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Branca C, Bortolato M. The role of neuroactive steroids in tic disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 160:105637. [PMID: 38519023 PMCID: PMC11121756 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105637] [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: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Tics are sudden, repetitive movements or vocalizations. Tic disorders, such as Tourette syndrome (TS), are contributed by the interplay of genetic risk factors and environmental variables, leading to abnormalities in the functioning of the cortico-striatal-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuitry. Various neurotransmitter systems, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and dopamine, are implicated in the pathophysiology of these disorders. Building on the evidence that tic disorders are predominant in males and exacerbated by stress, emerging research is focusing on the involvement of neuroactive steroids, including dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and allopregnanolone, in the ontogeny of tics and other phenotypes associated with TS. Emerging evidence indicates that DHEAS levels are significantly elevated in the plasma of TS-affected boys, and the clinical onset of this disorder coincides with the period of adrenarche, the developmental stage characterized by a surge in DHEAS synthesis. On the other hand, allopregnanolone has garnered particular attention for its potential to mediate the adverse effects of acute stress on the exacerbation of tic severity and frequency. Notably, both neurosteroids act as key modulators of GABA-A receptors, suggesting a pivotal role of these targets in the pathophysiology of various clinical manifestations of tic disorders. This review explores the potential mechanisms by which these and other neuroactive steroids may influence tic disorders and discusses the emerging therapeutic strategies that target neuroactive steroids for the management of tic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Branca
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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La Torre D, Van Oudenhove L, Vanuytsel T, Verbeke K. Psychosocial stress-induced intestinal permeability in healthy humans: What is the evidence? Neurobiol Stress 2023; 27:100579. [PMID: 37842017 PMCID: PMC10569989 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2023.100579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
An impaired intestinal barrier function can be detrimental to the host as it may allow the translocation of luminal antigens and toxins into the subepithelial tissue and bloodstream. In turn, this may cause local and systemic immune responses and lead to the development of pathologies. In vitro and animal studies strongly suggest that psychosocial stress is one of the factors that can increase intestinal permeability via mast-cell dependent mechanisms. Remarkably, studies have not been able to yield unequivocal evidence that such relation between stress and intestinal permeability also exists in (healthy) humans. In the current Review, we discuss the mechanisms that are involved in stress-induced intestinal permeability changes and postulate factors that influence these alterations and that may explain the translational difficulties from in vitro and animal to human studies. As human research differs highly from animal research in the extent to which stress can be applied and intestinal permeability can be measured, it remains difficult to draw conclusions about the presence of a relation between stress and intestinal permeability in (healthy) humans. Future studies should bear in mind these difficulties, and more research into in vivo methods to assess intestinal permeability are warranted.
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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
| | - 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
| | - 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
| | - Kristin Verbeke
- Translational Research Center in Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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McManus JM, Chung YM, Sharifi N. 3βHSD activity saturates at physiological substrate concentrations in intact cells. Prostate 2023; 83:1306-1309. [PMID: 37321973 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24587] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conversion of adrenally produced dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to the potent androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an important mechanism by which prostate cancer reaches castration resistance. At the start of this pathway is a branch point at which DHEA can be converted to Δ4 -androstenedione by the enzyme 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3βHSD) or to Δ5 -androstenediol by 17βHSD. To better understand this process, we studied the kinetics of these reactions in cells. METHODS Prostate cancer cells (LNCaP cell line) were incubated with steroids (DHEA and Δ5 -androstenediol) over a range of concentrations and the steroid metabolism reaction products were measured by mass spectrometry or by high-performance liquid chromatography to determine reaction kinetics. To confirm the generalizability of results, experiments were also performed in JEG-3 placental choriocarcinoma cells. RESULTS The two reactions displayed very different saturation profiles, with only the 3βHSD-catalyzed reaction beginning to saturate within a physiological substrate concentration range. Strikingly, incubating LNCaP cells with low (in the ~10 nM range) concentrations of DHEA resulted in a large majority of the DHEA undergoing 3βHSD-catalyzed conversion to Δ4 -androstenedione, whereas high concentrations of DHEA (in the 100s of nM range) resulted in most of the DHEA undergoing 17βHSD-catalyzed conversion to Δ5 -androstenediol. CONCLUSION Contrary to expectations from previous studies that used purified enzyme, cellular metabolism of DHEA by 3βHSD begins to saturate in the physiological concentration range, suggesting that fluctuations in DHEA concentrations could be buffered at the downstream active androgen level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M McManus
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Yoon-Mi Chung
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Nima Sharifi
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, USA
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Wren G, Baker E, Underwood J, Humby T, Thompson A, Kirov G, Escott-Price V, Davies W. Characterising heart rhythm abnormalities associated with Xp22.31 deletion. J Med Genet 2023; 60:636-643. [PMID: 36379544 PMCID: PMC10359567 DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2022-108862] [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: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic deletions at Xp22.31 are associated with the skin condition X linked ichthyosis (XLI), and with a substantially increased risk of atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF), in males. AF is associated with elevated thrombosis, heart failure, stroke and dementia risk. METHODS Through: (a) examining deletion carriers with a diagnosis of AF in UK Biobank, (b) undertaking an online survey regarding abnormal heart rhythms (AHRs) in men/boys with XLI and female carriers of XLI-associated deletions and (c) screening for association between common genetic variants within Xp22.31 and idiopathic AF-related conditions in UK Biobank, we have investigated how AHRs manifest in deletion carriers, and have identified associated risk factors/comorbidities and candidate gene(s). Finally, we examined attitudes towards heart screening in deletion carriers. RESULTS We show that AHRs may affect up to 35% of deletion carriers (compared with <20% of age-matched non-carriers), show no consistent pattern of onset but may be precipitated by stress, and typically resolve quickly and respond well to intervention. Gastrointestinal (GI) conditions and asthma/anaemia were the most strongly associated comorbidities in male and female deletion carriers with AHR, respectively. Genetic analysis indicated significant enrichment of common AF risk variants around STS (7 065 298-7 272 682 bp in GRCh37/hg19 genome build) in males, and of common GI disorder and asthma/anaemia risk variants around PNPLA4 (7 866 804-7 895 780 bp) in males and females, respectively. Deletion carriers were overwhelmingly in favour of cardiac screening implementation. CONCLUSION Our data suggest AHRs are frequently associated with Xp22.31 deletion, and highlight subgroups of deletion carriers that may be prioritised for screening. Examining cardiac function further in deletion carriers, and in model systems lacking steroid sulfatase, may clarify AF pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Wren
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Emily Baker
- Dementia Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics and Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jack Underwood
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics and Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Trevor Humby
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics and Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Andrew Thompson
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - George Kirov
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics and Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Valentina Escott-Price
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics and Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - William Davies
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics and Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Mariko H, Uban KA. The implications of socioeconomic factors on salivary bioscience methodological variables in a large pediatric multi-site study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1088043. [PMID: 37427258 PMCID: PMC10327643 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1088043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Salivary bioscience has found increased utilization within pediatric research, given the non-invasive nature of self-collecting saliva for measuring biological markers. With this growth in pediatric utility, more understanding is needed of how social-contextual factors, such as socioeconomic factors or status (SES), influence salivary bioscience in large multi-site studies. Socioeconomic factors have been shown to influence non-salivary analyte levels across childhood and adolescent development. However, less is understood about relationships between these socioeconomic factors and salivary collection methodological variables (e.g., time of saliva collection from waking, time of day of saliva collection, physical activity prior to saliva collection, and caffeine intake prior to saliva collection). Variability in salivary methodological variables between participants may impact the levels of analytes measured in a salivary sample, thus serving as a potential mechanism for non-random systematic biases in analytes. Methods Our objective is to examine relationships between socioeconomic factors and salivary bioscience methodological variables within the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study© cohort of children aged 9-10 years old (n = 10,567 participants with saliva samples). Results We observed significant associations between household socioeconomic factors (poverty status, education) and salivary collection methodological variables (time since waking, time of day of sampling, physical activity, and caffeine intake). Moreover, lower levels of household poverty and education were significantly associated with more sources of potential bias in salivary collection methodological variables (e.g., longer times since waking, collections later in the day, higher odds of caffeine consumption, and lower odds of physical activity). Consistent associations were not observed with neighborhood socioeconomic factors and salivary methodological variables. Discussion Previous literature demonstrates associations between collection methodological variables and measurements of salivary analyte levels, particularly with analytes that are more sensitive to circadian rhythms, pH levels, or rigorous physical activity. Our novel findings suggest that unintended distortions in measured salivary analyte values, potentially resulting from the non-random systematic biases in salivary methodology, need to be intentionally incorporated into analyses and interpretation of results. This is particularly salient for future studies interested in examining underlying mechanisms of childhood socioeconomic health inequities in future analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hawa Mariko
- Program in Public Health, Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Kristina A. Uban
- Program in Public Health, Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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Semaan R, Nater UM, Heinzer R, Haba-Rubio J, Vlerick P, Cambier R, Gomez P. Does workplace telepressure get under the skin? Protocol for an ambulatory assessment study on wellbeing and health-related physiological, experiential, and behavioral concomitants of workplace telepressure. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:145. [PMID: 37138296 PMCID: PMC10155671 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01123-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The daily working life of many employees requires the use of modern information and communication technology (ICT) devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. The double-edged nature of digital work environments has been increasingly highlighted. Benefits such as increased flexibility come at a personal cost. One of the potential downsides is workplace telepressure, i.e., the experience of urge and preoccupation to quickly reply to work-related messages and demands using ICT. There is initial - mainly survey-based-evidence that workplace telepressure may have negative effects on a variety of wellbeing and health outcomes. AIMS AND HYPOTHESES Adopting the Effort-Recovery Model and the concept of allostatic load as theoretical frameworks, the present study aims to investigate the hypothesis that workplace telepressure is significantly associated with increased "wear and tear", in the form of more psychosomatic complaints, worse sleep quality (self-reported and actigraphy-based), worse mood, and biological alterations (lower cardiac vagal tone, lower anabolic balance defined as the ratio of salivary dehydroepiandrosterone to salivary cortisol, and higher salivary alpha-amylase). Additionally, the study aims to investigate the hypothesis that connection to work defined as work-related workload and work-related perseverative cognition plays a significant role in the mediation of these relationships. METHODS To test our hypotheses, we will conduct an ambulatory assessment study with a convenience sample of 120 healthy workers regularly using ICTs for job communication. For one week, participants will be asked to complete electronic diaries assessing their level of workplace telepressure, psychosomatic complaints, sleep quality, mood, work-related workload, and work-related perseverative cognition. They will also continuously wear the Bittium Faros 180L ECG monitor, the wrist-worn actigraph MotionWatch 8, and perform saliva sampling five times per day. DISCUSSION This study will be the most comprehensive ambulatory investigation of workplace telepressure and its psychophysiological concomitants to date and constitutes an important step towards understanding how high levels of workplace telepressure may lead in the long term to secondary alterations (e.g., hypertension, chronic inflammation) and disease (e.g., heart disease). The findings of this study are also anticipated to contribute to guiding the development and implementation of interventions, programs, and policies relevant to employees' digital wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaël Semaan
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Urs M Nater
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- University Research Platform "The Stress of Life - Processes and Mechanisms Underlying Everyday Life Stress", University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Raphaël Heinzer
- Center for Investigation and Research on Sleep, Department of Medecine, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - José Haba-Rubio
- Center for Investigation and Research on Sleep, Department of Medecine, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Peter Vlerick
- Department of Work, Organisation and Society, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ruben Cambier
- Department of Work, Organisation and Society, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Patrick Gomez
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Vage A, McCarron E, Hamilton PK. Biological testing during acute psychological stress: A hindrance or an opportunity? Clin Biochem 2023; 114:11-17. [PMID: 36642392 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2023.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
All humans deal with acute psychological stress periodically. Some individuals are affected by needle phobia in which a heightened sense of arousal is precipitated by venepuncture. Acute psychological stress invokes a range of physiological changes including activation of the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axes. In this review article, we first examine the human response to acute stress. We then provide an overview of how psychological stress in a subject is likely to be a source of pre-analytical variability for certain measurands, and the major biochemical markers that have been studied in research aiming to quantify stress. As such, we highlight how stress can be a hindrance to the accurate interpretation of certain laboratory results (particularly cortisol, prolactin, metanephrines and growth hormone), and point out the role that biochemical analysis might play in future studies looking at the effects of stress on human behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Vage
- Centre for Medical Education, Queen's University Belfast, Mulhouse Building, Royal Group of Hospitals, Grosvenor Road, Belfast BT12 6BP, United Kingdom.
