1
|
Zapater-Fajarí M, Crespo-Sanmiguel I, Perez V, Hidalgo V, Salvador A. Subjective memory complaints in young people: the role of resilience. Psychol Health 2024; 39:1243-1262. [PMID: 36368933 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2022.2141240] [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: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Little is known about the origin and associated factors of subjective memory complaints (SMCs) in the young population, although they might be closely related to the psychophysiological states produced by stress exposure, such as anxiety and depression. In this regard, resilience has been related to a reduction in these negative states, as well as to more adaptive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning. We aimed to investigate the importance of depression, anxiety, and HPA axis activity in SMCs in the young population. We also analysed the relationship between resilience and SMCs through the mediation of depression, anxiety, and the cortisol awakening response (CAR). DESIGN To do so, we measured SMCs, depression and anxiety states, resilience, and the CAR in 77 healthy young people. RESULTS Both depression and anxiety were associated with SMCs. In addition, greater resilience was related to fewer SMCs through depression and anxiety. However, the CAR was not related to SMCs, and it did not mediate the relationship between resilience and SMCs. CONCLUSION These results suggest that negative affective states have greater importance in SMCs than HPA functioning in this age group, and they also highlight the importance of resilience in the psychological adjustment to stressful situations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariola Zapater-Fajarí
- Laboratory of Cognitive Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychobiology and IDOCAL, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Isabel Crespo-Sanmiguel
- Laboratory of Cognitive Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychobiology and IDOCAL, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vanesa Perez
- Laboratory of Cognitive Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychobiology and IDOCAL, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vanesa Hidalgo
- Laboratory of Cognitive Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychobiology and IDOCAL, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- IIS Aragón, Department of Psychology and Sociology, Area of Psychobiology, University of Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain
| | - Alicia Salvador
- Laboratory of Cognitive Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychobiology and IDOCAL, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Spanish National Network for Research in Mental Health CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Santos-Carrasco D, De la Casa LG. Stressing out! Effects of acute stress on prepulse inhibition and working memory. Psychophysiology 2024; 61:e14599. [PMID: 38691020 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle reflex serves as a pre-cognitive marker of sensorimotor gating, and its deficit may predict cognitive impairments. Startle reflex is modulated by many factors. Among them, stress has been a topic of interest, but its effects on both pre-cognitive and cognitive variables continue to yield divergent results. This study aims to analyze the effect of acute stress on PPI of the startle reflex and cognitive function (working memory, attention, inhibition, and verbal fluency). Participants were exposed to the MAST stress induction protocol or a stress-neutral task: stress group (n = 54) or control group (n = 54). Following stress induction, participants' startle responses were recorded, and cognition was assessed. The results revealed that participants in the stress group exhibited greater startle magnitude, lower PPI, and lower scores in working memory tests compared with the control group. Additionally, a correlation was found between working memory and PPI across all the participants, independent of stress group. These findings support the notion that after stress, both greater startle magnitude and diminished PPI could play an adaptive role by allowing for increased processing of stimuli potentially dangerous and stress-related. Similarly, our results lend support to the hypothesis that lower PPI may be predictive of cognitive impairment. Considering the impact of stress on both pre-cognitive (PPI) and cognitive (working memory) variables, we discuss the possibility that the effect of stress on PPI occurs through motivational priming and emphasize the relevance of considering stress in both basic and translational science.
Collapse
|
3
|
Chu CH, Huang IL, Hillman CH, Chen NC, Yu J, Hung CS, Chen FT, Chang YK. The relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and inhibitory control following acute stress: An ERP study. Psychophysiology 2024; 61:e14592. [PMID: 38682486 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Although the relationships among acute stress, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and cognitive function have been examined, whether CRF is related to behavioral and neuroelectric indices of inhibitory control following acute stress remains unknown. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the combined influence of acute stress and CRF on inhibitory control. Participants, aged 20-30 years, were stratified into the Higher-Fit (n = 31) and the Lower-Fit (n = 32) groups, and completed a Stroop task following the modified Maastricht Acute Stress Test (MAST) in the stress condition and the sham-MAST in the non-stress condition, during which electroencephalography was recorded. Behavioral (i.e., response time and accuracy) and neuroelectric (N2 and P3b components of the event-related potential) outcomes of inhibitory control were obtained. While the Higher-Fit group demonstrated shorter response times and higher accuracy than the Lower-Fit group following both the MAST and the sham-MAST, they also exhibited selective benefits of acute stress on inhibitory control performance (i.e., decreased response times and diminished interference scores). CRF-dependent alterations in neuroelectric indices were also observed, with the Higher-Fit group displaying smaller N2 and greater P3b amplitudes than the Lower-Fit group following the sham-MAST, and increased N2 and attenuated P3b amplitudes following the MAST. Collectively, these findings not only confirm the positive relationship between CRF and inhibitory control but also provide novel insights into the potential influence of CRF on inhibitory control and associated neuroelectric activity following acute stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Heng Chu
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I-Lun Huang
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Charles H Hillman
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Cognitive and Brain Health, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nai-Chi Chen
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jeffrey Yu
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Sin Hung
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Tzu Chen
- Department of Kinesiology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Kai Chang
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Social Emotional Education and Development Center, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute for Research Excellence in Learning Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rieder AS, Ramires Júnior OV, Prauchner GRK, Wyse ATS. Effects of methylphenidate on mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergetics in the prefrontal cortex of juvenile rats are sex-dependent. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 134:111057. [PMID: 38880464 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Methylphenidate (MPH) is a central nervous system stimulant drug and a first order prescription in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Although MPH biochemistry in neurodevelopment is not completely understood, studies showed it alters energy metabolism in rat brains. ADHD prevalence during neurodevelopment is related to males and the investigation has been mainly done in these subjects, therefore, little is known about MPH action in females and, consequently, about sexual dimorphism. In the present study we evaluated markers of mitochondrial dynamics (DRP1 and MFN2, fission and fusion, respectively), biogenesis (mtTFA) and bioenergetics (respiratory chain complexes) in prefrontal cortex of male and female juvenile rats submitted to exposure to MPH to better understand MPH effect during postnatal neurodevelopment. ATP and oxidative stress levels were also evaluated. Wistar rats received intraperitoneal injection of MPH (2.0 mg/kg) or control (saline), once a day, from 15th to 45th day of age. Results showed that MPH increased DRP1 and decreased MFN2, as well as increased mtTFA in prefrontal cortex of male rats. In female, MPH decreased NRF1 and increased Parkin, which are mitochondrial regulatory proteins. Respiratory chain complexes (complex I, SDH, complexes III and IV), ATP production and oxidative stress parameters were altered and shown to be sex-dependent. Taken together, results suggest that chronic MPH exposure at an early age in healthy animals changes mitochondrial dynamics, biogenesis and bioenergetics differently depending on the sex of the subjects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Schmitt Rieder
- Laboratory of Neuroprotection and Neurometabolic Diseases, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, 90035-003 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Osmar Vieira Ramires Júnior
- Laboratory of Neuroprotection and Neurometabolic Diseases, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, 90035-003 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Ricardo Krupp Prauchner
- Laboratory of Neuroprotection and Neurometabolic Diseases, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, 90035-003 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Angela T S Wyse
- Laboratory of Neuroprotection and Neurometabolic Diseases, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, 90035-003 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li Z, Kong W, Park HY, Koo SJ, Bang M, Park JT, Lee E, An SK. Association of hair cortisol concentration with brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene methylation: The role of sex as a moderator. Stress Health 2024; 40:e3401. [PMID: 38581566 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3401] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) reflects the long-term activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in response to stress. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor DNA methylation (BDNF DNAM) may affect HCC, and sex and Val66Met may contribute to this association. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the associations between HCC and Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) DNAM, and the moderating effects of Val66Met and sex. We recruited 191 healthy young participants (96 women, mean age 23.0 ± 2.6 years) and collected body samples to evaluate HCC, and to determine BDNF DNAM and Val66Met genotypes. We analyzed the effects of BDNF DNAM, sex, and Val66Met on HCC. We also evaluated the associations between BDNF DNAM and HCC in groups separated by sex and genotypes. We found a marked association of BDNF DNAM with HCC across men and women. After dividing the data by sex, a positive correlation of HCC with BDNF DNAM was found only in women. There was no substantial moderation effect of Val66Met genotypes on the association between BDNF DNAM and HCC. Therefore, BDNF DNAM was found to have positive association with HCC only in healthy young women, indicating that sex moderates the association of BDNF DNAM with long-term HPA axis activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenxu Li
- Section of Self, Affect and Neuroscience, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Wanji Kong
- Section of Self, Affect and Neuroscience, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hye Yoon Park
- Section of Self, Affect and Neuroscience, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Se Jun Koo
- Section of Self, Affect and Neuroscience, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Graduate Program in Cognitive Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Minji Bang
- Department of Psychiatry, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Jung Tak Park
- Institute of Kidney Disease Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eun Lee
- Section of Self, Affect and Neuroscience, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Severance Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Suk Kyoon An
- Section of Self, Affect and Neuroscience, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Graduate Program in Cognitive Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Severance Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang J, Tam WWS, Hounsri K, Kusuyama J, Wu VX. Effectiveness of Combined Aerobic and Resistance Exercise on Cognition, Metabolic Health, Physical Function, and Health-related Quality of Life in Middle-aged and Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2024; 105:1585-1599. [PMID: 37875170 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2023.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness of combined aerobic and resistance exercise on cognition, metabolic health, physical function, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). DATA SOURCE AND STUDY SELECTION Systematic search of CINAHL, Cochrane, EMBASE, Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest Dissertation and Thesis, PsycINFO, Web of Science databases, and gray literature from Google Scholar. Pertinent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected. The Protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO CRD42023387336). DATA EXTRACTION The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool by 2 reviewers independently. Outcome data were extracted in a fixed-effect model if heterogeneity test were not significant and I2≤50%; otherwise, the random-effects model was used. DATA SYNTHESIS Sixteen studies with 2426 participants were included in this review. Combined aerobic and resistance exercise had significant positive effects on cognition (SMD=0.34, 95% CI: 0.13 to 0.55), metabolic health on HbA1c (SMD=-0.35, 95% CI: -0.48 to -0.22) and lipid profile (total cholesterol SMD=-0.20, 95% CI: -0.34 to -0.07; low-density lipoprotein SMD=-0.19, 95% CI: -0.33 to -0.05; high-density lipoprotein SMD=0.25, 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.39; and triglycerides SMD=-0.18, 95% CI: -0.31 to -0.04), physical function on aerobic oxygen uptake (SMD=0.58, 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.95) and body mass index (MD=-1.33, 95% CI: -1.84 to -0.82), and physical HRQoL (MD=4.17, 95% CI: 0.86 to 7.48). Our results showed that clinically important effects on cognition may occur in combining the low-moderate intensity of aerobic exercise and progressive intensity of resistance training, the total duration of the exercise needs to be at least 135 minutes per week, among which, resistance training should be at least 60 minutes. CONCLUSION Combined aerobic and resistance exercise effectively improves cognition, ameliorates metabolic health, enhances physical function, and increases physical HRQoL in middle-aged and older adults with T2DM. More RCTs and longitudinal follow-ups are required to provide future evidence of structured combined aerobic and resistance exercise on other domains of cognition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Zhang
