Relationships Between Catecholamine Levels and Stress or Intelligence

Impact of 24 h shifts on urinary catecholamine in emergency physicians: a cross-over randomized trial

24-h shift (24 hS) exposed emergency physicians to a higher stress level than 14-h night shift (14 hS), with an impact spreading on several days. Catecholamines are supposed to be chronic stress biomarker. However, no study has used catecholamines to assess short-term residual stress or measured them over multiple shifts. A shift-randomized trial was conducted to study urinary catecholamines levels of 17 emergency physicians during a control day (clerical work on return from leave) and two working day (14 hS and 24 hS). The Wilcoxon matched-pairs test was utilized to compare the mean catecholamine levels. Additionally, a multivariable generalized estimating equations model was employed to further analyze the independent relationships between key factors such as shifts (compared to control day), perceived stress, and age with catecholamine levels. Dopamine levels were lower during 24 hS than 14 hS and the control day. Norepinephrine levels increased two-fold during both night shifts. Epinephrine levels were higher during the day period of both shifts than on the control day. Despite having a rest day, the dopamine levels did not return to their normal values by the end of the third day after the 24 hS. The generalized estimating equations model confirmed relationships of catecholamines with workload and fatigue. To conclude, urinary catecholamine biomarkers are a convenient and non-invasive strong measure of stress during night shifts, both acutely and over time. Dopamine levels are the strongest biomarker with a prolonged alteration of its circadian rhythm. Due to the relation between increased catecholamine levels and both adverse psychological effects and cardiovascular disease, we suggest that emergency physicians restrict their exposure to 24 hS to mitigate these risks.

Effect of lite touch on the anxiety of low-risk pregnant women in the latent phase of childbirth: a randomized controlled trial

Introduction

Women with perinatal anxiety have reduced coping capacity during labor, which affects labor progress and increases the likelihood of a cesarean section. Several non-pharmacological interventions for anxiety during childbirth are available. This study used the "lite touch" method, a non-pharmacological intervention based on physiological responses and obstetric clinical experience in women. We aimed to evaluate whether lite touch could relieve perinatal anxiety and investigate the effect of light skin stroking on the maternal hormones, catecholamine, and cortisol.

Methods

This randomized clinical trial involved women with low-risk singleton pregnancies at full term or near term. Eligible pregnant women who were latent and did not undergo epidural anesthesia were randomized into two groups. Participants in the intervention group underwent routine prenatal care, including lite touch, whereas the control group underwent routine prenatal care alone. Demographic data were collected through a questionnaire. Labor anxiety was assessed using the State Anxiety Inventory, and saliva was collected before and after the intervention. Changes in saliva cortisol and catecholamine levels were analyzed using a double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

In total, 83 participants were included, with 43 and 40 in the intervention and control groups, respectively. In the intervention group, pre-intervention anxiety scores were significantly lower (p < 0.01) than post-intervention anxiety scores, whereas the control group showed no difference in anxiety scores before and after intervention (p > 0.05). Cortisol and catecholamine levels in saliva were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group after the intervention (p < 0.01).

Discussion

Lite touch can reduce the latent anxiety state of low-risk pregnant women, thereby maintaining in vivo stability and facilitating labor.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.chictr.org.cn/aboutEN.html, ChiCTR2300070905, Retrospectively Registered Date: April 26, 2023.

The involvement of the adrenergic system in feeding and eating disorders. A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Adrenergic dysregulation has been proposed as a possible underlying mechanism in feeding and eating disorders (FED). This review aims to synthesise the current evidence on the role of adrenergic dysregulation in the pathogenesis and management of FED.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted in MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was adopted. Preclinical, clinical, and pharmacological studies assessing the adrenergic system in FED were included.

