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Vroegindeweij A, Eijkelkamp N, van den Berg SAA, van de Putte EM, Wulffraat NM, Swart JF, Nijhof SL. Lower hair cortisol concentration in adolescent and young adult patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Q-Fever Fatigue Syndrome compared to controls. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 168:107117. [PMID: 38986244 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107117] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), momentary cortisol concentrations in blood, urine, and saliva are lower compared to healthy controls. Long-term cortisol concentration can be assessed through hair, but it is unclear whether these concentrations are also lower. Additionally, it is unknown if lower cortisol extends to other patients suffering from persistent fatigue and how hair cortisol concentration (HCC) relates to fatigue levels. Therefore, this study examines HCC in fatigued patients with ME/CFS, Q fever Fatigue Syndrome (QFS), Post-COVID-19 condition (PCC), and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). METHODS Adolescent and young adult patients with ME/CFS (n=12), QFS (n=20), PCC (n=8), JIA (n=19), and controls (n=57) were included. Patients participated in a randomized cross-over trial (RCT) targeting fatigue through lifestyle and dietary self-management strategies. HCC was measured pre-post RCT in patients and once in controls, quantified using a LC-MS/MS-based method. Fatigue severity was measured with the Checklist Individual Strength-8. HCC was compared between groups with ANOVAs. Relations between HCC, fatigue severity, and other variables were investigated using linear regression analyses. RESULTS The ME/CFS (p=.009) and QFS (p=.047) groups had lower HCC compared to controls. Overall, HCC was negatively associated with the presence of symptoms related to chronic fatigue syndromes (e.g., sleeping issues, often feeling tired, trouble thinking clearly; β=-0.018, p=.035), except in the QFS group (β=.063, p<.001). Baseline HCC did not predict fatigue improvement during the RCT (p=.449), and HCC increased during the trial (Mdif=.076, p=.021) regardless of clinically relevant fatigue improvement (p=.658). CONCLUSION Lower cortisol concentration can also be observed in the long-term. Lower HCC is not limited to ME/CFS, as it was also observed in QFS. The role of cortisol may differ between these diagnoses and appears to be unrelated to fatigue levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk Vroegindeweij
- Department of Paediatric Rheumatology/Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Paediatrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Niels Eijkelkamp
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd A A van den Berg
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Erasmus Medical Center, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Center for Thyroid Diseases, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015 GD, the Netherlands
| | - Elise M van de Putte
- Department of Paediatrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Nico M Wulffraat
- Department of Paediatric Rheumatology/Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Joost F Swart
- Department of Paediatric Rheumatology/Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Faculty of Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sanne L Nijhof
- Department of Paediatrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Faculty of Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Seizer L. Anticipated stress predicts the cortisol awakening response: An intensive longitudinal pilot study. Biol Psychol 2024; 192:108852. [PMID: 39102975 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2024.108852] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
The cortisol awakening response (CAR) has been hypothesized to prepare the body for anticipated demands of the upcoming day. This pilot study investigates the influence of anticipated stress on the upcoming day on the CAR, using an intensive longitudinal design with ecological momentary assessments. Over a 30-day period, three healthy participants collected saliva samples each morning at three time points after awakening to measure cortisol levels and completed a questionnaire each evening on the anticipated stress for the following day. Additionally, they wore a smart headband to objectively determine the time point of awakening. There was high variability in the CAR magnitude within participants over time. A multi-level model was estimated to investigate the influence of anticipated stress on the CAR. Results indicated that anticipated stress is predictive of the CAR on the following morning, with higher anticipated stress being associated with increased cortisol levels at the post-awakening time points. These findings underscore the role of stress anticipation in modulating the CAR and highlight the importance of considering within-person variation and temporally lagged effects in biopsychological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Seizer
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Germany.
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Kelly SE, Brooks SPJ, Benkhedda K, MacFarlane AJ, Greene-Finestone LS, Skidmore B, Clifford TJ, Wells GA. A scoping review shows that no single existing risk of bias assessment tool considers all sources of bias for cross-sectional studies. J Clin Epidemiol 2024; 172:111408. [PMID: 38844117 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2024.111408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Different tools to assess the potential risk of bias (RoB) for cross-sectional studies have been developed, but it is unclear whether all pertinent bias concepts are addressed. We aimed to identify RoB concepts applicable to cross-sectional research validity and to explore coverage for each in existing appraisal tools. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING This scoping review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. We included records of any study design describing or reporting methods, concepts or tools used to consider RoB in health research reported to be descriptive/prevalence survey or analytic/association (cross-sectional) study designs. Synthesis included quantitative and qualitative analysis. RESULTS Of the 4556 records screened, 90 were selected for inclusion; 67 (74%) described the development of, or validation process for, appraisal tools, 15 (17%) described methodological content or theory relevant to RoB for cross-sectional studies and 8 (9%) records of methodological systematic reviews. Review of methodological reports identified important RoB concepts for both descriptive/prevalence and analytic/association studies. Tools identified (n = 64 unique tools) were either intended to appraise quality or assess RoB in multiple study designs including cross-sectional studies (n = 21; 33%) or cross-sectional designs alone (n = 43; 67%). Several existing tools were modified (n = 17; 27%) for application to cross-sectional studies. The RoB items most frequently addressed in the RoB tools were validity and reliability of the exposure (53%) or outcome (65%) measurement and representativeness of the study population (59%). Most tools did not consider nonresponse or missingness appropriately or at all. CONCLUSION Assessing cross-sectional studies involve unique RoB considerations. We identified RoB tools designed for broad applicability across various study designs as well as those specifically tailored for cross-sectional studies. However, none of the identified tools comprehensively address all potential biases pertinent to cross-sectional studies. Our findings indicate a need for continued improvement of RoB tools and suggest that the development of context-specific or more precise tools for this study design may be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon E Kelly
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Cardiovascular Research Methods Centre, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | | | - Karima Benkhedda
- Bureau of Nutritional Sciences, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amanda J MacFarlane
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Texas A&M Agriculture, Food, and Nutrition Evidence Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | | | | | - Tammy J Clifford
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - George A Wells
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Cardiovascular Research Methods Centre, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Ljungström M, Oltra E, Pardo M. Stress-Related Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Case Report with a Positive Response to Alpha-Methyl-P-Tyrosine (AMPT) Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7778. [PMID: 39063020 PMCID: PMC11276651 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a heterogeneous disorder with a genetically associated vulnerability of the catecholamine metabolism (e.g., catechol O-methyltransferase polymorphisms), in which environmental factors have an important impact. Alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (AMPT; also referred to as metyrosine) is an approved medication for the treatment of pheochromocytoma. As a tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor, AMPT may be a potential candidate for the treatment of diseases involving catecholamine alterations. However, only small-scale clinical trials have tested AMPT repurposing in a few other illnesses. The current case report compiles genetic and longitudinal biochemical data for over a year of follow-up of a male patient sequentially diagnosed with sustained overstress, neurasthenia, CFS (diagnosed in 2012 as per the Center for Disease Control (CDC/Fukuda)), and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) over a 10-year period and reports the patient's symptom improvement in response to low-medium doses of AMPT. This case was recognized as a stress-related CFS case. Data are reported from medical records provided by the patient to allow a detailed response to treatment targeting the hyperadrenergic state presented by the patient. We highlight the lack of a positive response to classical approaches to treating CFS, reflecting the limitations of CFS diagnosis and available treatments to alleviate patients' symptoms. The current pathomechanism hypothesis emphasizes monoamine alterations (hyperadrenergic state) in the DA/adrenergic system and a dysfunctional autonomic nervous system resulting from sympathetic overactivity. The response of the patient to AMPT treatment highlights the relevance of pacing with regard to stressful situations and increased activity. Importantly, the results do not indicate causality between AMPT and its action on the monoamine system, and future studies should evaluate the implications of other targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ljungström
- Escuela de Doctorado, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Elisa Oltra
- Department of Pathology, School of Health Sciences, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Marta Pardo
- Department of Psychobiology, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Interuniversity Research Institute for Molecular Recognition and Technological Development (IDM), 46022 Valencia, Spain
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Hendry E, McCallister B, Elman DJ, Freeman R, Borsook D, Elman I. Validity of mental and physical stress models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 158:105566. [PMID: 38307304 PMCID: PMC11082879 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105566] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Different stress models are employed to enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and explore potential interventions. However, the utility of these models remains a critical concern, as their validities may be limited by the complexity of stress processes. Literature review revealed that both mental and physical stress models possess reasonable construct and criterion validities, respectively reflected in psychometrically assessed stress ratings and in activation of the sympathoadrenal system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The findings are less robust, though, in the pharmacological perturbations' domain, including such agents as adenosine or dobutamine. Likewise, stress models' convergent- and discriminant validity vary depending on the stressors' nature. Stress models share similarities, but also have important differences regarding their validities. Specific traits defined by the nature of the stressor stimulus should be taken into consideration when selecting stress models. Doing so can personalize prevention and treatment of stress-related antecedents, its acute processing, and chronic sequelae. Further work is warranted to refine stress models' validity and customize them so they commensurate diverse populations and circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Hendry
- Center for Autonomic and Peripheral Nerve Disorders, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brady McCallister
- Center for Autonomic and Peripheral Nerve Disorders, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dan J Elman
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roy Freeman
- Center for Autonomic and Peripheral Nerve Disorders, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Borsook
- Departments of Psychiatry and Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Department of Anesthesiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Igor Elman
- Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Kalfas M, Ayling K, Jia R, Coupland C, Vedhara K, Chalder T. Fatigue during the COVID-19 pandemic - prevalence and predictors: findings from a prospective cohort study. Stress 2024; 27:2352117. [PMID: 38757166 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2024.2352117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and consequent lockdowns had a substantial impact on mental health. Distress and fatigue are highly correlated. However, little is known about the determinants of fatigue in the general population during the pandemic. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and predictors of fatigue during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK population. Online surveys were completed by a UK community cohort in April 2020 (wave 1), July-September 2020 (wave 2) and November-December 2020 (wave 3). In total, 3097 participants completed the wave 1 survey, and 1385 and 1087 participants (85.4% women) completed wave 2 and 3 surveys respectively. Fatigue was assessed using the Chalder Fatigue Scale at waves 2 and 3. Hair samples were provided by 827 participants (90.6% women) at wave 1 and wave 2, which were analyzed to indicate HairE (stress hormone). The mean total fatigue score during wave 2 was 14.7 (SD = 4.7), significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels observed in the community (mean difference 0.50, p = .003). At wave 2, 614 (44.3%) participants met the case definition for fatigue, only 15.6% of whom indicated that fatigue lasted for more than 6 months (suggesting it had started prior to the pandemic). Predictors of fatigue at wave 3 included being in a risk group, depression and belief in having COVID-19, which explained 23.8% of the variability in fatigue scores. Depression at wave 1 was the only significant predictor of remaining a fatigue case at wave 3. Fatigue was highly prevalent in the UK community during the COVID-19 pandemic and limited people's daily function. Depression and sociodemographic variables were significant predictors of fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michail Kalfas
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Kieran Ayling
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ru Jia
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Medical Science Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Carol Coupland
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Trudie Chalder
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Ruiz-Pablos M, Paiva B, Zabaleta A. Epstein-Barr virus-acquired immunodeficiency in myalgic encephalomyelitis-Is it present in long COVID? J Transl Med 2023; 21:633. [PMID: 37718435 PMCID: PMC10506247 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04515-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Both myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and long COVID (LC) are characterized by similar immunological alterations, persistence of chronic viral infection, autoimmunity, chronic inflammatory state, viral reactivation, hypocortisolism, and microclot formation. They also present with similar symptoms such as asthenia, exercise intolerance, sleep disorders, cognitive dysfunction, and neurological and gastrointestinal complaints. In addition, both pathologies present Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation, indicating the possibility of this virus being the link between both pathologies. Therefore, we propose that latency and recurrent EBV reactivation could generate an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in three steps: first, an acquired EBV immunodeficiency develops in individuals with "weak" EBV HLA-II haplotypes, which prevents the control of latency I cells. Second, ectopic lymphoid structures with EBV latency form in different tissues (including the CNS), promoting inflammatory responses and further impairment of cell-mediated immunity. Finally, immune exhaustion occurs due to chronic exposure to viral antigens, with consolidation of the disease. In the case of LC, prior to the first step, there is the possibility of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection in individuals with "weak" HLA-II haplotypes against this virus and/or EBV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruno Paiva
- Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Av. Pío XII 55, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Aintzane Zabaleta
- Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Av. Pío XII 55, 31008, Pamplona, Spain.