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Clinical Research Centre, Singapore
| | - Wilson Wai San Tam
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Clinical Research Centre, Singapore
| | - Kanokwan Hounsri
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Clinical Research Centre, Singapore
| | - Joji Kusuyama
- Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Vivien Xi Wu
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Clinical Research Centre, Singapore; NUSMED Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jarkas DA, Villeneuve AH, Daneshmend AZB, Villeneuve PJ, McQuaid RJ. Sex differences in the inflammation-depression link: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 121:257-268. [PMID: 39089535 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a heterogeneous disorder that affects twice as many women than men. Precluding advances in more tailored and efficacious treatments for depression is the lack of reliable biomarkers. While depression is linked to elevations in inflammatory immune system functioning, this relationship is not evident among all individuals with depression and may vary based on symptom subtypes and/or sex. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined whether inflammatory immune peripheral markers of depression are sex-specific. PRISMA guidelines were followed for the systematic review, and a comprehensive search strategy that identified studies from PubMed and PsycInfo was applied. Studies were included if they reported C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and/or IL-1β for males and/or females among depressed and healthy adults. We identified 23 studies that satisfied these inclusion criteria. Random-effects meta-analysis models were fit, and measures of association were summarized between levels of circulating markers of inflammation in depressed and healthy males and females. Sex-based analyses revealed elevated levels of CRP among females with depression (Cohen's d = 0.19) relative to their healthy counterparts (p = 0.02), an effect not apparent among males (Cohen's d = -0.01). Similarly, levels of IL-6 were increased among females with depression compared to healthy controls (Cohen's d = 0.51; p = 0.04), but once again this was not found among males (Cohen's d = 0.16). While TNF-α levels were elevated among individuals with depression compared to controls (p = 0.01), no statistically significant sex differences were found. The meta-analysis for IL-1β resulted in only three articles, and thus, results are presented in the supplemental section. This meta-analysis advances our understanding of the unique involvement of inflammatory biomarkers in depression among men and women, which may help inform more tailored sex-specific treatment approaches in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dana A Jarkas
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Ally H Villeneuve
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ayeila Z B Daneshmend
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul J Villeneuve
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robyn J McQuaid
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Alewel DI, Kodavanti UP. Neuroendocrine contribution to sex-related variations in adverse air pollution health effects. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2024:1-28. [PMID: 39075643 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2024.2383637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Air pollution exposure is ranked as a leading environmental risk factor for not only cardiopulmonary diseases but also for systemic health ailments including diabetes, reproductive abnormalities, and neuropsychiatric disorders, likely mediated by central neural stress mechanisms. Current experimental evidence links many air pollution health outcomes with activation of neuroendocrine sympathetic-adrenal-medullary and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) stress axes associated with resultant increases in adrenal-derived hormone levels acting as circulating mediators of multi-organ stress reactions. Epidemiological and experimental investigations also demonstrated sex-specific responses to air pollutant inhalation, which may be attributed to hormonal interactions within the stress and reproductive axes. Sex hormones (androgens and estrogens) interact with neuroendocrine functions to influence hypothalamic responses, subsequently augmenting stress-mediated metabolic and immune changes. These neurohormonal interactions may contribute to innate sex-specific responses to inhaled irritants, inducing differing individual susceptibility. The aim of this review was to: (1) examine neuroendocrine co-regulation of the HPA axis by gonadal hormones, (2) provide experimental evidence demonstrating sex-specific respiratory and systemic effects attributed to air pollutant inhalation exposure, and (3) postulate proposed mechanisms of stress and sex hormone interactions during air pollution-related stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devin I Alewel
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Research Participation Program, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Urmila P Kodavanti
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
McGowan C, Krah M, Fogelman N, Seo D, Sinha R. Sex differences in binge drinking-related higher morning cortisol levels and in prospective association with future alcohol intake. Alcohol Alcohol 2024; 59:agae047. [PMID: 39053499 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agae047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Peripheral cortisol represents one biological measure of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a significant component of the stress system, which is altered by chronic alcohol consumption. However, whether heavy alcohol use affects the HPA axis differentially between the sexes and whether basal cortisol levels are a biomarker of prospective alcohol intake is unknown. METHODS We recruited light moderate (LM) and binge-heavy (BH) drinkers of alcohol (n = 118). Repeated fasting morning cortisol levels were studied over a 2-hour period to assess basal levels while participants underwent a neuroimaging scan. RESULTS Significantly higher average cortisol levels in BH compared to LM groups across four timepoints were observed (P < .018). Overall sex differences were observed with women showing higher initial cortisol levels at the first timepoint with a blunted decrease over the morning relative to men (P < .003). Average morning cortisol differentially predicted prospective future 30-day daily reports of alcohol consumption by sex and group, such that LM males had a positive significant relationship and BH males had a negative non-significant relationship between cortisol and drinking. CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate that morning plasma cortisol is upregulated in the BH vs. LM group. Although females had higher initial morning cortisol levels, BH males showed a dysregulated negative relationship between stress and binge drinking in contrast to the LM group. Future work should further investigate the role of cortisol and other stress hormones as biomarkers of problematic drinking behaviors in men and women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colleen McGowan
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Monika Krah
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Nia Fogelman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Dongju Seo
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Rajita Sinha
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lockett J, Inder WJ, Clifton VL. The Glucocorticoid Receptor: Isoforms, Functions, and Contribution to Glucocorticoid Sensitivity. Endocr Rev 2024; 45:593-624. [PMID: 38551091 PMCID: PMC11244253 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnae008] [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: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids exert pleiotropic effects on all tissues to regulate cellular and metabolic homeostasis. Synthetic forms are used therapeutically in a wide range of conditions for their anti-inflammatory benefits, at the cost of dose and duration-dependent side effects. Significant variability occurs between tissues, disease states, and individuals with regard to both the beneficial and deleterious effects. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is the site of action for these hormones and a vast body of work has been conducted understanding its function. Traditionally, it was thought that the anti-inflammatory benefits of glucocorticoids were mediated by transrepression of pro-inflammatory transcription factors, while the adverse metabolic effects resulted from direct transactivation. This canonical understanding of the GR function has been brought into question over the past 2 decades with advances in the resolution of scientific techniques, and the discovery of multiple isoforms of the receptor present in most tissues. Here we review the structure and function of the GR, the nature of the receptor isoforms, and the contribution of the receptor to glucocorticoid sensitivity, or resistance in health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jack Lockett
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4101, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Warrick J Inder
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Vicki L Clifton
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4101, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Demori I, Losacco S, Giordano G, Mucci V, Blanchini F, Burlando B. Fibromyalgia pathogenesis explained by a neuroendocrine multistable model. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303573. [PMID: 38990866 PMCID: PMC11238986 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a central disorder characterized by chronic pain, fatigue, insomnia, depression, and other minor symptoms. Knowledge about pathogenesis is lacking, diagnosis difficult, clinical approach puzzling, and patient management disappointing. We conducted a theoretical study based on literature data and computational analysis, aimed at developing a comprehensive model of FM pathogenesis and addressing suitable therapeutic targets. We started from the evidence that FM must involve a dysregulation of central pain processing, is female prevalent, suggesting a role for the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, and is stress-related, suggesting a role for the HP-adrenocortical (HPA) axis. Central pathogenesis was supposed to involve a pain processing loop system including the thalamic ventroposterolateral nucleus (VPL), the primary somatosensory cortex (SSC), and the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN). For decreasing GABAergic and/or increasing glutamatergic transmission, the loop system crosses a bifurcation point, switching from monostable to bistable, and converging on a high-firing-rate steady state supposed to be the pathogenic condition. Thereafter, we showed that GABAergic transmission is positively correlated with gonadal-hormone-derived neurosteroids, notably allopregnanolone, whereas glutamatergic transmission is positively correlated with stress-induced glucocorticoids, notably cortisol. Finally, we built a dynamic model describing a multistable, double-inhibitory loop between HPG and HPA axes. This system has a high-HPA/low-HPG steady state, allegedly reached in females under combined premenstrual/postpartum brain allopregnanolone withdrawal and stress condition, driving the thalamocortical loop to the high-firing-rate steady state, and explaining the connection between endocrine and neural mechanisms in FM pathogenesis. Our model accounts for FM female prevalence and stress correlation, suggesting the use of neurosteroid drugs as a possible solution to currently unsolved problems in the clinical treatment of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Demori
- Department of Pharmacy, DIFAR, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Serena Losacco
- Department of Pharmacy, DIFAR, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Giulia Giordano
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, Trento, (TN), Italy
- Delft Center for Systems and Control, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Viviana Mucci
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - Franco Blanchini
- Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Bruno Burlando
- Department of Pharmacy, DIFAR, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
La Torre D, Dalile B, Vanuytsel T, Van Oudenhove L, Verbeke K. The Leuven Prolonged Acute Stress Test (L-PAST): A novel paradigm to induce a subjective and glucocorticoid stress response for at least ninety minutes. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 165:107047. [PMID: 38636354 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Laboratory stress tests typically administer stress acutely, ranging from 3 to 15 minutes. However, everyday stressors usually last longer than ten minutes (e.g., examination stressors, work stressors, and social stressors. Moreover, in some studies, it may be relevant to induce stress for a longer period to affect certain psychological or physiological parameters. To this end, we developed a novel stress test that intends to induce psychosocial stress for 90 minutes. The Leuven Prolonged Acute Stress Test (L-PAST) combines physical (hand immersion in cold water), cognitive (mental arithmetic), and psychosocial (social evaluation and feelings of failure) stress elements of two well-known laboratory stress tests, the Maastricht Acute Stress Test (MAST) and the Montreal Imaging Stress Test (MIST). Fifty healthy women were subjected to both the L-PAST and a sham (control) test in a randomized and counterbalanced manner. The stress response was determined by salivary cortisol measurements and assessment of subjective stress ratings at regular time points during the time preceding the stress period (5 min), the stress period (90 min), and the recovery period (35 min). Cognitive reactivity to failure and subjective pain levels were also assessed at various time points. The childhood trauma questionnaire (CTQ) and the perceived stress scale (PSS) were administered prior to the testing phase. As expected, linear mixed models revealed that the stress response was significantly higher during the L-PAST as indicated by a significant time point by condition interaction effect for both the cortisol response (F(10,450)=12.21, p < 0.0001, ηp2=0.11) and the subjective stress response (F(13,637)=13.98, p < 0.0001, ηp2 = 0.12). Moreover, there was a significant time point by condition interaction effect for cognitive reactivity to failure (F(13,637) = 7.97, p < 0.0001, ηp2 = 0.07) and subjective pain (F(13,637) = 38.52, p < 0.0001, ηp2 = 0.27), indicating that the levels were higher during the L-PAST at most stress induction time points. Lastly, higher CTQ scores were associated with higher subjective pain levels during the L-PAST (F(1,44)=6.05, p = 0.02). Collectively, our results confirm the efficacy of the L-PAST in inducing a prolonged subjective as well as cortisol stress response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danique La Torre