| | - Eamon McCarron
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Kelvin Building, Royal Group of Hospitals, Grosvenor Road, Belfast BT12 6BP, United Kingdom.
| | - Paul K Hamilton
- Centre for Medical Education, Queen's University Belfast, Mulhouse Building, Royal Group of Hospitals, Grosvenor Road, Belfast BT12 6BP, United Kingdom; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Kelvin Building, Royal Group of Hospitals, Grosvenor Road, Belfast BT12 6BP, United Kingdom.
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James KA, Stromin JI, Steenkamp N, Combrinck MI. Understanding the relationships between physiological and psychosocial stress, cortisol and cognition. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1085950. [PMID: 36950689 PMCID: PMC10025564 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1085950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress is viewed as a state of real or perceived threat to homeostasis, the management of which involves the endocrine, nervous, and immune systems. These systems work independently and interactively as part of the stress response. The scientific stress literature, which spans both animal and human studies, contains heterogeneous findings about the effects of stress on the brain and the body. This review seeks to summarise and integrate literature on the relationships between these systems, examining particularly the roles of physiological and psychosocial stress, the stress hormone cortisol, as controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and the effects of stress on cognitive functioning. Health conditions related to impaired HPA axis functioning and their associated neuropsychiatric symptoms will also be considered. Lastly, this review will provide suggestions of clinical applicability for endocrinologists who are uniquely placed to measure outcomes related to endocrine, nervous and immune system functioning and identify areas of intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine Ann James
- Applied Cognitive Science and Experimental Neuropsychology Team (ACSENT) Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Juliet Ilena Stromin
- Applied Cognitive Science and Experimental Neuropsychology Team (ACSENT) Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nina Steenkamp
- Applied Cognitive Science and Experimental Neuropsychology Team (ACSENT) Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Marc Irwin Combrinck
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Béland K, Lair S, Guay M, Juette T, Bédard C, Black SR, Marcoux M, Watt CA, Hussey NE, Desmarchelier M. VALIDATION OF ENZYME-LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY TECHNIQUES TO MEASURE SERUM DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE (DHEA) AND DHEA-S IN NARWHALS ( MONODON MONOCEROS). J Zoo Wildl Med 2023; 54:119-130. [PMID: 36971636 DOI: 10.1638/2022-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Narwhals (Monodon monoceros) are increasingly exposed to anthropogenic disturbances that may increase their stress levels with unknown consequences for the overall population dynamics. The validation and measurement of chronic stress biomarkers could contribute toward improved understanding and conservation efforts for this species. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated metabolite DHEA-S are collectively referred to as DHEA(S). Serum DHEA(S) concentrations combined in ratios with cortisol [cortisol/DHEA(S)] have been shown to be promising indicators of chronic stress in humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. During field tagging in 2017 and 2018 in Baffin Bay, Nunavut, Canada, 14 wild narwhals were sampled at the beginning and end of the capture-tagging procedures. Serum DHEA(S) were measured with commercially available competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) developed for humans. A partial validation of the ELISA assays was performed by the determination of the intra-assay coefficient of variation, confirmation of the DHEA(S) dilutional linearity, and the calculation of the percentage of recovery. Mean values (nanograms per milliliter ± standard error of the mean) of narwhal serum cortisol, DHEA(S), and cortisol/DHEA(S) ratios, at the beginning and at the end of handling, respectively, are reported (cortisol = 30.74 ± 4.87 and 41.83 ± 4.83; DHEA = 1.01 ± 0.52 and 0.99 ± 0.50; DHEA-S = 8.72 ± 1.68 and 7.70 ± 1.02; cortisol/DHEA = 75.43 ± 24.35 and 84.41 ± 11.76, and cortisol/DHEA-S = 4.16 ± 1.07 and 6.14 ± 1.00). Serum cortisol and cortisol/DHEA-S were statistically higher at the end of the capture (P= 0.024 and P= 0.035, respectively). Moreover, serum cortisol at the end of handling was positively correlated to total body length (P = 0.042) and tended to be higher in males (P = 0.086). These assays proved easy to perform, rapid, and suitable for measuring serum DHEA(S) of narwhals and that calculated cortisol/DHEA(S) are potential biomarkers for chronic stress in narwhals and possibly other cetaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Béland
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St. Hyacinthe, QC J2S 7C6, Canada
| | - Stéphane Lair
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St. Hyacinthe, QC J2S 7C6, Canada
| | - Mario Guay
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St. Hyacinthe, QC J2S 7C6, Canada
| | - Tristan Juette
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St. Hyacinthe, QC J2S 7C6, Canada
| | - Christian Bédard
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St. Hyacinthe, QC J2S 7C6, Canada
| | - Sandra R Black
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Marianne Marcoux
- Freshwater Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada
| | - Cortney A Watt
- Freshwater Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada
| | - Nigel E Hussey
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Marion Desmarchelier
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St. Hyacinthe, QC J2S 7C6, Canada,
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Ahmed T, Qassem M, Kyriacou PA. Measuring stress: a review of the current cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) measurement techniques and considerations for the future of mental health monitoring. Stress 2023; 26:29-42. [PMID: 36625303 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2022.2164187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychological stress and its inevitable trajectory toward mental health deteriorations such as clinical and major depression has become an unprecedented global burden. The diagnostic procedures involved in the characterization of mental illnesses commonly follow qualitative and subjective measures of stress, often leading to greater socioeconomic burdens due to misdiagnosis and poor understanding of the severity of such illnesses, further fueled by the stigmatization surrounding mental health. In recent years, the application of cortisol and stress hormone measurements has given rise to an alternative, quantifiable approach for the psychological evaluation of stress and depression. This review comprehensively evaluates the current state-of-the-art technology for measuring cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and their applications within stress monitoring in humans. Recent advancements in these fields have shown the importance of measuring stress hormones for the characterization of stress manifestation within the human body, and its relevance in mental health decline. Preliminary results from studies considering multimodal approaches toward stress monitoring have showcased promising developments, emphasizing the need for further technological advancement in this field, which consider both neurochemical and physiological biomarkers of stress, for global benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tashfia Ahmed
- Research Centre of Biomedical Engineering, University of London, London, UK
| | - Meha Qassem
- Research Centre of Biomedical Engineering, University of London, London, UK
| | - Panicos A Kyriacou
- Research Centre of Biomedical Engineering, University of London, London, UK
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11
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Muneoka K, Shirayama Y, Watanabe H, Kimura H. Circulating Neuroactive Steroid Levels in a Patient With Schizophrenia Who Showed Periodic Catatonia. JCEM CASE REPORTS 2023; 1:luad009. [PMID: 37908260 PMCID: PMC10578402 DOI: 10.1210/jcemcr/luad009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Catatonia is an abnormal psychological and behavioral state related to stress. The treatment strategy suggests the involvement of neuroactive steroids in its pathophysiology. We report a hospitalized patient with schizophrenia in whom a catatonic state occurred 7 times in 5.5 years. Blood levels of steroid hormones and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were measured during the catatonic state and in the intervals between catatonic states (non-catatonic states). Cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) were significantly higher during catatonia than in the non-catatonic state. Cortisol significantly correlated with the ACTH level, whereas blood DHEAS and progesterone correlated only during the non-catatonic state. In addition, the cortisol to DHEAS ratios did not differ between catatonic and non-catatonic states. Although the correlating elevations of ACTH and cortisol implied activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA-axis) in the catatonic state, DHEAS levels did not seem to increase in a manner dependent on the HPA-axis or the production of progesterone. The results suggest that the catatonic state was a neuroendocrinological state of HPA-axis activation with comparable increases in DHEAS levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsumasa Muneoka
- Gakuji-Kai Kimura Hospital, Chiba 260-0004, Japan
- Department of Anatomy I, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan
| | - Yukihiko Shirayama
- Department of Psychiatry, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center, Ichihara 299-0111, Japan
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Man ISC, Shao R, Hou WK, Xin Li S, Liu FY, Lee M, Wing YK, Yau SY, Lee TMC. Multi-systemic evaluation of biological and emotional responses to the Trier Social Stress Test: A meta-analysis and systematic review. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 68:101050. [PMID: 36410619 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Humans experience multiple biological and emotional changes under acute stress. Adopting a multi-systemic approach, we summarized 61 studies on healthy people's endocrinological, physiological, immunological and emotional responses to the Trier Social Stress Test. We found salivary cortisol and negative mood states were the most sensitive markers to acute stress and recovery. Biomarkers such as heart rate and salivary alpha-amylase also showed sensitivity to acute stress, but the numbers of studies were small. Other endocrinological (e.g., dehydroepiandrosterone), inflammatory (C-Reactive Protein, Interleukin-6) and physiological (e.g., skin conductance level) measures received modest support as acute stress markers. Salivary cortisol showed some associations with mood measures (e.g., state anxiety) during acute stress and recovery, and heart rate showed preliminary positive relationship with calmness ratings during response to TSST, but the overall evidence was mixed. While further research is needed, these findings provide updated and comprehensive knowledge on the integrated psychobiological response profiles to TSST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idy S C Man
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Laboratory of Neuropsychology and Human Neuroscience, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Robin Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Laboratory of Neuropsychology and Human Neuroscience, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Affective Disorders, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - W K Hou
- Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shirley Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Sleep Research Clinic and Laboratory, Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fiona Yan Liu
- Department of Computing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Maggy Lee
- Department of Sociology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yun Kwok Wing
- Li Chiu Kong Family Sleep Assessment Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Suk-Yu Yau
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; Mental Health Research Center, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Tatia M C Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Laboratory of Neuropsychology and Human Neuroscience, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Takeshita RS, Edler MK, Meindl RS, Sherwood CC, Hopkins WD, Raghanti MA. Age, adrenal steroids, and cognitive functioning in captive chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes). PeerJ 2022; 10:e14323. [PMID: 36389417 PMCID: PMC9653054 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14323] [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: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate is the most abundant circulating androgen in humans and other catarrhines. It is involved in several biological functions, such as testosterone production, glucocorticoid antagonist actions, neurogenesis and neuroplasticty. Although the role of dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS) in cognition remains elusive, the DHEAS/cortisol ratio has been positively associated with a slower cognitive age-decline and improved mood in humans. Whether this relationship is found in nonhuman primates remains unknown. Methods We measured DHEAS and cortisol levels in serum of 107 adult chimpanzees to investigate the relationship between DHEAS levels and age. A subset of 21 chimpanzees was used to test the potential associations between DHEAS, cortisol, and DHEAS/cortisol ratio in cognitive function, taking into account age, sex, and their interactions. We tested for cognitive function using the primate cognitive test battery (PCTB) and principal component analyses to categorize cognition into three components: spatial relationship tasks, tool use and social communication tasks, and auditory-visual sensory perception tasks. Results DHEAS levels, but not the DHEAS/cortisol ratio, declined with age in chimpanzees. Our analyses for spatial relationships tasks revealed a significant, positive correlation with the DHEAS/cortisol ratio. Tool use and social communication had a negative relationship with age. Our data show that the DHEAS/cortisol ratio, but not DHEAS individually, is a promising predictor of spatial cognition in chimpanzees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela S.C. Takeshita
