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Starnino L, Dupuis G, Busque L, Bourgoin V, Dubé MP, Busseuil D, D'Antono B. The associations of hostility and defensiveness with telomere length are influenced by sex and health status. Biol Sex Differ 2021; 12:2. [PMID: 33397445 PMCID: PMC7783995 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-020-00349-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Shorter telomere length (TL) may indicate premature cellular aging and increased risk for disease. While there is substantial evidence for shorter TL in individuals suffering from psychiatric disorders, data is scarce on maladaptive personality traits related to coronary artery disease (CAD). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of TL with hostility and defensiveness in individuals with CAD or other non-cardiovascular illnesses and whether associations were moderated by CAD status and sex. Methods One thousand thirty-six individuals (Mage = 65.40 ± 6.73 years) with and without CAD completed the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale and the Cook–Medley Hostility Scale. Relative TL was measured via quantitative polymerase chain reaction of total genomic DNA samples. Analyses involved hierarchical regressions on TL, performed separately for hostility and defensiveness, controlling for pertinent sociodemographic, behavioural, and medical risk factors. Separate analyses were performed on 25 healthy participants. Results A hostility by sex interaction emerged (β = − .08, p = .006) in the patient groups, where greater hostility was associated with shorter TL in women only (p < .01). A Defensiveness by CAD status interaction (β = − .06, p = .049) revealed longer TL in more defensive CAD patients only (p = .06). In healthy men, shorter TL was observed in those with greater defensiveness (β = .52, p = .006) but lower hostility (β = − .43, p = .049). Conclusion Hostility and defensiveness are differentially associated with TL as a function of sex and health status. The implication of these results for health remains to be determined, but propose an additional pathway through which the effect of maladaptive personality traits may contribute to CV and other disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisia Starnino
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, 5000 Rue Bélanger, Montréal, QC, H1T 1C8, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Gilles Dupuis
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Lambert Busque
- Research Center, Hematology Division, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Vincent Bourgoin
- Research Center, Hematology Division, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Marie-Pierre Dubé
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, 5000 Rue Bélanger, Montréal, QC, H1T 1C8, Canada
| | - David Busseuil
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, 5000 Rue Bélanger, Montréal, QC, H1T 1C8, Canada
| | - Bianca D'Antono
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, 5000 Rue Bélanger, Montréal, QC, H1T 1C8, Canada. .,Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Canada. .,Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal Pavillon Marie-Victorin, Montreal, Canada.
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Starnino L, Busque L, Tardif JC, D’Antono B. Psychological Profiles in the Prediction of Leukocyte Telomere Length in Healthy Individuals. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165482. [PMID: 27788238 PMCID: PMC5082938 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shorter telomere length (TL) may signal premature cellular aging and increased risk for disease. While depression and psychosocial stress have been associated with shorter telomeres, other psychological risk factors for cardiovascular disease have received less attention. PURPOSE To evaluate the association between TL and psychological risk factors (symptoms of anxiety and depression, hostility and defensiveness traits) for heart disease, and to examine whether chronological age and sex moderate the associations observed. METHODS 132 healthy men and women (Mage = 45.34 years) completed the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory II, The Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Cook-Medley Hostility Scale. Relative TL was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of total genomic DNA samples. A series of hierarchical linear regressions were performed controlling for pertinent covariates. RESULTS Shorter TL was observed among individuals high in defensiveness (β = -.221) and depressive symptoms (β = -.213), as well as in those with less hostility (β =.256) and anxiety (β =.220)(all Ps<.05). Psychological variables explained 19% of the variance over and above that explained by covariates (age, sex, exercise, alcohol consumption, systemic inflammation, and 24-hr mean arterial pressure). Age moderated the relation between TL and defensiveness (β =.179, p =.03). Sex did not influence any of the relations. CONCLUSIONS Telomere length is associated with psychological burden though the direction of effect differs depending on the psychological variables under study. Further research is needed to determine the reasons for and implications of these seemingly contradictory findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisia Starnino
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Lambert Busque
- Research Center, Hematology Division, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jean-Claude Tardif
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Bianca D’Antono
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
