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Ghanooni D, Flentje A, Hirshfield S, Horvath KJ, Moreno PI, Harkness A, Ross EJ, Dilworth SE, Pahwa S, Pallikkuth S, Carrico AW. Structural Determinants of Health and Markers of Immune Activation and Systemic Inflammation in Sexual Minority Men With and Without HIV. J Urban Health 2024:10.1007/s11524-024-00882-8. [PMID: 38831153 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-024-00882-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Among sexual minority men (SMM), HIV and use of stimulants such as methamphetamine are linked with immune activation and systemic inflammation. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, SMM encountered financial challenges and structural obstacles that might have uniquely contributed to immune dysregulation and systemic inflammation, beyond the impacts of HIV and stimulant use. Between August 2020 and February 2022, 72 SMM with and without HIV residing in South Florida enrolled in a COVID-19 prospective cohort study. Multiple linear regression analyses examined unemployment, homelessness, and history of arrest as structural correlates of soluble markers of immune activation (i.e., sCD14 and sCD163) and inflammation (i.e., sTNF-α receptors I and II) at baseline after adjusting for HIV status, stimulant use, and recent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Enrolled participants were predominantly Latino (59%), gay-identified (85%), and with a mean age of 38 (SD, 12) years with approximately one-third (38%) of participants living with HIV. After adjusting for HIV status, SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recent stimulant use, unemployment independently predicted higher levels of sCD163 (β = 0.24, p = 0.04) and sTNF-α receptor I (β = 0.26, p = 0.02). Homelessness (β = 0.25, p = 0.02) and history of arrest (β = 0.24, p = 0.04) independently predicted higher levels of sCD14 after adjusting for HIV status, SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recent stimulant use. Independent associations exist between structural barriers and immune activation and systemic inflammation in SMM with and without HIV. Future longitudinal research should further elucidate complex bio-behavioral mechanisms linking structural factors with immune activation and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delaram Ghanooni
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, 11200 S.W. 8Th Street, AHC5, #414, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
| | - Annesa Flentje
- Community Health Systems, San Francisco School of Nursing and Alliance Health Project, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sabina Hirshfield
- Department of Medicine, STAR Program Brooklyn, State University of New York - Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Keith J Horvath
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Patricia I Moreno
- Miller School of Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Audrey Harkness
- School of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Emily J Ross
- Miller School of Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Samantha E Dilworth
- Miller School of Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Savita Pahwa
- Miller School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Suresh Pallikkuth
- Miller School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Adam W Carrico
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, 11200 S.W. 8Th Street, AHC5, #414, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
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Juster RP, Rutherford C, Keyes K, Hatzenbuehler ML. Associations Between Structural Stigma and Allostatic Load Among Sexual Minorities: Results From a Population-Based Study. Psychosom Med 2024; 86:157-168. [PMID: 38345315 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Structural forms of stigma and discrimination are associated with adverse health outcomes across numerous stigmatized groups, including lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals. However, the biological consequences of structural stigma among LGB populations are understudied. To begin to address this gap, we assessed associations between indicators of structural stigma (i.e., state-level policies) targeting LGB individuals and allostatic load (AL) indices representing physiological dysregulations. METHODS Pooled data from the continuous 2001-2014 National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey were analyzed (LGB: n = 864; heterosexual: n = 20,310). Ten state-level LGB-related policies (e.g., employment nondiscrimination protections, same-sex marriage) were used to operationalize structural stigma. A sex-specific AL index representing 11 immune, metabolic, and cardiovascular biomarkers was estimated. Multilevel models were used to examine associations between structural stigma and AL, net of nine individual-level characteristics (e.g., education, race/ethnicity, age, and health behaviors). RESULTS Sexual minority men living in states with low levels of structural stigma experienced significantly lower AL ( β = -0.45, p = .02) compared with sexual minority men living in states with high structural stigma (i.e., fewer protective policies). There was no significant association between structural stigma and AL among sexual minority women. CONCLUSIONS By demonstrating direct associations between structural stigma and indices of physiological dysregulation, our findings provide a mechanistic understanding of how the social environment can "get under the skin and skull" for sexual minority men in the United States. Future research should explore whether these mechanisms generalize to other marginalized groups exposed to structural stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert-Paul Juster
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Addiction (Juster), University of Montreal; Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute (Juster), Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University (Rutherford, Keyes), New York, New York; and Department of Psychology, Harvard University (Hatzenbuehler), Cambridge, Massachusetts