- Department of Anthropology, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA,School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA,Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Melissa K. Edler
- Department of Anthropology, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA,School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA,Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Richard S. Meindl
- Department of Anthropology, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA,School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Chet C. Sherwood
- Department of Anthropology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - William D. Hopkins
- Department of Comparative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX, USA
| | - Mary Ann Raghanti
- Department of Anthropology, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA,School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA,Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
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Ledford A, Luning CR, Beckner M, Conkright W, Dixon D, Miles P, Martin B, Nindl B, Lynch S. Psychological and Physiological Changes during Basic, Underwater, Demolition/SEAL Training. Physiol Behav 2022; 257:113970. [PMID: 36179811 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This longitudinal study examines the growth of psychological characteristics and adaptation of physiological markers of stress during a six-month assessment and selection course for U.S. Navy SEALs. Resilience, hardiness, and grit instruments were used to evaluate the psychological characteristics. Blood samples were taken to determine physiological markers related to stress adaptation; specifically, evaluating DHEA, DHEA-to-cortisol ratio, BDNF, NPY, and cortisol. Data was collected at four timepoints throughout the assessment and selection course from 353 students over three classes. Results indicated that resilience and hardiness grow after an initial decline, DHEA and DHEA-to-cortisol increased suggesting physiological adaptation. However, psychological and physiological markers do not exhibit the same growth patterns for participants in the course. This study enhances the understanding of psychological growth and physiological adaptation in a high-stress environment over an extended duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Ledford
- Department of Leadership, Ethics, and Law, United States Naval Academy.
| | | | | | - Will Conkright
- Deputy Chief, Nutrition Care Division, Madigan Army Medical Center
| | - Deirdre Dixon
- TECO Energy Center for Leadership, Sykes College of Business, The University of Tampa
| | | | - Brian Martin
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, University of Pittsburgh
| | - Brad Nindl
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, University of Pittsburgh
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Divergent Neural and Endocrine Responses in Wild-Caught and Laboratory-Bred Rattus Norvegicus. Behav Brain Res 2022; 432:113978. [PMID: 35753530 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Although rodents have represented the most intensely studied animals in neurobiological investigations for more than a century, few studies have systematically compared neural and endocrine differences between wild rodents in their natural habitats and laboratory strains raised in traditional laboratory environments. In the current study, male and female Rattus norvegicus rats were trapped in an urban setting and compared to weight-and sex-matched conspecifics living in standard laboratory housing conditions. Brains were extracted for neural assessments and fecal boli were collected for endocrine [corticosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)] assays. Additionally, given their role in immune and stress functions, spleen and adrenal weights were recorded. A separate set of wild rats was trapped at a dairy farm and held in captivity for one month prior to assessments; in these animals, brains were processed but no hormone data were available. The results indicated that wild-trapped rats exhibited 31% heavier brains, including higher densities of cerebellar neurons and glial cells in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. The wild rats also had approximately 300% greater spleen and adrenal weights, and more than a six-fold increase in corticosterone levels than observed in laboratory rats. Further research on neurobiological variables in wild vs. lab animals will inform the extensive neurobiological knowledge base derived from laboratory investigations using selectively bred rodents in laboratory environments, knowledge that will enhance the translational value of preclinical laboratory rodent studies.
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Grimm T, Groß M, Nater UM, Summ O, Kreutz G. Psychophysiological Effects of Biographical Interventions in People With Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome and Minimally Conscious State. Front Neurol 2022; 13:788588. [PMID: 35599728 PMCID: PMC9120535 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.788588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Various music interventions can evoke favorable behavioral responses or physiological reactions in people with disorders of consciousness (DOC), such as coma, unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS), and minimally conscious state (MCS). However, it appears that no study thus far has investigated the effects of music on the endocrine system of people with DOC. Objective This explorative study aimed to investigate the effects of biographical music and biographical language on the physiological and endocrine systems of people with UWS and MCS. Method A cohort of 20 people with DOC (10 women, 10 men; age range 19–77) received 20 min of biographical music and biographical language. Before and afterward, they were exposed to silence. Physiological and hormonal measurements were conducted before, during, and after the interventions. Results Paired t-tests showed a significant decrease of salivary cortisol in the condition with biographical language interventions. Conclusion Biographical interventions can modulate reactions in the endocrine system in people with DOC. Further studies are needed to establish whether and how individuals living with DOC show psychoneuroendocrine responses to music and other arts-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Grimm
- Public Health Department of the City of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Department of Music, Faculty of Linguistics and Cultural Studies, Carl von Ossietzky University, Oldenburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Teresa Grimm
| | - Martin Groß
- Department of Neurological Intensive Care and Rehabilitation, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Research Network on Emergency and Intensive Care Medicine Oldenburg, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Urs M. Nater
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oliver Summ
- Department of Neurological Intensive Care and Rehabilitation, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Gunter Kreutz
- Department of Music, Faculty of Linguistics and Cultural Studies, Carl von Ossietzky University, Oldenburg, Germany
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Baek JY, Lee E, Gil B, Jung HW, Il-Young J. Clinical Effects of Using A Massage Chair on Stress Measures In Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Complement Ther Med 2022; 66:102825. [PMID: 35339652 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Since the clinical benefits of a massage chair have not been fully elucidated, we aimed to assess the effects of the long-term use of a massage chair on stress measures in older adults. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial SETTING: Community. Interventions In total, 80 adults aged 50-75 years were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n=41) and control group (n=39). The intervention group used the massage chair twice a day for 6 months. The control group was educated about lifestyle modification. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the change in serum cortisol levels in the morning (8 a.m.) and afternoon (1 p.m.), and the secondary outcomes included changes in levels of dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), serotonin, insulin-like growth factor, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, and natural killer cell activity, and results from a questionnaire on mood, cognition, and quality of life. RESULTS The use of the massage chair was associated with a decreasing trend in serum cortisol levels at 1 p.m. (-2.68 ug/dL, p = 0.059). Serum DHEA-S levels significantly decreased with the intervention (-9.66 ug/dL, p = 0.003). In addition, the perceived rate of depression and health status considerably improved following the intervention. CONCLUSIONS Chronic stress in adults could be effectively managed using a massage chair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Yeon Baek
- Department of Geriatrics, Division of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunju Lee
- Department of Geriatrics, Division of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bora Gil
- Department of Geriatrics, Division of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Won Jung
- Department of Geriatrics, Division of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jang Il-Young
- Department of Geriatrics, Division of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Kim Y, Choi Y, Kim H. Positive Effects on Emotional Stress and Sleep Quality of Forest Healing Program for Exhausted Medical Workers during the COVID-19 Outbreak. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19053130. [PMID: 35270820 PMCID: PMC8910265 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19053130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This study targeted medical workers, who are currently being subjected to an excessive workload and emotional stress during the COVID-19 outbreak. Various treatment programs, such as a relaxation program to relieve stress, a walk in the forest, and woodworking were provided to the participants as forest healing therapies. We enrolled 13 medical workers (11 females, 2 males). Before and after forest healing therapy, stress and sleep-related questionnaires and levels of salivary cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and melatonin were measured and compared. The improvement of the perceived stress scale and the decrease of DHEA-S, a stress index, showed statistically significant results. However, although this study was conducted with a small number of participants and has a limitation in that the therapy occurred over a short period of only 1 night and 2 days, the trend of supporting results remains positive. As such, the authors propose forest healing therapy as one intervention to relieve the job stress for this group of workers
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunsoo Kim
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangneung 25601, Korea;
| | - Yoonhee Choi
- The Convergence Institute of Healthcare and Medical Science, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Incheon 22711, Korea;
| | - Hyeyun Kim
- The Convergence Institute of Healthcare and Medical Science, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Incheon 22711, Korea;
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Incheon 22711, Korea
- Correspondence:
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Souza-Teodoro LH, Andrade LHS, Carvalho LA. Could be dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) a novel target for depression? JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2022.100340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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The Association between Endogenous Hair Steroid Hormones and Social Environmental Factors in a Group of Conscripts during Basic Military Training. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182212239. [PMID: 34831996 PMCID: PMC8625620 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182212239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to analyse the association between endogenous hair steroid hormones as reliable biological indicators of an individual’s stress level and the social environmental factors experienced during military training that are manifested at the beginning of compulsory military service. Hair steroid hormone concentrations—cortisol, cortisone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and testosterone—in a group of 185 conscripts were measured using the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. Six subjective social environmental factors in the military—attitude towards the military and military service, adaptation to the military environment, team, task, and norm cohesion, as well as psychological (un)safety in the group—were evaluated using military-specific research questionnaires. Weak but significant negative correlations were identified between cortisol and adaptation (r = −0.176, p < 0.05), attitude (r = −0.147, p < 0.05) as well as between testosterone and task cohesion (r = −0.230, p < 0.01) levels. Additionally, a multiple forward stepwise regression analysis highlighted that cortisone variation might be partially explained by task cohesion; the DHEA—determined by psychological (un)safety in the group, attitude towards the military and military service, and norm cohesion; and the testosterone—determined by task cohesion and adaptation to the new military environment. The results of this study suggest that subjective measures of social factors can be used to predict hair steroid hormone levels as objective measures of the chronic stress perceived by conscripts during their basic military training.