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Girard D, Tardif JC, Boisclair Demarble J, D’Antono B. Trait Hostility and Acute Inflammatory Responses to Stress in the Laboratory. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0156329. [PMID: 27270459 PMCID: PMC4894569 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hostility has been associated with higher basal levels of inflammation. The present study evaluated the association of hostility with acute stress-induced changes in inflammatory activity. One hundred and ninety-nine healthy men and women, aged 19–64 years, were exposed to a stress protocol involving four interpersonal stressors. Participants completed the Cook-Medley Hostility questionnaire and provided two blood samples for the measurement of inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, Il-6, MPO, TNF-α, MCP-1, Il-8, Il-10, and Il-18), prior to and following exposure to a standardized stress protocol. In univariate analyses, hostility was associated with significantly higher TNF-α, but lower Il-8 and Il-18 values post-stress, though only Il-8 remained significant after controlling for baseline differences. In multivariate analyses, a significant Age by Hostility interaction emerged for Il-6, while sex moderated the relation between hostility and Il-10 reactivity. Following stress, hostility was associated with greater pro-inflammatory Il-6 activity among younger individuals and to decreased anti-inflammatory Il-10 activity in women. Future research is needed to replicate these findings and to evaluate their implication for disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Girard
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean-Claude Tardif
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Julie Boisclair Demarble
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bianca D’Antono
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Gentile C, Dragomir AI, Solomon C, Nigam A, D’Antono B. Sex Differences in the Prediction of Metabolic Burden from Physiological Responses to Stress. Ann Behav Med 2014; 49:112-27. [DOI: 10.1007/s12160-014-9639-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Dragomir AI, Gentile C, Nolan RP, D'Antono B. Three-year stability of cardiovascular and autonomic nervous system responses to psychological stress. Psychophysiology 2014; 51:921-31. [DOI: 10.1111/psyp.12231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anda I. Dragomir
- Research Center; Montreal Heart Institute; Montreal Quebec Canada
- Psychology Department; Université de Montréal; Montreal Quebec Canada
| | - Christina Gentile
- Research Center; Montreal Heart Institute; Montreal Quebec Canada
- Psychology Department; Université de Montréal; Montreal Quebec Canada
| | - Robert P. Nolan
- Behavioural Cardiology Research Unit; University Health Network; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Faculty of Medicine; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Bianca D'Antono
- Research Center; Montreal Heart Institute; Montreal Quebec Canada
- Psychology Department; Université de Montréal; Montreal Quebec Canada
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Boisclair Demarble J, Moskowitz DS, Tardif JC, D'Antono B. The relation between hostility and concurrent levels of inflammation is sex, age, and measure dependent. J Psychosom Res 2014; 76:384-93. [PMID: 24745780 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2014.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Revised: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Hostility may be associated with greater systemic inflammation. However, contradictory evidence exists. Certain individuals or dimensions of hostility may be more susceptible to these effects. Main and interactive effects of hostility with sex and/or age were evaluated on markers of inflammation, independently of traditional risk factors for coronary artery disease. METHODS 199 healthy men (81) and women (118), aged 20-64 years (M=41 ± 11 years) were recruited. Hostility was assessed using the Cook-Medley Hostility Inventory (CMHo) and ecological momentary assessments (EMA) of quarrelsome behavior and angry affect in daily living. Blood samples were drawn to measure inflammatory activity (Il-6, TNF-α, hsCRP, Il-8, Il-10, Il-18, MCP-1) and lipid oxidation (Myeloperoxidase; MPO). Correlations and hierarchical regression analyses were performed controlling for pertinent behavioral, psychological, medical, and socio-demographic factors. RESULTS Significant univariate associations emerged between CMHo and Il-6, TNF-α, MCP-1 (p<.05). Hierarchical regressions showed interactions of hostility with sex (Il-6, TNF-α; p<.05) and age (hsCRP, Il-6, TNF-α; p<.05). For example, in simple slope analyses, hostility was positively related to TNF-α in women (b=0.009, p=0.006) but not men. Greater hostility was also related to greater Il-6 levels among younger women (b=. 027, p=0.000). CONCLUSION Hostility, particularly cynical hostility, may be detrimental to (younger) women. The TNF-α, Il-6, CRP triad appears vulnerable to psychological and behavioral factors, and may be one mechanism by which cynical hostility (CMHo) contributes to increased cardiovascular risk in women. Prospective research is needed to verify this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Boisclair Demarble
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - D S Moskowitz
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean-Claude Tardif
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bianca D'Antono