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Kunasegaran K, Ismail AMH, Ramasamy S, Gnanou JV, Caszo BA, Chen PL. Understanding mental fatigue and its detection: a comparative analysis of assessments and tools. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15744. [PMID: 37637168 PMCID: PMC10460155 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mental fatigue has shown to be one of the root causes of decreased productivity and overall cognitive performance, by decreasing an individual's ability to inhibit responses, process information and concentrate. The effects of mental fatigue have led to occupational errors and motorway accidents. Early detection of mental fatigue can prevent the escalation of symptoms that may lead to chronic fatigue syndrome and other disorders. To date, in clinical settings, the assessment of mental fatigue and stress is done through self-reported questionnaires. The validity of these questionnaires is questionable, as they are highly subjective measurement tools and are not immune to response biases. This review examines the wider presence of mental fatigue in the general population and critically compares its various detection techniques (i.e., self-reporting questionnaires, heart rate variability, salivary cortisol levels, electroencephalogram, and saccadic eye movements). The ability of these detection tools to assess inhibition responses (which are sensitive enough to be manifested in a fatigue state) is specifically evaluated for a reliable marker in identifying mentally fatigued individuals. In laboratory settings, antisaccade tasks have been long used to assess inhibitory control and this technique can potentially serve as the most promising assessment tool to objectively detect mental fatigue. However, more studies need to be conducted in the future to validate and correlate this assessment with other existing measures of mental fatigue detection. This review is intended for, but not limited to, mental health professionals, digital health scientists, vision researchers, and behavioral scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaveena Kunasegaran
- Department of Psychology, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Shamala Ramasamy
- Department of Psychology, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Justin Vijay Gnanou
- Department of Biochemistry, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Brinnell Annette Caszo
- Department of Physiology, International Medial University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Po Ling Chen
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
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Komaroff AL, Lipkin WI. ME/CFS and Long COVID share similar symptoms and biological abnormalities: road map to the literature. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1187163. [PMID: 37342500 PMCID: PMC10278546 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1187163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Some patients remain unwell for months after "recovering" from acute COVID-19. They develop persistent fatigue, cognitive problems, headaches, disrupted sleep, myalgias and arthralgias, post-exertional malaise, orthostatic intolerance and other symptoms that greatly interfere with their ability to function and that can leave some people housebound and disabled. The illness (Long COVID) is similar to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) as well as to persisting illnesses that can follow a wide variety of other infectious agents and following major traumatic injury. Together, these illnesses are projected to cost the U.S. trillions of dollars. In this review, we first compare the symptoms of ME/CFS and Long COVID, noting the considerable similarities and the few differences. We then compare in extensive detail the underlying pathophysiology of these two conditions, focusing on abnormalities of the central and autonomic nervous system, lungs, heart, vasculature, immune system, gut microbiome, energy metabolism and redox balance. This comparison highlights how strong the evidence is for each abnormality, in each illness, and helps to set priorities for future investigation. The review provides a current road map to the extensive literature on the underlying biology of both illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony L. Komaroff
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - W. Ian Lipkin
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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Otero E, Gálvez I, Ortega E, Hinchado MD. Influence of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Codiagnosis on the Relationship between Perceived and Objective Psychoneuro-Immunoendocrine Disorders in Women with Fibromyalgia. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051488. [PMID: 37239159 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051488] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the predominant symptom in fibromyalgia (FM) is muscle pain, and fatigue in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), differential diagnosis is very difficult. This research investigates the psychoneuroimmunoendocrine disorders of FM patients and ascertains whether a previous CFS diagnosis affected them. Through accelerometry objective parameters, physical activity/sedentarism levels in relation to fatigue are studied, as well as whether perceived levels of stress, anxiety, and pain correspond to objective biomarkers, all of these with respect to a reference group (RG) of women without FM. FM patients have a worse psychological state and perceived quality of life than those with RG. These perceived outcomes are consistent with impaired objective levels of a sedentary lifestyle, higher systemic levels of cortisol and noradrenaline, and lower levels of serotonin. However, FM patients with a previous CFS diagnosis had lower systemic levels of IL-8, cortisol, oxytocin, and higher levels of adrenaline and serotonin than FM patients without diagnosed CFS. In conclusion, while perceived health parameters do not detect differences, when objective neuroimmunoendocrine parameters related to stress, inflammation, pain, and fatigue are used, people with CFS could be overdiagnosed with FM. This reinforces the need for objective biomarker assessment of these patients for better diagnostic discrimination between both syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Otero
- Immunophysiology Research Group, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), 06080 Badajoz, Spain
- Immunophysiology Research Group, Physiology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Isabel Gálvez
- Immunophysiology Research Group, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), 06080 Badajoz, Spain
- Immunophysiology Research Group, Nursing Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Eduardo Ortega
- Immunophysiology Research Group, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), 06080 Badajoz, Spain
- Immunophysiology Research Group, Physiology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - María Dolores Hinchado
- Immunophysiology Research Group, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), 06080 Badajoz, Spain
- Immunophysiology Research Group, Physiology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
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Stoffel M, Rahn S, Neubauer AB, Moessner M, Aguilar-Raab C, Ditzen B. Associations of SLC6A4 methylation with salivary cortisol, salivary alpha-amylase, and subjective stress in everyday life. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 153:106283. [PMID: 37196602 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and sympatho-adrenal medullary (SAM) axis are associated with mental and somatic illness. However, there is lack of knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. Epigenetic states in the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) were shown to be associated with stress in various forms. We hypothesized that levels of DNA methylation (DNAm) of SLC6A4 would be associated with altered SAM- and HPA regulation in daily life. N = 74 healthy persons participated in the study. An ecological momentary assessment (EMA) approach was used to assess indicators of stress in daily life. Each day included six concurrent assessments of saliva, to quantify cortisol (sCort; HPA axis) and alpha-amylase (sAA; SAM axis), and to assess self-reports on subjective stress. To assess SLC6A4 DNAm, peripheral blood was drawn and analyzed via bisulfite pyrosequencing. All data were assessed in two waves three months apart, each including two days of EMA and the assessment of SLC6A4 DNAm. Data were analyzed using multilevel models. On the between-person level, higher average levels of SLC6A4 DNAm were associated with higher average levels of sAA, but not with average levels of sCort. On the within-person level, higher levels of SLC6A4 DNAm were associated with lower levels of sAA and sCort. There were no associations of subjective stress with SLC6A4 DNAm. The results help to clarify the association between environmental stress and stress axes regulation, pointing towards an important role of differential within- and between-person effects of SLC6A4 DNAm, which might shape this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Stoffel
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Bergheimer Straße 20, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Stefanie Rahn
- Clinic of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (DIR), Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 420, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas B Neubauer
- Department for Education and Human Development, DIPF | Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education, Rostocker Straße 6, 60323 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Markus Moessner
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Bergheimer Str. 54, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Corina Aguilar-Raab
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Bergheimer Straße 20, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Beate Ditzen
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Bergheimer Straße 20, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany.
