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Potretzke S, Lemieux A, Nakajima M, al'Absi M. Circulating ghrelin changes as a biomarker of the stress response and craving in abstinent smokers. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 218:173423. [PMID: 35750154 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE There has been growing interest in the role of ghrelin in stress and addiction. Ghrelin regulates central reward mechanisms by mediating the mesolimbic dopaminergic system. Stress also induces neurophysiological activations related to drug reward. However, the extent to which psychosocial stress is associated with changes in ghrelin levels has not been tested in individuals with nicotine dependency undergoing withdrawal, a condition known to induce stress-like symptoms. OBJECTIVES We investigated the association of stress-induced ghrelin, craving, and smoking lapse. METHODS Thirty-six smokers attended a laboratory session that included acute stress tasks during the initial phase of quitting. Self-report measures and biochemical samples were collected for the assessment of smoking status. Blood samples for the measurement of ghrelin and self-report measures of craving were collected multiple times throughout the session RESULTS: Multivariate analysis of variance controlling for gender found a significant main effect of sampling time and lapse group (p < 0.05). Ghrelin levels significantly increased over the pre-stress and post-stress periods (ps < 0.001), suggesting a delayed stress response. Those who lapsed during the study had higher ghrelin levels than those who were able to successfully abstain. A ghrelin stress response was calculated and a significant association was found between this response and craving, which changed across time points (ps < 0.008). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study demonstrate that ghrelin is sensitive to acute manipulation of stress and that there is potential usefulness for ghrelin as a marker of stress, craving, and smoking lapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheena Potretzke
- Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 9997239, USA
| | - Andrine Lemieux
- University of Minnesota School of Medicine, 1035 University Drive, Duluth, MN 55812-2487, USA
| | - Motohiro Nakajima
- University of Minnesota School of Medicine, 1035 University Drive, Duluth, MN 55812-2487, USA
| | - Mustafa al'Absi
- University of Minnesota School of Medicine, 1035 University Drive, Duluth, MN 55812-2487, USA.
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al'Absi M, Ginty AT, Lovallo WR. Neurobiological mechanisms of early life adversity, blunted stress reactivity and risk for addiction. Neuropharmacology 2021; 188:108519. [PMID: 33711348 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Blunted stress reactivity resulting from early exposure to stress during childhood and adolescence may increase vulnerability to addiction. Early life adversity (ELA) affects brain structure and function and results in blunted stress axis reactivity. In this review, we focus on the underlying neurobiological mechanisms associated with a blunted response to stress, ELA, and risk for addictive disorders. ELA and blunted reactivity are accompanied by unstable mood regulation, impulsive behaviors, and reduced cognitive function. Neuroimaging studies reveal cortical and subcortical changes in persons exposed to ELA and those who have a genetic disposition for addiction. We propose a model in which blunted stress reactivity may be a marker of risk for addiction through an altered motivational and behavioral reactivity to stress that contribute to disinhibited behavioral reactivity and impulsivity leading in turn to increased vulnerability for substance use. Evidence supporting this hypothesis in the context of substance use initiation, maintenance, and risk for relapse is presented. The effects of ELA on persons at risk for addiction may lead to early experimentation with drugs of abuse. Early adoption of drug intake may alter neuroregulation in such vulnerable persons leading to a permanent dysregulation of motivational responses consistent with dependence. This article is part of the special issue on 'Vulnerabilities to Substance Abuse'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa al'Absi
- Family Medicine and Biobehavioral Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN, USA.
| | - Annie T Ginty
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - William R Lovallo
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and VA Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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Nakajima M, Lemieux AM, Fiecas M, Chatterjee S, Sarker H, Saleheen N, Ertin E, Kumar S, al'Absi M. Using novel mobile sensors to assess stress and smoking lapse. Int J Psychophysiol 2020; 158:411-418. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2020.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Stress reactivity research has traditionally focused on the idea that exaggerated responses to stress may have adverse effects on health. Accumulating evidence suggests that attenuated responses to stress and delayed recovery may also be problematic. METHODS This review focuses on the role of the stress response of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis, the endogenous opioid system, and the cardiovascular system in hypertension, pain perception, and addictive behaviors. Results from multiple methods of assessment and stress paradigms conducted in our laboratory over the past two decades are integrated with research from other investigators and with existing theories. RESULTS Research indicates that exaggerated biological and physiological responses to stress and attenuated pain perception are associated with hypertension and risk for cardiovascular diseases. This research complements work linking reduced stress responses with enhanced pain sensitivity and discomfort. Multiple studies have also demonstrated that an attenuated stress response is linked to exacerbation of withdrawal symptoms and relapse in nicotine addiction. Evidence indicates important moderators (i.e., sex, personality traits, and early life adversity) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical- and endogenous opioid system-related mechanisms in the altered response to stress. I integrate these findings in a conceptual model emphasizing that robust stress responses in the context of addiction and relapse should be considered as a marker of resiliency. CONCLUSIONS A blunted stress response may indicate long-term physiological dysregulation that could usher harmful consequences for cardiovascular disease, pain perception, and addictive disorders. The impact of dysregulation is influenced by multiple individual and situational factors that should be considered in evaluating the clinical significance of stress response dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa alʼAbsi
- From the University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth (al'Absi), Duluth, Minnesota