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Li J, Jin Y, Xu S, Wilson A, Chen C, Luo X, Liu Y, Ling X, Sun X, Wang Y. Effects of Bullying on Anxiety, Depression, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Sexual Minority Youths: Network Analysis. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e47233. [PMID: 37910159 PMCID: PMC10652196 DOI: 10.2196/47233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bullying victimization is highly prevalent among sexual minority youths, particularly in educational settings, negatively affecting their mental health. However, previous studies have scarcely explored the symptomatic relationships among anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among sexual minority youths who experienced bullying on college campuses. OBJECTIVE The objectives of our study were to (1) characterize the anxiety-depression-PTSD network structures of gay or lesbian, bisexuals, and other sexual minority youths previously bullied on college campuses; and (2) compare symptomatic associations in the anxiety-depression-PTSD networks among bullied sexual minority youths and heterosexual youths' groups. METHODS This cross-sectional study recruited college participants from Jilin Province, China. Data were analyzed using a subset of the data extracted after screening for sexual orientation and history of bullying victimization. Sexual minority youths were then divided into 3 subgroups: gay or lesbian (homosexual), bisexual, and other. Mental health symptom severity was assessed using scales: the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale measuring anxiety, the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire measuring depression, and the 10-item Trauma Screening Questionnaire measuring PTSD symptoms. Combining the undirected and Bayesian network analyses, the anxiety-depression-PTSD networks were compared among sexual minority youths subgroups, and the difference between heterosexual youths and sexual minority youths was investigated. Chi-square tests were used to compare the difference in categorical variables, while independent-sample t tests were run on continuous variables. RESULTS In this large-scale sample of 89,342 participants, 12,249 identified as sexual minority youths, of which 1603 (13.1%, 95% CI 12.5%-13.7%) reported being bullied on college campuses in the past year. According to the expected influence (EI) and bridge expected influence (bEI) index, in the global network structure of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, sad mood (EI=1.078, bEI=0.635) and irritability (EI=1.077, bEI=0.954) were identified as central and bridge symptoms; emotional cue reactivity (EI=1.015) was a central symptom of PTSD in this global network. In the anxiety-depression-PTSD Bayesian network, anhedonia had the highest prediction priority for activating other symptoms; and feeling afraid linked symptoms from anxiety to the PTSD community. Compared to their heterosexual counterparts, sexual minority youths exhibited a stronger association between difficulty concentrating and appetite. The "sad mood-appetite" edge was strongest in the gay or lesbian network; the "irritability-exaggerated startle response" edge was strongest in the bisexual network. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, this study identified the most central and bridge symptoms (sad mood and irritability) within the depression-anxiety-PTSD network of sexual minority youths with past bullying-victim experiences on college campuses. Emotional cue reactivity, anhedonia, and feeling afraid were other vital symptoms in the comorbid network. Symptomatic relationships existed showing heterogeneity in bullied heterosexual youths and sexual minority youth networks, which also was present within the sexual minority youth subgroups. Consequently, refined targeted interventions are required to relieve anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Li
- School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Jin
- College of Education for the Future, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Shicun Xu
- Northeast Asian Research Center, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Population, Resources and Environment, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Amanda Wilson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, De Montfort, United Kingdom
| | - Chang Chen
- School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianyu Luo
- College of Education for the Future, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhang Liu
- College of Education for the Future, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Ling
- School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Sun
- Department of Population, Resources and Environment, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
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Cherenack EM, Chavez JV, Martinez C, Hirshfield S, Balise R, Horvath KJ, Viamonte M, Jimenez DE, Paul R, Dilworth SE, DeVries B, Pallikkuth S, Stevenson M, Alvarado TC, Pahwa S, Carrico AW. Stimulant use, HIV, and immune dysregulation among sexual minority men. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 251:110942. [PMID: 37651812 PMCID: PMC10544798 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual minority men (SMM) report high rates of stimulant use (e.g., crystal methamphetamine, cocaine) and HIV infection. Stimulant use contributes to immune dysfunction, which enhances risk for HIV acquisition and pathogenesis. Research is needed to examine the independent and interactive relationships of stimulant use and HIV infection with systemic immune dysregulation among SMM, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS From 2020-2022, 75 SMM in Miami, Florida with and without HIV completed an online survey and provided biospecimens to assess HIV status and viral load (VL), recent stimulant use, and soluble markers of immune activation and inflammation in plasma, including soluble CD14 (sCD14) and elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP > 1.0mg/L). Sociodemographics and prior SARS-CoV-2 infection were compared across HIV status/stimulant use groups. Moderation models examined the independent and interactive associations of stimulant use and HIV status with sCD14 and elevated hs-CRP. RESULTS Thirty participants were persons living with HIV (PWH) (50% with stimulant use), and 45 were HIV-negative (44% with stimulant use). SARS-CoV-2 infection was not associated with stimulant use/HIV groups or immune outcomes. HIV-negative SMM without stimulant use had lower sCD14 compared to other SMM, as well as lower odds of elevated hs-CRP compared to PWH who used stimulants. Stimulant use showed independent associations with immune dysregulation that persisted after controlling for HIV status and VL, whereas HIV status was only independently associated with elevated hs-CRP in one model not controlling for VL. CONCLUSIONS Among SMM, stimulant use was independently associated with elevated immune activation and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Cherenack
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, 1120 NW 14th Street, Miami, FL 33136, United States.
