COVID-19-related. A sample of 265 HCWs of a major university hospital in central Italy was consecutively recruited at the outpatient service of the Occupational Health Department during the acute phase of COVID-19 pandemic. HCWs were assessed by Professional Quality of Life-5 (ProQOL-5), the Nine-Item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Seven-Item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) to evaluate, respectively, CS, burnout, ST, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Females showed higher ST than males, while frontline staff and healthcare assistants reported higher CS rather than second-line staff and physicians, respectively. Burnout and ST, besides some work or personal variables, were associated to depressive or anxiety scores. The COVID-19 pandemic represents a new working challenge for HCWs and intervention strategies to prevent burnout and ST to reduce the risk of adverse mental health outcomes are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Buselli
- Occupational Health Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Via Paradisa 2, 56124 Cisanello (Pisa), Italy; (R.B.); (S.B.); (M.C.); (E.D.L.); (A.C.)
| | - Martina Corsi
- Occupational Health Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Via Paradisa 2, 56124 Cisanello (Pisa), Italy; (R.B.); (S.B.); (M.C.); (E.D.L.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Sigrid Baldanzi
- Occupational Health Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Via Paradisa 2, 56124 Cisanello (Pisa), Italy; (R.B.); (S.B.); (M.C.); (E.D.L.); (A.C.)
| | - Martina Chiumiento
- Occupational Health Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Via Paradisa 2, 56124 Cisanello (Pisa), Italy; (R.B.); (S.B.); (M.C.); (E.D.L.); (A.C.)
| | - Elena Del Lupo
- Occupational Health Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Via Paradisa 2, 56124 Cisanello (Pisa), Italy; (R.B.); (S.B.); (M.C.); (E.D.L.); (A.C.)
| | - Valerio Dell’Oste
- Psychiatric Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy; (V.D.); (C.A.B.); (G.M.); (L.D.); (C.C.)
| | - Carlo Antonio Bertelloni
- Psychiatric Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy; (V.D.); (C.A.B.); (G.M.); (L.D.); (C.C.)
| | - Gabriele Massimetti
- Psychiatric Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy; (V.D.); (C.A.B.); (G.M.); (L.D.); (C.C.)
| | - Liliana Dell’Osso
- Psychiatric Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy; (V.D.); (C.A.B.); (G.M.); (L.D.); (C.C.)
| | - Alfonso Cristaudo
- Occupational Health Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Via Paradisa 2, 56124 Cisanello (Pisa), Italy; (R.B.); (S.B.); (M.C.); (E.D.L.); (A.C.)
| | - Claudia Carmassi
- Psychiatric Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy; (V.D.); (C.A.B.); (G.M.); (L.D.); (C.C.)
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Psychological Care of Health Workers during the COVID-19 Outbreak in Italy: Preliminary Report of an Occupational Health Department (AOUP) Responsible for Monitoring Hospital Staff Condition. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12125039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The recent worldwide COVID-19 outbreak provided a timely demonstration of the mental health needs of health care workers on the front lines of the response to the pandemic. In addition to international guidelines, local institutions demand rapid and practical approaches easily replicable in different populations and contests. The principal aim of this paper is to highlight and share the experience of an Occupational Health Department responsible for monitoring hospital staff conditions during the SARS-COV-2 pandemic phase 1. The multidisciplinary team of the Occupational Health Department of a major university hospital in central Italy (AOUP) developed a specific protocol called PsicoCovid19 in order to provide targeted help, based on new psychosocial risk factors, to workers involved in the COVID-19 emergency to preserve hospital staff health. As of the date of this report, 106 workers (79 female, 27 male, mean age respectively, 51 ± 9.8, 45.7± 10.1) requested this service, reporting mild to moderate subjective distress. Approximately 81% of all the participants were already monitored before the outbreak of the pandemic. Among the total sample, 60% received a remodeling of a previous therapeutic program. Meanwhile, 7% passed from a psychiatric therapy to a combination therapy with the addition of a psychological treatment. The results demonstrate that those who asked for help were primarily female nurses who already presented with mental health vulnerabilities. A more gender-specific, clinical approach is needed.
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21
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State-of-the-Art: Inflammatory and Metabolic Markers in Mood Disorders. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:life10060082. [PMID: 32517269 PMCID: PMC7345093 DOI: 10.3390/life10060082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence highlights the involvement of inflammatory/immune systems and their relationships with neurotransmitters and different metabolic processes in mood disorders. Nevertheless, there is a general agreement that available findings are still inconclusive. Therefore, further investigations are required, aimed at deepening the role of possible alterations of biomarkers in the pathophysiology of mood disorders that might lead to more focused and tailored treatments. The present study is a comprehensive review on these topics that seem to represent intriguing avenues for the development of real innovative therapeutic strategies of mood disorders.
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22
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Buselli R, Veltri A, Baldanzi S, Marino R, Bonotti A, Chiumiento M, Girardi M, Pellegrini L, Guglielmi G, Dell'Osso L, Cristaudo A. Plasma Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and serum cortisol levels in a sample of workers exposed to occupational stress and suffering from Adjustment Disorders. Brain Behav 2019; 9:e01298. [PMID: 31197968 PMCID: PMC6625476 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Decreased plasma BDNF (pBDNF) levels have been proposed as a biomarker in illness phases of mood disorders. Serum cortisol (seC) levels are an index of energy mobilization and stress. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate pBDNF and seC levels in workers exposed to occupational stress and suffering from Adjustment Disorders (AD) compared to healthy workers. METHODS Plasma BDNF and seC levels were measured by means of specific immunoassays in 64 AD patients and 38 healthy controls. Perceived and occupational stress was evaluated in patients and controls using the Psychological Stress Measure (PSM) and the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ). Psychopatological symptoms in patients were assessed using specific rating scales. RESULTS Plasma BDNF levels resulted significantly higher in patients than in controls, whereas no significant differences were found for seC levels. In patients but not in controls pBDNF levels showed a significant positive correlation with seC levels. Perceived stress levels were positively correlated with all psychopatological rating scales scores. CONCLUSIONS BDNF could play a key role in the pathophysiology of stress-related disorders and its peripheral levels elevation could contribute to protect neurons under stress. Further research is needed focusing on biomarkers for stress-related disorders as a potential tool for the diagnosis and prevention of occupational diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Buselli
- Occupational Health Department, U.O. Medicina Preventiva del Lavoro, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonello Veltri
- Unità Operativa Complessa Psichiatria di Pisa, Dipartimento della Salute Mentale e Dipendenze, Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest, Pisa, Italy.,Fondazione BRF Onlus-Institute for Research in Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Lucca, Italy
| | - Sigrid Baldanzi
- Occupational Health Department, U.O. Medicina Preventiva del Lavoro, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Riccardo Marino
- Occupational Health Department, U.O. Medicina Preventiva del Lavoro, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bonotti
- Occupational Health Department, U.O. Medicina Preventiva del Lavoro, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Martina Chiumiento
- Occupational Health Department, U.O. Medicina Preventiva del Lavoro, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michelle Girardi
- Occupational Health Department, U.O. Medicina Preventiva del Lavoro, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Pellegrini
- Occupational Health Department, U.O. Medicina Preventiva del Lavoro, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Guglielmi
- Occupational Health Department, U.O. Medicina Preventiva del Lavoro, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Liliana Dell'Osso
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alfonso Cristaudo
- Occupational Health Department, U.O. Medicina Preventiva del Lavoro, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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