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Testosterone, estradiol, DHEA and cortisol in relation to anxiety and depression scores in adolescents. J Affect Disord 2021; 294:838-846. [PMID: 34375211 PMCID: PMC8992006 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Adrenal and sex hormone dysregulation have been independently associated with increased depression and anxiety. Cortisol can modify production of sex hormones and hormone-mood associations. This study evaluated associations and interplay of sex and adrenal hormones with depression and anxiety. Methods We assessed 545 Ecuadorian adolescents (11-17y, 50.4% female, ESPINA) for depression and anxiety symptoms using standardized scales. Testosterone, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and estradiol (boys only) were measured in saliva. We performed logistic regression modeling to calculate odds ratios (OR) of elevated depression or anxiety (scores ≥60) comparing participants with low (<10th percentile) and elevated hormones (≥90th percentile) to normal concentrations (10th-90th percentile). Effect modification by cortisol and testosterone was assessed. Models adjusted for demographic, anthropometric, and circadian measures. Results In all participants, elevated testosterone (OR [95%CI:]=1.78 [0.98, 3.23]) and cortisol (OR=1.69 [0.95, 2.99]) were marginally associated with elevated anxiety scores. In boys, elevated estradiol was associated with elevated depression (OR=4.75 [1.95, 11.56]) and anxiety scores (OR=2.43 [1.01, 5.84]). In linear regression, estradiol was positively associated with depression (difference/10% hormone increase (β=0.45 [0.15, 0.75]) and anxiety scores (β=0.42 [0.13, 0.72]). Higher cortisol levels strengthened the depression association with estradiol in boys (β=0.54 [0.12, 0.96]), and with testosterone (β= -0.19 [-0.35, -0.03]) and DHEA (β= -0.12 [-0.22, -0.02]) in girls. Testosterone also modified associations. Limitations This was a cross-sectional analysis. Discussion Elevated testosterone, cortisol, and estradiol (≥90th percentile) were associated with altered mood. Cortisol and testosterone were considerable effect modifiers to the associations of most hormones with depression and anxiety.
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22
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Lavaee F, Ranjbar Z, Jalalian M, Amiri MA. Comparison of the sex hormones' serum level in women with recurrent aphthous stomatitis and healthy population: a cross-sectional study. BMC Oral Health 2021; 21:551. [PMID: 34706694 PMCID: PMC8549300 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-021-01812-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In this study, we aimed to evaluate the sex hormonal serum level in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis and compare them with healthy participants.
Methods This cross-sectional study was done on patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis who had referred to Shiraz Dental Faculty, Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine Department during 2018–2019. The non -menopause women with recurrence of at least 3 lesions per year were enrolled in this study. The mean serum level of FSH, LH, PRL (prolactin), testosterone, DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate), estradiol and progesterone of 30 participants in each group of case and control were measured and compared. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 18 and independent T-test, Mann–Whitney U test, Spearman’s correlation coefficient test, Chi-square test and Fisher’s test. Results The mean serum level of DHEA-S in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) was significantly lower than the control group (p value = 0.02). In addition to DHEA-S, the mean serum level of testosterone was lower in the evaluation group although this difference was not significant (p value = 0.057). Considering the effect of age on the mean serum level of sex hormones, our results revealed that only DHEA-S mean serum level was decreased by increasing the age of participants in patients with RAS (p value = 0.018). The number of participants with abnormal range of testosterone (p value < 0.0001) and progesterone (p value = 0.037) serum level was significantly more in patients with RAS. The frequency of RAS in a year did not show a significant relationship with the serum level of the evaluated hormones. Conclusion The patients with RAS had a lower serum level of DHEA-S. The mean serum level of testosterone and progesterone was significantly abnormal in RAS patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12903-021-01812-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Lavaee
- Oral and Dental Disease Research Center, Oral and Maxillofacial Disease Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Ghasr-dasht Street, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Ranjbar
- Oral and Dental Disease Research Center, Oral and Maxillofacial Disease Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Ghasr-dasht Street, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mina Jalalian
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Amiri
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Stressed out and fed up: The effect of stress on maternal feeding behaviors and the moderating role of executive function. Appetite 2021; 168:105762. [PMID: 34666137 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2021.105762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Stress is associated with a range of unhealthy eating habits, yet few studies have examined how stress may influence the intergenerational transmission of eating habits from parents to their children. Specifically, there is a lack of data regarding the role of stress on feeding practices. Moreover, most work investigating the associations between parental stress and their feeding behaviors has been correlational, limiting our understanding of causality. In the current study, we used an experimental design, induced high and low stress in mothers using a standard laboratory stressor, and observed mother-child interactions during a snack break. We also examined the potential role of maternal executive functioning (EF) for buffering the effects of stress on maternal feeding behaviors. Levels of maternal stress were manipulated with the Trier Social Stress Task (TSST) in a community sample (N = 80 dyads, Child Mage = 41.89 months, female = 43). We measured maternal EF with a series of computerized tasks. Maternal feeding behaviors were coded for controlling behaviors, which included pressuring and restricting behaviors. Results indicate a main effect of stress on controlling feeding behaviors, such that mothers in the high-stress condition exhibited higher levels of controlling behaviors. The effect of stress on controlling feeding behaviors was ameliorated among mothers with higher levels of EF after controlling for child age and income. Results provide causal evidence for the role of stress on feeding behaviors and suggest EF as a factor to be considered in the treatment and prevention of diet-related illnesses.
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Polenick CA, Birditt KS, Turkelson A, Perbix EA, Salwi SM, Zarit SH. Daily Social Interactions and HPA Axis Activity Among Midlife and Older Adults. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2021; 61:897-906. [PMID: 33367791 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnaa215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Older people experience fewer negative interactions and report less stress in response to interpersonal tensions. Less is known, however, about the implications of daily social interactions for biological stress responses. We evaluated links between daily positive and negative interactions and 2 key biomeasures of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis: salivary cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S). We also considered the moderating effects of age. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Participants included a random sample of 93 individuals aged 40-95 who completed 14 days of daily diary interviews and provided saliva samples during 4 of those days. RESULTS Three-level piecewise models showed that individuals had higher sustained DHEA-S levels on days after reporting more positive interactions. Young-old adults (60-79) had lower overall DHEA-S on days when they had more negative interactions than oldest-old adults (80 and older). Oldest-old adults showed a flatter decline in DHEA-S on days after they reported more negative interactions compared to midlife adults (40-59). Daily social interactions were not significantly associated with cortisol. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Strategies to increase positive interactions may help to build physiological resilience to stress, particularly among midlife and young-old adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kira S Birditt
- Aging and Biopsychosocial Innovations Program, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Angela Turkelson
- Aging and Biopsychosocial Innovations Program, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Emily A Perbix
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Shreya M Salwi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Steven H Zarit
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA
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Jalalvand F, Rezaei A, Badehnoosh B, Yaseri M, Qorbani M, Emaminia F, Shabani M. The Effects of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. on the Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone, Dehydroepiandrosterone-Sulfate, Prolactin and Cortisol Levels in Post-Menopausal Women: A Double-Blind, Randomized, and Placebo-Controlled Study. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:654459. [PMID: 34305584 PMCID: PMC8293672 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.654459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Menopause is the last menstrual period associated with a decline in ovarian steroid secretion and follicular loss. Hormone profile changes during menopause include a decrease in the production of estrogen, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and prolactin (PRL), and an increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and cortisol. Herbal medicines are considered as alternatives to hormone therapy. The studies on postmenopausal women have shown that Elaeagnus angustifolia L. (called "Senjed" in Persian) has some efficacy in improving sex hormone and lipid profiles, joint pain, and cardiovascular function, as the decrease in luteinizing hormone, low-density lipoprotein, and heart rate was significant. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of E. angustifolia on TSH, DHEA-S, PRL, and cortisol levels and their ratios in postmenopausal women. It is assumed that the eventual effects of hormones on the brain and other tissues are determined by the balance between interdependent hormones. In the present randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial (https://en.irct.ir/search/result?query=IRCT20170227032795N4), fifty-eight postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to one of two medicinal herb (15 g of the whole E. angustifolia fruit powder) and placebo (7.5 g isomalt + 7.5 g cornstarch) groups. After 10 weeks of the treatment, the serum levels of TSH, DHEA-S, PRL, cortisol hormones, and their ratios were measured. The increase in the TSH, and cortisol levels, and cortisol/DHEA-S ratio and the decrease in prolactin and DHEA-S and the PRL/TSH, PRL/cortisol, and DHEA-S/TSH ratios after E. angustifolia consumption were significant only based on within-group but not on the between-group analysis. Based on between-group analyses, the changes in the hormone profile were not significant in the placebo group. According to Iranian tradition and folklore, E. angustifolia fruit is a symbol of female fertility. Therefore, its consumption is highly recommended to maintain health in the elderly, especially women. However, the observed outcomes about the effect of E. angustifolia on menopause were not completely in line with the Iranian folklore. E. angustifolia consumption did not significantly affect the hormone profile and ratios at the end of the ten-week trial, possibly due to the small sample size, short time, and the fact that our participants were postmenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arezou Rezaei
- School of Biology, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran.,Institute of Biological Sciences, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran
| | - Bita Badehnoosh
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medical Science, Alborz University of Medical Science, Karaj, Iran.,Dietary supplement and Probiotic Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Science, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mehdi Yaseri
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Qorbani
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.,Chronic Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Nilsson S, Wiljén A, Bergquist J, Chaplin J, Johnson E, Karlsson K, Lindroth T, Schwarz A, Stenmarker M, Thunberg G, Esplana L, Frid E, Haglind M, Höök A, Wille J, Öhlen J. Evaluating pictorial support in person-centred care for children (PicPecc): a protocol for a crossover design study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e042726. [PMID: 33947726 PMCID: PMC8098982 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study protocol outlines the evaluation of the pictorial support in person-centred care for children (PicPecc). PicPecc is a digital tool used by children aged 5-17 years to self-report symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, who undergo high-dose methotrexate treatments. The design of the digital platform follows the principles of universal design using pictorial support to provide accessibility for all children regardless of communication or language challenges and thus facilitating international comparison. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Both effect and process evaluations will be conducted. A crossover design will be used to measure the effect/outcome, and a mixed-methods design will be used to measure the process/implementation. The primary outcome in the effect evaluation will be self-reported distress. Secondary outcomes will be stress levels monitored via neuropeptides, neurosteroids and peripheral steroids indicated in plasma blood samples; frequency of in-app estimation of high levels of distress by the children; children's use of analgesic medicine and person centeredness evaluated via the questionnaire Visual CARE Measure. For the process evaluation, qualitative interviews will be carried out with children with cancer, their legal guardians and case-related healthcare professionals. These interviews will address experiences with PicPecc in terms of feasibility and frequency of use from the child's perspective and value to the caseworker. Interview transcripts will be analysed using an interpretive description methodology. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval was obtained from the Swedish Ethical Review Authority (reference 2019-02392; 2020-02601; 2020-06226). Children, legal guardians, healthcare professionals, policymaking and research stakeholders will be involved in all stages of the research process according to Medical Research Council's guidelines. Research findings will be presented at international cancer and paediatric conferences and published in scientific journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT04433650.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Nilsson
- University of Gothenburg Centre for Person-Centred Care, and Institute of Health and Care Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Angelica Wiljén
- Department of Paediatrics, Södra Älvsborg Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Borås, Sweden
| | - Jonas Bergquist
- Department of Chemistry - Biomedical Centre, Analytical Chemistry and Neurochemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - John Chaplin