- Translational Research Center in Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Boushra Dalile
- Translational Research Center in Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tim Vanuytsel
- Translational Research Center in Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leuven University Hospital, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lukas Van Oudenhove
- Translational Research Center in Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Lab, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Kristin Verbeke
- Translational Research Center in Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Forbes PA, Nitschke JP, Hochmeister N, Kalenscher T, Lamm C. No effects of acute stress on monetary delay discounting: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 31:100653. [PMID: 38933285 PMCID: PMC11201353 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Many everyday decisions, including those concerning our health, finances and the environment, involve choosing between a smaller but imminent reward (e.g., €20 now) and a later but larger reward (e.g., €40 in a month). The extent to which an individual prefers smaller imminent rewards over larger delayed rewards can be measured using delay discounting tasks. Acute stress induces a cascade of biological and psychological responses with potential consequences for how individuals think about the future, process rewards, and make decisions, all of which can impact delay discounting. Several studies have shown that individuals focus more on imminent rewards under stress. These findings have been used to explain why individuals make detrimental choices under acute stress. Yet, the evidence linking acute stress to delay discounting is equivocal. To address this uncertainty, we conducted a meta-analysis of 11 studies (14 effects) to systematically quantify the effects of acute stress on monetary delay discounting. Overall, we find no effect of acute stress on delay discounting, compared to control conditions (SMD = -0.18, 95% CI [-0.57, 0.20], p = 0.32). We also find that neither the gender/sex of the participants, the type of stressor (e.g., physical vs. psychosocial) nor whether monetary decisions were hypothetical or incentivized (i.e. monetary decisions were actually paid out) moderated the impact of acute stress on monetary delay discounting. We argue that establishing the effects of acute stress on the separate processes involved in delay discounting, such as reward valuation and prospection, will help to resolve the inconsistencies in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul A.G. Forbes
- Comparative Psychology, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
- Social, Cognitive, and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Jonas P. Nitschke
- Social, Cognitive, and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Nicole Hochmeister
- Social, Cognitive, and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Tobias Kalenscher
- Comparative Psychology, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Claus Lamm
- Social, Cognitive, and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zuloaga DG, Lafrican JJ, Zuloaga KL. Androgen regulation of behavioral stress responses and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Horm Behav 2024; 162:105528. [PMID: 38503191 PMCID: PMC11144109 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105528] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Testosterone is a powerful steroid hormone that can impact the brain and behavior in various ways, including regulating behavioral and neuroendocrine (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis) stress responses. Early in life androgens can act to alter development of brain regions associated with stress regulation, which ultimately impacts the display of stress responses later in life. Adult circulating androgens can also influence the expression of distinct genes and proteins that regulate stress responses. These changes in the brain are hypothesized to underlie the potent effects of androgens in regulating behaviors related to stress and stress-induced activation of the HPA axis. Androgens can induce alterations in these functions through direct binding to the androgen receptor (AR) or following conversion to estrogens and subsequent binding to estrogen receptors including estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), beta (ERβ), and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1). In this review, we focus on the role of androgens in regulating behavioral and neuroendocrine stress responses at different stages of the lifespan and the sex hormone receptors involved in regulating these effects. We also review the specific brain regions and cell phenotypes upon which androgens are proposed to act to regulate stress responses with an emphasis on hypothalamic and extended amygdala subregions. This knowledge of androgen effects on these neural systems is critical for understanding how sex hormones regulate stress responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Damian G Zuloaga
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA.
| | | | - Kristen L Zuloaga
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lee SY, Jao NC, Gaffey AE, Reid BM, Vergara-Lopez C, Bublitz MH, Stroud LR. Female adolescents' early life stress and body mass index: Differential effects of anger and anxiety in response to rejection. J Adolesc 2024; 96:830-840. [PMID: 38402417 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Early life stress is linked to childhood obesity. As children enter adolescence, early life stress may be associated with increased rejection sensitivity, resulting in activation of behavioral and physiological changes that contribute to higher body mass index (BMI). Understanding the potential influence of rejection sensitivity on the association between early life stress and BMI is important to examine in female adolescents. For this secondary data analysis, we hypothesized that female adolescents with greater early life stress and greater rejection sensitivity would exhibit higher BMI-for-age 12 months later. METHODS Seventy-eight adolescents (Mage = 13.1 years; 100% female sex; MBMI = 23.2 kg/m2) in the United States completed study procedures from 2012 to 2016. Among these procedures, the Psychosocial Schedule was used to assess cumulative early life stress and the Children's Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire was used to assess anger and anxiety in response to rejection. Twelve months later, height and weight were measured to derive BMI-for-age. RESULTS Higher early life stress was associated with higher BMI-for-age among female adolescents with low rejection-provoked anger (1 SD below the mean). However, this association was not observed among female adolescents with high rejection-provoked anger (1 SD above the mean). Finally, there was no significant interaction between early life stress and rejection-provoked anxiety in predicting BMI-for-age. CONCLUSIONS Experiencing early life stress may interact with rejection-provoked anger, but not anxiety, to predict BMI-for-age. Findings inform a developmental perspective of how rejection sensitivity may influence the association between early life stress and early cardiometabolic risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Y Lee
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Center for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Nancy C Jao
- Department of Psychology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Allison E Gaffey
- Department of Internal Medicine (Cardiovascular Medicine), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Brie M Reid
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Center for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Chrystal Vergara-Lopez
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Center for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Margaret H Bublitz
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Women's Medicine Collaborative, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Laura R Stroud
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Center for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Alessandri G, Filosa L, Ottaviani C, Carnevali L. Diurnal cortisol measures are distinctively associated with evaluation of neuroticism by self and others. Int J Psychophysiol 2024; 200:112353. [PMID: 38641018 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2024.112353] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
The link between neuroticism and the various indicators of daily cortisol fluctuations is frequently noted to be inconsistent or lacking in strength. The current study aimed to investigate the predictive capacity of both self-assessment and external evaluations of neuroticism, along with their interaction, on multiple indices of diurnal cortisol variations. This research involved the assessment of neuroticism using self-report and external evaluations among 166 working individuals, coupled with the collection of saliva samples over two consecutive workdays. Employing multilevel response surface analysis, our findings indicated that self-reported neuroticism exhibited a stronger association with cortisol indices compared to external evaluations. Additionally, the level of alignment between self-assessment and external ratings of neuroticism specifically impacted the prediction of estimates of daily cortisol production. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lorenzo Filosa
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Luca Carnevali
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mokhtari T, Irandoost E, Sheikhbahaei F. Stress, pain, anxiety, and depression in endometriosis-Targeting glial activation and inflammation. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 132:111942. [PMID: 38565045 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111942] [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: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Endometriosis (EM) is a gynecological inflammatory disease often accompanied by stress, chronic pelvic pain (CPP), anxiety, and depression, leading to a diminished quality of life. This review aims to discuss the relationship between systemic and local inflammatory responses in the central nervous system (CNS), focusing on glial dysfunctions (astrocytes and microglia) as in critical brain regions involved in emotion, cognition, pain processing, anxiety, and depression. The review presents that EM is connected to increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the circulation. Additionally, chronic stress and CPP as stressors may contribute to the dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, depleting the production of inflammatory mediators in the circulatory system and the brain. The systemic cytokines cause blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, activate microglia in the brain, and lead to neuroinflammation. Furthermore, CPP may induce neuronal morphological alterations in critical regions through central sensitization and the activation of glial cells. The activation of glial cells, particularly the polarization of microglia, leads to the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines. These inflammatory cytokines interact with the signaling pathways involved in neural plasticity. Additionally, persistent inflammatory conditions in the brain lead to neuronal death, which is correlated with a reduced volume of key brain regions such as the hippocampus. This review highlights the involvement of glial cells in the pathogenesis of the mental comorbidities of EM (i.e., pain, anxiety, and depression) and to discuss potential therapeutic approaches for targeting the inflammation and activation of microglia in key brain regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tahmineh Mokhtari
- Department of Pharmacology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Elnaz Irandoost
- Sarem Women's Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Sheikhbahaei
- Department of Anatomy, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Heinbockel H, Wagner AD, Schwabe L. Post-retrieval stress impairs subsequent memory depending on hippocampal memory trace reinstatement during reactivation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadm7504. [PMID: 38691596 PMCID: PMC11062581 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adm7504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Upon retrieval, memories can become susceptible to meaningful events, such as stress. Post-retrieval memory changes may be attributed to an alteration of the original memory trace during reactivation-dependent reconsolidation or, alternatively, to the modification of retrieval-related memory traces that impact future remembering. Hence, how post-retrieval memory changes emerge in the human brain is unknown. In a 3-day functional magnetic resonance imaging study, we show that post-retrieval stress impairs subsequent memory depending on the strength of neural reinstatement of the original memory trace during reactivation, driven by the hippocampus and its cross-talk with neocortical representation areas. Comparison of neural patterns during immediate and final memory testing further revealed that successful retrieval was linked to pattern-dissimilarity in controls, suggesting the use of a different trace, whereas stressed participants relied on the original memory representation. These representation changes were again dependent on neocortical reinstatement during reactivation. Our findings show disruptive stress effects on the consolidation of retrieval-related memory traces that support future remembering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Heinbockel
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Universität Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anthony D. Wagner
- Department of Psychology, Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Building 420, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Lars Schwabe
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Universität Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