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12
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Thomas N, Gurvich C, Huang K, Gooley PR, Armstrong CW. The underlying sex differences in neuroendocrine adaptations relevant to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 66:100995. [PMID: 35421511 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.100995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex multisystem disease characterised by severe and disabling new-onset symptoms of post-exertional malaise (PEM), fatigue, brain fog, and sleep dysfunction that lasts for at least six months. Accumulating evidence suggests that sex and endocrine events have a significant influence on symptom onset and moderation of ME/CFS, with female sex being one of the most consistent and credible predictive risk factors associated with diagnosis. Such sex differences suggest sex chromosomes and sex steroids may play a part in the development of the condition or moderation of symptoms, although this has yet to be explored in detail. METHODS/AIMS This narrative review outlines sex differences in ME/CFS in terms of vulnerability factors and clinical phenotype and explores the known sex differences in neuroendocrine systems affected in ME/CFS and how this may relate to disease risk, onset, pathophysiology, and potential treatment avenues. CONCLUSIONS There is clear evidence of a sex dimorphism with regards to prevalence (3:1 female preponderance), clinical phenotypes, and aetiological triggers prior to symptom onset of ME/CFS. Endocrinological events, particularly those throughout the female lifespan, are associated with ME/CFS and include reproductive menstrual cycle fluctuations, pregnancy, post-partum and perimenopause. Further, there is evidence for gonadal sex, adrenal stress and renal neuroendocrine systems as implicated in ME/CFS, including changes in estrogen, progesterone compounds, aldosterone, and cortisol levels, of which there are established sex differences. The broad effects of steroid hormones on the physiological systems may also speak to the diversity of ME/CFS symptomatology observed in patients. Further attention must be paid to sex, age, and steroid biology in ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Thomas
- Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Caroline Gurvich
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Australia
| | - Katherine Huang
- Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul R Gooley
- Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christopher W Armstrong
- Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia
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13
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Watson D, Levin-Aspenson HF, Waszczuk MA, Conway CC, Dalgleish T, Dretsch MN, Eaton NR, Forbes MK, Forbush KT, Hobbs KA, Michelini G, Nelson BD, Sellbom M, Slade T, South SC, Sunderland M, Waldman I, Witthöft M, Wright AGC, Kotov R, Krueger RF. Validity and utility of Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP): III. Emotional dysfunction superspectrum. World Psychiatry 2022; 21:26-54. [PMID: 35015357 PMCID: PMC8751579 DOI: 10.1002/wps.20943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) is a quantitative nosological system that addresses shortcomings of traditional mental disorder diagnoses, including arbitrary boundaries between psychopathology and normality, frequent disorder co-occurrence, substantial heterogeneity within disorders, and diagnostic unreliability over time and across clinicians. This paper reviews evidence on the validity and utility of the internalizing and somatoform spectra of HiTOP, which together provide support for an emotional dysfunction superspectrum. These spectra are composed of homogeneous symptom and maladaptive trait dimensions currently subsumed within multiple diagnostic classes, including depressive, anxiety, trauma-related, eating, bipolar, and somatic symptom disorders, as well as sexual dysfunction and aspects of personality disorders. Dimensions falling within the emotional dysfunction superspectrum are broadly linked to individual differences in negative affect/neuroticism. Extensive evidence establishes that dimensions falling within the superspectrum share genetic diatheses, environmental risk factors, cognitive and affective difficulties, neural substrates and biomarkers, childhood temperamental antecedents, and treatment response. The structure of these validators mirrors the quantitative structure of the superspectrum, with some correlates more specific to internalizing or somatoform conditions, and others common to both, thereby underlining the hierarchical structure of the domain. Compared to traditional diagnoses, the internalizing and somatoform spectra demonstrated substantially improved utility: greater reliability, larger explanatory and predictive power, and greater clinical applicability. Validated measures are currently available to implement the HiTOP system in practice, which can make diagnostic classification more useful, both in research and in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Watson
- Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, USA
| | | | - Monika A Waszczuk
- Department of Psychiatry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | | | - Tim Dalgleish
- Medical Research Council, Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michael N Dretsch
- US Army Medical Research Directorate - West, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, USA
| | - Nicholas R Eaton
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Miriam K Forbes
- Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kelsie T Forbush
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Kelsey A Hobbs
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Giorgia Michelini
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brady D Nelson
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Martin Sellbom
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Tim Slade
- Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Susan C South
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Matthew Sunderland
- Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Irwin Waldman
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michael Witthöft
- Department for Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Aidan G C Wright
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Roman Kotov
- Department of Psychiatry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Robert F Krueger
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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14
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Zhang Q, Li X, Qiao S, Liu S, Shen Z, Zhou Y. Association between hair cortisol, hair cortisone, and fatigue in people living with HIV. Stress 2021; 24:772-779. [PMID: 33913374 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2021.1919616] [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] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cumulative evidence to date largely supports an association between dysregulation of the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and fatigue. People living with HIV (PLHIV), in particular, are vulnerable to both HPA axis dysregulation and fatigue. Few investigations have examined the possible role of HPA-axis dysfunction in the occurrence of fatigue in PLHIV. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between glucocorticoids in hair, retrospective indicators of long-term HPA axis activity and biomarkers of chronic stress, and fatigue in PLHIV. A total of 446 PLHIV from Guangxi China provided hair samples for cortisol and cortisone assay and provided information on fatigue levels, sociodemographic, lifestyle, and HIV-related characteristics. Results showed that before and after controlling sociodemographic, lifestyle, and HIV-related characteristics, hair cortisone levels, but not hair cortisol levels, were associated with fatigue levels in PLHIV. In conclusion, we found that higher cortisone levels are associated with greater fatigue levels in a large cohort of Chinese PLHIV.LAY SUMMARYWe found that hair cortisone levels were significantly associated with fatigue levels in a large cohort of Chinese PLHIV. Hair cortisol levels were, however, not associated with fatigue levels in the PLHIV studied. We thus show that Chinese PLHIV who have higher cortisone levels are associated with higher fatigue levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Zhang
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- Institute of Pedagogy and Applied Psychology, School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoming Li
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Shan Qiao
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Shuaifeng Liu
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, China
| | - Zhiyong Shen
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, China
| | - Yuejiao Zhou
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, China
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15
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Doerr JM, Nater UM, Feneberg AC, Mewes R. Differential associations between fatigue and psychobiological stress measures in women with depression and women with somatic symptom disorder. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 132:105343. [PMID: 34214864 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Medically unexplained fatigue is a burdensome, widespread symptom, and a frequent complaint in depressive disorders (DDs) as well as somatic symptom disorder (SSD). Heightened stress levels are a likely cause of fatigue, although the temporal associations, as well as the role of the stress-reactive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, are not yet completely understood. We were interested in the differences between DD and SSD regarding general, mental, and physical fatigue, as well as associations between psychobiological stress measures (representing different time frames) and fatigue in these groups. METHODS Fifty-eight women (29 with DD, 29 with SSD) reported subjective recent fatigue and chronic stress levels, as well as levels of depression and somatic complaints using baseline questionnaires. Furthermore, they completed an ambulatory assessment period comprising measurements of fatigue, subjective stress, and salivary cortisol five times a day for 14 consecutive days. Salivary cortisol was obtained as a measure of within-day HPA axis activity, and hair cortisol concentration was obtained as a measure of accumulated HPA axis activity of the preceding three months. RESULTS Women with DD reported higher levels of general and mental fatigue than did women with SSD, which was explained by their higher level of depression. Physical fatigue levels did not differ between groups. In both groups, momentary general, mental, and physical fatigue levels were associated with momentary subjective stress but not with chronic stress. Momentary salivary cortisol levels were positively associated with mental fatigue, while hair cortisol concentration was not. CONCLUSIONS There are differences in fatigue profiles between DD and SSD, which should be accounted for in future research and practice (e.g., individualized treatment strategies focusing on mental or physical fatigue, depending on which fatigue dimension is prominent).
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna M Doerr
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Gießen and Marburg, Gießen, Germany.
| | - Urs M Nater
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anja C Feneberg
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ricarda Mewes
- Outpatient Unit for Research, Teaching and Practice, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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16
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Lin YJ, Ko YC, Chow LH, Hsiao FJ, Liu HY, Wang PN, Chen WT. Salivary cortisol is associated with cognitive changes in patients with fibromyalgia. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1311. [PMID: 33446677 PMCID: PMC7809444 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79349-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a stress-related chronic pain disorder with common cognitive complaints. This study characterized cognitive dysfunction in patients with FM and explored whether these changes are linked to altered cortisol levels. Consecutive 44 patients with FM and 48 healthy controls were enrolled for the assessments of subjective and objective cognitive functions and diurnal levels of salivary cortisol (sampled at awakening, 30 min after awakening, 3 pm, and bedtime). All measurements were compared between the groups and evaluated for clinical correlation. The FM group had more subjective cognitive complaints and performed poorer in objective cognitive testing in memory (delayed recall in Chinese Version Verbal Learning Test and Taylor Complex Figure Test), language (Boston Naming Test), and executive domains (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test) after adjustments for education. The diurnal cortisol levels of patients with FM tended to be lower, especially at 30 min after awakening and bedtime. Moreover, moderate positive correlations existed between the Chinese Version Verbal Learning Test, Boston Naming Test and the morning cortisol levels within the FM group. We suggested the altered cognitive function in FM may be linked to stress maladaptation. Future studies are warranted to elucidate whether stress management improves cognitive performance in patients with FM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ju Lin
- Division of General Neurology, Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Sec. 2 Shih-Pai Rd, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chieh Ko
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lok-Hi Chow
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Anesthesiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Jung Hsiao
- Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Yu Liu
- Division of General Neurology, Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Sec. 2 Shih-Pai Rd, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ning Wang
- Division of General Neurology, Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Sec. 2 Shih-Pai Rd, Taipei, 112, Taiwan. .,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Ta Chen
- Division of General Neurology, Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Sec. 2 Shih-Pai Rd, Taipei, 112, Taiwan. .,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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17
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Jones C, Gwenin C. Cortisol level dysregulation and its prevalence-Is it nature's alarm clock? Physiol Rep 2021; 8:e14644. [PMID: 33340273 PMCID: PMC7749606 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This review examines the stress hormone cortisol which plays an important role in regulating and supporting different bodily functions. Disruption in cortisol production has an impact on health and this review looks at a wide range of papers where cortisol has been indicated as a factor in numerous chronic conditions—especially those which are classed as “noncommunicable diseases” (NCDs). Timely detection, screening, and treatment for NCDs are vital to address the growing problem of NCDs worldwide—this would have health and socioeconomic benefits. Interestingly, many of the papers highlight the pro‐inflammatory consequences of cortisol dysregulation and its deleterious effects on the body. This is particularly relevant given the recent findings concerning COVID‐19 where pro‐inflammatory cytokines have been implicated in severe inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Jones
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Christopher Gwenin
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, UK.,Department of Chemistry, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China
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18
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Malekzadeh A, Bader I, van Dieteren J, Heijboer AC, Beckerman H, Twisk JWR, de Groot V, Teunissen CE. Diurnal Cortisol Secretion Is Not Related to Multiple Sclerosis-Related Fatigue. Front Neurol 2020; 10:1363. [PMID: 32063881 PMCID: PMC6999765 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.01363] [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: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Some evidence supports the involvement of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA axis) with multiple sclerosis (MS)-related fatigue. In this study, we determined the relation of HPA-axis function with primary fatigue in MS patients in the longitudinal treating fatigue in a MS cohort. MS patients from the TREeating FAtigue in MS (TREFAMS) research program that consists of three randomized controlled trials to study the effects of aerobic training, energy conservation management, and cognitive behavioral therapy on MS-related fatigue were included. The HPA-axis functioning was determined at baseline, the end of treatment (16 weeks) and after 52 weeks. The cortisol awakening response (CAR) and night-time cortisol levels were analyzed. Fatigue was measured with the fatigue subscale of the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS20r fatigue). There was no relationship between CAR and night-time cortisol parameters with CIS20r fatigue scores. Neither of the treatments influenced CAR and night-time cortisol parameters, with the exception of an effect in the energy conservation management treatment group on the CAR surge increase over 52 weeks (β = −114.8, p = 0.007, 95% CI = −197.6, −31.9). Our data suggest that the diurnal cortisol secretion is not associated with MS-related fatigue. This indicates that MS-related fatigue is not attributed to diurnal cortisol secretion and is likely caused by other disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjan Malekzadeh