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute for Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ensa Johnson
- Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Katarina Karlsson
- Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | - Tomas Lindroth
- Division of Informatics, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anneli Schwarz
- Department of Paediatrics, Södra Älvsborg Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Borås, Sweden
| | - Margaretha Stenmarker
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute for Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Paediatrics, Region Jönköping County, Jönköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Gunilla Thunberg
- DART centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication and Assistive Technology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Linda Esplana
- Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Eva Frid
- Department of Paediatric Oncology and Haematology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Malin Haglind
- Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Angelica Höök
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Joakim Wille
- Department of Paediatric Oncology and Haematology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Joakim Öhlen
- University of Gothenburg Centre for Person-Centred Care, and Institute of Health and Care Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Palliative Centre, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Wheelock MD, Goodman AM, Harnett NG, Wood KH, Mrug S, Granger DA, Knight DC. Sex-related Differences in Stress Reactivity and Cingulum White Matter. Neuroscience 2021; 459:118-128. [PMID: 33588003 PMCID: PMC7965343 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex and limbic system are important components of the neural circuit that underlies stress and anxiety. These brain regions are connected by white matter tracts that support neural communication including the cingulum, uncinate fasciculus, and the fornix/stria-terminalis. Determining the relationship between stress reactivity and these white matter tracts may provide new insight into factors that underlie stress susceptibility and resilience. Therefore, the present study investigated sex differences in the relationship between stress reactivity and generalized fractional anisotropy (GFA) of the white matter tracts that link the prefrontal cortex and limbic system. Diffusion weighted images were collected and deterministic tractography was completed in 104 young adults (55 men, 49 women; mean age = 18.87 SEM = 0.08). Participants also completed self-report questionnaires (e.g., Trait Anxiety) and donated saliva (later assayed for cortisol) before, during, and after the Trier Social Stress Test. Results revealed that stress reactivity (area under the curve increase in cortisol) and GFA of the cingulum bundle varied by sex. Specifically, men demonstrated greater cortisol reactivity and greater GFA within the cingulum than women. Further, an interaction between sex, stress reactivity, and cingulum GFA was observed in which men demonstrated a positive relationship while women demonstrated a negative relationship between GFA and cortisol reactivity. Finally, trait anxiety was positively associated with the GFA of the fornix/stria terminalis - the white matter pathways that connect the hippocampus/amygdala to the hypothalamus. These findings advance our understanding of factors that underlie individual differences in stress reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Wheelock
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - A M Goodman
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - N G Harnett
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - K H Wood
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - S Mrug
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - D A Granger
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 525 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - D C Knight
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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Watters ER, Martin G. Health Outcomes Following Childhood Maltreatment: An Examination of the Biopsychosocial Model. J Aging Health 2021; 33:596-606. [PMID: 33775180 DOI: 10.1177/08982643211003783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Child maltreatment constitutes a notoriously large problem within the healthcare field and is associated with significant biological, psychological, and social consequences across the lifespan. Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to examine the biopsychosocial outcomes of an adult population who reported a history of child maltreatment. Method: Data from the Midlife Development in the United States 2 Biomarker Project were used. The analytic sample in the present study included 1228 adults. AMOS 23 was used to conduct structural equation modeling and fit two separate models in order to examine the relationships between childhood maltreatment and biopsychosocial variables for both men and women. Results: Childhood maltreatment had a direct association with cortisol levels, subjective well-being, positive life events, depression, and physical symptoms and conditions for both men and women. Discussion: The present study offers unique contributions toward the examination of biopsychosocial outcomes following maltreatment. Practical implications and future directions are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Watters
- Psychological & Quantitative Foundations Department, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Gina Martin
- Psychological & Quantitative Foundations Department, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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W.J N, Sekar L, Manikandan A, K M, T G, Shriraam V, Silambanan S, R P. Mahamantra chanting as an effective intervention for stress reduction among nursing professionals—A randomized controlled study. ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aimed.2020.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Rajan S, Shamkuwar MK, Tanwar AK. Impact of Shirodhara on biological markers of stress: A case study. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2021; 12:178-181. [PMID: 33637424 PMCID: PMC8039348 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2021.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The unforgiving pace and complexity of modern life has greatly challenged our ability to live healthier and fully in the present moment. Industrialization, globalization, and competition in each sector lead to emotional stress and strain in life which is dangerous at the physical and mental levels. As per the classics of Ayurveda, chinta (stress) and atichintan (overthinking) are the causes of Rasavaha srotodushti which lead to many diseases. Shirodhara is an important healing technique of Ayurveda that has neuro-immuno-physio-psychological effects on the human body. Several studies have been carried out to evaluate the efficacy of Shirodhara in many diseases. A 35-yearold female patient with sleep deprivation, loss of concentration, and irritable mood symptoms was admitted to the hospital. She was assessed on the basis of the Profile Of Mood Score (POMS) questionnaire, Serum Cortisol (Sr. Cortisol), Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). The patient was treated by Shirodhara with sesame oil for 14 days continuously. Results were assessed by biomarkers of stress and by POMS score. At the end of Shiroadhara, there was significant improvement found in presenting complaints as well as on the POMS Score and Stress biomarkers. During or after the treatment, no adverse events were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujata Rajan
- Dept of Kriya Sharir, Ayurvedic & Unani Tibbia College & Hospital, Govt of Delhi, India.
| | - Manoj K Shamkuwar
- Dept of Panchkarma, Ayurvedic & Unani Tibbia College & Hospital, Govt of Delhi, India
| | - Ankur Kumar Tanwar
- Dept of Kriya Sharir, Ayurvedic & Unani Tibbia College & Hospital, Govt of Delhi, India
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Dutheil F, de Saint Vincent S, Pereira B, Schmidt J, Moustafa F, Charkhabi M, Bouillon-Minois JB, Clinchamps M. DHEA as a Biomarker of Stress: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:688367. [PMID: 34295276 PMCID: PMC8290065 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.688367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Psychosocial stress is a significant public health problem inducing consequences for quality of life. Results about the use of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) as a biomarker of acute stress are conflicting. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to demonstrate that DHEA levels could be a biomarker of stress. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and ScienceDirect databases were searched on March 19, 2021 using the keywords "acute stress" AND "DHEA" OR "Dehydroepiandrosterone." Articles needed to describe our primary outcome, i.e., induction of acute stress and at least two measures of DHEA. Results: We included 14 studies, with a total of 631 participants, in our meta-analysis. The DHEA levels increased overtime after acute stress [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.56, 95%CI = 1.13-1.99]. Stratification by time showed a main peak at the end of stress (SMD = 2.43, 95%CI = 1.59-3.27), followed by a progressive decrease (coefficient = -0.11, 95%CI = -0.19 to -0.17, p = 0.020). There was no significant change 1 h after the end of acute stress. Metaregressions showed an impact of mental stress (SMD = 2.04, 95%CI = 1.43-2.65), sex (SMD = 0.02, 95%CI = 0.00-0.04), age (SMD = -0.12, 95%CI = -0.2 to -0.05), and obesity (SMD = 0.31, 95%CI = -0.00 to 0.63). There was no difference whatever the type of fluid (blood or saliva) and the measurement technique used. Conclusions: DHEA is a biomarker of acute stress, with a short-term increase (1 h). DHEA increases following acute mental stress, whatever the type and duration of mental stress. Women, young people, and obese individuals had a higher response. Blood and saliva measures were comparable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Dutheil
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Wittyfit, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Sarah de Saint Vincent
- Université Clermont Auvergne, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Bruno Pereira
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clinical Research and Innovation Direction, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jeannot Schmidt
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Emergency Department, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Farès Moustafa
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Emergency Department, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Morteza Charkhabi
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Bouillon-Minois
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Emergency Department, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Maëlys Clinchamps
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Mazgelytė E, Chomentauskas G, Dereškevičiūtė E, Rekienė V, Jakaitienė A, Petrėnas T, Songailienė J, Utkus A, Aušrelė KZ, Karčiauskaitė D. Association of salivary steroid hormones and their ratios with time-domain heart rate variability indices in healthy individuals. J Med Biochem 2021; 40:173-180. [PMID: 33776567 PMCID: PMC7982294 DOI: 10.5937/jomb0-26045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Stress system consists of the hypothalamicpituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the locus caeruleus/norepinephrine-autonomic nervous system (ANS). Traditionally, HPA axis activity is evaluated by measuring its end-product cortisol, while the activity of ANS is assessed using heart rate variability (HRV) indices. Alterations in cortisol levels and HRV measures during laboratory-based stress tasks were extensively studied in previous research. However, scarce data exist on the associations of HRV measures with the levels of other adrenal steroid hormones under baseline conditions. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the activity of the HPA axis by measuring salivary cortisol, cortisone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels, and their ratios and to examine its association with HRV measures in a sample of healthy young and middle-aged adults. Methods For each participant (n=40), three data collection sessions taking place at the same time of the day were scheduled within five working days. Participants completed a self-reported questionnaire on sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics, filled out t h e Perceived Stress Scale and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Also, saliva samples were collected, and physiological measures, including resting HR and HRV, were recorded during three data collection sessions. Results Statistically significant associations between diminished parasympathetic vagal tone evaluated by time domain HRV measures and higher salivary cortisol, lower DHEA levels, as well as decreased DHEA to cortisol ratio, were found. Also, physiological stress indicators (i.e., HRV) showed greater intraindividual stability compared with biochemical biomarkers (i.e., salivary steroid hormones) within five days. Conclusions Our findings suggest that both cortisol and DHEA mediate the link between two stress-sensitive homeostatic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eglė Mazgelytė
- Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Laboratory Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | | | | | - Audronė Jakaitienė
- Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Human and Medical Genetics, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Tomas Petrėnas
- Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Human and Medical Genetics, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Jurgita Songailienė
- Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Human and Medical Genetics, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Algirdas Utkus
- Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Human and Medical Genetics, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Kučinskienė Zita Aušrelė
- Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Laboratory Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Dovilė Karčiauskaitė
- Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Laboratory Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
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Das L, Dutta P, Walia R, Mukherjee S, Suri V, Puri GD, Mahajan V, Malhotra P, Chaudhary S, Gupta R, Jayant SS, Agrawal K, Kumar V, Sachdeva N, Rastogi A, Bhadada SK, Ram S, Bhansali A. Spectrum of Endocrine Dysfunction and Association With Disease Severity in Patients With COVID-19: Insights From a Cross-Sectional, Observational Study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:645787. [PMID: 34276556 PMCID: PMC8283965 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.645787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Evidence on new-onset endocrine dysfunction and identifying whether the degree of this dysfunction is associated with the severity of disease in patients with COVID-19 is scarce. PATIENTS AND METHODS Consecutive patients enrolled at PGIMER Chandigarh were stratified on the basis of disease severity as group I (moderate-to-severe disease including oxygen saturation <94% on room air or those with comorbidities) (n= 35) and group II (mild disease, with oxygen saturation >94% and without comorbidities) (n=49). Hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal, thyroid, gonadal axes, and lactotroph function were evaluated. Inflammatory and cell-injury markers were also analysed. RESULTS Patients in group I had higher prevalence of hypocortisolism (38.5 vs 6.8%, p=0.012), lower ACTH (16.3 vs 32.1pg/ml, p=0.234) and DHEAS (86.29 vs 117.8µg/dl, p= 0.086) as compared to group II. Low T3 syndrome was a universal finding, irrespective of disease severity. Sick euthyroid syndrome (apart from low T3 syndrome) (80.9 vs 73.1%, p= 0.046) and atypical thyroiditis (low T3, high T4, low or normal TSH) (14.3 vs 2.4%, p= 0.046) were more frequent in group I than group II. Male hypogonadism was also more prevalent in group I (75.6% vs 20.6%, p=0.006) than group II, with higher prevalence of both secondary (56.8 vs 15.3%, p=0.006) and primary (18.8 vs 5.3%, p=0.006) hypogonadism. Hyperprolactinemia was observed in 42.4% of patients without significant difference between both groups. CONCLUSION COVID-19 can involve multiple endocrine organs and axes, with a greater prevalence and degree of endocrine dysfunction in those with more severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza Das