| | - Jennifer V Chavez
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, 1120 NW 14th Street, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Claudia Martinez
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14 ST Suite 1126, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Sabina Hirshfield
- Department of Medicine, STAR Program, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, 450 Clarkson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11203, United States
| | - Raymond Balise
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, 1120 NW 14th Street, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Keith J Horvath
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, 6363 Alvarado Court, San Diego, CA 92120, United States
| | - Michael Viamonte
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, 1120 NW 14th Street, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Daniel E Jimenez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th St., Suite 1436, Miami , FL 33136, United States
| | - Robert Paul
- Missouri Institute of Mental Health, Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, St. Louis, One University Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63141, United States
| | - Samantha E Dilworth
- University of California, San Francisco, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, 550 16th St, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158, United States
| | - Britt DeVries
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, 1120 NW 14th Street, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Suresh Pallikkuth
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1580 NW 10 AVE, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Mario Stevenson
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14 ST, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Thaissa Cordeiro Alvarado
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14 ST, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Savita Pahwa
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1580 NW 10 AVE, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Adam W Carrico
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, 1120 NW 14th Street, Miami, FL 33136, United States
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Leone AG, Miceli R, Trapani D, Massagrande M, Morano F, Marsoni S, La Verde N, Berardi R, Casolino R, Lambertini M, Dalu D, Di Maio M, Beretta GD, Perrone F, Cinieri S, Pietrantonio F. Cancer care in transgender and gender-diverse persons: results from two national surveys among providers and health service users by the Italian Association of Medical Oncology. ESMO Open 2023; 8:101578. [PMID: 37270870 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2023.101578] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) population represents an underserved group across the cancer care continuum. To assess the perspective of both oncology health care providers (OHPs) and TGD individuals in Italy, we conducted two national surveys: one among 2407 OHPs about their attitudes, knowledge and behavior toward TGD patients, and one among TGD persons about their health needs, experiences and barriers encountered in the use of health services across the cancer continuum. MATERIALS AND METHODS The surveys were self-compiled web-based computer-aided web interview, conducted in Italy within the 'OncoGender-Promoting Inclusion in Oncology' project, led by the Italian national cancer society [Associazione Italiana di Oncologia Medica (AIOM)]-associated researchers. All members of AIOM were invited by e-mail to participate in the OHP survey. TGD persons were reached through advocacy groups and consumers' panel. The recruitment was completed on a voluntary basis. Survey data were collected and managed using an online platform managed by ELMA Research, an independent pharmaceutical marketing agency. RESULTS A total of 305 OHPs (13% of AIOM members) and 190 TGD individuals participated in the surveys. Only 19% of OHPs felt competent in providing care to TGD patients and 21% declared not to feel comfortable in treating TGD patients. Seventy-one percent of TGD persons reported that they had never joined any cancer screening program; 32% reported one or more acts of discrimination by health care providers. Seventy-two percent of OHPs recognized the lack of specific education on cancer care for TGD patients and deemed it necessary to receive adequate training. CONCLUSIONS A general lack of knowledge among OHPs about TGD health issues seems to be the main driver of difficulties in providing assistance and of discriminatory attitudes against TGD individuals. Ultimately, this whole issue generates access barriers and contributes to lack of trust in health care services. Educational interventions and an implementation of person-centric cancer policies are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A G Leone
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - R Miceli
- Department of Biostatistics for Clinical Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - D Trapani
- European Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hematology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - F Morano
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - S Marsoni
- IFOM-The FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - N La Verde
- Department of Oncology, Luigi Sacco Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - R Berardi
- Oncology Clinic, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - R Casolino
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - M Lambertini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy; Department of Medical Oncology, U.O. Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - D Dalu
- Department of Oncology, Luigi Sacco Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - M Di Maio
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, A.O. Ordine Mauriziano, Turin, Italy
| | - G D Beretta
- UOC Oncologia Medica, ASL Pescara P.O., Pescara, Italy
| | - F Perrone
- Clinical Trial Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS, Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - S Cinieri
- Medical Oncology Unit, Ospedale di Summa A. Perrino, Brindisi, Italy
| | - F Pietrantonio
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.
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THIMM‐KAISER MARCO, BENZEKRI ADAM, GUILAMO‐RAMOS VINCENT. Conceptualizing the Mechanisms of Social Determinants of Health: A Heuristic Framework to Inform Future Directions for Mitigation. Milbank Q 2023; 101:486-526. [PMID: 37062954 PMCID: PMC10262397 DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.12642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Policy Points A large body of scientific work examines the mechanisms through which social determinants of health (SDOH) shape health inequities. However, the nuances described in the literature are infrequently reflected in the applied frameworks that inform health policy and programming. We synthesize extant SDOH research into a heuristic framework that provides policymakers, practitioners, and researchers with a customizable template for conceptualizing and operationalizing key mechanisms that represent intervention opportunities for mitigating the impact of harmful SDOH. In light of scarce existing SDOH mitigation strategies, the framework addresses an important research-to-practice translation gap and missed opportunity for advancing health equity. CONTEXT The reduction of health inequities is a broad and interdisciplinary endeavor with implications for policy, research, and practice. Health inequities are most often understood as associated with the social determinants of health (SDOH). However, policy and programmatic frameworks for mitigation often rely on broad SDOH domains, without sufficient attention to the operating mechanisms, and effective SDOH mitigation strategies remain scarce. To expand the cadre of effective SDOH mitigation strategies, a practical, heuristic framework for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers is needed that serves as a roadmap for conceptualizing and targeting the key mechanisms of SDOH influence. METHODS We conduct a critical review of the extant conceptual and empirical SDOH literature to identify unifying principles of SDOH mechanisms and to synthesize an integrated framework for conceptualizing such mechanisms. FINDINGS We highlight eight unifying principles of SDOH mechanisms that emerge from landmark SDOH research. Building on these principles, we introduce and apply a conceptual model that synthesizes key SDOH mechanisms into one organizing, heuristic framework that provides policymakers, practitioners, and researchers with a customizable template for conceptualizing and operationalizing the key SDOH mechanisms that represent intervention opportunities to maximize potential impact for mitigating a given health inequity. CONCLUSIONS Our synthesis of the extant SDOH research into a heuristic framework addresses a scarcity of peer-reviewed organizing frameworks of SDOH mechanisms designed to inform practice. The framework represents a practical tool to facilitate the translation of scholarly SDOH work into evidence-based and targeted policy and programming. Such tools designed to close the research-to-practice translation gap for effective SDOH mitigation are sorely needed, given that health inequities in the United States and in many other parts of the world have widened over the past two decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- MARCO THIMM‐KAISER