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ilona Bader
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Julia van Dieteren
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Annemieke C Heijboer
- Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Heleen Beckerman
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,MS Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jos W R Twisk
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Vincent de Groot
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,MS Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Charlotte E Teunissen
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Takakura S, Oka T, Sudo N. Changes in circulating microRNA after recumbent isometric yoga practice by patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: an explorative pilot study. Biopsychosoc Med 2019; 13:29. [PMID: 31827600 PMCID: PMC6886179 DOI: 10.1186/s13030-019-0171-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Yoga is a representative mind-body therapy. Our previous studies have demonstrated that isometric yoga (i.e. yoga programs that we developed so individuals can practice yoga poses with a self-adjustable isometric load) reduces the fatigue of patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS); however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Several studies have suggested that the micro-ribonucleic acid (miRNA) expression of ME/CFS patients is different from that of healthy subjects. However, it has not to date been determined if the practice of isometric yoga can affect miRNA expression. Therefore, we sought to investigate if isometric yoga is associated with changes in the expression levels of serum miRNA of patients with ME/CFS. Methods The study included nine patients with ME/CFS who failed to show satisfactory improvement after at least 6 months of treatment administered at our hospital. Patients practiced recumbent isometric yoga for 3 months; they met with a yoga instructor every 2 to 4 weeks and participated in daily in-home sessions. The effect of recumbent isometric yoga on fatigue was assessed by comparing pre- and post-intervention scores on the Japanese version of the 11-item Chalder fatigue scale (CFQ 11). Patient blood samples were drawn pre- and post-intervention, just prior to practicing recumbent isometric yoga with an instructor. The serum was used for miRNA array analysis with known human miRNAs. Results The average CFQ 11 score decreased significantly (from 25.3 ± 5.5 to 17.0 ± 5.8, p < 0.0001) after practicing recumbent isometric yoga for 3 months. The miRNA microarray analysis revealed that four miRNAs were significantly upregulated, and 42 were downregulated after the intervention period. Conclusions This explorative pilot study is the first to demonstrate changes in the serum levels of several miRNAs after regular practice of recumbent isometric yoga. These miRNAs might represent biomarkers for the fatigue-relieving effects of isometric yoga of patients with ME/CFS. Trial registration University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN CTR) 000023472. Registered Aug 4, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Takakura
- 1Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
| | - Takakazu Oka
- 1Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan.,2Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare Hospital, Iguchi 537-3, Nasushiobara-shi, Tochigi-ken 329-2763 Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Sudo
- 1Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan.,3Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
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20
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Oka T, Tanahashi T, Lkhagvasuren B, Yamada Y. The longitudinal effects of seated isometric yoga on blood biomarkers, autonomic functions, and psychological parameters of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: a pilot study. Biopsychosoc Med 2019; 13:28. [PMID: 31709006 PMCID: PMC6836361 DOI: 10.1186/s13030-019-0168-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a previous randomized controlled trial, we found that practicing seated isometric yoga regularly for 2 months improved the fatigue of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) who are resistant to conventional therapy. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the possible mechanisms behind this finding by comparing blood biomarkers, autonomic nervous function, and psychological indices before versus after an intervention period of seated isometric yoga practice. METHODS Fifteen patients with CFS who did not show satisfactory improvements after at least 6 months of conventional therapy practiced seated isometric yoga (biweekly 20-min sessions with a yoga instructor and daily practice at home) for 2 months. The longitudinal effects of seated isometric yoga on fatigue, blood biomarkers, autonomic function, and psychological state were investigated by comparing the following parameters before and after the intervention period: Fatigue severity was assessed by the Chalder fatigue scale (FS) score. Levels of the blood biomarkers cortisol, DHEA-S, TNF-α, IL-6, prolactin, carnitine, TGF-β1, BDNF, MHPG, HVA, and α-MSH were measured. The autonomic nervous functions assessed were heart rate (HR) and HR variability. Psychological indices included the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS Practicing seated isometric yoga for 2 months resulted in significant reductions in the Chalder FS (P = 0.002) and HADS-depression (P = 0.02) scores. No significant changes were observed in any other parameter evaluated. The change in Chalder FS score was not correlated with the change in HADS-depression score. However, this change was positively correlated with changes in the serum TNF-α levels (P = 0.048), the high frequency component of HR variability (P = 0.042), and TAS-20 scores (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Regular practice of seated isometric yoga for 2 months reduced the fatigue and depressive symptom scores of patients with CFS without affecting any other parameters we investigated. This study failed to identify the markers responsible for the longitudinal fatigue-relieving effect of seated isometric yoga. However, considering that the reduced fatigue was associated with decreased serum TNF-α level and TAS-20 scores, fatigue improvement might be related to reduced inflammation and improved alexithymia in these patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN CTR) UMIN000009646. Registered Dec 27, 2012.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takakazu Oka
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare Hospital, Iguchi 537-3, Nasushiobara-shi, Tochigi-ken, 329-2763 Japan
| | - Tokusei Tanahashi
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
| | - Battuvshin Lkhagvasuren
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
- Brain Science Institute, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Zorig Street 3, Ulaanbaatar, 14210 Mongolia
| | - Yu Yamada
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare Hospital, Iguchi 537-3, Nasushiobara-shi, Tochigi-ken, 329-2763 Japan
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21
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Beddig T, Reinhard I, Kuehner C. Stress, mood, and cortisol during daily life in women with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 109:104372. [PMID: 31357135 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is characterized by significant emotional, physical and behavioral distress during the late luteal phase that remits after menses onset. Outlined as a new diagnostic category in DSM-5, the mechanisms underlying PMDD are still insufficiently known. Previous research suggests that PMDD exacerbates with stressful events, indicating a dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. However, studies measuring stress-related processes in affected women in real-time and real-life are lacking. We conducted an Ambulatory Assessment (AA) study to compare subjective stress reactivity together with basal and stress-reactive cortisol activity across the menstrual cycle in women with and without PMDD. Women with current PMDD (n = 61) and age- and education matched controls (n = 61) reported momentary mood, rumination, and daily events via smartphones at semi-random time points 8 times a day over two consecutive days per cycle phase (menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and late luteal). Twenty minutes after assessments participants collected saliva cortisol samples. Three additional morning samples determined the cortisol awakening response (CAR). Women with PMDD reported particular high daily life stress and high arousal negative affect (NAhigh) towards stressors during the late luteal phase. High momentary stress levels were linked to lower levels of high arousal positive affect (PAhigh) and to higher levels of rumination in PMDD women compared to controls irrespective of cycle phase. Across groups, more stress was linked to higher levels of low arousal NA (NAlow) and to lower levels of low arousal PA (PAlow). Moreover, PMDD was associated with a delayed CAR peak and a flattened diurnal cortisol slope. While neither group showed cortisol reactivity towards daily life stress directly, high momentary NAhigh and low momentary PA predicted high levels of cortisol across groups, whereas high momentary rumination predicted high cortisol output only in healthy women. In this AA-study we identified important stress-related psychological and endocrinological within-person variability in women with PMDD during daily life. Further research is warranted targeting identified AA-based mechanisms to study their predictive role for the clinical course of PMDD and to provide evidence-based therapeutic options for affected women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Beddig
- Research Group Longitudinal and Intervention Research, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Iris Reinhard
- Department of Biostatistics, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Christine Kuehner
- Research Group Longitudinal and Intervention Research, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Germany.
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22
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Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2019; 9:diagnostics9030091. [PMID: 31394725 PMCID: PMC6787585 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics9030091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating chronic disease of unknown aetiology that is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) as a disorder of the brain. The disease predominantly affects adults, with a peak age of onset of between 20 and 45 years with a female to male ratio of 3:1. Although the clinical features of the disease have been well established within diagnostic criteria, the diagnosis of ME/CFS is still of exclusion, meaning that other medical conditions must be ruled out. The pathophysiological mechanisms are unclear but the neuro-immuno-endocrinological pattern of CFS patients gleaned from various studies indicates that these three pillars may be the key point to understand the complexity of the disease. At the moment, there are no specific pharmacological therapies to treat the disease, but several studies' aims and therapeutic approaches have been described in order to benefit patients' prognosis, symptomatology relief, and the recovery of pre-existing function. This review presents a pathophysiological approach to understanding the essential concepts of ME/CFS, with an emphasis on the population, clinical, and genetic concepts associated with ME/CFS.
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23
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Morris G, Berk M, Maes M, Carvalho AF, Puri BK. Socioeconomic Deprivation, Adverse Childhood Experiences and Medical Disorders in Adulthood: Mechanisms and Associations. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:5866-5890. [PMID: 30685844 PMCID: PMC6614134 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-1498-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Severe socioeconomic deprivation (SED) and adverse childhood experiences (ACE) are significantly associated with the development in adulthood of (i) enhanced inflammatory status and/or hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction and (ii) neurological, neuroprogressive, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The mechanisms by which these associations take place are detailed. The two sets of consequences are themselves strongly associated, with the first set likely contributing to the second. Mechanisms enabling bidirectional communication between the immune system and the brain are described, including complex signalling pathways facilitated by factors at the level of immune cells. Also detailed are mechanisms underpinning the association between SED, ACE and the genesis of peripheral inflammation, including epigenetic changes to immune system-related gene expression. The duration and magnitude of inflammatory responses can be influenced by genetic factors, including single nucleotide polymorphisms, and by epigenetic factors, whereby pro-inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species and nuclear factor-κB affect gene DNA methylation and histone acetylation and also induce several microRNAs including miR-155, miR-181b-1 and miR-146a. Adult HPA axis activity is regulated by (i) genetic factors, such as glucocorticoid receptor polymorphisms; (ii) epigenetic factors affecting glucocorticoid receptor function or expression, including the methylation status of alternative promoter regions of NR3C1 and the methylation of FKBP5 and HSD11β2; (iii) chronic inflammation and chronic nitrosative and oxidative stress. Finally, it is shown how severe psychological stress adversely affects mitochondrial structure and functioning and is associated with changes in brain mitochondrial DNA copy number and transcription; mitochondria can act as couriers of childhood stress into adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerwyn Morris
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Barwon Health, P.O. Box 291, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Berk
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Barwon Health, P.O. Box 291, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, Level 1 North, Main Block, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Kenneth Myer Building, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, 35 Poplar Rd, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Maes
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Barwon Health, P.O. Box 291, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - André F Carvalho
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Addiction & Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Basant K Puri
- Department of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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24
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Tomorrow's gonna suck: Today's stress anticipation predicts tomorrow's post-awakening cortisol increase. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 106:38-46. [PMID: 30953931 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The cortisol awakening response (a rapid rise in cortisol concentration shortly after awakening) is hypothesized to prepare the organism to cope with upcoming demands, suggesting a key role for anticipatory stress in its regulation. Yet, no thorough test of this hypothesis incorporating temporal dynamics of the underlying processes has been conducted so far. To address this gap in the literature, the present study investigated the effects of anticipated stress for the next day (assessed in the evening) on an estimate of the cortisol awakening response (assessed in the following morning). In an ambulatory assessment paradigm, 42 participants (69% female; mean age = 22.8, range = 18-30 years) completed 5 consecutive days of assessments in their daily lives, collecting saliva samples at awakening and 30 min later. Using hierarchical linear modeling, associations with anticipatory stress were examined separately on the within- and between-person level. In line with our expectations, anticipatory stress predicted the post-awakening cortisol increase on the within-person level, implying an elevated cortisol rise on days for which more stress than usual had been anticipated. In contrast, on the between-person level higher average anticipatory stress did not predict an increased cortisol rise. Taken together, the findings confirm a key role of anticipatory stress in the regulation of the cortisol awakening response on the within-person level.