RESULTS

Thirty-one out of 1415 recognised studies were included. Preclinically, studies on adrenaline's anorectic impact, receptor subtypes, and effects on hepatic function in rats show that catecholamine anorexia is primarily alpha-adrenergic, whereas beta-adrenergic anorexia can be obtained only after puberty, implying an impact of sexual hormones. Clinically, catecholamine levels may be higher in FED patients than in healthy controls (HC). Individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) may show higher epinephrine-induced platelet aggregability response than HC. Pharmacological trials suggest that the alpha-2-adrenergic medication clonidine may not lower AN symptoms, but agents regulating the adrenaline-noradrenaline neurotransmission (bupropion, reboxetine, duloxetine, sibutramine) have been found to improve binge eating symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Adrenergic dysregulation may be involved in the pathophysiology of FED. More research is needed to comprehend underlying mechanisms and treatment implications.

Preventing prefrontal dysfunction by tDCS modulates stress-induced creativity impairment in women: an fNIRS study

Stress is a major external factor threatening creative activity. The study explored whether left-lateralized activation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex manipulated through transcranial direct current stimulation could alleviate stress-induced impairment in creativity. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy was used to explore the underlying neural mechanisms. Ninety female participants were randomly assigned to three groups that received stress induction with sham stimulation, stress induction with true stimulation (anode over the left and cathode over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex), and control manipulation with sham stimulation, respectively. Participants underwent the stress or control task after the transcranial direct current stimulation manipulation, and then completed the Alternative Uses Task to measure creativity. Behavioral results showed that transcranial direct current stimulation reduced stress responses in heart rate and anxiety. The functional near-infrared spectroscopy results revealed that transcranial direct current stimulation alleviated dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex under stress, as evidenced by higher activation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and frontopolar cortex, as well as stronger inter-hemispheric and intra-hemispheric functional connectivity within the prefrontal cortex. Further analysis demonstrated that the cortical regulatory effect prevented creativity impairment induced by stress. The findings validated the hemispheric asymmetry hypothesis regarding stress and highlighted the potential for brain stimulation to alleviate stress-related mental disorders and enhance creativity.

Bornyl acetate: A promising agent in phytomedicine for inflammation and immune modulation

BACKGROUND

Bornyl acetate (BA), as a bicyclic monoterpene, is an active volatile component widely found in plants across the globe. BA can be used as essence and food flavor agent and is widely used in perfumes and food additives. It remains a key component in several proprietary Chinese medicines.

PURPOSE

This review summarized the pharmacological activity and research prospects of BA, making it the first of its kind to do so. Our aim is to provide a valuable resource for those pursuing research on BA.

METHODS

Databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI were used based on search formula "(bornyl acetate) NOT (review)" from 1967 to 2022. For the relevant knowledge of TCM, we quoted Chinese literature. Articles related to agriculture, industry, and economics were excluded.

RESULTS

BA showed rich pharmacological activities: It inhibits the NF-κB signal pathway via affecting the phosphorylation of IKB and the production of IKKs, inhibits the MAPK signal pathway via inhibiting the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and p38, down-regulates pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, up-regulates IL-11, reduces NO production, regulates immune response via up-regulating CD86⁺, decreases catecholamine secretion, and reduces tau protein phosphorylation. In addition to the pharmacological activities of BA, its toxicity and pharmacokinetics were also discussed in this paper.

CONCLUSION

BA has promising pharmacological properties, especially anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. It also has sedative properties and potential for use in aromatherapy. Compared to traditional NSAIDs, it has a more favorable safety profile while maintaining efficacy. BA has potential for developing novel drugs for treating various conditions.

G protein-coupled receptors in neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders

Neuropsychiatric disorders are multifactorial disorders with diverse aetiological factors. Identifying treatment targets is challenging because the diseases are resulting from heterogeneous biological, genetic, and environmental factors. Nevertheless, the increasing understanding of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) opens a new possibility in drug discovery. Harnessing our knowledge of molecular mechanisms and structural information of GPCRs will be advantageous for developing effective drugs. This review provides an overview of the role of GPCRs in various neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. Besides, we highlight the emerging opportunities of novel GPCR targets and address recent progress in GPCR drug development.