- Center for Latino Adolescent and Family HealthDuke University
- School of Nursing, Duke University
| | - ADAM BENZEKRI
- Center for Latino Adolescent and Family HealthDuke University
- School of Nursing, Duke University
| | - VINCENT GUILAMO‐RAMOS
- Center for Latino Adolescent and Family HealthDuke University
- School of Nursing, Duke University
- School of Medicine, Duke University
- Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS, US Department of Health and Human Services
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Dalvie S, Li M, Kalmin M, Cole S, Stein DJ, Shoptaw S. The association between childhood adversity and the conserved transcriptional response to adversity (CTRA) in sexual minority men. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2585046. [PMID: 36824925 PMCID: PMC9949175 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2585046/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACES) increase risk for mental and physical health disorders in adulthood, particularly in individuals from sexual and ethnic minority groups. The effects of ACES on health may be mediated by the immune system. The exact mechanisms by which an environmental exposure, such as childhood adversity, can affect the immune system are still unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether early adversity predicts significant changes in the expression of a predefined set of immune-related genes, known as the conserved transcriptional response to adversity (CTRA), in a diverse group of sexual minority men (SMM). Participants included HIV positive and negative males from the mSTUDY. Expression data from 53 CTRA genes were obtained at baseline and 12-month follow-up. Childhood adversity was measured with the 10-item ACES questionnaire. Wilcoxon rank sum and chi-squared tests were used to assess differences in sociodemographic variables and HIV status between exposed (cumulative ACES ≥ 3) and unexposed groups (cumulative ACES ≤ 2). Linear mixed models were used to determine associations between ACES (cumulative score, dichotomous measure and subscales) and CTRA gene expression. There were no differences in age and employment status between the exposed and unexposed groups. A larger number of exposed participants were HIV positive than in the unexposed group (p = 0.03). There were no significant associations between any of the ACES variables and CTRA gene expression. A range of factors may have contributed to this unexpected finding. Further studies are needed to assess the biological effects of ACES in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Li
- UCLA: University of California Los Angeles
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Carrico AW, Cherenack EM, Rubin LH, McIntosh R, Ghanooni D, Chavez JV, Klatt NR, Paul RH. Through the Looking-Glass: Psychoneuroimmunology and the Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis in the Modern Antiretroviral Therapy Era. Psychosom Med 2022; 84:984-994. [PMID: 36044613 PMCID: PMC9553251 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Depression, substance use disorders, and other neuropsychiatric comorbidities are common in people with HIV (PWH), but the underlying mechanisms are not sufficiently understood. HIV-induced damage to the gastrointestinal tract potentiates residual immune dysregulation in PWH receiving effective antiretroviral therapy. However, few studies among PWH have examined the relevance of microbiome-gut-brain axis: bidirectional crosstalk between the gastrointestinal tract, immune system, and central nervous system. METHODS A narrative review was conducted to integrate findings from 159 articles relevant to psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) and microbiome-gut-brain axis research in PWH. RESULTS Early PNI studies demonstrated that neuroendocrine signaling via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and autonomic nervous system could partially account for the associations of psychological factors with clinical HIV progression. This review highlights the need for PNI studies examining the mechanistic relevance of the gut microbiota for residual immune dysregulation, tryptophan catabolism, and oxytocin release as key biological determinants of neuropsychiatric comorbidities in PWH (i.e., body-to-mind pathways). It also underscores the continued relevance of neuroendocrine signaling via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, autonomic nervous system, and oxytocin release in modifying microbiome-gut-brain axis functioning (i.e., mind-to-body pathways). CONCLUSIONS Advancing our understanding of PNI and microbiome-gut-brain axis pathways relevant to depression, substance use disorders, and other neuropsychiatric comorbidities in PWH can guide the development of novel biobehavioral interventions to optimize health outcomes. Recommendations are provided for biobehavioral and neurobehavioral research investigating bidirectional PNI and microbiome-gut-brain axis pathways among PWH in the modern antiretroviral therapy era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam W Carrico
- From the Department of Public Health Sciences (Carrico, Cherenack, Ghanooni, Chavez), University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida; Departments of Neurology (Rubin) and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Rubin), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology (Rubin), Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Psychology (McIntosh), University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences, Coral Gables, Florida; Department of Surgery (Klatt), University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Department of Psychological Sciences (Paul), University of Missouri St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
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9
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Ghanooni D, Carrico AW, Williams R, Glynn TR, Moskowitz JT, Pahwa S, Pallikkuth S, Roach ME, Dilworth S, Aouizerat BE, Flentje A. Sexual Minority Stress and Cellular Aging in Methamphetamine-Using Sexual Minority Men With Treated HIV. Psychosom Med 2022; 84:949-956. [PMID: 35980781 PMCID: PMC9553259 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sexual minority men (e.g., gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men) experience stigma and sexual minority stress, which are theorized to drive negative health outcomes. Sexual minority men with treated HIV display persistent immune dysregulation, which could be amplified by sexual minority stress responses to potentiate cellular aging. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 52 sexual minority men living with HIV who had undetectable viral load (<40 copies/mL) and biologically confirmed recent methamphetamine use. Participants completed measures assessing sexual minority stress and openness about sexual minority status (i.e., outness). DNA methylation-derived outcomes included the following: the extrinsic epigenetic age acceleration clock, telomere length, naive CD4+ T-helper cells, and naive CD8+ T-cytotoxic/suppressor cells. RESULTS After adjusting for negative affect and recent stimulant use, higher sexual minority stress was associated with a faster extrinsic epigenetic age acceleration clock ( β = 0.29, p = .030), shorter telomere length ( β = -0.43, p = .002), and fewer naive CD4+ (β = -0.57, p < .001) and naive CD8+ T cells ( β = -0.57, p < .001). Greater outness was associated with higher naive CD4+ ( β = 0.32, p = .030) and naive CD8+ T cells ( β = 0.38, p = .008) as well as lower plasma interleukin 6 ( β = -0.33, p = .027). CONCLUSIONS Sexual minority stress processes are associated with markers of cellular aging and inflammation in methamphetamine-using sexual minority men living with HIV. Longitudinal research should elucidate biobehavioral mechanisms linking sexual minority stress processes with accelerated cellular aging in those with and without HIV.