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25
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Schlotz W. Investigating associations between momentary stress and cortisol in daily life: What have we learned so far? Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 105:105-116. [PMID: 30503527 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.11.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Since cortisol measurement in saliva has been established, it has been used as an indicator of stress-related hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis activity. Concurrent development of methodological frameworks such as ambulatory assessment, ecological momentary assessment, and experience sampling have provided opportunities to combine both approaches in daily life research. The current review provides a summary of basic methodological principles and recommendations, as well as abstracts of findings of studies investigating momentary associations between stress and cortisol in daily life with an emphasis on within-subject associations (i.e. average covariance in repeated momentary assessments of stress and cortisol, and individual-specific deviations from the average covariance). Methodological challenges related to stress measurement, sampling principles, and appropriate statistical modeling are discussed, followed by a description of the historical development of studies on within-subject associations between momentary daily life stress and cortisol. The review concludes with a discussion of controversial methodological characteristics of these studies regarding operationalizations of stress, compliance, timing and frequency of stress and cortisol sampling, and reporting of effect sizes. Future research in this area would benefit from automated cortisol assessment, broadening of the scope of stress response measures, use of advanced statistical models that better account for dynamics in the stress process in daily life, and attempts to replicate findings. While previous studies of momentary stress and concurrent cortisol assessments have reliably confirmed some fundamental predictions from stress theory in daily life, future studies should aim at providing progress by testing innovative research questions and utilizing new technological developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolff Schlotz
- Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute of Psychology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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26
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Bauman BM, Buban KN, Russell AL, Handa RJ, Wu TJ. Isoflavones Alter Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Response Following Photoperiod Alteration. Neuroscience 2019; 406:268-277. [PMID: 30880102 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Photoperiod and diet are factors known to modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Specifically, shifts in photoperiod have been previously linked with affective and anxiety disorders. Furthermore, isoflavones have been shown to mediate behavioral outcome in response to the environment of the animal. Here, we investigated the effect of photoperiod alteration on the HPA axis and how the addition of isoflavones might modulate the response to stress. Male C57BL/6J mice were maintained on either a 12:12 or a 16:8 light-dark (LD) cycle for 10 days, and fed a diet of either standard rodent chow or an isoflavone free (IF) chow beginning 3 weeks prior to light alteration. Consistent with previous work, mice in the shorter active period (16:8 LD cycle) showed increased basal corticosterone (CORT) secretion. In the absence of isoflavones, this response was attenuated. Increases in mineralcorticoid (MR) and glucocorticoid (GR) receptor mRNA expression were seen in the pituitary following photoperiod alteration. However, animals fed the standard isoflavone rich chow showed increases in the ratio of MR:GR mRNA in the anterior bed nucleus of the stria terminalis following photoperiod alteration. Decreases in corticotrophin-releasing factor receptor 1 (CRFR1) mRNA expression were seen in animals fed the IF chow in the amygdala, prefrontal cortex and ventral hippocampus. These data suggest that alterations in CORT secretion following photoperiod alteration may be mediated through differences in CRFR1 gene expression or changes in MR:GR mRNA ratios. These findings provide insight into the potential mechanisms by which the HPA axis adapts to photoperiod and diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradly M Bauman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Katelyn N Buban
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ashley L Russell
- Program in Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA; Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Robert J Handa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Division, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - T John Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA; Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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27
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Chronic stress exposure, diurnal cortisol slope, and implications for mood and fatigue: Moderation by multilocus HPA-Axis genetic variation. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 100:156-163. [PMID: 30340064 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Chronic stress exposure has been shown to alter hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning, which may mediate its effects on psychopathology and negative health outcomes. The nature of the chronic stress-HPA axis dysregulation is unclear and individuals likely vary in the extent to and manner in which indices of HPA axis regulation, such as diurnal cortisol slope, are influenced by chronic stress. We examined whether HPA-axis-linked genetic variation moderates the association between chronic stress and diurnal cortisol slope, and potential implications for mood and fatigue (possible manifestations of negative clinical outcomes). 211 adolescents (M age 15.89, 54.5% female) completed chronic stress interviews and provided DNA samples. Participants then provided saliva samples at waking and 12 h post-waking for two consecutive weekdays. HPA-axis genetic variation was calculated using a multilocus genetic profile score (MGPS) approach, using ten SNPs from CRHR1, NR3C1, NR3C2, and FKBP5 to generate an additive score of HPA-axis-linked genetic risk. Neither chronic stress nor MGPS directly predicted diurnal slope, but MGPS moderated the association between chronic stress and diurnal slope, with stress predicting a high waking cortisol followed by steep slope among youth with low but not high MGPS scores. MGPS also interacted with chronic stress to predict both negative affect and fatigue, and moderated the indirect effect of chronic stress on mood and fatigue via diurnal slope. Results suggest that diurnal cortisol regulation may be one mechanism by which genetic risk intensifies the association between chronic stress and negative outcomes.
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28
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Roerink ME, Roerink SHPP, Skoluda N, van der Schaaf ME, Hermus ARMM, van der Meer JWM, Knoop H, Nater UM. Hair and salivary cortisol in a cohort of women with chronic fatigue syndrome. Horm Behav 2018; 103:1-6. [PMID: 29807037 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Hypocortisolism has been found in CFS patients in blood, urine, and saliva. It is unclear if hypocortisolism can also be demonstrated using long-term cortisol measurements, such as cortisol in hair. In addition, the interaction between the HPA axis and the immune system, both expected to play an important role in CFS, is unclear. The objective of the current study was to compare hair and salivary cortisol concentrations in a cohort of female CFS patients to those in healthy controls, and to test the effect of an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (anakinra) on the HPA axis. Salivary cortisol concentrations of 107 CFS patients were compared to 59 healthy controls, with CFS patients showing a decreased cortisol awakening response (4.2 nmol/L ± 5.4 vs 6.1 nmol/L ± 6.3, p = 0.036). Total cortisol output during the day did not differ significantly in saliva, but there was a trend to lower hair cortisol in a subset of 46 patients compared to 46 controls (3.8 pg/mg ± 2.1 vs 4.3 pg/mg ± 1.8, p = 0.062). After four weeks of treatment with either daily anakinra (100 mg/day) or placebo, there was a slight decrease of hair cortisol concentrations in the anakinra group compared to an increase in the placebo group (p = 0.022). This study confirms the altered dynamics of the HPA axis in a group of CFS patients, and for the first time shows that this might also be present for long-term cortisol measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Roerink
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Sean H P P Roerink
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Nadine Skoluda
- Department of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marieke E van der Schaaf
- The Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ad R M M Hermus
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jos W M van der Meer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Knoop
- Department of Medical Psychology, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Urs M Nater
- Department of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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29
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Doerr JM, Nater UM, Ehlert U, Ditzen B. Co-variation of fatigue and psychobiological stress in couples' everyday life. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 92:135-141. [PMID: 29395487 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is limited knowledge about how fatigue develops and worsens and what influences fluctuations in daily fatigue. Stress was found to influence fatigue, and being in a relationship seems to either increase or decrease stress depending on the couple interaction. In this study, co-variation of fatigue, self-reported stress, and biological stress markers in couples' everyday lives was investigated. Specifically, we examined a) whether momentary couple interactions moderated dyadic outcomes and b) whether and how stress and relationship measures influenced individual momentary fatigue. METHODS Forty heterosexual couples (age: 28 ± 5 years) reported subjective fatigue and stress levels 4 times a day for 5 consecutive days (1600 measures). Furthermore, participants reported whether they had interacted with their partner since the last data entry and, if so, they rated the valence of this interaction. Salivary cortisol (a measure of HPA axis activity) and alpha amylase (a measure of ANS activity) were analyzed as biological stress markers from saliva samples obtained at the same time points. Moment-to-moment data were analyzed using dyadic multilevel models to account for the nested design. RESULTS Stress (women and men: p ≤ 0.001) and fatigue (women: p = .003, men: p = .020) showed patterns of co-variation within couples, especially if partners had interacted with each other since the previous data entry. Cortisol was also found to co-vary between partners (women: unstandardized coefficient (UC) = 0.12, p ≤ .001, men: UC = 0.18, p ≤ .001), whereas the regulation of alpha-amylase levels depending on the partner's levels was only present in women (UC = 0.11, p = .002). Valence of couple interaction was negatively associated with fatigue (women: UC = -0.13, p ≤ .001, men: UC = -0.06, p = .011). There was no momentary association of fatigue with an individual's own or the partner's subjective or biological stress markers. CONCLUSIONS Fatigue and stress levels during the day seem to co-vary within couples. These associations were particularly strong when the partners had interacted with each other since the last measurement. These data underline the importance of social factors in fatigue and stress in everyday life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna M Doerr
- Clinical Biopsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Marburg, Gutenbergstrasse 18, 35032 Marburg, Germany.
| | - Urs M Nater
- Clinical Biopsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Marburg, Gutenbergstrasse 18, 35032 Marburg, Germany; Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Vienna, Liebiggasse 5, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrike Ehlert
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Binzmuhlestr. 14, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beate Ditzen
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University, Bergheimer Str. 20, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany.