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Early life adversity influences stress response association with smoking relapse. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:3375-3384. [PMID: 28875309 PMCID: PMC5660945 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4724-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE We examined the hypothesis that stress-related blunting of cortisol in smokers is particularly pronounced in those with a history of severe life adversity. OBJECTIVES The two aims of this study were first to examine hormonal, craving, and withdrawal symptoms during ad libitum smoking and after the first 24 h of abstinence in smokers who experienced high or low levels of adversity. Second, we sought to examine the relationship between adversity and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) hormones to predict relapse during the first month of a smoking cessation attempt. METHODS Hormonal and self-report measures were collected from 103 smokers (49 women) during ad libitum smoking and after the first 24 h of abstinence. HPA hormones were measured during baseline rest and in response to acute stress in both conditions. All smokers were interested in smoking cessation, and we prospectively used stress response measures to predict relapse during the first 4 weeks of the smoking cessation attempt. RESULTS The results showed that high adversity was associated with higher distress and smoking withdrawal symptoms. High level of early life adversity was associated with elevated HPA activity, which was found in both salivary and plasma cortisol. Enhanced adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stress response was evident in high-adversity but not in low-adversity relapsers. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that early life adversity is associated with stress-related HPA responses. The study also demonstrated that, among smokers who experienced a high level of life adversity, heightened ACTH and cortisol responses were linked with increased risk for smoking relapse.
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Porchet RI, Boekhoudt L, Studer B, Gandamaneni PK, Rani N, Binnamangala S, Müller U, Clark L. Opioidergic and dopaminergic manipulation of gambling tendencies: a preliminary study in male recreational gamblers. Front Behav Neurosci 2013; 7:138. [PMID: 24109443 PMCID: PMC3791382 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2013.00138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Gambling is characterized by cognitive distortions in the processing of chance and skill that are exacerbated in pathological gambling. Opioid and dopamine dysregulation is implicated in pathological gambling, but it is unclear whether these neurotransmitters modulate gambling distortions. The objective of the current study was to assess the effects of the opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone and the dopamine D2 receptor antagonist haloperidol on gambling behavior. Male recreational gamblers (n = 62) were assigned to receive single oral doses of naltrexone 50 mg, haloperidol 2 mg or placebo, in a parallel-groups design. At 2.5 h post-dosing, participants completed a slot machine task to elicit monetary wins, "near-misses," and a manipulation of personal choice, and a roulette game to elicit two biases in sequential processing, the gambler's fallacy and the hot hand belief. Psychophysiological responses (electrodermal activity and heart rate) were taken during the slot machine task, and plasma prolactin increase was assessed. The tasks successfully induced the gambling effects of interest. Some of these effects differed across treatment groups, although the direction of effect was not in line with our predictions. Differences were driven by the naltrexone group, which displayed a greater physiological response to wins, and marginally higher confidence ratings on winning streaks. Prolactin levels increased in the naltrexone group, but did not differ between haloperidol and placebo, implying that naltrexone but not haloperidol may have been functionally active at these doses. Our results support opioid modulation of cognition during gambling-like tasks, but did not support the more specific hypothesis that naltrexone may act to ameliorate cognitive distortions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roseline I. Porchet
- Department of Psychology, University of CambridgeCambridge, UK,Department of Psychology, Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of CambridgeCambridge, UK
| | - Linde Boekhoudt
- Department of Psychology, University of CambridgeCambridge, UK
| | - Bettina Studer
- Department of Psychology, University of CambridgeCambridge, UK,Department of Psychology, Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of CambridgeCambridge, UK,Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College LondonLondon, UK
| | - Praveen K. Gandamaneni
- Department of Psychiatry, University of CambridgeCambridge, UK,Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation TrustCambridge, UK
| | - Nisha Rani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of CambridgeCambridge, UK,Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation TrustCambridge, UK
| | - Somashekar Binnamangala
- Department of Psychiatry, University of CambridgeCambridge, UK,Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation TrustCambridge, UK
| | - Ulrich Müller
- Department of Psychology, Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of CambridgeCambridge, UK,Department of Psychiatry, University of CambridgeCambridge, UK
| | - Luke Clark
- Department of Psychology, University of CambridgeCambridge, UK,Department of Psychology, Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of CambridgeCambridge, UK,*Correspondence: Luke Clark, Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EB, Cambridge, UK e-mail:
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Bahadori B, Riediger ND, Farrell SM, Uitz E, Moghadasian MF. Hypothesis: Smoking decreases breast feeding duration by suppressing prolactin secretion. Med Hypotheses 2013; 81:582-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2013.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2012] [Revised: 07/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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al'Absi M, Nakajima M, Grabowski J. Stress response dysregulation and stress-induced analgesia in nicotine dependent men and women. Biol Psychol 2012; 93:1-8. [PMID: 23274170 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2012.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2012] [Revised: 12/06/2012] [Accepted: 12/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Alterations in the stress response and endogenous pain regulation mechanisms may contribute directly and indirectly to maintenance of nicotine dependence and relapse. We examined the extent to which nicotine dependence alters endogenous pain regulatory systems, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis, cardiovascular activity, and stress-induced analgesia. Smokers and nonsmokers attended a laboratory session that included assessment of hormonal and cardiovascular responses to stress. Smokers smoked at their regular rate prior to the session. The hand cold pressor and heat thermal pain tests were completed twice, once after acute stress (public speaking and math tasks) and the other after rest. While smokers and nonsmokers exhibited significant hormonal and cardiovascular responses to stress, smokers exhibited blunted stress responses relative to nonsmokers. They also exhibited diminished stress-induced analgesia. Results demonstrate altered stress response and diminished stress-induced analgesia among chronic smokers, and suggest that these dysregulated physiological responding may contribute to altered endogenous pain regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa al'Absi
- Duluth Medical Research Institute, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN 55812, USA.