- Department of Endocrinology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Pinaki Dutta
- Department of Endocrinology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Rama Walia
- Department of Endocrinology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Soham Mukherjee
- Department of Endocrinology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Vikas Suri
- Department of Internal Medicine, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Varun Mahajan
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Shakun Chaudhary
- Department of Endocrinology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Rahul Gupta
- Department of Endocrinology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Satyam Singh Jayant
- Department of Endocrinology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Kanhaiya Agrawal
- Department of Endocrinology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Department of Internal Medicine, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Naresh Sachdeva
- Department of Endocrinology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Ashu Rastogi
- Department of Endocrinology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Sanjay Kumar Bhadada
- Department of Endocrinology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Sant Ram
- Department of Biochemistry, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Anil Bhansali
- Department of Endocrinology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
- *Correspondence: Anil Bhansali,
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Bürgin D, Kind N, Schröder M, Clemens V, Fegert JM, Eckert A, Buchheim A, O'Donovan A, Boonmann C, Schmid M. The Stress of Caring-Resilience and HPA-Axis Activity in Hair Samples of Youth Residential Caregivers. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:556486. [PMID: 33408649 PMCID: PMC7779549 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.556486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Professional caregivers in youth residential care institutions experience frequent verbal and physical aggression as well as multiple stressors as part of their everyday work, leading to high levels of burnout and staff turnover. Resilience might buffer against psychophysiological stress response and therefore be crucial for well-being in professional caregivers. Objectives: We aimed to investigate if measures related to resilience [sense of coherence (SoC), self-efficacy and self-care] and attachment security of caregivers were cross-sectionally associated with stress markers in hair samples [cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)]. Method: Participants (n = 134; 64.2% women) reported on individual resilience measures and provided hair samples for cortisol and DHEA assays. Attachment was assessed in a subsample using the Adult Attachment Projective Picture System (AAP, n = 69). Linear regression models were fitted to estimate the association between resilience measures and the Cortisol:DHEA ratio, cortisol and DHEA, controlling for gender and age. Results: SoC was associated with a lower Cortisol:DHEA ratio (β = -0.36, p < 0.001), driven by a positive association between SoC and DHEA levels (β = 0.28, p = 0.002). Self-care was also associated with lower Cortisol:DHEA ratios (β = -0.24, p = 0.005), due to self-care being associated with higher DHEA (β = 0.21, p = 0.016). HPA-axis measures were not associated with self-efficacy nor with attachment patterns in a subsample. Conclusions: Our findings imply that youth residential care institutions might benefit from programs focusing on enhancing SoC and self-care practices. Fostering a meaningful, comprehensible and manageable professional climate in caregiving environments and implementing self-care in routine practices might enhance not only well-being but also physical health of professional caregivers and in this way buffer adverse health effects of chronic stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Bürgin
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research Department, University Psychiatric Hospitals, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nina Kind
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research Department, University Psychiatric Hospitals, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Schröder
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research Department, University Psychiatric Hospitals, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Vera Clemens
- Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jörg M. Fegert
- Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anne Eckert
- Neurobiological Laboratory for Brain Aging and Mental Health, Transfaculty Research Platform, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anna Buchheim
- Institute of Psychology, University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Aoife O'Donovan
- Department of Psychiatry and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Mental Health Services, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Cyril Boonmann
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research Department, University Psychiatric Hospitals, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marc Schmid
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research Department, University Psychiatric Hospitals, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Hirokawa K, Fujii Y, Taniguchi T, Takaki J, Tsutsumi A. Andropause symptoms and sickness absence in Japanese male workers: a prospective study. Aging Male 2020; 23:1545-1552. [PMID: 33346726 DOI: 10.1080/13685538.2020.1862078] [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] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study was to investigate the association between andropause symptoms and sickness absence in Japanese male workers over 2 years. METHODS A baseline survey asking about andropause symptoms, along with blood sampling for testosterone level, was conducted in June 2009. A total of 418 men (mean age = 52.4 years, SD = 8.6) participated and were followed through 2011. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for sickness absence were calculated using Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS During the follow-up period, 31 of 35 participants who took sickness absences had physical illnesses. A higher andropause symptom score was associated with an increased risk of sickness absence. Testosterone deficiency (<350 ng/dL) was not associated with sickness absence. Among the subscales of andropause symptoms, the somatic symptom score was positively associated with sickness absence, whereas testosterone deficiency combined with high sexual symptoms was not associated with sickness absence. Results were similar when limited to sickness absence because of physical illness. No significant interaction between andropause symptoms and testosterone deficiency was found. CONCLUSIONS Non-specific andropause symptoms unrelated to testosterone deficiency were positively associated with sickness absence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumi Hirokawa
- Department of Nursing, Baika Women's University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Fujii
- Department of Welfare System and Health Science, Okayama Prefectural University, Soja, Japan
| | | | - Jiro Takaki
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Nursing, Sanyo Gakuen University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Akizumi Tsutsumi
- Department of Public Health, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Japan
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Gabai G, Mongillo P, Giaretta E, Marinelli L. Do Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and Its Sulfate (DHEAS) Play a Role in the Stress Response in Domestic Animals? Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:588835. [PMID: 33195624 PMCID: PMC7649144 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.588835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In animal husbandry, stress is often associated with poor health and welfare. Stress occurs when a physiological control system detects a state of real or presumptive threat to the animal's homeostasis or a failure to control a fitness-critical variable. The definition of stress has mostly relied on glucocorticoids measurement, even though glucocorticoids represent one stress-response system, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenocortical axis, which is not precise enough as it is also related to metabolic regulation and activated in non-stressful situations (pleasure, excitement, and arousal). The mammal adrenal can synthesize the androgenic steroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate metabolite (DHEAS), which have been associated to the stress response in several studies performed mostly in humans and laboratory animals. Although the functions of these steroids are not fully understood, available data suggest their antagonistic effects on glucocorticoids and, in humans, their secretion is affected by stress. This review explores the scientific literature on DHEA and DHEAS release in domestic animals in response to stressors of different nature (inflammatory, physical, or social) and duration, and the extra-adrenal contribution to circulating DHEA. Then, the potential use of DHEA in conjunction with cortisol to improve the definition of the stress phenotype in farmed animals is discussed. Although the focus of this review is on farmed animals, examples from other species are reported when available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco Gabai
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Paolo Mongillo
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Elisa Giaretta
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Lieta Marinelli
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Legnaro, Italy
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Kamin HS, Bhatt SS, Mulligan CJ, Kertes DA. Dehydroepiandrosterone at birth: Response to stress and relation to demographic, pregnancy and delivery factors. J Neuroendocrinol 2020; 32:e12906. [PMID: 33006172 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12906] [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: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Enhanced production of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) by the foetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis enables maturational events critical for labour induction and neonatal adaptation. Despite knowledge of the interconnected nature of maternal and foetal physiology and dramatic changes in DHEA production after birth, few studies have examined DHEA levels in newborns and none have examined DHEA's response to acute stress. Understanding normative patterns of early DHEA activity is needed to accurately assess functioning of the biological stress system with relevance for health and development. The present study analysed DHEA concentrations and change after stress among 93 newborns and associations with pregnancy, delivery and demographic risk factors. Three saliva samples, collected prior to and following a blood draw stressor, were used to determine baseline and stress reactive DHEA levels. Mothers self-reported on health behaviours during pregnancy. Data on obstetric factors were obtained from medical records. DHEA levels declined from pre- to post-stressor assessments. Results also showed that post-stressor DHEA change was significantly associated with administration of medications used to treat pain and accelerate labour. However, there was no significant variation in DHEA pre-stress levels or change after stress as a function of time after birth. By capturing DHEA levels after birth, the present study provides a window into prenatal health of the HPA system. The study also advances knowledge of DHEA in newborns by providing data on reference levels and important covariates. This information on basic adrenal physiology provides a foundation that can be expanded on to enhance understanding of early hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley S Kamin
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Samarth S Bhatt
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Connie J Mulligan
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Darlene A Kertes
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Smith AM, Elliott G, Hughes GI, Feinn RS, Brunyé TT. Acute stress improves analogical reasoning: examining the roles of stress hormones and long-term memory. THINKING & REASONING 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/13546783.2020.1819416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Amy M. Smith
- Department of Psychology, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT, USA
| | - Grace Elliott
- Center for Applied Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Gregory I. Hughes
- Center for Applied Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Medford, MA, USA
- Tufts University, Department of Psychology, Medford, MA, USA
- U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, Natick, MA, USA
| | | | - Tad T. Brunyé
- Center for Applied Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Medford, MA, USA
- Tufts University, Department of Psychology, Medford, MA, USA
- U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, Natick, MA, USA
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Kellner M, Yassouridis A, Adel F, Muhtz C, Jelinek L, Wiedemann K. Cortisol, DHEA and DHEA-S during exposure therapy in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder - secretion patterns and prediction of treatment response. Psychiatry Res 2020; 291:113288. [PMID: 32763549 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The cortisol response in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) during exposure with response prevention (ERP), a stressful but very effective psychotherapeutic treatment, has shown contradictory findings in three prior studies with low sample sizes. In a larger cohort of 51 patients with OCD we repeatedly measured subjective units of distress (SUD) and the adrenocortical stress hormones cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) in saliva during the very first session of ERP and on the day before. Expectedly, SUD were increased on the ERP day before the session and further rose during ERP, but salivary cortisol and DHEA were statistically indistinguishable from the comparison condition. Interestingly, DHEA-S was significantly elevated throughout the ERP versus the comparison day, but did not further increase in acute response to ERP. According to an explorative analysis in a subsample, hormone levels on the comparison or the ERP day did not predict anti-OCD treatment response one month later. These results corroborate our prior findings of cortisol non-response despite considerable subjective stress in ERP. The role of DHEA-S in anticipatory anxiety and the effects of augmentative cortisol therapy in ERP need further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kellner
- University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hamburg, Germany; Herford Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy & Psychosomatics, Herford, Germany.