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30
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Oka T, Tanahashi T, Sudo N, Lkhagvasuren B, Yamada Y. Changes in fatigue, autonomic functions, and blood biomarkers due to sitting isometric yoga in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Biopsychosoc Med 2018; 12:3. [PMID: 29643935 PMCID: PMC5891891 DOI: 10.1186/s13030-018-0123-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In a previous randomized controlled trial, we found that sitting isometric yoga improves fatigue in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) who are resistant to conventional therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate possible mechanisms behind this finding, focusing on the short-term fatigue-relieving effect, by comparing autonomic nervous function and blood biomarkers before and after a session of isometric yoga. Methods Fifteen patients with CFS who remained symptomatic despite at least 6 months of conventional therapy practiced sitting isometric yoga (biweekly 20 min practice with a yoga instructor and daily home practice) for eight weeks. Acute effects of sitting isometric yoga on fatigue, autonomic function, and blood biomarkers were investigated after the final session with an instructor. The effect of a single session of sitting isometric yoga on fatigue was assessed by the Profile of Mood Status (POMS) questionnaire immediately before and after the session. Autonomic nervous function (heart rate (HR) variability) and blood biomarkers (cortisol, DHEA-S, TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ, IFN-α, prolactin, carnitine, TGF-β1, BDNF, MHPG, and HVA) were compared before and after the session. Results Sitting isometric yoga significantly reduced the POMS fatigue score (p < 0.01) and increased the vigor score (p < 0.01). It also reduced HR (p < 0.05) and increased the high frequency power (p < 0.05) of HR variability. Sitting isometric yoga increased serum levels of DHEA-S (p < 0.05), reduced levels of cortisol (p < 0.05) and TNF-α (p < 0.05), and had a tendency to reduce serum levels of prolactin (p < 0.1). Decreases in fatigue scores correlated with changes in plasma levels of TGF-β1 and BDNF. In contrast, increased vigor positively correlated with HVA. Conclusions A single session of sitting isometric yoga reduced fatigue and increased vigor in patients with CFS. Yoga also increased vagal nerve function and changed blood biomarkers in a pattern that suggested anti-stress and anti-inflammatory effects. These changes appear to be related to the short-term fatigue-relieving effect of sitting isometric yoga in patients with CFS. Furthermore, dopaminergic nervous system activation might account for sitting isometric yoga-induced increases in energy in this patient population. Trial registration University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN CTR) UMIN000009646. Registered Dec 27, 2012.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takakazu Oka
- 1Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare hospital, Iguchi 537-3, Nasushiobara-shi, Tochigi-ken 329-2763 Japan.,2Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
| | - Tokusei Tanahashi
- 2Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Sudo
- 2Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
| | - Battuvshin Lkhagvasuren
- 2Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
| | - Yu Yamada
- 1Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare hospital, Iguchi 537-3, Nasushiobara-shi, Tochigi-ken 329-2763 Japan
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31
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Almeida DM, Lee S, Walter KN, Lawson KM, Kelly EL, Buxton OM. The effects of a workplace intervention on employees’ cortisol awakening response. COMMUNITY, WORK & FAMILY 2018; 21:151-167. [PMID: 30078991 PMCID: PMC6075734 DOI: 10.1080/13668803.2018.1428172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David M. Almeida
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Soomi Lee
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Kimberly N. Walter
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Katie M. Lawson
- Department of Psychological Science, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA
| | - Erin L. Kelly
- Work and Organization Studies and Institute for Work & Employment Research, MIT Sloan School of Management, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Orfeu M. Buxton
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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32
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Herane-Vives A, de Angel V, Papadopoulos A, Wise T, Chua KC, Strawbridge R, Castillo D, Arnone D, Young AH, Cleare AJ. Short-term and long-term measures of cortisol in saliva and hair in atypical and non-atypical depression. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2018; 137:216-230. [PMID: 29397570 DOI: 10.1111/acps.12852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atypical depression may show lowered rather than raised short-term cortisol levels. Atypical major depressive episodes (A-MDE) may also be more closely linked to environmental factors and show overlap with somatic symptom disorders. Hair specimens allow measuring long-term cortisol levels. METHODS Twenty-seven A-MDE and 44 NA-MDE patients and 40 matched controls were tested. Measures of hair cortisol concentration [HCC] covering the previous 3 months and short-term cortisol parameters (six saliva specimens to assess the cortisol awakening response [CAR] and total daily cortisol output calculated as the area under the curve [AUCg]) were taken alongside measures of environmental factors and clinical variables. RESULTS There were no differences in HCC between the three groups (P = 0.8), and no difference in the CAR (P = 0.95). However, A-MDE showed lowered short-term cortisol output (AUCg) compared to controls (P = 0.04). A-MDE patients also reported a higher number of daily hassles, and higher levels of fatigue and impaired concentration than NA-MDE. CONCLUSIONS Normal long-term (HCC) and reduced short-term (AUCg) cortisol levels in A-MDE could suggest a disrupted long-term cortisol rhythm, perhaps affected by environmental factors or by certain symptoms, such as mid-nocturnal insomnia. However, other underlying explanations for these findings should also be investigated in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Herane-Vives
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Affective Disorders Research Group, Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Departamento de Clínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - V de Angel
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Affective Disorders Research Group, Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - A Papadopoulos
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Affective Disorders Research Group, Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - T Wise
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Affective Disorders Research Group, Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - K-C Chua
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Affective Disorders Research Group, Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - R Strawbridge
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Affective Disorders Research Group, Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - D Castillo
- Instituto Psiquiátrico José Horwitz Barak, Santiago, Chile
| | - D Arnone
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Affective Disorders Research Group, Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - A H Young
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Affective Disorders Research Group, Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - A J Cleare
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Affective Disorders Research Group, Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Assis DCD, Resende DVD, Marziale MHP. Association between shift work, salivary cortisol levels, stress and fatigue in nurses: integrative review. ESCOLA ANNA NERY 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/2177-9465-ean-2017-0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to identify scientific evidence about the association between shift work and changes on the cortisol circadian rhythm, stress and fatigue in nurses. Method: We found 1046 articles published between 2006 and 2016 in the Medline, LILACS, WOS, Scopus and SciElo databases, three articles were included in this review. Results: The studies presented low methodological rigor and inconclusive results due to methodological diversity and small sample size. Thus, based on the existing literature, it was not possible to determine the existence of a significant association between shift work, cortisol levels, stress and fatigue in nurses. Conclusion: The strategies required to obtain reliable and comparable results include the adoption of standard methods of participant selection, sample collection and analysis, and use of validated psychometric instruments.
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Redmer J. Adrenal Fatigue. Integr Med (Encinitas) 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-35868-2.00039-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Cadegiani FA, Kater CE. Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis Functioning in Overtraining Syndrome: Findings from Endocrine and Metabolic Responses on Overtraining Syndrome (EROS)-EROS-HPA Axis. SPORTS MEDICINE-OPEN 2017; 3:45. [PMID: 29222606 PMCID: PMC5722782 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-017-0113-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overtraining syndrome (OTS) results from excessive training load without adequate recovery and leads to decreased performance and fatigue. The pathophysiology of OTS in athletes is not fully understood, which makes accurate diagnosis difficult. Previous studies indicate that alterations in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis may be responsible for OTS; however, the data is not conclusive. This study aimed to compare, through gold standard and exercise-independent tests, the response of the HPA axis in OTS-affected athletes (OTS group) to healthy physically active subjects (ATL group) and healthy non-active subjects (NCS group). METHODS Selected subjects were evaluated for cortisol response to a 250-μg cosyntropin stimulation test (CST), cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) responses during an insulin tolerance test (ITT), and salivary cortisol rhythm (SCR). RESULTS A total of 51 subjects were included (OTS, n = 14; ATL, n = 25; and NCS, n = 12). Cortisol response in the CST was similar among the three groups. Conversely, mean cortisol response during an ITT was significantly higher in ATL (21.7 μg/dL; increase = 9.2 μg/dL) compared to OTS (17.9 μg/dL; 6.3 μg/dL) and NCS (16.9 μg/dL; 6.0 μg/dL) (p ≤ 0.001; p = 0.01). Likewise, median ACTH response during an ITT was significantly higher in ATL (91.4 pg/mL; increase = 45.1 pg/mL) compared to OTS (30.3 pg/mL; 9.7 pg/mL) and NCS (51.4 pg/mL; 38.0 pg/mL) (p = 0.006; p = 0.004). For SCR, mean cortisol 30 min after awakening was significantly higher in ATL (500 ng/dL) compared to OTS (323 ng/dL) and NCS (393 ng/dL) (p = 0.004). We identified the following cutoffs that could help exclude or confirm OTS: cortisol level at 30 min after awakening (exclusion = > 530 ng/dL); cortisol response to ITT (exclusion = > 20.5 μg/dL; confirmation = < 17 μg/dL or increase < 9.5 μg/dL); and ACTH response (exclusion = > 106 pg/mL or increase > 70 pg/mL; confirmation = < 35 pg/mL and increase < 14.5 pg/mL). CONCLUSION The findings of the present study showed that healthy athletes disclose adaptions to exercises that helped improve sport-specific performance, whereas this sort of hormonal conditioning was at least partially lost in OTS, which may explain the decrease in performance in OTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio A Cadegiani
- Adrenal and Hypertension Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM/UNIFESP), R. Pedro de Toledo 781 - 13th floor, São Paulo, SP, 04039-032, Brazil.
| | - Claudio E Kater
- Adrenal and Hypertension Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM/UNIFESP), R. Pedro de Toledo 781 - 13th floor, São Paulo, SP, 04039-032, Brazil
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Depression, evening salivary cortisol and inflammation in chronic fatigue syndrome: A psychoneuroendocrinological structural regression model. Int J Psychophysiol 2017; 131:124-130. [PMID: 28918107 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2017.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a poorly understood illness that is characterized by diverse somatic symptoms, hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction and heightened inflammatory indicators. These symptoms are often exacerbated and accompanied by psychological distress states and depression. Since depression is known to be associated with HPA axis dysfunction and greater inflammation, a psychoneuroendocrinological (PNE) model of inflammation was examined in persons diagnosed with CFS in order to uncover underlying biopsychosocial mechanisms in this poorly understood chronic illness. METHODS Baseline data were drawn from two randomized controlled trials testing the efficacy of different forms of psychosocial intervention, and included psychological questionnaires, di-urnal salivary cortisol, and blood samples. Data were analyzed with structural equation modeling (SEM). RESULTS The sample (N=265) was mostly middle-aged (Mage=49.36±10.9, range=20-73years), Caucasian (67.7%), female (81.7%), highly educated (85.5% completed some college, college, or graduate program), and depressed (CES-D M=23.87±12.02, range 2-57). The SEM supporting a psychoneuroendocrinological model of immune dysregulation in CFS fit the data χ2 (12)=17.725, p=0.1243, RMSEA=0.043, CFI=0.935, SRMR=0.036. Depression was directly related to evening salivary cortisol and inflammation, such that higher evening cortisol predicted greater depressive symptoms (β=0.215, p<0.01) and higher pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-2 [IL-2], IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α] levels (β=0.185, p<0.05), when controlling for covariates. DISCUSSION Results highlight the role of depression, cortisol and inflammation in possible biological mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of CFS. Time-lagged, longitudinal analyses are needed to fully explore these relationships.