García-Cabrerizo R, Cryan JF. A gut (microbiome) feeling about addiction: Interactions with stress and social systems. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 30:100629. [PMID: 38584880 PMCID: PMC10995916 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, an increasing attention has given to the intricate and diverse connection of microorganisms residing in our gut and their impact on brain health and central nervous system disease. There has been a shift in mindset to understand that drug addiction is not merely a condition that affects the brain, it is now being recognized as a disorder that also involves external factors such as the intestinal microbiota, which could influence vulnerability and the development of addictive behaviors. Furthermore, stress and social interactions, which are closely linked to the intestinal microbiota, are powerful modulators of addiction. This review delves into the mechanisms through which the microbiota-stress-immune axis may shape drug addiction and social behaviors. This work integrates preclinical and clinical evidence that demonstrate the bidirectional communication between stress, social behaviors, substance use disorders and the gut microbiota, suggesting that gut microbes might modulate social stress having a significance in drug addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rubén García-Cabrerizo
- IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
| | - John F. Cryan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Dalile B, Fuchs A, La Torre D, Vervliet B, Van Oudenhove L, Verbeke K. Colonic butyrate administration modulates fear memory but not the acute stress response in men: A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 131:110939. [PMID: 38199487 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.110939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are produced in the colon following bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber and are important microbiota-gut-brain messengers. However, their mechanistic role in modulating psychobiological processes that underlie the development of stress- and anxiety-related disorders is scarcely studied in humans. We have previously shown that colonic administration of a SCFA mixture (acetate, propionate, butyrate) lowers the cortisol response to stress in healthy participants, but does not impact fear conditioning and extinction. To disentangle the effects of the three main SCFAs, we examined whether butyrate alone would similarly modulate these psychobiological responses in a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled intervention study in 71 healthy male participants (Mage = 25.2, MBMI = 22.7 [n = 35 butyrate group, n = 36 placebo group]). Colon-delivery capsules with pH-dependent coating were used to administer 5.28 g of butyrate or placebo daily for one week. Butyrate administration significantly increased serum butyrate concentrations without modulating serum acetate or propionate, nor fecal SCFAs. Butyrate administration also significantly modulated fear memory at the subjective but not physiological levels. Contrary to expectations, no changes in subjective nor neuroendocrine responses to acute stress were evident between the treatment groups from pre- to post-intervention. We conclude that colonic butyrate administration alone is not sufficient to modulate psychobiological stress responses, unlike administration of a SCFA mixture. The influence of colonic and systemic butyrate on fear memory and the persistence of fear extinction should be further systematically investigated in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boushra Dalile
- Translational Research Center in Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Biological Psychology, Brain & Cognition, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Annalena Fuchs
- Translational Research Center in Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Danique La Torre
- Translational Research Center in Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bram Vervliet
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Biological Psychology, Brain & Cognition, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lukas Van Oudenhove
- Translational Research Center in Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Lab, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Kristin Verbeke
- Translational Research Center in Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Keane SP, Chadman KK, Gomez AR, Hu W. Pros and cons of narrow- versus wide-compartment rotarod apparatus: An experimental study in mice. Behav Brain Res 2024; 463:114901. [PMID: 38341101 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114901] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The rotarod test, a sensorimotor assessment that allows for quantitative evaluation of motor coordination in rodents, has extensive application in many research fields. The test results exhibit extreme between-study variability, sometimes making it challenging to conclude the validity of certain disease models and related therapeutic effects. Although the variation in test paradigms may account for this disparity, some features of rotarod apparatus including rod diameter make differences. However, it is unknown whether the width of animal compartment has a role in rotarod performance. Here we comprehensively evaluated the active rotarod performance and adverse incidents in multiple strains of mice on an 11-cm- or a 5-cm-wide compartment apparatus. We found that mouse behaviors on these apparatuses were surprisingly different. It took a markedly longer time to train mice on the narrow- than wide-compartment rotarod. Further, non-transgenic B6129S and tau knockout mice aged 11 months and beyond showed different levels of improvement based on the compartment width. These mice had no overt improvements on accelerating rotarod over 4-5 training sessions on the narrow compartment, contrary to marked progress on the wide counterpart. The incidents of mice passively somersaulting round and fragmented running occurred significantly more on the wide than narrow compartment during accelerating rotarod sessions. Mice fell off rod more frequently on narrow than wide compartments upon attempt to turn around and when moving backward on rod. The pros and cons of narrow versus wide compartments are informative as to how to choose a rotarod apparatus that best fits the animal models used.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sachiko P Keane
- Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Kathryn K Chadman
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Andres R Gomez
- Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Wen Hu
- Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Rohde G, Helseth S, Hagen M, Mikkelsen HT, Skarstein S, Haraldstad K. The relationship between gender, psychosocial factors, pain, health literacy and health-related quality of life in parents of Norwegian adolescents one year into the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:980. [PMID: 38589853 PMCID: PMC11000350 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18525-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress impacts healthy behaviours and may influence life and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). A stressful event occurred when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020. The present study aims to explore possible gender differences in stress, psychosocial factors (self-efficacy, self-esteem, loneliness), pain, HL, and HRQOL in parents of adolescents one year into the COVID-19 pandemic, and to explore possible associations between gender, demographic and psychosocial factors, pain, HL, and HRQOL. METHODS Parents of adolescents aged 16-17 took part in the study from January to February 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic was ongoing. Data on socio-demographics, stress, self-efficacy, self-esteem, pain, HL, loneliness, and HRQOL were collected. HRQOL was assessed using RAND-36. RESULTS Among the 320 parents from the general population, the mean age was 47.6 (standard deviation (SD) = 4.6) years, 81% were mothers, 79% were married or cohabiting, 81% had a university degree, and the majority worked full time (78%) or part time (13%). The average pain score was low, 0.48 (95% CI [0.43-0.54]). However, 50% of the parents reported persistent pain and more mothers reported persistent pain compared to fathers (53% vs. 37%). The parents' mean (SD) score for RAND-36 was 52.1 (95% CI [51.2-53.0]) for the physical component summary (PCS) score and 51.0 (95% CI [50.0-52.1]) for the mental component summary (MCS) score. Mothers reported significantly lower scores for all the eight RAND-36 domains and the PCS and MCS scores. Adjusting for gender, age, living condition, education, pain, HL, self-efficacy and loneliness, we revealed no associations between stress and RAND-36-PCS. University education of four years or more was positively associated (B = 3.29, 95% CI: [0.78-5.80]) with RAND-36-PCS, while persistent pain was negatively associated (B = -7.13, CI: [-9.20- -5.06]). We identified a strong negative association between RAND-36-MCS and stress (B = -43.11, CI: [-48.83- -37.38]) and a positive association with older age (B = 0.21, CI: [ 0.04, 0.39)]. CONCLUSION One year into the COVID-19 pandemic, we identified a strong negative association between stress and mental HRQOL, while pain was strongly negatively associated with physical HRQOL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gudrun Rohde
- Department of Health and Nursing, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Postbox 422, 4604, Kristiansand, Norway.
- Department of Clinical Research, Sorlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, Norway.
| | - Sølvi Helseth
- Department of Health and Nursing, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Postbox 422, 4604, Kristiansand, Norway
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Milada Hagen
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hilde Timenes Mikkelsen
- Department of Health and Nursing, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Postbox 422, 4604, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Siv Skarstein
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristin Haraldstad
- Department of Health and Nursing, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Postbox 422, 4604, Kristiansand, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Oppenheimer S, Bond L, Smith C. Social media does not elicit a physiological stress response as measured by heart rate and salivary cortisol over 20-minute sessions of cell phone use. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298553. [PMID: 38568926 PMCID: PMC10990243 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The pervasive use of social media has raised concerns about its potential detrimental effects on physical and mental health. Others have demonstrated a relationship between social media use and anxiety, depression, and psychosocial stress. In light of these studies, we examined physiological indicators of stress (heart rate to measure autonomic nervous system activation and cortisol to assess activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) associated with social media use and investigated possible moderating influences of sex, age, and psychological parameters. We collected physiological data from 59 subjects ranging in age from 13 to 55 across two cell phone treatments: social media use and a pre-selected YouTube playlist. Heart rate was measured using arm-band heart rate monitors before and during cell phone treatments, and saliva was collected for later cortisol analysis (by enzyme immunoassay) before and after each of the two cell phone treatments. To disentangle the effects of cell phone treatment from order of treatment, we used a crossover design in which participants were randomized to treatment order. Our study uncovered a significant period effect suggesting that both heart rate and cortisol decreased over the duration of our experiment, irrespective of the type of cell phone activity or the order of treatments. There was no indication that age, sex, habits of social media use, or psychometric parameters moderated the physiological response to cell phone activities. Our data suggest that 20-minute bouts of social media use or YouTube viewing do not elicit a physiological stress response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Oppenheimer
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Western Idaho, Boise, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Laura Bond
- Biomolecular Research Center, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Charity Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Western Idaho, Boise, Idaho, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Pan N, Yang C, Suo X, Shekara A, Hu S, Gong Q, Wang S. Sex differences in the relationship between brain gray matter volume and psychological resilience in late adolescence. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 33:1057-1066. [PMID: 37212908 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02231-7] [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: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Psychological resilience reflects an individual's ability to adapt and cope successfully in adverse environments and situations, making it a crucial trait in resisting stress-linked mental disorders and physical diseases. Although prior literature has consistently shown that males are more resilient than females, the sex-linked neuroanatomical correlates of psychological resilience are largely unknown. This study aims to explore the sex-specific relation between psychological resilience and brain gray matter volume (GMV) in adolescents via structural magnetic resonance imaging (s-MRI). A cohort of 231 healthy adolescents (121/110 females/males), aged 16 to 20 completed brain s-MRI scanning and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and other controlling behavioral tests. With s-MRI data, an optimized voxel-based morphometry method was used to estimate regional GMV, and a whole-brain condition-by-covariate interaction analysis was performed to identify the brain regions showing sex effects on the relation between psychological resilience and GMV. Male adolescents scored significantly higher than females on the CD-RISC. The association of psychological resilience with GMV differed between the two sex groups in the left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex extending to the adjacent anterior insula, with a positive correlation among males and a negative correlation among females. The sex-specific association between psychological resilience and GMV might be linked to sex differences in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and brain maturation during adolescence. This study may be novel in revealing the sex-linked neuroanatomical basis of psychological resilience, highlighting the need for a more thorough investigation of the role of sex in future studies of psychological resilience and stress-related illness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nanfang Pan
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Cheng Yang
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Xueling Suo
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Aniruddha Shekara
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Samantha Hu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Qiyong Gong
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- Department of Radiology, West China Xiamen Hospital of Sichuan University, Xiamen, China.