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10
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Fan Y, Guo D, Zhao S, Wei Q, Li Y, Lin T. Human genes with relative synonymous codon usage analogous to that of polyomaviruses are involved in the mechanism of polyomavirus nephropathy. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:992201. [PMID: 36159639 PMCID: PMC9492876 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.992201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) can cause serious and deleterious infections in human. Yet, the molecular mechanism underlying these infections, particularly in polyomavirus nephropathy (PVAN), is not well-defined. In the present study, we aimed to identify human genes with codon usage bias (CUB) similar to that of HPyV genes and explore their potential involvement in the pathogenesis of PVAN. The relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) values of genes of HPyVs and those of human genes were computed and used for Pearson correlation analysis. The involvement of the identified correlation genes in PVAN was analyzed by validating their differential expression in publicly available transcriptomics data. Functional enrichment was performed to uncover the role of sets of genes. The RSCU analysis indicated that the A- and T-ending codons are preferentially used in HPyV genes. In total, 5400 human genes were correlated to the HPyV genes. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network indicated strong interactions between these proteins. Gene expression analysis indicated that 229 of these genes were consistently and differentially expressed between normal kidney tissues and kidney tissues from PVAN patients. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that these genes were involved in biological processes related to transcription and in pathways related to protein ubiquitination pathway, apoptosis, cellular response to stress, inflammation and immune system. The identified genes may serve as diagnostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for HPyV associated diseases, especially PVAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Fan
- Department of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Organ Transplantation Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Duan Guo
- Department of Palliative Medicine, West China School of Public Health and West China fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Palliative Medicine Research Center, West China−Peking Union Medical College, Chen Zhiqian (PUMC C.C). Chen Institute of Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shangping Zhao
- Department of Urology, West China School of Nursing and Organ Transplantation Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiang Wei
- Department of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Organ Transplantation Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Tao Lin, ; ; Yi Li,
| | - Tao Lin
- Department of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Organ Transplantation Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Tao Lin, ; ; Yi Li,
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11
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Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Stroke in Transgender Adults. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11940-022-00728-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
To identify the current state of science on stroke in transgender adults and highlight gaps in need of further research. We will review current research on cerebrovascular risk and disease, hormone therapy, and stroke in transgender individuals. Finally, we will provide a framework for healthcare providers to prevent and reduce disparities through inclusive care practices.
Recent Findings
Transgender people experience unique stroke risk factors, secondary to both psychosocial stress and health-related behaviors. These include higher rates of HIV, tobacco use, stimulant use, and hepatitis C. The use of gender-affirming hormone therapy may lead to an increased risk for ischemic stroke, but the data are limited and require further research.
Summary
Recent research has highlighted the numerous healthcare disparities faced by transgender individuals. Regarding stroke disparities, these are multifactorial and include contributions from health-related behaviors, inadequate access to care, the use of hormonal therapy, and minority stress. Further research is needed to increase access to care and reduce the substantial gap in outcomes for these individuals.
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Nicholson AA, Siegel M, Wolf J, Narikuzhy S, Roth SL, Hatchard T, Lanius RA, Schneider M, Lloyd CS, McKinnon MC, Heber A, Smith P, Lueger-Schuster B. A systematic review of the neural correlates of sexual minority stress: towards an intersectional minority mosaic framework with implications for a future research agenda. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2022; 13:2002572. [PMID: 35251527 PMCID: PMC8890555 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2021.2002572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic oppression, particularly towards sexual minorities, continues to be deeply rooted in the bedrock of many societies globally. Experiences with minority stressors (e.g. discrimination, hate-crimes, internalized homonegativity, rejection sensitivity, and microaggressions or everyday indignities) have been consistently linked to adverse mental health outcomes. Elucidating the neural adaptations associated with minority stress exposure will be critical for furthering our understanding of how sexual minorities become disproportionately affected by mental health burdens. UNLABELLED Following PRISMA-guidelines, we systematically reviewed published neuroimaging studies that compared neural dynamics among sexual minority and heterosexual populations, aggregating information pertaining to any measurement of minority stress and relevant clinical phenomena. RESULTS Only 1 of 13 studies eligible for inclusion examined minority stress directly, where all other studies focused on investigating the neurobiological basis of sexual orientation. In our narrative synthesis, we highlight important themes that suggest minority stress exposure may be associated with decreased activation and functional connectivity within the default-mode network (related to the sense-of-self and social cognition), and summarize preliminary evidence related to aberrant neural dynamics within the salience network (involved in threat detection and fear processing) and the central executive network (involved in executive functioning and emotion regulation). Importantly, this parallels neural adaptations commonly observed among individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the aftermath of trauma and supports the inclusion of insidious forms of trauma related to minority stress within models of PTSD. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, minority stress may have several shared neuropsychological pathways with PTSD and stress-related disorders. Here, we outline a detailed research agenda that provides an overview of literature linking sexual minority stress to PTSD and insidious trauma, moral affect (including shame and guilt), and mental health risk/resiliency, in addition to racial, ethnic, and gender related minority stress. Finally, we propose a novel minority mosaic framework designed to inform future directions of minority stress neuroimaging research from an intersectional lens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Nicholson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.,Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Canada.,Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, Canada
| | - Magdalena Siegel
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jakub Wolf
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandhya Narikuzhy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Sophia L Roth
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Taylor Hatchard
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Ruth A Lanius
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Maiko Schneider
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | | | - Margaret C McKinnon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.,Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, Canada
| | | | - Patrick Smith
- The Centre of Excellence for PTSD, Royal Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada
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Abstract
Neurologic health disparities are created and perpetuated by structural and social determinants of health. These factors include, but are not limited to, interpersonal bias, institutional factors that lead to disparate access to care, and neighborhood-level factors, such as socioeconomic status, segregation, and access to healthy food. Effects of these determinants of health can be seen throughout neurology, including in stroke, epilepsy, headache, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and dementia. Interventions to improve neurologic health equity require multilayered approaches to address these interdependent factors that create and perpetuate disparate neurologic health access and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Rosendale
- Neurohospitalist Division, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, 1001 Potrero Avenue, Building 1, Room 101, Box 0870, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA.