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Juster RP, Moskowitz DS, Lavoie J, D'Antono B. Sex-specific interaction effects of age, occupational status, and workplace stress on psychiatric symptoms and allostatic load among healthy Montreal workers. Stress 2013; 16:616-29. [PMID: 23952366 DOI: 10.3109/10253890.2013.835395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Socio-demographics and workplace stress may affect men and women differently. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess sex-specific interactions among age, occupational status, and workplace Demand-Control-Support (D-C-S) factors in relation to psychiatric symptoms and allostatic load levels representing multi-systemic "wear and tear". It was hypothesized that beyond main effects, D-C-S factors would be moderated by occupational status and age in sex-specific directions predictive of subjective psychiatric symptoms and objective physiological dysregulations. Participants included healthy male (n = 81) and female (n = 118) Montreal workers aged 20 to 64 years (Men: M = 39.4 years, SD = 11.3; Women: M = 42.8 years, SD = 11.38). The Job Content Questionnaire was administered to assess workplace D-C-S factors that included psychological demands, decisional latitude, and social support. Occupational status was coded using the Nam--Powers--Boyd system derived from the Canadian census. Psychiatric symptoms were assessed using the Beck Anxiety Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory II. Sex-specific allostatic load indices were calculated based on fifteen biomarkers. Regression analyses revealed that higher social support was associated with less depressive symptoms in middle aged (p = 0.033) and older men (p = 0.027). Higher occupational status was associated with higher allostatic load levels for men (p = 0.035), while the reverse occurred for women (p = 0.048). Women with lower occupational status but with higher decision latitude had lower allostatic load levels, as did middle-aged (p = 0.031) and older women (p = 0.003) with higher psychological demands. In summary, age and occupational status moderated workplace stress in sex-specific ways that have occupational health implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert-Paul Juster
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University , Montréal, Québec , Canada
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Cunningham TJ, Seeman TE, Kawachi I, Gortmaker SL, Jacobs DR, Kiefe CI, Berkman LF. Racial/ethnic and gender differences in the association between self-reported experiences of racial/ethnic discrimination and inflammation in the CARDIA cohort of 4 US communities. Soc Sci Med 2012; 75:922-31. [PMID: 22682683 PMCID: PMC3417223 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2012.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2011] [Revised: 02/26/2012] [Accepted: 04/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is etiologically implicated in cardiometabolic diseases for which there are known racial/ethnic disparities. Prior studies suggest there may be an association between self-reported experiences of racial/ethnic discrimination and inflammation, particularly C-reactive protein (CRP). It is not known whether that association is influenced by race/ethnicity and gender. In separate hierarchical linear models with time-varying covariates, we examined that association among 901 Black women, 614 Black men, 958 White women, and 863 White men in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study in four US communities. Self-reported experiences of racial/ethnic discrimination were ascertained in 1992-93 and 2000-01. Inflammation was measured as log-transformed CRP in those years and 2005-06. All analyses were adjusted for blood pressure, plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), age, education, and community. Our findings extend prior research by suggesting that, broadly speaking, self-reported experiences of racial/ethnic discrimination are associated with inflammation; however, this association is complex and varies for Black and White women and men. Black women reporting 1 or 2 experiences of discrimination had higher levels of CRP compared to Black women reporting no experiences of discrimination (β = 0.141, SE = 0.062, P < 0.05). This association was not statistically significant among Black women reporting 3 or more experiences of discrimination and not independent of modifiable risks (smoking and obesity) in the final model. White women reporting 3 or more experiences of discrimination had significantly higher levels of CRP compared to White women reporting no experiences of discrimination independent of modifiable risks in the final model (β = 0.300, SE = 0.113, P < 0.01). The association between self-reported experiences of racial/ethnic discrimination and CRP was not statistically significant among Black and White men reporting 1 or 2 experiences of discrimination. Further research in other populations is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Cunningham
- Department of Society, Human Development, and Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Lévesque K, Moskowitz DS, Tardif JC, Dupuis G, D'antono B. Physiological stress responses in defensive individuals: age and sex matter. Psychophysiology 2010; 47:332-41. [PMID: 20070571 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8986.2009.00943.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The association between defensiveness and physiological responses to stress were evaluated in 81 healthy working men and 118 women, aged 20 to 64 years (M=41; SD=11.45). Participants underwent laboratory testing during which they were exposed to interpersonal stressors. Heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure (BP), and salivary cortisol were measured. Defensiveness was evaluated using the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale. In women, higher defensiveness was associated with greater BP and HR reactivity to stress (p<.05). In older men, lower defensiveness was associated with increased systolic BP reactivity to stress (p<.02), delayed HRV recovery (p<.02), and greater salivary cortisol levels (p<.02). In conclusion, greater defensiveness was associated with increased reactivity to stress in women whereas in older men, lower defensiveness was associated with elevated cardiovascular, autonomic, and endocrine responses to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Lévesque
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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