| | - Song Wang
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhang Y, Jiang Y, Sun Q, Li M, Chen S, Liang J, Liu C. Full sexual maturity-cycle exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of 17β-estradiol decreases reproductive capacity of zebrafish. J Environ Sci (China) 2024; 137:580-592. [PMID: 37980041 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2023.02.041] [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: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
17β-Estradiol (E2) has been widely detected in natural water and treatment with E2 induces potential endocrine disrupting effects in fish. However, effects on fish fecundity and steroid system after treatment with environmentally relevant concentrations of E2 for the full sexual maturation cycle remain unclear. In this study, zebrafish were treatment with 0, 10 or 100 ng/L E2 from embryo to adult stage, and effects on gonadal development and differentiation, steroid hormone levels, transcription of genes associated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal-liver (HPG) axis in adults and fertilization rate of offspring were assessed. The results showed that treatment with E2 lead to increased number of feminization in zebrafish. In females, E2 decreased cumulative amount of spawning and inhibited the maturation of oocyte. In males, E2 inhibited the maturation and motility of sperm, as well as decreased the movement speed of sperm. These adverse effects on sperm might be responsible for the reduced fertilization observed in offspring. In addition, treatment with E2 changed the levels of steroid hormones in zebrafish gonad and altered the transcriptional levels of genes associated with HPG axis, which is responsible for the regulation of germ cells maturation and gonadal development in zebrafish. Overall, these results suggested that treatment with environmentally relevant concentrations of E2 for the full sexual maturity cycle resulted in adverse effects on reproduction in zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongkang Zhang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yuanjun Jiang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qian Sun
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Meng Li
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jingyu Liang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Chunsheng Liu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Illachura VC, Montesinos-Malpartida MI, Bellido-Boza L, Puyén ZM, Blitchtein-Winicki D. Physical punishment and effective verbal communication in children aged 9-36 months, according to sex: secondary analysis of a national survey. BMC Pediatr 2024; 24:134. [PMID: 38378501 PMCID: PMC10877749 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04606-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A substantial number of children in the world are regularly subjected to physical punishment by their parents as a method of upbringing. Evidence suggests that it has negative effects on the development of brain function. However, evidence regarding its association with verbal communication is limited and heterogeneous. It is also unknown whether the effects are the same in both boys and girls; especially in the contexts of developing countries, where the highest rates of physical punishment are found. OBJECTIVE This investigation aimed at analyzing the association between physical punishment administered by both fathers and mothers and effective verbal communication among children aged 9-36 months according to sex. METHODS A secondary analytical cross-sectional study was conducted based on the 2018-2019 Peruvian Demographic and Family Health Survey. Physical punishment, based on the mother's report of the use of hitting and/or slapping, was considered as a method to correct children by the father and/or mother. Effective verbal communication (EVC) was measured using the Battle scale which consists of age-appropriate questions included in the early childhood development module. A generalized linear model of the family and Log Poisson link option was used to identify the association between them, using the crude, general adjusted, and sex-stratified models. RESULTS Of all the children, 16.31% received physical punishment from their father and/or mother, wherein 16.65% were boys and 15.97% were girls. Moreover, 36.48% exhibited EVC, wherein 32.55% were boys and 40.50% were girls. Adjusting for socioeconomic level, witnessing violence, mother's marital status, age, occupation, education level, language, number of children, and moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms, it was found that boys who received physical punishment from their father and/or mother have a 31% lower probability of EVC (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58-0.83, p < 0.001), whereas no association was found in girls who received physical punishment from their father and/or mother and EVC (aPR 0.93, 95% CI 0.81-1.06, p = 0.278). CONCLUSIONS An association was found between physical punishment administered by father and/or mother and reduced EVC among boys, whereas no such association was found among girls. It is possible that even though a significant impact has not been observed in girls during this early stage, they may experience consequences in later stages of life, further research is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Chire Illachura
- Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Av. Alameda San Marcos 11, Chorrillos, 15067, Lima, Perú
| | - Maria Inés Montesinos-Malpartida
- Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Av. Alameda San Marcos 11, Chorrillos, 15067, Lima, Perú
| | - Luciana Bellido-Boza
- Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Av. Alameda San Marcos 11, Chorrillos, 15067, Lima, Perú
| | - Zully M Puyén
- Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Av. Alameda San Marcos 11, Chorrillos, 15067, Lima, Perú
| | - Dora Blitchtein-Winicki
- Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Av. Alameda San Marcos 11, Chorrillos, 15067, Lima, Perú.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Kang S, Kim W, Nam J, Li K, Kang Y, Bae B, Chun KH, Chung C, Lee J. Non-Targeted Metabolomics Investigation of a Sub-Chronic Variable Stress Model Unveils Sex-Dependent Metabolic Differences Induced by Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2443. [PMID: 38397124 PMCID: PMC10889542 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Depression is twice as prevalent in women as in men, however, most preclinical studies of depression have used male rodent models. This study aimed to examine how stress affects metabolic profiles depending on sex using a rodent depression model: sub-chronic variable stress (SCVS). The SCVS model of male and female mice was established in discovery and validation sets. The stress-induced behavioral phenotypic changes were similar in both sexes, however, the metabolic profiles of female plasma and brain became substantially different after stress, whereas those of males did not. Four stress-differential plasma metabolites-β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB), L-serine, glycerol, and myo-inositol-could yield biomarker panels with excellent performance to discern the stressed individuals only for females. Disturbances in BHB, glucose, 1,5-anhydrosorbitol, lactic acid, and several fatty acids in the plasma of stressed females implied a systemic metabolic shift to β-oxidation in females. The plasma levels of BHB and corticosterone only in stressed females were observed not only in SCVS but also in an acute stress model. These results collectively suggest a sex difference in the metabolic responses by stress, possibly involving the energy metabolism shift to β-oxidation and the HPA axis dysregulation in females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seulgi Kang
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; (S.K.); (K.L.); (Y.K.); (B.B.)
| | - Woonhee Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; (W.K.); (J.N.); (C.H.C.)
| | - Jimin Nam
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; (W.K.); (J.N.); (C.H.C.)
| | - Ke Li
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; (S.K.); (K.L.); (Y.K.); (B.B.)
| | - Yua Kang
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; (S.K.); (K.L.); (Y.K.); (B.B.)
| | - Boyeon Bae
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; (S.K.); (K.L.); (Y.K.); (B.B.)
| | - Kwang-Hoon Chun
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea;
| | - ChiHye Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; (W.K.); (J.N.); (C.H.C.)
| | - Jeongmi Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; (S.K.); (K.L.); (Y.K.); (B.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Peyer KL, Hathaway ED, Doyle K. Gender differences in stress, resilience, and physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024; 72:598-605. [PMID: 35324391 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2052075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate gender differences in physical activity (PA), stress and resiliency during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants: Students (n = 300) at a southeastern US university. Methods: Perceived Stress (PSS), Resiliency (BRS), Life Events (LEI), and PA were recorded via online survey in Summer 2020. PSS, BRS, LEI, and PA were compared between males and females. Two-way ANOVAs examined gender and frequency effects on PSS and BRS. Results: Females had lower BRS and higher PSS and LEI scores than males (all p < .001). PSS/BRS scores were more strongly correlated with PA in males. Significant gender × frequency interactions were found for PSS (vigorous, p = .03) and for BRS (moderate, p = .049). There was a significant main effect of frequency for PSS with strength training (p < .001). Conclusions: Results suggest that interventions may be particularly needed for females and those with low PA levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karissa L Peyer
- Health and Human Performance Department, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Hathaway
- Health and Human Performance Department, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, USA
| | - Kevin Doyle
- School of Professional Studies, Mental Health Counseling Program, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Fahey KML, Cservenka A, Peltier MR, Mereish E, Dermody SS. An experimental laboratory-based minority stress paradigm for alcohol research among sexual minority women: A pilot study. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 48:345-361. [PMID: 38149357 PMCID: PMC10922336 DOI: 10.1111/acer.15255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual minority women (SMW) use alcohol at higher rates and experience greater alcohol-related harms than their heterosexual counterparts. Evidence from observational studies suggests that minority stress (i.e., stress experienced due to marginalization in society) is an important risk factor among SMW, yet there is a lack of experimental evidence to establish a direct causal role of minority stress on alcohol use in this population. We adapted the preexisting personalized guided stress induction paradigm to conduct a pilot study of how minority stress is related to stress response (assessed via subjective measures and salivary cortisol) and mechanisms of alcohol use (craving, demand, and risky decision making) in SMW. METHODS Using a within-subjects design (N = 8) cisgender SMW who endorsed high-risk drinking (≥1 heavy drinking episode in the past 30 days) completed three study visits: a script development session and two in-person imagery induction appointments (minority stress and neutral). Analyses examined feasibility and acceptability, stress response, and mechanisms of alcohol use. RESULTS The paradigm significantly increased subjective stress response (g = 1.32). Data supported the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of the paradigm for use with SMW. While the paradigm did not significantly change scores on minority stress and alcohol outcomes measures, effect sizes for craving and minority stress outcomes were in the small-to-medium range (gs = 0.24-0.54). CONCLUSIONS The adapted minority stress paradigm appears to be feasible and appropriate for use with SMW to induce stress in laboratory settings. Future research can use this paradigm to understand the causal effects of minority stress on alcohol use and related outcomes.
Collapse
|
30
|
Breton JM, Cort Z, Demaestri C, Critz M, Nevins S, Downend K, Ofray D, Romeo RD, Bath KG. Early life adversity reduces affiliative behavior with a stressed cagemate and leads to sex-specific alterations in corticosterone responses in adult mice. Horm Behav 2024; 158:105464. [PMID: 38070354 PMCID: PMC10872397 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105464] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Experiencing early life adversity (ELA) alters stress physiology and increases the risk for developing psychiatric disorders. The social environment can influence dynamics of stress responding and buffer and/or transfer stress across individuals. Yet, the impact of ELA on sensitivity to the stress of others and social behavior following stress is unknown. Here, to test the impact of ELA on social and physiological responses to stress, circulating blood corticosterone (CORT) and social behaviors were assessed in adult male and female mice reared under limited bedding and nesting (LBN) or control conditions. To induce stress, one cagemate of a pair-housed cage underwent a footshock paradigm and was then returned to their unshocked partner. CORT was measured in both groups of mice 20 or 90 min after stress exposure, and social behaviors were recorded and analyzed. ELA rearing influenced the CORT response to stress in a sex-specific manner. In males, both control and ELA-reared mice exhibited similar stress transfer to unshocked cagemates and similar CORT dynamics. In contrast, ELA females showed a heightened stress transfer to unshocked cagemates, and sustained elevation of CORT relative to controls, indicating enhanced stress contagion and a failure to terminate the stress response. Behaviorally, ELA females displayed decreased allogrooming and increased investigative behaviors, while ELA males showed reduced huddling. Together, these findings demonstrate that ELA influenced HPA axis dynamics, social stress contagion and social behavior. Further research is needed to unravel the underlying mechanisms and long-term consequences of ELA on stress systems and their impact on behavioral outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn M Breton
- Columbia University, Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY, USA; New York State Psychiatric Institute, Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Zoey Cort
- Barnard College of Columbia University, Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, New York, NY, USA
| | - Camila Demaestri
- Columbia University, Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY, USA
| | - Madalyn Critz
- Columbia University, Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY, USA; New York State Psychiatric Institute, Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Samuel Nevins
- Brown University, Department of Cognitive, Linguistic and Psychological Sciences, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kendall Downend
- Barnard College of Columbia University, Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dayshalis Ofray
- Columbia University, Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY, USA; New York State Psychiatric Institute, Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Russell D Romeo
- Barnard College of Columbia University, Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kevin G Bath