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14
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Christian LM, Cole SW, McDade T, Pachankis JE, Morgan E, Strahm AM, Kamp Dush CM. A biopsychosocial framework for understanding sexual and gender minority health: A call for action. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 129:107-116. [PMID: 34097981 PMCID: PMC8429206 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The number of US adults identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or a different sexual identity has doubled since 2008, and about 40 % of the sexual and gender minority population identify as people of color. Minority stress theory posits that sexual and gender minorities are at particular risk for stress via stigma and discrimination at the structural, interpersonal, and individual levels. This stress, in turn, elevates the risk of adverse health outcomes across several domains. However, there remains a conspicuously limited amount of research on the psychoneuroimmunology of stress among sexual and gender minorities. We developed the Biopsychosocial Minority Stress Framework which posits that sexual minority status leads to unique experiences of minority stress which results in adverse health behavioral factors, elevated psychological distress and sleep disturbance, and immune dysregulation. Moderators in the model include both individual differences and intersectional identities. There is a crucial need to understand the biological-psychological axis of stress among the increasingly visible sexual and gender minority population to increase their health, longevity, and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Christian
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; The Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Steve W Cole
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences and Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Thomas McDade
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA; Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA; Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - John E Pachankis
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA; Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ethan Morgan
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Anna M Strahm
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; The Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Claire M Kamp Dush
- Minnesota Population Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Department of Sociology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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15
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Pharr JR, Batra K. Propensity Score Analysis Assessing the Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases among the Transgender Population in the United States Using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2017-2019). Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9060696. [PMID: 34207713 PMCID: PMC8226537 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9060696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Research to assess the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among the transgender population needs to be prioritized given the high prevalence of chronic conditions and associated risk factors in this group. Previous cross-sectional studies utilized unmatched samples with a significant covariate imbalance resulting in a selection bias. Therefore, this cross-sectional study attempts to assess and compare the burden of NCDs among propensity score-matched transgender and cisgender population groups. This study analyzed Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data (2017–2019) using complex weighting procedures to generate nationally representative samples. Logistic regression was fit to estimate propensity scores. Transgender and cisgender groups were matched by sociodemographic variables using a 1:1 nearest neighbor matching algorithm. McNemar, univariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted among matched cohorts using R and SPSS version 26 software. Compared with the cisgender group, the transgender group was significantly more likely to have hypertension (31.3% vs. 27.6%), hypercholesteremia (30.8% vs. 23.7%), prediabetes (17.3% vs. 10.3%), and were heavy drinkers (6.7% vs. 6.0%) and smokers (22.4% vs. 20.0%). Moreover, the transgender group was more than twice as likely to have depression (aOR: 2.70, 95% CI 2.62–2.72), stroke (aOR: 2.52 95% CI 2.50–2.55), coronary heart disease (aOR: 2.77, 95% CI 2.74–2.81), and heart attack (aOR: 2.90, 95% CI 2.87–2.94). Additionally, the transgender group was 1.2–1.7 times more likely to have metabolic and malignant disorders. Differences were also found between transgender subgroups compared with the cisgender group. This study provides a clear picture of the NCD burden among the transgender population. These findings offer an evidence base to build health equity models to reduce disparities among transgender groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R. Pharr
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Kavita Batra
- Office of Research, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89102, USA;
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16
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Vincent W, Carrico AW, Dilworth SE, Fuchs D, Neilands TB, Moskowitz JT, Flentje A. Intersecting minority statuses and tryptophan degradation among stimulant-using, sexual minority men living with HIV. J Consult Clin Psychol 2021; 89:156-165. [PMID: 33829804 PMCID: PMC8547766 DOI: 10.1037/ccp0000586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disclosure of one's sexual orientation as a sexual-minority (SM) person (i.e., being "out") may affect HIV-related health outcomes. This longitudinal study examined whether race/ethnicity moderated effects of outness on the plasma kynurenine/tryptophan (KT) ratio, a marker of dysregulated serotonin metabolism due to immune activation that predicts clinical HIV progression. METHODS Participants were African American, Hispanic/Latino, and non-Hispanic White, methamphetamine-using SM men living with HIV (N = 97) who completed self-report scales of outness and SM stress at baseline for a randomized controlled trial of a positive affect intervention. Linear mixed modeling was used to test whether race/ethnicity and experimental condition moderated the association of baseline outness with the KT ratio at baseline, 6, 12, and 15 months controlling for SM stress, sociodemographics, HIV disease markers, and recent stimulant use. RESULTS The interactions of outness by race/ethnicity and outness by experimental condition on the KT ratio were significant. Greater outness predicted a lower KT ratio over time in non-Hispanic White SM men, but not among SM men of color (MOC). Greater outness predicted a lower KT ratio over time for SM men in the control, but not among those in the intervention arm. CONCLUSION Being more out may be protective for non-Hispanic White SM men, but not for their SM MOC peers. Outness mattered for participants who did not receive the positive affect intervention. Findings underscore the potentially different contexts and consequences of outness depending on SM men's race/ethnicity and whether they received a positive affect intervention. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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17
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The Intersection of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Race/Ethnicity on Cardiovascular Health: a Review of the Literature and Needed Research. CURRENT CARDIOVASCULAR RISK REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12170-020-00651-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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18