Interhemispheric asymmetry profile and cognitive functions in adolescents with average and high intelligence

Background. The neuropsychological approach suggests that differences in cognitive processes are associated with the variability of combinations of signs of partial dominance of certain brain structures, manifested in the form of individual laterality profiles. However, the problem of identifying and studying the relationship between interhemispheric asymmetry and cognitive functions in adolescents with a high level of intelligence remains not fully resolved, which determines the relevance of this study.The aim of the research was to describe the relationship between the type of profile of interhemispheric asymmetry with the characteristics of cognitive functions in adolescents with average and high levels of intelligence.Materials and methods. The sample included 52 people aged 12–15 years: 26 adolescents with high level intelligence (main group), 26 adolescents with an average level of intelligence (control group). The following research methods were used: Wechsler test (WISC-IV), method for studying the profile of interhemispheric asymmetry (Khomskaya E.D., Efimova I.V.); method “Correction test” by B. Bourdon; method ”Story on a given topic”.Results. The majority of adolescents with a high level of intelligence revealed the severity of right-lateral features, which were traced in the manual, auditory and visual spheres of sensorimotor asymmetry. At the same time, the severity of right-lateral and ambilateral features is accompanied by more pronounced indicators of the development of cognitive functions. Adolescents with the type of profile of interhemispheric asymmetry “Left-handed” were characterized by an insufficient level of attention stability and a reduced ability for detailed speech utterance, regardless of the level of intelligence.Conclusions. The data obtained show that the peculiarity of individual profiles of interhemispheric asymmetry determines the uneven development of a number of mental functions in adolescence and the different readiness of brain mechanisms to support various cognitive processes. We assume that the results of the work will expand the understanding of the role of interhemispheric asymmetry of the brain in the organization of cognitive functions in adolescents with a high level of intelligence.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on stress and other psychological factors in pregnant women giving birth during the first wave of the pandemic

BACKGROUND

The onset of mental illness such as depression and anxiety disorders in pregnancy and postpartum period is common. The coronavirus induced disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting public policy responses represent an exceptional situation worldwide and there are hints for adverse psychosocial impact, hence, the study of psychological effects of the pandemic in women during hospitalization for delivery and in the postpartum period is highly relevant.

METHODS

Patients who gave birth during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany (March to June 2020) at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Würzburg, Germany, were recruited at hospital admission for delivery. Biosamples were collected for analysis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and various stress hormones and interleukin-6 (IL-6). In addition to sociodemographic and medical obstetric data, survey questionnaires in relation to concerns about and fear of COVID-19, depression, stress, anxiety, loneliness, maternal self-efficacy and the mother-child bonding were administered at T1 (delivery stay) and T2 (3-6 months postpartum).

RESULTS

In total, all 94 recruited patients had a moderate concern of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) at T1 with a significant rise at T2. This concern correlated with low to low-medium general psychosocial stress levels and stress symptoms, and the women showed a significant increase of active coping from T1 to T2. Anxiety levels were low and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale showed a medium score of 5 with a significant (T1), but only week correlation with the concerns about SARS-CoV-2. In contrast to the overall good maternal bonding without correlation to SARS-CoV-2 concern, the maternal self-efficiency correlated negatively with the obstetric impairment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSION

Obstetric patients` concerns regarding SARS-CoV-2 and the accompanying pandemic increased during the course of the pandemic correlating positively with stress and depression. Of note is the increase in active coping over time and the overall good mother-child-bonding. Maternal self-efficacy was affected in part by the restrictions of the pandemic. Clinical trial registration DRKS00022506.

Acute Cortisol Profile Associations With Cognitive Impairment After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

BACKGROUND

Cognitive impairments commonly occur after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and affect daily functioning. Cortisol levels, which are elevated during acute hospitalization for most individuals after severe TBI, can influence cognition, but this association has not been studied previously in TBI.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that serum and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) cortisol trajectories over days 0-5 post-injury are associated with cognition 6-month post-injury.

METHODS

We examined 94 participants with severe TBI, collected acute serum and/or CSF samples over days 0-5 post-injury, and compared cortisol levels to those in 17 healthy controls. N = 88 participants had serum, and n = 84 had CSF samples available for cortisol measurement and had neuropsychological testing 6 months post-injury. Group based trajectory analysis (TRAJ) was used to generate temporal serum and CSF cortisol profiles which were examined for associations with neuropsychological performance. We used linear regression to examine relationships between cortisol TRAJ groups and both overall and domain-specific cognition.