- Columbia University, Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY, USA; New York State Psychiatric Institute, Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Degroote C, Renner B, Wickl J, Leven A, Wirtz PH. Eating After Acute Psychosocial Stress in Healthy Men and Women: Sex Differences and Endocrine Mechanisms. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:e543-e551. [PMID: 37776311 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad578] [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] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Overweight and obesity have become a major health burden with a higher prevalence of obesity in women than in men. Mental stress has been discussed to play a role in this context. OBJECTIVE We investigated endocrine mechanisms underlying eating after acute psychosocial stress and potential sex differences therein. METHODS A total of 32 male and 31 female healthy participants underwent the Trier Social Stress Test before they tasted ice cream in a bogus taste test 15 minutes after stress. We repeatedly assessed the stress hormone cortisol and the satiety hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) in saliva as well as perceived hunger before and up to 1 hour after stress. RESULTS Lower immediate total cortisol stress reactivity predicted higher hunger (Ps ≤ .004), but was not associated with food intake (Ps ≥ .90) or total CCK release (Ps ≥ .84). As compared to men, women ate less after stress (Ps < .001) and had consistently lower levels of hunger (Ps ≤ .024) and cortisol (Ps ≤ .008) as well as a lower immediate total cortisol stress reactivity (Ps = .002). Further, they differed in the kinetics of CCK over the total experimental procedure (Ps ≤ .011), in immediate reaction to stress (Ps ≤ .038), and after eating (Ps ≤ .072), with women's CCK levels continuously decreasing while men's CCK levels were reactive. CONCLUSION We found evidence for lower immediate total cortisol stress reactivity relating to higher perceived hunger, with lower cortisol levels in women. Unlike in men, CCK levels in women were not reactive to acute stress and eating and decreased continuously. Our results may suggest a higher risk for stress-induced eating in women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Degroote
- Biological Work and Health Psychology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Britta Renner
- Psychological Assessment and Health Psychology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Julia Wickl
- Biological Work and Health Psychology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Anika Leven
- Biological Work and Health Psychology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Petra H Wirtz
- Biological Work and Health Psychology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Filetti C, Kane-Grade F, Gunnar M. The Development of Stress Reactivity and Regulation in Children and Adolescents. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:395-419. [PMID: 37559538 PMCID: PMC10845082 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230808120504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Adversity experienced in early life can have detrimental effects on physical and mental health. One pathway in which these effects occur is through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a key physiological stress-mediating system. In this review, we discuss the theoretical perspectives that guide stress reactivity and regulation research, the anatomy and physiology of the axis, developmental changes in the axis and its regulation, brain systems regulating stress, the role of genetic and epigenetics variation in axis development, sensitive periods in stress system calibration, the social regulation of stress (i.e., social buffering), and emerging research areas in the study of stress physiology and development. Understanding the development of stress reactivity and regulation is crucial for uncovering how early adverse experiences influence mental and physical health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Filetti
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Finola Kane-Grade
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Megan Gunnar
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Drost L, Finke JB, Bachmann P, Schächinger H. Cold pressor stress effects on cardiac repolarization. Stress 2024; 27:2352626. [PMID: 38766757 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2024.2352626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The cold pressor test (CPT) elicits strong cardiovascular reactions via activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), yielding subsequent increases in heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP). However, little is known on how exposure to the CPT affects cardiac ventricular repolarization. Twenty-eight healthy males underwent both a bilateral feet CPT and a warm water (WW) control condition on two separate days, one week apart. During pre-stress baseline and stress induction cardiovascular signals (ECG lead II, Finometer BP) were monitored continuously. Salivary cortisol and subjective stress ratings were assessed intermittently. Corrected QT (QTc) interval length and T-wave amplitude (TWA) were assessed for each heartbeat and subsequently aggregated individually over baseline and stress phases, respectively. CPT increases QTc interval length and elevates the TWA. Stress-induced changes in cardiac repolarization are only in part and weakly correlated with cardiovascular and cortisol stress-reactivity. Besides its already well-established effects on cardiovascular, endocrine, and subjective responses, CPT also impacts on cardiac repolarization by elongation of QTc interval length and elevation of TWA. CPT effects on cardiac repolarization share little variance with the other indices of stress reactivity, suggesting a potentially incremental value of this parameter for understanding psychobiological adaptation to acute CPT stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Drost
- Department of Clinical Psychophysiology, University of Trier, Trier, Germany
| | - Johannes B Finke
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| | - Petra Bachmann
- Department of Clinical Psychophysiology, University of Trier, Trier, Germany
| | - Hartmut Schächinger
- Department of Clinical Psychophysiology, University of Trier, Trier, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Wessa M, Sandner M, Rimpel J, Schönfelder S. The influence of acute stress exposure on cognitive reappraisal: a psychophysiological study. Stress 2024; 27:2329663. [PMID: 38533574 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2024.2329663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Successful and efficient emotion regulation (ER) is a key mechanism for mental health. However, acute stress may impact the ability to cognitively regulate negative emotions due to its immediate effects on executive functioning. Based on previous studies, we expected that the time at which ER is tested after a stressor might have a decisive influence, with impairments in ER being more pronounced immediately after stress as compared to a later post-stress phase. To investigate such a time-dependent effect of stress on ER, we investigated 50 healthy adults (26 female) who were exposed to either the Trier Social Stress Test (n = 25) or a control condition (n = 25). Afterwards subjects conducted a cognitive ER task during which they were instructed to either regulate (cognitive reappraisal) or passively view neutral and negative visual stimuli. The ER task was divided into an early (0-20 minutes) and a late post-stress phase (20-40 minutes). Salivary cortisol and α-amylase were assessed as markers of the neuroendocrine stress response. Self-reported emotional state, the mean activity of the late positive potential measured via electroencephalogram (EEG), and corrugator electromyographic activity (EMG) were used as indices of ER. While the groups did not differ in the early post-stress phase, our results suggest a stress-related impairment in ER in the late post-stress phase. This effect was evident in all ER outcome variables (subjective rating, EEG, and EMG data). These results suggest a time-specific stress effect on cognitive reappraisal, which would have implications for reappraisal as a possible stress management technique.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michèle Wessa
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR), Mainz, Germany
| | - Magdalena Sandner
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jérôme Rimpel
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sandra Schönfelder
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Li Y, Lu L, Androulakis IP. The Physiological and Pharmacological Significance of the Circadian Timing of the HPA Axis: A Mathematical Modeling Approach. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:33-46. [PMID: 37597751 PMCID: PMC10840710 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
As a potent endogenous regulator of homeostasis, the circadian time-keeping system synchronizes internal physiology to periodic changes in the external environment to enhance survival. Adapting endogenous rhythms to the external time is accomplished hierarchically with the central pacemaker located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) signaling the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to release hormones, notably cortisol, which help maintain the body's circadian rhythm. Given the essential role of HPA-releasing hormones in regulating physiological functions, including immune response, cell cycle, and energy metabolism, their daily variation is critical for the proper function of the circadian timing system. In this review, we focus on cortisol and key fundamental properties of the HPA axis and highlight their importance in controlling circadian dynamics. We demonstrate how systems-driven, mathematical modeling of the HPA axis complements experimental findings, enhances our understanding of complex physiological systems, helps predict potential mechanisms of action, and elucidates the consequences of circadian disruption. Finally, we outline the implications of circadian regulation in the context of personalized chronotherapy. Focusing on the chrono-pharmacology of synthetic glucocorticoids, we review the challenges and opportunities associated with moving toward personalized therapies that capitalize on circadian rhythms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yannuo Li
- Chemical & Biochemical Engineering Department, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Lingjun Lu
- Chemical & Biochemical Engineering Department, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Ioannis P Androulakis
- Chemical & Biochemical Engineering Department, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Biomedical Engineering Department, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08540, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Martinez GJ, Appleton M, Kipp ZA, Loria AS, Min B, Hinds TD. Glucocorticoids, their uses, sexual dimorphisms, and diseases: new concepts, mechanisms, and discoveries. Physiol Rev 2024; 104:473-532. [PMID: 37732829 PMCID: PMC11281820 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00021.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The normal stress response in humans is governed by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis through heightened mechanisms during stress, raising blood levels of the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol. Glucocorticoids are quintessential compounds that balance the proper functioning of numerous systems in the mammalian body. They are also generated synthetically and are the preeminent therapy for inflammatory diseases. They act by binding to the nuclear receptor transcription factor glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which has two main isoforms (GRα and GRβ). Our classical understanding of glucocorticoid signaling is from the GRα isoform, which binds the hormone, whereas GRβ has no known ligands. With glucocorticoids being involved in many physiological and cellular processes, even small disruptions in their release via the HPA axis, or changes in GR isoform expression, can have dire ramifications on health. Long-term chronic glucocorticoid therapy can lead to a glucocorticoid-resistant state, and we deliberate how this impacts disease treatment. Chronic glucocorticoid treatment can lead to noticeable side effects such as weight gain, adiposity, diabetes, and others that we discuss in detail. There are sexually dimorphic responses to glucocorticoids, and women tend to have a more hyperresponsive HPA axis than men. This review summarizes our understanding of glucocorticoids and critically analyzes the GR isoforms and their beneficial and deleterious mechanisms and the sexual differences that cause a dichotomy in responses. We also discuss the future of glucocorticoid therapy and propose a new concept of dual GR isoform agonist and postulate why activating both isoforms may prevent glucocorticoid resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Genesee J Martinez
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
| | - Malik Appleton
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
| | - Zachary A Kipp
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
| | - Analia S Loria
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
- Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
| | - Booki Min
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Terry D Hinds
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
- Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Wang R, Kogler L, Derntl B. Sex differences in cortisol levels in depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neuroendocrinol 2024; 72:101118. [PMID: 38176541 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Higher prevalence of depression in females might be associated with sex-specific cortisol levels. Evidence exists that cortisol levels differ between healthy females and males, however a sex-specific association in depression has not been systematically assessed. Thus, the current study quantifies the existing literature on different cortisol parameters, i.e., basal cortisol, hair cortisol, cortisol awakening response (CAR), and cortisol stress reactivity comparing depressed females and males as well as sex-specific comparisons with healthy controls. Following an extensive literature research, fifty original articles were included. Depressed females had significantly higher hair cortisol, higher CAR, and lower cortisol stress reactivity compared to depressed males. In comparison with sex-matched controls, female patients had significantly higher evening basal cortisol, higher CAR and lower cortisol stress reactivity, and male patients had significantly higher general, morning and evening basal cortisol. Overall, sex as a fundamental driver of cortisol levels in depression needs to be taken into account.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Women's Mental Health & Brain Function, Tübingen Center for Mental Health (TüCMH), Medical Faculty, University of Tübingen, Calwerstraße 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Lydia Kogler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Women's Mental Health & Brain Function, Tübingen Center for Mental Health (TüCMH), Medical Faculty, University of Tübingen, Calwerstraße 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), partner site Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Birgit Derntl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Women's Mental Health & Brain Function, Tübingen Center for Mental Health (TüCMH), Medical Faculty, University of Tübingen, Calwerstraße 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), partner site Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; LEAD Graduate School and Research Network, University of Tübingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
de Kloet ER, Joëls M. The cortisol switch between vulnerability and resilience. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:20-34. [PMID: 36599967 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01934-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In concert with neuropeptides and transmitters, the end products of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the glucocorticoid hormones cortisol and corticosterone (CORT), promote resilience: i.e., the ability to cope with threats, adversity, and trauma. To exert this protective action, CORT activates mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) and glucocorticoid receptors (GR) that operate in a complementary manner -as an on/off switch- to coordinate circadian events, stress-coping, and adaptation. The evolutionary older limbic MR facilitates contextual memory retrieval and supports an on-switch in the selection of stress-coping styles at a low cost. The rise in circulating CORT concentration after stress subsequently activates a GR-mediated off-switch underlying recovery of homeostasis by providing the energy for restraining the primary stress reactions and promoting cognitive control over emotional reactivity. GR activation facilitates contextual memory storage of the experience to enable future stress-coping. Such complementary MR-GR-mediated actions involve rapid non-genomic and slower gene-mediated mechanisms; they are time-dependent, conditional, and sexually dimorphic, and depend on genetic background and prior experience. If coping fails, GR activation impairs cognitive control and promotes emotional arousal which eventually may compromise resilience. Such breakdown of resilience involves a transition to a chronic stress construct, where information processing is crashed; it leads to an imbalanced MR-GR switch and hence increased vulnerability. Novel MR-GR modulators are becoming available that may reset a dysregulated stress response system to reinstate the cognitive flexibility required for resilience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Ronald de Kloet