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Singh KP, Dhruva A, Flowers E, Paul SM, Hammer MJ, Wright F, Cartwright F, Conley YP, Melisko M, Levine JD, Miaskowski C, Kober KM. Alterations in Patterns of Gene Expression and Perturbed Pathways in the Gut-Brain Axis Are Associated With Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea. J Pain Symptom Manage 2020; 59:1248-1259.e5. [PMID: 31923555 PMCID: PMC7239734 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.12.352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Despite current advances in antiemetic treatments, approximately 50% of oncology patients experience chemotherapy-induced nausea (CIN). OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to evaluate for differentially expressed genes and perturbed pathways associated with the gut-brain axis (GBA) across two independent samples of oncology patients who did and did not experience CIN. METHODS Oncology patients (n = 735) completed study questionnaires in the week before their second or third cycle of chemotherapy. CIN occurrence was assessed using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale. Gene expression analyses were performed in two independent samples using ribonucleic acid sequencing (Sample 1, n = 357) and microarray (Sample 2, n = 352) methodologies. Fisher's combined probability method was used to determine genes that were differentially expressed and pathways that were perturbed between the two nausea groups across both samples. RESULTS CIN was reported by 63.6% of the patients in Sample 1 and 48.9% of the patients in Sample 2. Across the two samples, 703 genes were differentially expressed, and 37 pathways were found to be perturbed between the two CIN groups. We identified nine perturbed pathways that are involved in mechanisms associated with alterations in the GBA (i.e., mucosal inflammation, disruption of gut microbiome). CONCLUSION Persistent CIN remains a significant clinical problem. Our study is the first to identify novel GBA-related pathways associated with the occurrence of CIN. Our findings warrant confirmation and suggest directions for future clinical studies to decrease CIN occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal P Singh
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Anand Dhruva
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Elena Flowers
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Steven M Paul
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Marilyn J Hammer
- The Phyllis F. Cantor Center for Research in Nursing and Patient Care Services, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Fay Wright
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Frances Cartwright
- Department of Nursing, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yvette P Conley
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michelle Melisko
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jon D Levine
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Christine Miaskowski
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kord M Kober
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.
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19
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Li MJ, Takada S, Okafor CN, Gorbach PM, Shoptaw SJ, Cole SW. Experienced homophobia and gene expression alterations in Black and Latino men who have sex with men in Los Angeles County. Brain Behav Immun 2020; 83:120-125. [PMID: 31563693 PMCID: PMC6906252 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) experience high rates of homophobic victimization, which is linked to myriad chronic physical and mental health disparities. Social adversity such as rejection, isolation, and racial discrimination can induce a conserved transcriptional response to adversity (CTRA) involving upregulation of proinflammatory genes and downregulation of type I interferon and antibody synthesis genes. This study specifically examines whether homophobic victimization is associated with expression of CTRA profiles in Black and Latino MSM living in Los Angeles. Analyses linked behavioral survey data with quantified RNA from leukocytes from blood samples of 70 participants over 12 months. CTRA gene expression was increased by 3.1-fold in MSM who experienced homophobic victimization while adjusting for major leukocyte subsets and sociodemographics. Accounting for all these factors, CTRA gene expression was significantly enhanced in MSM who identified as Black compared to Latino. Our findings identify experiences of homophobic victimization as drivers of inflammatory and type I interferon gene expression profiles, which can contribute to physical and mental health challenges in Black and Latino MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Li
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles,Center for Behavioral and Addiction Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles,Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Sae Takada
- National Clinician Scholars Program UCLA, Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA,Veterans Affairs, Health Services Research & Development, Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, & Policy, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Chukwuemeka N. Okafor
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles,Center for Behavioral and Addiction Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles,Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Pamina M. Gorbach
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles,Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Steven J. Shoptaw
- Center for Behavioral and Addiction Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles,Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Steven W. Cole
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles
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20
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The relationship between minority stress and biological outcomes: A systematic review. J Behav Med 2019; 43:673-694. [PMID: 31863268 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-019-00120-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Sexual minority (non-heterosexual) individuals experience higher rates of physical health problems. Minority stress has been the primary explanatory model to account for this disparity. The purpose of this study was to identify in published research empirically established relationships between minority stress processes and biological outcomes and identify avenues for future research. The PubMed database was queried with search terms relevant to minority stress and a comprehensive list of physical and biological outcomes. To be included in the analysis, studies had to examine the relationship between minority stress and a biological outcome among sexual minority individuals. Those meeting inclusion criteria were coded for key variables including methodology used, positive and null results, participant characteristics, and specific minority stress processes and biological outcomes considered. In total, 26 studies met inclusion criteria. Studies tested relationships between specific minority stress processes including prejudice, expectations of prejudice, concealment of sexual orientation, and internalized stigma and multiple biological outcomes, such as overall physical health, immune response, HIV specific outcomes, cardiovascular outcomes, metabolic outcomes, cancer related outcomes, and hormonal outcomes. Studies included both analyses that detected this relationship (42% of analyses) and analyses that did not detect this relationship (58%). There is substantial evidence to support the relationship between minority stress and biological outcomes, yet additional research is needed to identify the measurements and outcomes that have the most rigorous and replicable results.