RESULTS

TRAJ analysis identified a high group and a decliner group for serum and a high group and low group for CSF cortisol. Multivariable analysis showed serum cortisol TRAJ group was associated with overall cognitive composites scores (P = .024) and with executive function (P = .039) and verbal fluency (P = .029) domain scores. CSF cortisol TRAJ group was associated with overall cognitive composite scores (P = .021) and domain scores for executive function (P = .041), verbal fluency (P = .031), and attention (P = .034).

CONCLUSIONS

High acute cortisol trajectories are associated with poorer cognition 6 months post-TBI.

The Role of the Noradrenergic System in Eating Disorders: A Systematic Review

Noradrenaline (NE) is a catecholamine acting as both a neurotransmitter and a hormone, with relevant effects in modulating feeding behavior and satiety. Several studies have assessed the relationship between the noradrenergic system and Eating Disorders (EDs). This systematic review aims to report the existing literature on the role of the noradrenergic system in the development and treatment of EDs. A total of 35 studies were included. Preclinical studies demonstrated an involvement of the noradrenergic pathways in binge-like behaviors. Genetic studies on polymorphisms in genes coding for NE transporters and regulating enzymes have shown conflicting evidence. Clinical studies have reported non-unanimous evidence for the existence of absolute alterations in plasma NE values in patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Bulimia Nervosa (BN). Pharmacological studies have documented the efficacy of noradrenaline-modulating therapies in the treatment of BN and Binge Eating Disorder (BED). Insufficient evidence was found concerning the noradrenergic-mediated genetics of BED and BN, and psychopharmacological treatments targeting the noradrenergic system in AN. According to these data, further studies are required to expand the existing knowledge on the noradrenergic system as a potential target for treatments of EDs.

Perceived quality of life among oral health therapy and dental students: A cross-cultural comparison

OBJECTIVES

This cross-sectional study examined the perceived quality of life (QOL) of Oral Health Therapy (OHT) students and compared the domain differences between Dental students, gender, and year-of-study.

METHODS

OHT students from a local polytechnic were invited to participate (IRB no. (SHS-2019-001). Perceived QOL was assessed with the multidimensional World Health Organization QOL (WHOQOL)-BREF instrument. Demographic information and WHOQOL-BREF responses were collected electronically. Raw scores were converted to transformed scores and related to data of Dental students from other countries. Statistical analyses were performed with a T-test, one-way ANOVA/posthoc Tukey's test, and Pearson's correlation (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Of the total cohort of 66 students, 65 consented to participation (98.5% response rate). The study sample (mean age 19.2 ± 2.9 years) comprised of 83.1% females (54/65). Mean domain scores were as follows: Physical health - 54.90 ± 9.78; psychological - 50.98 ± 17.36; social relationships - 60.69 ± 16.47; and environment - 66.80 ± 13.66. The psychological domain was rated the lowest as with most other studies on Dental students. Mean scores for the overall perception of QOL and "satisfaction with health" (SWH) were 3.46 ± 0.83 and 3.35 ± 0.89 respectively. No significant difference in the domain and overall QOL/SWH scores were observed between genders. Psychological and environmental domains scores were significantly different between the first and third-year students (p ≤ 0.02). Correlations coefficients between the QOL domains ranged from r_s  = 0.18-0.66.

CONCLUSION

Aside from the USA and Saudi Arabia, the perceived QOL of Asian OHT students was generally comparable to those of Dental students from other countries. Overall perceived QOL and satisfaction with health were moderately favourable.