| | - Alexander Yassouridis
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Statistics and Biomathematics, Munich, Germany
| | - Fred Adel
- Herford Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy & Psychosomatics, Herford, Germany
| | - Christoph Muhtz
- University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lena Jelinek
- University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Wiedemann
- University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hamburg, Germany
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Mulligan EM, Hajcak G, Crisler S, Meyer A. Increased dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is associated with anxiety in adolescent girls. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 119:104751. [PMID: 32559611 PMCID: PMC7423745 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The pubertal period is a time of rapid increase in the incidence of anxiety disorders, and thus, pubertal hormones may play a role in the precipitation of anxious psychopathology. DHEA, a steroid hormone that surges in adolescence, has been previously linked to anxiety, although the direction of this effect has been mixed. Using a cross-sectional design in a sample of 286 adolescent girls, the present study examined associations between salivary DHEA concentrations and self-report and interview-based measures of anxiety while controlling for pubertal status, menarche status, assessment time of day, and other hormones including testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone. Increased salivary DHEA concentrations were associated with more self-reported anxiety symptoms, increased anxiety symptom counts based on clinical interview, and increased probability of an anxiety disorder. Out of all anxiety symptom domains examined, generalized anxiety disorder symptoms were the best predictor of salivary DHEA concentrations after controlling for pubertal development. Collectively, our findings suggest relevance for DHEA in the development of anxiety in the pubertal period, as well as a robust relationship between DHEA and emerging symptoms of pathological worry during adolescence. The present study underscores the importance of examining associations between DHEA concentrations and anxiety in longitudinal designs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Greg Hajcak
- Florida State University Department of Psychology Tallahassee, FL 32304,Florida State University Department of Biomedical Sciences Tallahassee, FL 32306
| | - Sierah Crisler
- Florida State University Department of Psychology Tallahassee, FL 32304
| | - Alexandria Meyer
- Florida State University Department of Psychology Tallahassee, FL 32304
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Howland MA, Donzella B, Miller BS, Gunnar MR. Pubertal recalibration of cortisol-DHEA coupling in previously-institutionalized children. Horm Behav 2020; 125:104816. [PMID: 32649929 PMCID: PMC7543053 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
As a period of heightened plasticity, puberty may provide a window of opportunity for recalibration of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to current conditions. Our group has recently documented evidence for pubertal recalibration of HPA axis reactivity among children internationally adopted as infants from institutions into supportive, well-resourced homes. As a first step at examining potential mechanisms by which puberty may facilitate recalibration of the HPA axis, the current study assessed whether previously-institutionalized (PI) children differed from non-adopted (NA) comparison children in levels of the adrenal steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and in its intra-individual covariation (coupling) with cortisol by adrenal pubertal stage. In an accelerated longitudinal design, 7- to 15-year-olds completed up to 3 annual assessments, which included nurse-conducted pubertal staging and the Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Children (TSST-M). Adrenal (pubic hair) rather than gonadal pubertal stage scores were used in the analysis. Paired salivary cortisol-DHEA samples were available at 60-80 min post-TSST-M. NA and PI children did not differ in DHEA levels, which were higher among children at more advanced pubertal stages (averaged across the sessions) for both groups. For NA children, post-stressor cortisol and DHEA were positively coupled across sessions at all average adrenal pubertal stages. For PI children who were, on average, at earlier adrenal pubertal stages, post-stressor cortisol and DHEA were not coupled, but PI children who were at later pubertal stages demonstrated positive cortisol-DHEA coupling similar to that of the NA children. We suggest that these findings provide insights into processes which may underlie pubertal recalibration of the HPA axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariann A Howland
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, United States of America.
| | - Bonny Donzella
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, United States of America
| | - Bradley S Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, United States of America
| | - Megan R Gunnar
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, United States of America
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Music performance anxiety from the challenge and threat perspective: psychophysiological and performance outcomes. BMC Psychol 2020; 8:87. [PMID: 32843074 PMCID: PMC7448432 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-020-00448-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although many musicians perceive music performance anxiety (MPA) as a significant problem, studies about the psychobiological and performance-related concomitants of MPA are limited. Using the biopsychosocial model of challenge and threat as theoretical framework, we aim to investigate whether musicians’ changes in their psychobiological responses and performance quality from a private to a public performance are moderated by their general MPA level. According to the challenge and threat framework, individuals are in a threat state when the perceived demands of a performance situation outweigh the perceived resources, whereas they are in a challenge state when the perceived resources outweigh the perceived demands. The resources-demands differential (resources minus demands) and the cardiovascular challenge-threat index (sum of cardiac output and reverse scored total peripheral resistance) are the main indices of these states. We postulate that the relationship between general MPA level and performance quality is mediated by these challenge and threat measures. Methods We will test 100 university music students reporting general MPA levels ranging from low to high. They will perform privately (i.e., without audience) and publicly (i.e., with an audience) on two separate days in counterbalanced order. During each performance session, we will record their cardiovascular and respiratory activity and collect saliva samples and self-reported measures. Measures of primary interest are self-reported anxiety, the resources-demands differential, the cardiovascular challenge-threat index, sigh rate, total respiratory variability, partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide and the salivary biomarkers cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone, and alpha-amylase. Both, the participants and anonymous experts will evaluate the performance quality from audio recordings. Discussion The results of the planned project are expected to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the psychobiology of MPA and of the processes that influence musicians’ individual reactions to performance situations. We also anticipate the findings of this project to have important implications for the development and implementation of theory-based interventions aimed at managing musicians’ anxiety and improving performance quality. Thanks to the use of multimethod approaches incorporating psychobiology, it might be possible to better assess the progress and success of interventions and ultimately improve musicians’ chance to have a successful professional career. Trial registration Not applicable.
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Hennessey EMP, Kepinska O, Haft SL, Chan M, Sunshine I, Jones C, Hancock R, Hoeft F. Hair cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone concentrations: Associations with executive function in early childhood. Biol Psychol 2020; 155:107946. [PMID: 32805299 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2020.107946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Chronic stress during childhood negatively impacts cognition and physical and mental health. Exposure to stressors over time can cause hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation, leading to abnormal stress hormone levels, which can be reflected in hair cortisol concentration (HCC) and hair dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) concentration. Although the use of HCC and DHEA to measure chronic stress in children is increasing, their effects on cognition (as indexed by executive function) remain unexplored. Accordingly, we aimed to investigate the associations of HCC, DHEA, and their ratio with measures of executive function (cognitive flexibility and working memory) in a sample of kindergarten children (N=100). We found that the expected negative association between HCC and working memory approached significance, and DHEA was significantly and positively related to cognitive flexibility. We discuss possible interpretations of our findings. Our results suggest promising areas for future investigation and encourage further exploration into HCC and DHEA as measures of chronic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella-Marie P Hennessey
- Department of Psychiatry and Weill Institute for Neurosciences and Dyslexia Center, University of California San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA; Multi-University Precision Learning Center, 401 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Denver, 2155 S. Race Street, Denver, CO, 80210, USA
| | - Olga Kepinska
- Department of Psychiatry and Weill Institute for Neurosciences and Dyslexia Center, University of California San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Stephanie L Haft
- Department of Psychiatry and Weill Institute for Neurosciences and Dyslexia Center, University of California San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA; Department of Psychology, University of California Berkeley, 2121 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA
| | - Megan Chan
- Department of Psychiatry and Weill Institute for Neurosciences and Dyslexia Center, University of California San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA; Multi-University Precision Learning Center, 401 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA; Department of Psychology, University of California Berkeley, 2121 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA
| | - Isabel Sunshine
- Department of Psychiatry and Weill Institute for Neurosciences and Dyslexia Center, University of California San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA; Multi-University Precision Learning Center, 401 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Chloe Jones
- Brain Imaging Research Center (BIRC) & Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, 850 Bolton Road, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Roeland Hancock
- Brain Imaging Research Center (BIRC) & Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, 850 Bolton Road, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Fumiko Hoeft
- Department of Psychiatry and Weill Institute for Neurosciences and Dyslexia Center, University of California San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA; Multi-University Precision Learning Center, 401 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA; Brain Imaging Research Center (BIRC) & Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, 850 Bolton Road, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA; Haskins Laboratories, 300 George St #900, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA; Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi Shinjuku, Tokyo, 160-8582 Japan.