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21
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Kober KM, Olshen A, Conley YP, Schumacher M, Topp K, Smoot B, Mazor M, Chesney M, Hammer M, Paul SM, Levine JD, Miaskowski C. Expression of mitochondrial dysfunction-related genes and pathways in paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer survivors. Mol Pain 2018; 14:1744806918816462. [PMID: 30426838 PMCID: PMC6293373 DOI: 10.1177/1744806918816462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Paclitaxel is one of the most commonly used drugs to treat breast cancer. Its
major dose-limiting toxicity is paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy
(PIPN). PIPN persists into survivorship and has a negative impact on
patient’s mood, functional status, and quality of life. No interventions are
available to treat PIPN. A critical barrier to the development of
efficacious interventions is the lack of understanding of the mechanisms
that underlie PIPN. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been evaluated in
preclinical studies as a hypothesized mechanism for PIPN, but clinical data
to support this hypothesis are limited. The purpose of this pilot study was
to evaluate for differential gene expression and perturbed pathways between
breast cancer survivors with and without PIPN. Methods Gene expression in peripheral blood was assayed using RNA-seq. Differentially
expressed genes (DEG) and pathways associated with mitochondrial dysfunction
were identified between survivors who received paclitaxel and did (n = 25)
and did not (n = 25) develop PIPN. Results Breast cancer survivors with PIPN were significantly older; more likely to be
unemployed; reported lower alcohol use; had a higher body mass index and
poorer functional status; and had a higher number of lower extremity sites
with loss of light touch, cold, and pain sensations and higher vibration
thresholds. No between-group differences were found in the cumulative dose
of paclitaxel received or in the percentage of patients who had a dose
reduction or delay due to PIPN. Five DEGs and nine perturbed pathways were
associated with mitochondrial dysfunction related to oxidative stress, iron
homeostasis, mitochondrial fission, apoptosis, and autophagy. Conclusions This study is the first to provide molecular evidence that a number of
mitochondrial dysfunction mechanisms identified in preclinical models of
various types of neuropathic pain including chemotherapy-induced peripheral
neuropathy are found in breast cancer survivors with persistent PIPN and
suggest genes for validation and as potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kord M Kober
- 1 School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Adam Olshen
- 2 School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yvettte P Conley
- 3 School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mark Schumacher
- 2 School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kimberly Topp
- 2 School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Betty Smoot
- 2 School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Melissa Mazor
- 1 School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Margaret Chesney
- 2 School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Marilyn Hammer
- 4 Department of Nursing, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steven M Paul
- 1 School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jon D Levine
- 2 School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Christine Miaskowski
- 1 School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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22
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Carrico AW, Flentje A, Kober K, Lee S, Hunt P, Riley ED, Shoptaw S, Flowers E, Dilworth SE, Pahwa S, Aouizerat BE. Recent stimulant use and leukocyte gene expression in methamphetamine users with treated HIV infection. Brain Behav Immun 2018; 71:108-115. [PMID: 29679637 PMCID: PMC6003871 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Stimulant use may accelerate HIV disease progression through biological and behavioral pathways. However, scant research with treated HIV-positive persons has examined stimulant-associated alterations in pathophysiologic processes relevant to HIV pathogenesis. In a sample of 55 HIV-positive, methamphetamine-using sexual minority men with a viral load less than 200 copies/mL, we conducted RNA sequencing to examine patterns of leukocyte gene expression in participants who had a urine sample that was reactive for stimulants (n = 27) as compared to those who tested non-reactive (n = 28). Results indicated differential expression of 32 genes and perturbation of 168 pathways in recent stimulant users. We observed statistically significant differential expression of single genes previously associated with HIV latency, cell cycle regulation, and immune activation in recent stimulant users (false discovery rate p < 0.10). Pathway analyses indicated enrichment for genes associated with inflammation, innate immune activation, neuroendocrine hormone regulation, and neurotransmitter synthesis. Recent stimulant users displayed concurrent elevations in plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor - alpha (TNF-α) but not interleukin 6 (IL-6). Further research is needed to examine the bio-behavioral mechanisms whereby stimulant use may contribute to HIV persistence and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annesa Flentje
- University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing
| | - Kord Kober
- University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing
| | - Sulggi Lee
- University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine
| | - Peter Hunt
- University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine
| | - Elise D. Riley
- University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine
| | - Steven Shoptaw
- University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine
| | - Elena Flowers
- University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing,University of California, San Francisco Institute for Human Genetics
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