The Concept of Advanced Multi-Sensor Monitoring of Human Stress

Many people live under stressful conditions which has an adverse effect on their health. Human stress, especially long-term one, can lead to a serious illness. Therefore, monitoring of human stress influence can be very useful. We can monitor stress in strictly controlled laboratory conditions, but it is time-consuming and does not capture reactions, on everyday stressors or in natural environment using wearable sensors, but with limited accuracy. Therefore, we began to analyze the current state of promising wearable stress-meters and the latest advances in the record of related physiological variables. Based on these results, we present the concept of an accurate, reliable and easier to use telemedicine device for long-term monitoring of people in a real life. In our concept, we ratify with two synchronized devices, one on the finger and the second on the chest. The results will be obtained from several physiological variables including electrodermal activity, heart rate and respiration, body temperature, blood pressure and others. All these variables will be measured using a coherent multi-sensors device. Our goal is to show possibilities and trends towards the production of new telemedicine equipment and thus, opening the door to a widespread application of human stress-meters.

The relationships between thyroid-stimulating hormone and/or dopamine levels in peripheral blood and IQ in children with different urinary iodine concentrations

Environmental iodine deficiency or excess can lead to inappropriate iodine nutrition in the population. Little research has been performed to determine whether changes in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and/or dopamine (DA) concentrations in peripheral blood are involved in intellectual impairment caused by inappropriate iodine nutrition. 498 children aged 7-12 from areas with different water iodine concentrations were included in the study. Children's intelligence and levels of urinary iodine and fluoride, TSH, free triiodothyronine (FT₃), free thyroxine (FT₄), and DA were evaluated. The relationship between TSH and/or DA levels and intelligence quotient (IQ) in all participants and in the population with different urinary iodine concentrations (UIC) was evaluated by multivariate regression analysis. The proportion of people with low average and lower intelligence in UIC ≥ 300 μg/L group was significantly higher than that in control group but only a positive correlation was found between DA and IQ in the population with UIC < 100 μg/L (bootstrapped estimation P = 0.032). TSH and/or DA in peripheral blood may be not involved in the progressive decline in intelligence caused by iodine excess but DA had positive correlation with intelligence in iodine deficiency group, and no relationship between TSH concentration and IQ was found in the general population or in different UIC groups.

Lineage- and Sex-Dependent Behavioral and Biochemical Transgenerational Consequences of Developmental Exposure to Lead, Prenatal Stress, and Combined Lead and Prenatal Stress in Mice

BACKGROUND

Lead (Pb) exposure and prenatal stress (PS) during development are co-occurring risk factors with shared biological substrates. PS has been associated with transgenerational passage of altered behavioral phenotypes, whereas the transgenerational behavioral or biochemical consequences of Pb exposure, and modification of any such effects by PS, is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

The present study sought to determine whether Pb, PS, or combined Pb and PS exposures produced adverse transgenerational consequences on brain and behavior.

METHODS

Maternal Pb and PS exposures were carried out in F0 mice. Outside breeders were used at each subsequent breeding, producing four F1-F2 lineages: [F1 female-F2 female (FF), FM (male), MF, and MM]. F3 offspring were generated from each of these lineages and examined for outcomes previously found to be altered by Pb, PS, or combined Pb and PS in F1 offspring: behavioral performance [fixed-interval (FI) schedule of food reward, locomotor activity, and anxiety-like behavior], dopamine function [striatal expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (Th)], glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and plasma corticosterone, as well as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and total percent DNA methylation of Th and Bdnf genes in the frontal cortex and hippocampus.

RESULTS

Maternal F0 Pb exposure produced runting in F3 offspring. Considered across lineages, F3 females exhibited Pb-related alterations in behavior, striatal BDNF levels, frontal cortical Th total percentage DNA methylation levels and serum corticosterone levels, whereas F3 males showed Pb- and PS-related alterations in behavior and total percent DNA methylation of hippocampal Bdnf. However, numerous lineage-specific effects were observed, most of greater magnitude than those observed across lineages, with outcomes differing by F3 sex.

DISCUSSION

These findings support the possibility that exposures of previous generations to Pb or PS may influence the brain and behavior of future generations. Observed changes were sex-dependent, with F3 females showing multiple changes through Pb-exposed lineages. Lineage effects may occur through maternal responses to pregnancy, altered maternal behavior, epigenetic modifications, or a combination of mechanisms, but they have significant public health ramifications regardless of mechanism. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP4977.