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Whitham JC, Bryant JL, Miller LJ. Beyond Glucocorticoids: Integrating Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) into Animal Welfare Research. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10081381. [PMID: 32784884 PMCID: PMC7459918 DOI: 10.3390/ani10081381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal welfare researchers are committed to identifying novel measures for enhancing the quality of life of individual animals. Recently, welfare scientists have emphasized the need for tracking multiple indicators of an animal's behavioral, emotional and mental health. Researchers are currently focused on integrating non-invasive physiological biomarkers to gain insight into an individual's welfare status. Most commonly, the animal welfare community has analyzed glucocorticoid hormones and their metabolites as a measure of stress. While glucocorticoids provide valuable information about hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, there are limitations to utilizing these hormones as the sole measure of long-term stress and welfare. Other biomarkers, such as dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfate ester-collectively referred to as DHEA(S)-help provide a more complete picture of HPA activity. DHEA(S) counteracts the effects glucocorticoids by having anti-aging, immune-enhancing and neuroprotective properties. Recent studies have examined the ratio of glucocorticoids to DHEA(S) as a way to better understand how the HPA axis is functioning. There is evidence that this ratio serves as an indicator of immune function, mental health, cognitive performance and overall welfare. We review studies that employed the glucocorticoid:DHEA(S) ratio, outline methodological considerations and discuss how researchers can integrate glucocorticoids, DHEA(S) and the glucocorticoid:DHEA(S) ratio into welfare assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C. Whitham
- Chicago Zoological Society-Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +01-708-288-3829
| | | | - Lance J. Miller
- Chicago Zoological Society-Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513, USA;
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Acute stress improves the effectivity of cognitive emotion regulation in men. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11571. [PMID: 32665617 PMCID: PMC7360604 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68137-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Emotion regulation is crucial for coping with stressors but in turn can also be influenced by stress. Initial studies provided mixed evidence showing either beneficial or impairing stress effects on cognitive emotion regulation depending on stress timing, sex or the regulatory strategy. Here, we investigated the impact of acute stress on different emotion regulation strategies in men and women. N = 118 healthy participants were subjected to the Trier Social Stress Test or a control condition after which they completed an emotion regulation paradigm, requiring them to regulate their emotions in response to negative pictures using reappraisal or distraction. Cortisol levels were repeatedly measured to quantify changes in HPA axis activity. Affective ratings and pupil dilation served to measure emotion regulation success and the cognitive effort to regulate emotions. Stress reduced arousal and increased valence and success ratings for reappraisal in men, whereas no significant stress effects were found in women. Moreover, stressed men displayed a significant expansion of pupil diameter during reappraisal suggesting enhanced cognitive regulatory engagement, which ultimately may have led to better emotion regulation outcomes. Cortisol secretion positively correlated with subjective reappraisal success in men, suggesting a glucocorticoid-driven mechanism that may promote emotion regulatory performance in the aftermath of stress.
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Nikolaeva M, Arefieva A, Babayan A, Chagovets V, Kitsilovskaya N, Starodubtseva N, Frankevich V, Kalinina E, Krechetova L, Sukhikh G. Immunoendocrine Markers of Stress in Seminal Plasma at IVF/ICSI Failure: a Preliminary Study. Reprod Sci 2020; 28:144-158. [PMID: 32638280 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00253-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that high level of seminal interleukin (IL)-18 is positively associated with a greater risk of pregnancy failure in women exposed to their partners' seminal plasma (SP) during the in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle. Since IL-18 and IL-1β considered to be the key immune markers of stress, here we ask whether their increase in SP may be due to the stress experienced by men engaged in the IVF programs. Therefore, we correlated seminal IL-18 with IL-1β and both cytokines with the seminal steroids, whose increase indicates the activation of neuroendocrine stress response systems. Retrospective analysis of stored seminal samples was performed. Based on previously identified cutoff level for content of IL-18 per ejaculate, samples with high IL-18 content from IVF failure group (n = 9), as well as samples with low IL-18 content from IVF success group (n = 7), were included in the study. Seminal cytokines were evaluated using FlowCytomix™ technology. A set of 16 biologically active steroids in SP was quantified by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Concentrations and total amounts per ejaculate of cytokines and steroids were determined. A positive significant correlation was found between the levels of IL-18 and IL-1β. There was also a positive correlation between IL-18 or IL-1β and 17-α-hydroxypregnenolone, 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate (DHEAS), androstenedione, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, progesterone, corticosterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone, and the ratio of DHEAS/cortisol. We suggested that stress-related overexpression of immune and hormonal factors in SP may be the key link between male stress and embryo implantation failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Nikolaeva
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997.
| | - Alla Arefieva
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Alina Babayan
- Department of Assisted Technologies in Treatment of Infertility, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Vitaliy Chagovets
- Department of Systems Biology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Natalia Kitsilovskaya
- Department of Systems Biology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Natalia Starodubtseva
- Department of Systems Biology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997.,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institutskiy per. 9, Dolgoprudny, Moscow, Russia, 141701
| | - Vladimir Frankevich
- Department of Systems Biology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Elena Kalinina
- Department of Assisted Technologies in Treatment of Infertility, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Lubov Krechetova
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Gennady Sukhikh
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997.,First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov, Trubetskaya str. 8-2, Moscow, Russia, 119991
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Lee JK, Park JK, Kim H, Kang JY, Park JY, Do SH, Ahn RS. Association of the HPA axis response to upcoming competition and shooting outcomes in elite junior shooting players. Stress 2020; 23:153-161. [PMID: 31469025 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2019.1660871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful shooting performance in competition is reliant on several factors such as shooting techniques and competition-associated psychological stresses. This study examined the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response to upcoming competition and its association with shooting outcomes in elite junior shooting players. The cortisol awakening response (CAR) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) secretion after awakening were measured for two consecutive days (the day before and on the day of competition for the selection of national shooting team members) in 19 junior men and 21 junior women players, and the shooting scores of the individual players were obtained. The total cortisol secretion during the CAR period (CARauc) increased, but total DHEA secretion during the post-awakening period (Daucawk) decreased on the day of competition, compared with one day before competition. The CARauc was higher in women than in men players, whereas Daucawk was higher in men than in women players across the two consecutive days. Cortisol and DHEA levels were comparable between low-scored (below the mean scores for air pistol or air rifle players) and high-scored players one day before competition. However, the CARauc on the day of competition was higher and the variations in the CARauc and molar CARauc/Daucawk ratios across the two consecutive days were greater in low-scored than in high-scored men and women players. These results indicated that upcoming competition involves alterations of the CAR and DHEA secretion after the awakening period, and greater HPA response to the upcoming competition was adversely associated with shooting scores in junior shooting athletes.Lay summaryAn important upcoming competition was perceived as a strong stressor on awakening that induced alteration in CAR and DHEA secretion after the awakening period in elite shooting players. This study observed that, irrespective of their age and period of shooting practice, the HPA axis function on the day of competition was associated with shooting outcomes in elite shooting players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Koo Lee
- Department of Leisure and Sports Studies, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Koo Park
- Competition Improvement Committee in Korea Shooting Federation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoon Kim
- College of Humanities and Liberal Art, Daegu Univesity, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Yim Kang
- Graduated school of Integrative Medicine, CHA University, Pocheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jai-Young Park
- Center for Clinical Medical Research, The Armed Forces Capital Hospital, Sungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hwan Do
- Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, School of Medicine, Seoul National University, Sungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Ryun-Sup Ahn
- Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, School of Medicine, Seoul National University, Sungnam, Republic of Korea
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Mollaioli D, Ciocca G, Limoncin E, Di Sante S, Gravina GL, Carosa E, Lenzi A, Jannini EAF. Lifestyles and sexuality in men and women: the gender perspective in sexual medicine. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2020; 18:10. [PMID: 32066450 PMCID: PMC7025405 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-019-0557-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual health is strictly related with general health in both genders. In presence of a sexual dysfunction, the expert in sexual medicine aims to discover the specific weight of the physical and psychological factors can cause or con-cause the sexual problem. At the same time, a sexual dysfunction can represent a marker of the future development of a Non-communicable diseases (NCDss) as cardiovascular or metabolic diseases.In the evaluation phase, the sexual health specialist must focus on these aspects, focusing especially on the risk and protective factors that could impact on both male and female sexuality.This article presents a review of researches concerning healthy and unhealthy lifestyles and their contribute in the development of sexual quality of life in a gender-dependent manner.Among the unhealthy lifestyle, obesity contributes mostly to the development of sexual dysfunctions, due to its negative impact on cardiovascular and metabolic function. Tobacco smoking, alcohol - substance abuse and chronic stress lead to the development of sexual dysfunction in a med-long term.In order to guarantee a satisfying sexual quality of life, sexual health specialists have the responsibility to guide the patient through the adoption of healthy lifestyles, such as avoiding drugs, smoke and excessive alcohol, practicing a regular physical activity, following a balanced diet and use stress-management strategies, even before proposing both pharmaco- and/or psychotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Mollaioli
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Ciocca
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Limoncin
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Di Sante
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Sapienza - University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, Rome, 00161 Italy
| | - Giovanni Luca Gravina
- grid.158820.60000 0004 1757 2611Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio (Coppito 2), L’Aquila, 67100 Italy
| | - Eleonora Carosa
- grid.158820.60000 0004 1757 2611Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio (Coppito 2), L’Aquila, 67100 Italy
| | - Andrea Lenzi
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Sapienza - University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, Rome, 00161 Italy
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Shields GS. Stress and cognition: A user's guide to designing and interpreting studies. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 112:104475. [PMID: 31810538 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Fueling the rapid growth in our understanding of how stress influences cognition, the number of studies examining the effects of stress on various cognitive processes has grown substantially over the last two decades. Despite this growth, few published guidelines exist for designing these studies, and divergent paradigm designs can diminish typical effects of stress or even reverse them. The goal of this review, therefore, is to survey necessary considerations (e.g., validating a stress induction), important considerations (e.g., specifying the timing of the stressor and cognitive task), and best practices (e.g., using Bayesian analyses) when designing a study that aims at least in part to examine the effects of acute stress on some cognitive process or function. These guidelines will also serve to help readers of these studies interpret what may otherwise be very confusing, anomalous results. Designing and interpreting studies with these considerations and practices in mind will help to move the field of stress and cognition forward by clarifying how, exactly, stress influences performance on a given cognitive task in a population of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant S Shields
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, United States.
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