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Leiden/Amsterdam Center of Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Marian Joëls
- Dept. Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Lloyd KM, Gabard-Durnam L, Beaudry K, De Lisio M, Raine LB, Bernard-Willis Y, Watrous JNH, Whitfield-Gabrieli S, Kramer AF, Hillman CH. Cross-sectional analysis reveals COVID-19 pandemic community lockdown was linked to dysregulated cortisol and salivary alpha amylase in children. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1210122. [PMID: 38169630 PMCID: PMC10758420 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1210122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic altered everyday life starting in March 2020. These alterations extended to the lives of children as their normal routines were disrupted by community lockdowns, online learning, limited in-person social contact, increased screen time, and reduced physical activity. Considerable research has investigated the physical health impact of COVID-19 infection, but far fewer studies have investigated the physiological impact of stressful pandemic-related changes to daily life, especially in children. The purpose of this study was to leverage an ongoing clinical trial to investigate physiological consequences associated with chronic stress of pandemic community lockdown on children. As a part of the clinical trial, children provided saliva samples. Saliva samples were analyzed for cortisol and salivary alpha amylase (sAA) content. This secondary cross-sectional analysis included 94 preadolescent children located within the Greater Boston, Massachusetts community. Children participated in the study either before, during, or following the pandemic community lockdown to form three groups for comparison. In response to chronic stress caused by the pandemic community lockdown, participants demonstrated dysregulation of fast-acting catecholamine response of the locus-coeruleus-norepinephrine system and slower-acting glucocorticoid response, resulting in an asymmetrical relationship of hypocortisolism (M = 0.78 ± 0.19 μg/mL, p < 0.001) paired with higher sAA (M = 12.73 ± 4.06 U/mL, p = 0.01). Results suggest that the abrupt COVID-19 disruption to daily life, including the stressful experience of community lockdown, had physiological effects on typically developing children. Further research is required to investigate mental health outcomes of children following the chronic stress of the pandemic community lockdown.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M. Lloyd
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Kayleigh Beaudry
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michael De Lisio
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Lauren B. Raine
- Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ysabeau Bernard-Willis
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | | | - Arthur F. Kramer
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- University of Illinois Beckman Institute, Champaign-Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Charles H. Hillman
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Lagdon S, Anyadike-Danes N, Reynolds M, Flack WF, Armour C. Intimate Partner Sexual Violence, Gender, and Psychological Distress Among Northern Irish University Students. VIOLENCE AND VICTIMS 2023; 38:910-928. [PMID: 37989531 DOI: 10.1891/vv-2022-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
While substantial prevalence rates of intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) have been found among university students for decades in North America, there is a specific gap in published studies on this issue in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The present analysis used data from a larger survey study of students in one Northern Irish university. The analyses reported here were used to examine relationships among IPSV victims, gender (males and females only), unhealthy alcohol use, and psychological distress among university students (n = 654) since the age of 16 and during the previous year. The results of this study are consistent with previous research indicating that women (n = 248) experience IPSV more often than men (n = 37; 50% vs. 23%, respectively). Nonetheless, IPSV is experienced by both men and women with statistically significant associations with alcohol use, posttraumatic stress, depression, and generalized anxiety compared with those who did not report any IPSV experience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Lagdon
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, Londonderry, Northern Ireland
| | - Ngozi Anyadike-Danes
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, Londonderry, Northern Ireland
| | - Megan Reynolds
- DCU Anti-Bullying Centre, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - William F Flack
- Department of Psychology, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cherie Armour
- School of Psychology, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Diaconu B, Kohls G, Rogers JC, Pauli R, Cornwell H, Bernhard A, Martinelli A, Ackermann K, Fann N, Fernandez-Rivas A, Gonzalez-Torres MA, Gonzalez de Artaza-Lavesa M, Hervas A, Stadler C, Konrad K, Freitag CM, Fairchild G, Rotshtein P, De Brito SA. Emotion processing in maltreated boys and girls: Evidence for latent vulnerability. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 32:2523-2536. [PMID: 36738328 PMCID: PMC10682268 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-02132-1] [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: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Evidence of alterations in emotion processing in maltreated youth has been hypothesized to reflect latent vulnerability for psychopathology. However, previous studies have not systematically examined the influence of psychopathology on the results. Here, we examined emotion recognition and learning in youth who differed in terms of presence vs. absence of maltreatment and psychopathology and tested for potential sex effects. Maltreatment and psychopathology were assessed in 828 youth (514 females) aged 9-18 years using diagnostic interviews and self- and parent-report questionnaires. Emotion recognition was assessed via identification of morphed facial expressions of six universal emotions. For emotion learning, reward and punishment values were assigned to novel stimuli and participants had to learn to correctly respond/withhold response to stimuli to maximize points. A three-way interaction of maltreatment by psychopathology by emotion indicated that when psychopathology was low, maltreated youth were less accurate than non-maltreated youth for happy, fear and disgust. A three-way interaction of sex, maltreatment and emotion indicated that maltreated girls and boys were impaired for fear, but girls showed an impairment for happy, while boys for disgust. There were no effects of maltreatment, psychopathology, or sex on reward learning. However, a two-way interaction between sex and maltreatment showed that maltreated girls were worse at learning from punishment relative to non-maltreated girls, while maltreated boys were better than non-maltreated boys. The study provides the first clear evidence of latent-vulnerability in emotion recognition in maltreated youth and suggests that girls and boys might be characterized by distinct profiles of emotion recognition and learning following maltreatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Diaconu
- Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Gregor Kohls
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jack C Rogers
- Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Institute for Mental Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ruth Pauli
- Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | | | - Anka Bernhard
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Anne Martinelli
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- School of Psychology, Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Katharina Ackermann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nikola Fann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Amaia Hervas
- University Hospital Mutua Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain
- Global Institute of Neurodevelopment Integrated Care (IGAIN), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christina Stadler
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kerstin Konrad
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- JARA-Brain Institute II, Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, RWTH Aachen & Research Centre Juelich, Juelich, Germany
| | - Christine M Freitag
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Pia Rotshtein
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Stephane A De Brito
- Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Quade L, Králík M, Bencúrová P, Dunn EC. Cortisol in deciduous tooth tissues: A potential metric for assessing stress exposure in archaeological and living populations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PALEOPATHOLOGY 2023; 43:1-6. [PMID: 37639895 PMCID: PMC10840740 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis that is regularly assessed in modern human and non-human populations in saliva, blood, and hair as a measure of stress exposure and stress reactivity. While recent research has detected cortisol concentrations in modern and archaeological permanent dental tissues, the present study assessed human primary (deciduous) teeth for cortisol concentrations. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-one dentine and enamel samples from nine modern and 10 archaeological deciduous teeth were analyzed for cortisol concentrations via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS Detectable concentrations of cortisol were identified in 15 (of 32) dentine and 8 (of 19) enamel samples coming from modern and archaeological deciduous teeth. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first known analysis of cortisol from deciduous dental tissues, demonstrating the potential to identify measurable concentrations. SIGNIFICANCE The ability to analyze deciduous teeth is integral to developing dental cortisol methods with multiple potential future applications, including research on the biological embedding of stress in the skeleton. This study marks a key step in a larger research program to study stress in primary dentition from living and archaeological populations. LIMITATIONS Multiple samples generated cortisol values that were not detectable with ELISA. Minimum quantities of tissue may be required to generate detectable levels of cortisol. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH Future research should include larger sample sizes and consideration of intrinsic biological and extrinsic preservation factors on dental cortisol. Further method validation and alternative methods for assessing dental cortisol are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Quade
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 267/2, Brno 61137, Czech Republic.
| | - Miroslav Králík
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 267/2, Brno 61137, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Bencúrová
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Žerotínovo nám. 617/9, Brno 60177, Czech Republic
| | - Erin C Dunn
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Mínguez-Alarcón L, Chagnon O, Tanaka A, Williams PL, James-Todd T, Ford JB, Souter I, Rexrode KM, Hauser R, Chavarro JE. Preconception Stress and Pregnancy Serum Glucose Levels Among Women Attending a Fertility Center. J Endocr Soc 2023; 8:bvad152. [PMID: 38178907 PMCID: PMC10766068 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvad152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Context The association between women's stress and pregnancy glucose levels remain unclear, specifically when considering the preconception period as a sensitive window of exposure. Objective We investigated whether preconception perceived stress was associated with glucose levels during pregnancy among women attending a fertility center (2004-2019). Methods Before conception, women completed a psychological stress survey using the short version of the validated Perceived Stress Scale 4 (PSS-4), and blood glucose was measured using a 50-gram glucose load test during late pregnancy as a part of screening for gestational diabetes. Linear and log-binomial regression models were used to assess associations of total PSS-4 scores with mean glucose levels and abnormal glucose levels ( ≥ 140 mg/dL), adjusting for age, body mass index, race, smoking, education, physical activity, primary infertility diagnosis, number of babies, and mode of conception. Results Psychological stress was positively associated with mean abnormal glucose levels. The adjusted marginal means (95% CI) of mean glucose levels for women in the first, second, and third tertiles of psychological stress were 115 (110, 119), 119 (115, 123), and 124 (119, 128), and mg/dL, respectively (P for trend = .007). Also, women in the second and third tertiles of psychological stress had 4% and 13% higher probabilities of having abnormal glucose compared with women in the first tertile of psychological stress (P trend = .01). Conclusion These results highlight the importance of considering preconception when evaluating the relationship between women's stress and pregnancy glucose levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Harvard Medical School & Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston 02115, USA
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston 02115, USA
| | - Olivia Chagnon
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston 02115, USA
| | - Aya Tanaka
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston 02115, USA
| | - Paige L Williams
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston 02115, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston 02115, USA
| | - Tamarra James-Todd
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston 02115, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston 02115, USA
| | - Jennifer B Ford
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston 02115, USA
| | - Irene Souter
- Division of Reproductive Medicine and IVF, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Kathryn M Rexrode
- Division of Women's Health, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston 02115, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston 02115, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02115, USA
| | - Jorge E Chavarro
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Harvard Medical School & Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston 02115, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston 02115, USA
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Maslahati T, Schultebraucks K, Galve Gómez M, Hellmann-Regen J, Otte C, Wingenfeld K, Roepke S. Effects of oral contraceptives on intrusive memories: a secondary analysis of two studies using the trauma film paradigm in healthy women. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2023; 14:2282003. [PMID: 38039055 PMCID: PMC10990444 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2282003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Women are more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than men. Recent research suggests an impact of oral contraceptive (OC) intake on PTSD and intrusive memories, a hallmark symptom of PTSD. Although a majority of women use OCs at some point in their lives, the effects on PTSD pathogenesis are only poorly understood.Objective: In the current paper, we aimed to investigate the impact of OC intake on the acquisition and consolidation of intrusive memories in healthy women after watching a trauma film paradigm.Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of a pooled dataset (N = 437) of two previously conducted and published studies investigating the effect of oxytocin on the development of intrusive memories.Results: Women taking OCs showed an attenuated decline of intrusive memories over time after having watched the trauma film compared to naturally cycling women (F(2.75, 1167) = 3.79, p = .03, η p 2 = .01).Conclusion: These findings indicate that the intake of OCs is associated with the development of intrusive memories after a trauma film paradigm. This indication emphasizes the need to further investigate the complex impact of OCs and gonadal hormones on fear learning processes and PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tolou Maslahati