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Hypothalamic Dysfunction and Multiple Sclerosis: Implications for Fatigue and Weight Dysregulation. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2017; 16:98. [PMID: 27662896 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-016-0700-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis are usually attributed to demyelinating lesions in the spinal cord or cerebral cortex. The hypothalamus is a region that is often overlooked yet controls many important homeostatic functions, including those that are perturbed in multiple sclerosis. In this review we discuss how hypothalamic dysfunction may contribute to signs and symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis. While dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is common in multiple sclerosis, the effects and mechanisms of this dysfunction are not well understood. We discuss three hypothalamic mechanisms of fatigue in multiple sclerosis: (1) general hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperactivity, (2) disordered orexin neurotransmission, (3) abnormal cortisol secretion. We then review potential mechanisms of weight dysregulation caused by hypothalamic dysfunction. Lastly, we propose future studies and therapeutics to better understand and treat hypothalamic dysfunction in multiple sclerosis. Hypothalamic dysfunction appears to be common in multiple sclerosis, yet current studies are underpowered and contradictory. Future studies should contain larger sample sizes and standardize hormone and neuropeptide measurements.
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Hulme K, Hudson JL, Rojczyk P, Little P, Moss-Morris R. Biopsychosocial risk factors of persistent fatigue after acute infection: A systematic review to inform interventions. J Psychosom Res 2017; 99:120-129. [PMID: 28712416 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2017.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Fatigue is a prevalent and debilitating symptom, preceded by an acute infectious episode in some patients. This systematic review aimed to identify risk factors for the development of persistent fatigue after an acute infection, to develop an evidence-based working model of post-infectious fatigue. METHODS Electronic databases (Medline, PsycINFO and EMBASE) were searched, from inception to March 2016, for studies which investigated biopsychosocial risk factors of on-going fatigue after an acute infection. Inclusion criteria were: prospective design; biological, psychological or social risk factors; standardised measure of post-infectious fatigue (self-report scales or clinical diagnosis). Studies were excluded if the sample had a pre-existing medical condition, infection was conceptualised as 'vaccination' or they were intervention trials. A narrative synthesis was performed. RESULTS Eighty-one full texts were screened, of which seventeen were included in the review. Over half included glandular fever populations. Other infections included dengue fever, 'general'/'viral' and Q-fever. Risk factors were summarised under biological, social, behavioural, cognitive and emotional subthemes. Patients' cognitive and behavioural responses to the acute illness, and pre-infection or baseline distress and fatigue were the most consistent risk factors for post-infectious fatigue. CONCLUSION An empirical summary model is provided, highlighting the risk factors most consistently associated with persistent fatigue. The components of the model, the possible interaction of risk factors and implications for understanding the fatigue trajectory and informing preventative treatments are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Hulme
- Health Psychology Section, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK; Health Psychology Department, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, UK.
| | - Joanna L Hudson
- Health Psychology Section, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK.
| | - Philine Rojczyk
- Psychology Department, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Netherlands.
| | - Paul Little
- Primary Care and Population Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
| | - Rona Moss-Morris
- Health Psychology Section, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK.
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Doerr JM, Fischer S, Nater UM, Strahler J. Influence of stress systems and physical activity on different dimensions of fatigue in female fibromyalgia patients. J Psychosom Res 2017; 93:55-61. [PMID: 28107893 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fatigue is a defining characteristic and one of the most debilitating features of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The mechanisms underlying different dimensions of fatigue in FMS remain unclear. The aim of the current study was to test whether stress-related biological processes and physical activity modulate fatigue experience. METHODS Using an ambulatory assessment design, 26 female FMS patients reported general, mental, and physical fatigue levels at six time points per day for 14 consecutive days. Salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase were analyzed as markers of neuroendocrine functioning. Participants wore wrist actigraphs for the assessment of physical activity. RESULTS Lower increases in cortisol after awakening predicted higher mean daily general and physical fatigue levels. Additionally, mean daily physical activity positively predicted next-day mean general fatigue. Levels of physical fatigue at a specific time point were positively associated with momentary cortisol levels. The increase in cortisol after awakening did not mediate the physical activity - fatigue relationship. There were no associations between alpha-amylase and fatigue. CONCLUSION Our findings imply that both changes in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity and physical activity contribute to variance in fatigue in the daily lives of patients with FMS. This study helps to paint a clearer picture of the biological and behavioral underpinnings of fatigue in FMS and highlight the necessity of interdisciplinary treatment approaches targeting biological, behavioral and psychological aspects of FMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna M Doerr
- Clinical Biopsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, 35037 Marburg, Germany.
| | - Susanne Fischer
- Clinical Biopsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, 35037 Marburg, Germany.
| | - Urs M Nater
- Clinical Biopsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, 35037 Marburg, Germany.
| | - Jana Strahler
- Clinical Biopsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, 35037 Marburg, Germany.
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Symptoms and the body: Taking the inferential leap. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 74:185-203. [PMID: 28108416 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 299] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Revised: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between the conscious experience of physical symptoms and indicators of objective physiological dysfunction is highly variable and depends on characteristics of the person, the context and their interaction. This relationship often breaks down entirely in the case of "medically unexplained" or functional somatic symptoms, violating the basic assumption in medicine that physical symptoms have physiological causes. In this paper, we describe the prevailing theoretical approach to this problem and review the evidence pertaining to it. We then use the framework of predictive coding to propose a new and more comprehensive model of the body-symptom relationship that integrates existing concepts within a unifying framework that addresses many of the shortcomings of current theory. We describe the conditions under which a close correspondence between the experience of symptoms and objective physiology might be expected, and when they are likely to diverge. We conclude by exploring some theoretical and clinical implications of this new account.
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Milrad SF, Hall DL, Jutagir DR, Lattie EG, Ironson GH, Wohlgemuth W, Nunez MV, Garcia L, Czaja SJ, Perdomo DM, Fletcher MA, Klimas N, Antoni MH. Poor sleep quality is associated with greater circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and severity and frequency of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) symptoms in women. J Neuroimmunol 2016; 303:43-50. [PMID: 28038892 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2016.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Poor sleep quality has been linked to inflammatory processes and worse disease outcomes in the context of many chronic illnesses, but less is known in conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). This study examines the relationships between sleep quality, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and CFS/ME symptoms. METHODS Sixty women diagnosed with CFS/ME were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Fatigue Symptom Inventory (FSI) and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-based CFS/ME symptom questionnaires. Circulating plasma pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were measured by ELISA. Multiple regression analyses examined associations between sleep, cytokines and symptoms, controlling for age, education, and body mass index. RESULTS Poor sleep quality (PSQI global score) was associated with greater pro-inflammatory cytokine levels: interleukin-1β (IL-1β) (β=0.258, p=0.043), IL-6 (β=0.281, p=0.033), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (β=0.263, p=0.044). Worse sleep quality related to greater fatigue severity (β=0.395, p=0.003) and fatigue-related interference with daily activities (β=0.464, p<0.001), and more severe and frequent CDC-defined core CFS/ME symptoms (β=0.499, p<0.001, and β=0.556, p<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Results underscore the importance of managing sleep-related difficulties in this patient population. Further research is needed to identify the etiology of sleep disruptions in CFS/ME and mechanistic factors linking sleep quality to symptom severity and inflammatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara F Milrad
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Miami, FL 33133, USA
| | - Daniel L Hall
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit St., Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Devika R Jutagir
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Miami, FL 33133, USA
| | - Emily G Lattie
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 680 N Lake Shore Dr. Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Gail H Ironson
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Miami, FL 33133, USA
| | - William Wohlgemuth
- Department of Sleep Medicine, Miami Veteran Affairs Hospital, 1201 NW 16th St, Miami, FL 33125, USA
| | - Maria Vera Nunez
- Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, 8501 SW 124th Ave #111, Miami, FL 33183, USA
| | - Lina Garcia
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, 1120 NW 14th St., Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Sara J Czaja
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, 1120 NW 14th St., Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Dolores M Perdomo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, 1120 NW 14th St., Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Mary Ann Fletcher
- Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, 8501 SW 124th Ave #111, Miami, FL 33183, USA
| | - Nancy Klimas
- Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, 8501 SW 124th Ave #111, Miami, FL 33183, USA
| | - Michael H Antoni
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Miami, FL 33133, USA.
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Rimbaut S, Van Gutte C, Van Brabander L, Vanden Bossche L. Chronic fatigue syndrome - an update. Acta Clin Belg 2016; 71:273-280. [PMID: 27362742 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2016.1196862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic fatigue syndrome is a widespread condition with a huge impact not only on a patient's life, but also on society as evidenced by substantial losses of productivity, informal costs, and medical expenses. The high prevalence rates (0.2-6.4%) and the low employment rates (27-41%) are responsible for the enormous burden imposed on society, with loss of productivity representing the highest cost. The objective of this review is to systematically review the recent literature on chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis. METHODS The published literature between 1 January 1990 and 1 April 2015 was searched using the MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Sciences databases. The reference lists of the selected articles were screened for other relevant articles. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Despite extensive research, none of the proposed etiological factors have shown strong, reproducible scientific evidence. Over the years, the biopsychosocial model integrating many of the proposed hypotheses has been gaining popularity over the biomedical model, where the focus is on one physical cause. Since the etiological mechanism underlying chronic fatigue syndrome is currently unknown, disease-specific treatments do not exist. Various treatments have been investigated but only cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and graded exercise therapy (GET) have shown moderate effectiveness.