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Benedict MD, Missmer SA, Ferguson KK, Vitonis AF, Cramer DW, Meeker JD. Secondhand tobacco smoke exposure is associated with prolactin but not thyroid stimulating hormone among nonsmoking women seeking in vitro fertilization. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2012; 34:761-767. [PMID: 23046534 PMCID: PMC3514562 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2012.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2012] [Revised: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Prolactin (PRL) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) serve important roles in the reproductive and other systems. Active smoking is associated with changes in PRL and TSH secretion, but the relationship between secondhand tobacco smoke (STS) exposure and these hormones is unclear. We measured PRL and TSH in serum as well as cotinine in follicular fluid (to estimate STS exposure) among 314 nonsmoking women undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment. We observed a significant increase in PRL concentrations (p=0.03) among STS-exposed nonsmokers compared to unexposed nonsmokers. There was no significant difference in TSH concentration (p>0.4) among those exposed to STS compared to those who were unexposed. STS exposure is associated with an increase in circulating PRL but not TSH levels. Future studies are needed to confirm our results, identify biological mechanisms involved, and better understand the potential clinical and public health implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merle D Benedict
- Department of Safety, Health and Industrial Hygiene, Montana Tech of the University of Montana, Butte, MT, USA
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Tweed JO, Hsia SH, Lutfy K, Friedman TC. The endocrine effects of nicotine and cigarette smoke. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2012; 23:334-42. [PMID: 22561025 PMCID: PMC3389568 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2012.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2011] [Revised: 02/23/2012] [Accepted: 03/26/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
With a current prevalence of approximately 20%, smoking continues to impact negatively upon health. Tobacco or nicotine use influences the endocrine system, with important clinical implications. In this review we critically evaluate the literature concerning the impact of nicotine as well as tobacco use on several parameters of the endocrine system and on glucose and lipid homeostasis. Emphasis is on the effect of smoking on diabetes mellitus and obesity and the consequences of smoking cessation on these disorders. Understanding the effects of nicotine and cigarettes on the endocrine system and how these changes contribute to the pathogenesis of various endocrine diseases will allow for targeted therapies and more effective approaches for smoking cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Oliver Tweed
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Molecular Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
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Abstract
This paper is the thirty-third consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2010 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior (Section 2), and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia (Section 3); stress and social status (Section 4); tolerance and dependence (Section 5); learning and memory (Section 6); eating and drinking (Section 7); alcohol and drugs of abuse (Section 8); sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (Section 9); mental illness and mood (Section 10); seizures and neurologic disorders (Section 11); electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (Section 12); general activity and locomotion (Section 13); gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (Section 14); cardiovascular responses (Section 15); respiration (Section 16); and immunological responses (Section 17).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, USA.
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Conde-Guzón PA, Bartolomé-Albistegui MT, Quirós P, Cabestrero R. Thermal sensitivity and cardiovascular reactivity to stress in healthy males. THE SPANISH JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2011; 14:600-607. [PMID: 22059306 DOI: 10.5209/rev_sjop.2011.v14.n2.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This paper examines the association of cardiovascular reactivity with thermal thresholds (detection and unpleasantness). Heart period (HP), systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure of 42 health young males were recorded during a cardiovascular reactivity task (a videogame based upon Sidman's avoidance paradigm). Thermal sensitivity, assessing detection and unpleasantness thresholds with radiant heat in the forearm was also estimated for participants. Participants with differential scores in the cardiovascular variables from base line to task > or = P65 were considered as reactors and those how have differential scores < or = P35 were considered as non-reactors. Significant differences were observed between groups in the unpleasantness thresholds in blood pressure (BP) but not in HP. Reactors exhibited significant higher unpleasantness thresholds than non-reactors. No significant differences were obtained in detection thresholds between groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Antonio Conde-Guzón
- Departamento de Psicología, Sociología y Filosofía, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n. 24071 León, Spain.
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