- Clinic for Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Schultebraucks
- Department of Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
- Division of Healthcare Delivery Science, Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Milagros Galve Gómez
- Clinic for Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julian Hellmann-Regen
- Clinic for Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Otte
- Clinic for Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- DZPG (German Center for Mental Health), partner site Berlin, Germany
| | - Katja Wingenfeld
- Clinic for Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- DZPG (German Center for Mental Health), partner site Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Roepke
- Clinic for Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Vacaru SV, Parenteau AM, Yi S, Silvers JA, Hostinar CE, de Weerth C. Adolescents' hair cortisol concentrations during COVID-19: Evidence from two longitudinal studies in the Netherlands and the United States. Dev Psychobiol 2023; 65:e22438. [PMID: 38010307 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prolonged stress exposure is associated with alterations in cortisol output. The COVID-19 pandemic represented a stressor for many, including children. However, a high-quality caregiving environment may protect against psychological problems and possibly against elevations in cortisol. We examined adolescents' physiological stress responses to the pandemic and the role of attachment in two longitudinal samples from the Netherlands and the United States (https://aspredicted.org/HHY_8MK). METHODS Cortisol was assessed from hair samples before and during the pandemic, while attachment was self-reported prepandemic. Study 1 included a Dutch sample (N = 158; examined at ages 10 and later at 14 years old), whereas Study 2 included a US sample (N = 153; examined at ages 9-11 and again 2 years later) and an age-matched prepandemic sample (N = 29, 10-13 years old). Repeated-measures analyses of variance examined changes in cortisol from prepandemic to during the pandemic and the effect of attachment in each sample separately. RESULTS After accounting for age, both studies revealed nonsignificant changes in hair cortisol and a nonsignificant effect of attachment. A significant effect of sex emerged in Study 1, with Dutch girls showing a significant cortisol increase during the pandemic, which was not explained by puberty. CONCLUSION These findings suggest differential associations of the pandemic with hair cortisol increases by sex and country.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania V Vacaru
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies & Amsterdam Public Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anna M Parenteau
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Sydney Yi
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Jennifer A Silvers
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Camelia E Hostinar
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Carolina de Weerth
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Neira S, Lee S, Hassanein LA, Sides T, D'Ambrosio SL, Boyt KM, Bains JS, Kash TL. Impact and Role of Hypothalamic Corticotropin Releasing Hormone Neurons in Withdrawal from Chronic Alcohol Consumption in Female and Male Mice. J Neurosci 2023; 43:7657-7667. [PMID: 37833068 PMCID: PMC10634552 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1153-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, alcohol use and abuse are a leading risk of mortality, causing 5.3% of all deaths (World Health Organization, 2022). The endocrine stress system, initiated by the peripheral release of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) from primarily glutamatergic neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), is profoundly linked with alcohol use, abuse, and relapse (Blaine and Sinha, 2017). These PVN CRH-releasing (PVNCRH) neurons are essential for peripheral and central stress responses (Rasiah et al., 2023), but little is known about how alcohol affects these neurons. Here, we show that two-bottle choice alcohol consumption blunts the endocrine-mediated corticosterone response to stress during acute withdrawal in female mice. Conversely, using slice electrophysiology, we demonstrate that acute withdrawal engenders a hyperexcitable phenotype of PVNCRH neurons in females that is accompanied by increased glutamatergic transmission in both male and female mice. GABAergic synaptic transmission was unaffected by alcohol history. We then tested whether chemogenetic inhibition of PVNCRH neurons would restore stress response in female mice with a history of alcohol drinking in the looming disk test, which mimics an approaching predator threat. Accordingly, inhibition of PVNCRH neurons reduced active escape in hM4Di alcohol history mice only. This study indicates that stress-responsive PVNCRH neurons in females are particularly affected by a history of alcohol consumption. Interestingly, women have indicated an increase in heavy alcohol use to cope with stress (Rodriguez et al., 2020), perhaps pointing to a potential underlying mechanism in alcohol-mediated changes to PVNCRH neurons that alter stress response.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus neurons that release corticotropin releasing hormone (PVNCRH) are vital for stress response. These neurons have been understudied in relation to alcohol and withdrawal despite profound relations between stress, alcohol use disorders (AUD), and relapse. In this study, we use a variety of techniques to show that acute withdrawal from a history of alcohol impacts peripheral stress response, PVNCRH neurons, and behavior. Specifically, PVNCRH are in a hyperactive state during withdrawal, which drives an increase in active stress coping behaviors in female mice only. Understanding how alcohol use and withdrawal affects stress responding PVNCRH neurons may contribute to finding new potential targets for the treatment of alcohol use disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Neira
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Sophia Lee
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Leslie A Hassanein
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Tori Sides
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Shannon L D'Ambrosio
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Kristen M Boyt
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Jaideep S Bains
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Thomas L Kash
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Jentsch VL, Wolf OT, Otto T, Merz CJ. The impact of physical exercise on the consolidation of fear extinction memories. Psychophysiology 2023; 60:e14373. [PMID: 37350416 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14373] [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: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Based on the mechanisms of fear extinction, exposure therapy is the most common treatment for anxiety disorders. However, extinguished fear responses can reemerge even after successful treatment. Novel interventions enhancing exposure therapy efficacy are therefore critically needed. Physical exercise improves learning and memory and was also shown to enhance extinction processes. This study tested whether physical exercise following fear extinction training improves the consolidation of extinction memories. Sixty healthy men underwent a differential fearconditioning paradigm with fear acquisition training on day 1 and fear extinction training followed by an exercise or resting control intervention on day 2. On day 3, retrieval and reinstatement were tested including two additional but perceptually similar stimuli to explore the generalization of exercise effects. Exercise significantly increased heart rate, salivary alpha amylase, and cortisol, indicating successful exercise manipulation. Contrary to our expectations, exercise did not enhance but rather impaired extinction memory retrieval on the next day, evidenced by significantly stronger differential skin conductance responses (SCRs) and pupil dilation (PD). Importantly, although conditioned fear responses were successfully acquired, they did not fully extinguish, explaining why exercise might have boosted the consolidation of the original fear memory trace instead. Additionally, stronger differential SCRs and PD toward the novel stimuli suggest that the memory enhancing effects of exercise also generalized to perceptually similar stimuli. Together, these findings indicate that physical exercise can facilitate both the long-term retrievability and generalization of extinction memories, but presumably only when extinction was successful in the first place.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valerie L Jentsch
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Oliver T Wolf
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Tobias Otto
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Christian J Merz
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Daoust AR, Green H, Vandermeer MRJ, Liu P, Stanton K, Harkness KL, Hayden EP. Total cortisol output during an acute stressor predicts youths' internalizing symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Biol Psychol 2023; 184:108714. [PMID: 37839519 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2023.108714] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Individual differences in cortisol output may influence adolescents' adjustment to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, boys and girls may differ in terms of associations between cortisol output and internalizing symptoms in the context of COVID-19-related stress. We examined whether pre-pandemic cortisol output during an acute stressor, assessed approximately three years prior to the pandemic, predicted change in adolescents' internalizing symptoms early during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consistent with previous work on other life stressors, girls' cortisol output was positively associated with anxious and somatic symptoms early in the pandemic. Conversely, cortisol output and depressive symptoms were negatively associated for boys; boys with higher cortisol had depressive symptoms which significantly decreased over time. Findings suggest that hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis stress functioning plays a role in shaping differences between adolescent boys' and girls' adjustment during the experience of a ubiquitous chronic stressor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Daoust
- Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Haley Green
- Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew R J Vandermeer
- Anxiety Treatment & Research Centre, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pan Liu
- Department of Psychology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Kasey Stanton
- Department of Psychology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Kate L Harkness
- Department of Psychology, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Henze GI, Konzok J, Kudielka BM, Wüst S, Nichols TE, Kreuzpointner L. Associations between cortisol stress responses and limbic volume and thickness in young adults: An exploratory study. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 58:3962-3980. [PMID: 37806665 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16161] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
The investigation of the relationship between neural measures of limbic structures and hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis responses to acute stress exposure in healthy young adults has so far focused in particular on task-based and resting state functional connectivity studies. Thus, the present study examined the association between limbic volume and thickness measures and acute cortisol responses to the psychosocial stress paradigm ScanSTRESS. Using Permutation Analysis of Linear Models controlling for sex, age and total brain volume, the associations between (sex-specific) cortisol increases and human connectome project style anatomical variables of limbic structures (i.e. volume and thickness) were investigated in 66 healthy and young (18-33 years) subjects (35 men, 31 women taking oral contraceptives). In addition, exploratory (sex-specific) bivariate correlations between cortisol increases and structural measures were conducted. The present data provide interesting new insights into the involvement of striato-limbic structures in psychosocial stress processing, suggesting that acute cortisol stress responses are also associated with mere structural measures of the human brain. Thus, our preliminary findings suggest that not only situation- and context-dependent reactions of the limbic system (i.e. blood oxygenation level-dependent reactions) are related to acute (sex-specific) cortisol stress responses but also basal and somewhat more constant structural measures. Our study hereby paves the way for further analyses in this context and highlights the relevance of the topic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gina-Isabelle Henze
- Institute of Psychology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Research Division of Mind and Brain, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy CCM, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Julian Konzok
- Institute of Psychology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Wüst
- Institute of Psychology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Thomas E Nichols
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Sommovigo V, Tavolucci S, Filosa L, Rosa V, Carnevali L, Ottaviani C, Alessandri G. Daily cortisol variations are predicted proximally by self-efficacy beliefs at work and indirectly by perceived self-regulatory abilities in managing negative emotions. Int J Psychophysiol 2023; 193:112244. [PMID: 37716442 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2023.112244] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
In the present ecological study, we analyzed the relations of a set of self-efficacy beliefs at work to parameters of diurnal cortisol variation. Specifically, using data collected during two consecutive working days from 166 workers, we tested a mediation model positing social and work-related self-efficacy beliefs as mediators of the relations between self-regulatory emotional self-efficacy beliefs in managing negative emotions and cortisol indicators. Results from the multilevel mediation analyses supported the proposed model for work-related self-efficacy, which resulted as a significant mediator of the relation between self-regulatory emotional self-efficacy beliefs in managing negative emotions and the overall cortisol daily production indexed by computing the area under the curve with respect to the ground. Findings suggest the importance of self-efficacy beliefs for workers' physiological adjustment. Theoretical and practical contributions of the findings are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Sommovigo
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza, University of Rome, Via dei Marsi, 78, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Simone Tavolucci
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza, University of Rome, Via dei Marsi, 78, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Filosa
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza, University of Rome, Via dei Marsi, 78, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Valentina Rosa
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza, University of Rome, Via dei Marsi, 78, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Luca Carnevali
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 11/a, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Cristina Ottaviani
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza, University of Rome, Via dei Marsi, 78, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Guido Alessandri
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza, University of Rome, Via dei Marsi, 78, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|