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Strahler J, Doerr JM, Ditzen B, Linnemann A, Skoluda N, Nater UM. Physical activity buffers fatigue only under low chronic stress. Stress 2016; 19:535-41. [PMID: 27320241 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2016.1192121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatigue is one of the most commonly reported complaints in the general population. As physical activity (PA) has been shown to have beneficial effects, we hypothesized that everyday life PA improves fatigue. Thirty-three healthy students (21 women, 22.8 ± 3.3 years, 21.7 ± 2.3 kg/m(2)) completed two ambulatory assessment periods. During five days at the beginning of the semester (control condition) and five days during final examination preparation (examination condition), participants repeatedly reported on general fatigue (awakening, 10 am, 2 pm, 6 pm and 9 pm) by means of an electronic diary, collected saliva samples for the assessment of cortisol and α-amylase immediately after providing information on fatigue and wore a triaxial accelerometer to continuously record PA. Self-perceived chronic stress was assessed as a moderator. Using hierarchical linear modeling, including PA, condition (control vs. examination), sex and chronic stress as predictors, PA level during the 15 min prior to data entry did not predict momentary fatigue level. Furthermore, there was no effect of condition. However, a significant cross-level interaction of perceived chronic stress with PA was observed. In fact, the (negative) relationship between PA and fatigue was stronger in those participants with less chronic stress. Neither cortisol nor α-amylase was significantly related to physical activity or fatigue. Our study showed an immediate short-term buffering effect of everyday life PA on general fatigue, but only when experiencing lower chronic stress. There seems to be no short-term benefit of PA in the face of higher chronic stress. These findings highlight the importance of considering chronic stress when evaluating the effectiveness of PA interventions in different target populations, in particular among chronically stressed and fatigued subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Strahler
- a Clinical Biopsychology Unit, Department of Psychology , University of Marburg , Marburg , Germany
| | - Johanna M Doerr
- a Clinical Biopsychology Unit, Department of Psychology , University of Marburg , Marburg , Germany
| | - Beate Ditzen
- b Department of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine , University Hospital Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Alexandra Linnemann
- a Clinical Biopsychology Unit, Department of Psychology , University of Marburg , Marburg , Germany
| | - Nadine Skoluda
- a Clinical Biopsychology Unit, Department of Psychology , University of Marburg , Marburg , Germany
| | - Urs M Nater
- a Clinical Biopsychology Unit, Department of Psychology , University of Marburg , Marburg , Germany
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Strahler J, Skoluda N, Rohleder N, Nater UM. Dysregulated stress signal sensitivity and inflammatory disinhibition as a pathophysiological mechanism of stress-related chronic fatigue. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 68:298-318. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The term "adrenal fatigue" ("AF") has been used by some doctors, healthcare providers, and the general media to describe an alleged condition caused by chronic exposure to stressful situations. Despite this, "AF" has not been recognized by any Endocrinology society, who claim there is no hard evidence for the existence. The aim of this systematic review is to verify whether there is substantiation for "AF". METHODS A systematic search was performed at PUBMED, MEDLINE (Ebsco) and Cochrane databases, from the beginning of the data until April 22nd, 2016. Searched key words were: "adrenal" + "fatigue", "adrenal" + "burnout", "adrenal" + "exhaustion", "hypoadrenia", "burnout" + "cortisol", "fatigue" + "cortisol", "clinical" + "burnout", "cortisol" + "vitalility", "adrenal" + "vitality", and "cortisol" + "exhaustion". Eligibility criteria were: (1) articles written in English, (2) cortisol profile and fatigue or energy status as the primary outcome, (3) performed tests for evaluating the adrenal axis, (4) absence of influence of corticosteroid therapy, and (5) absence of confounding diseases. Type of questionnaire to distinct fatigued subjects, population studied, tests performed of selected studies were analyzed. RESULTS From 3,470 articles found, 58 studies fulfilled the criteria: 33 were carried in healthy individuals, and 25 in symptomatic patients. The most assessed exams were "Direct Awakening Cortisol" (n = 29), "Cortisol Awakening Response" (n = 27) and "Salivary Cortisol Rhythm" (n = 26). DISCUSSION We found an almost systematic finding of conflicting results derived from most of the studies methods utilized, regardless of the validation and the quality of performed tests. Some limitations of the review include: (1) heterogeneity of the study design; (2) the descriptive nature of most studies; (3) the poor quality assessment of fatigue; (4) the use of an unsubstantiated methodology in terms of cortisol assessment (not endorsed by endocrinologists); (5) false premises leading to an incorrect sequence of research direction; and, (6) inappropriate/invalid conclusions regarding causality and association between different information. CONCLUSION This systematic review proves that there is no substantiation that "adrenal fatigue" is an actual medical condition. Therefore, adrenal fatigue is still a myth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio A. Cadegiani
- From the Adrenal and Hypertension Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM/UNIFESP), R. Pedro de Toledo 781–13th floor, 04039-032 São Paulo, SP Brazil
| | - Claudio E. Kater
- From the Adrenal and Hypertension Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM/UNIFESP), R. Pedro de Toledo 781–13th floor, 04039-032 São Paulo, SP Brazil
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Son MJ, Im HJ, Kim YE, Ku B, Lee JH, Son CG. Evaluation of the anti-fatigue effects of a traditional herbal drug, Gongjin-dan, under insufficient sleep conditions: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials 2016; 17:418. [PMID: 27550184 PMCID: PMC4994160 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-016-1542-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many herbal medicines are traditionally used as anti-fatigue agents in east Asian countries; however, there is a dearth of clinical evidence supporting the anti-fatigue effects of such medicines and their mechanisms. This study is a feasibility trial to assess the clinical efficacy of Gongjin-dan (GJD) and verify its mechanisms by exploring fatigue outcomes, including endocrine and immunological biomarkers in humans. Methods/Design To investigate the anti-fatigue effects of GJD and the mechanism underlying these effects, a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial was designed. Participants (24 healthy male volunteers) will be hospitalised for 4 days (3 nights), during which acute fatigue and stress conditions will be induced by sleep deprivation, and GJD or a placebo will be administered (twice daily). The primary outcome will be changes in serum cortisol levels, measured in the morning, as an objective biomarker of sleep deprivation-induced fatigue and stress. The secondary outcomes will include: the Fatigue Severity Scale; the Brief Fatigue Inventory, and the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire scores; levels of salivary cortisol, epinephrine, norepinephrine, oxidative stress-related biomarkers, homocysteine, and immunological factors; and heart rate variability. After a washout period of more than 4 weeks, a second treatment phase will commence in which participants who were previously administered the placebo will receive the drug and vice versa, following the same treatment regime as in the first phase. Discussion This study protocol provides a unique opportunity to enhance our understanding of fatigue and the effects of GJD on fatigue in terms of endocrine and immunological mechanisms by validating the study design and determining feasibility. Findings from this trial will help researchers to design a pilot or definitive clinical trial of traditional herbal medicine for chronic fatigue. Trial registration Korean National Clinical Trial Registry CRIS; KCT0001681, registered on 29 October 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Ju Son
- Clinical Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseongdae-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwi-Jin Im
- Liver and Immunology Research Center, Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University, 176-9, Daeheung-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 34929, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Eun Kim
- Mibyeong Research Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseongdae-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Boncho Ku
- KM Fundamental Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseongdae-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Hwan Lee
- Clinical Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseongdae-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34054, Republic of Korea. .,Korean Medicine Life Science, University of Science & Technology, Campus of Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseongdae-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Chang-Gue Son
- Liver and Immunology Research Center, Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University, 176-9, Daeheung-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 34929, Republic of Korea.
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MANKARIOUS AMANDA, DAVE FORAM, PADOS GEORGE, TSOLAKIDIS DIMITRIS, GIDRON YORI, PANG YEFEI, THOMAS PETER, HALL MARCIA, KARTERIS EMMANOUIL. The pro-social neurohormone oxytocin reverses the actions of the stress hormone cortisol in human ovarian carcinoma cells in vitro. Int J Oncol 2016; 48:1805-14. [PMID: 26935408 PMCID: PMC4809651 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The journey patients with ovarian cancer travel from non-specific symptoms causing delayed diagnosis through surgery and chemotherapy, culminating in a 5-year survival rate of 43%, must have a profound and detrimental psychological impact on patients. Emerging studies link higher levels of oxytocin (OT) and increased social support, an independent prognostic factor in cancer, with a moderating effect on stress. In contrast, there is a known association of tumour cell proliferation with elevated cortisol (stress hormone) levels. We hypothesise therefore that there is cross-talk between cortisol and oxytocin at a molecular level. Three ovarian cancer cell lines, used as in vitro models, were treated with cortisol at concentrations mimicking physiological stress in vivo in the presence or absence of OT. OT reduced cell proliferation and migration, induced apoptosis and autophagy for all three cell lines, partially reversing the effects of cortisol. Quantitative RT-PCR of tissue taken from ovarian cancer patients revealed that the glucocorticoid receptor (splice variant GR-P) and OT receptor (OTR) were significantly upregulated compared to controls. Tissue microarray revealed that the expression of GRα was lower in the ovarian cancer samples compared to normal tissue. OT is also shown to drive alternative splicing of the GR gene and cortisol-induced OTR expression. OT was able to transactivate GR in the presence of cortisol, thus providing further evidence of cross-talk in vitro. These data provide explanations for why social support might help distressed ovarian cancer patients and help define novel hypotheses regarding potential therapeutic interventions in socially isolated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- AMANDA MANKARIOUS
- Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH, UK
| | - FORAM DAVE
- Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH, UK
| | - GEORGE PADOS
- University of Thessaloniki Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - YORI GIDRON
- Free University of Brussels (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - YEFEI PANG
- University of Texas at Austin, Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA
| | - PETER THOMAS
- University of Texas at Austin, Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA
| | - MARCIA HALL
- Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH, UK
- Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Northwood HA6 2RN, UK
| | - EMMANOUIL KARTERIS
- Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH, UK
- Correspondence to: Dr Emmanouil Karteris, Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK, E-mail:
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Clark JE, Fai Ng W, Watson S, Newton JL. The aetiopathogenesis of fatigue: unpredictable, complex and persistent. Br Med Bull 2016; 117:139-48. [PMID: 26872857 PMCID: PMC4782751 DOI: 10.1093/bmb/ldv057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic fatigue syndrome is a common condition characterized by severe fatigue with post-exertional malaise, impaired cognitive ability, poor sleep quality, muscle pain, multi-joint pain, tender lymph nodes, sore throat or headache. Its defining symptom, fatigue is common to several diseases. AREAS OF AGREEMENT Research has established a broad picture of impairment across autonomic, endocrine and inflammatory systems though progress seems to have reached an impasse. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY The absence of a clear consensus view of the pathophysiology of fatigue suggests the need to switch from a focus on abnormalities in one system to an experimental and clinical approach which integrates findings across multiple systems and their constituent parts and to consider multiple environmental factors. GROWING POINTS We discuss this with reference to three key factors, non-determinism, non-reductionism and self-organization and suggest that an approach based on these principles may afford a coherent explanatory framework for much of the observed phenomena in fatigue and offers promising avenues for future research. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH By adopting this approach, the field can examine issues regarding aetiopathogenesis and treatment, with relevance for future research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Clark
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - W Fai Ng
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Clinical Academic Office, 3rd Floor, William Leech Building, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Stuart Watson
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Julia L Newton
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Clinical Academic Office, 3rd Floor, William Leech Building, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Cancer-related fatigue shows a stable association with diurnal cortisol dysregulation in breast cancer patients. Brain Behav Immun 2016; 52:98-105. [PMID: 26456694 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2015.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Revised: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatigue is a major burden for breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant therapy. Yet, its pathophysiology is still not well understood. Hypothesized mechanisms include dysregulations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which may be reflected in alterations in the diurnal cortisol patterns. However, studies on the association between cortisol and fatigue during adjuvant cancer therapy are rare. We therefore assessed salivary cortisol at awakening, 0.5h post-awakening, noon, 5 pm and 10 pm/bedtime in 265 breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant therapy at three timepoints. Cancer-related fatigue was assessed with the Fatigue Assessment Questionnaire (FAQ) covering the physical, affective, and cognitive fatigue dimensions. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed cross-sectionally at the three timepoints as well as longitudinally considering changes in cortisol and fatigue over time. The results showed that the physical dimension of cancer-related fatigue was significantly associated with increased evening cortisol levels and higher overall cortisol secretion. These associations were independent of depressive symptoms. Morning cortisol levels, the cortisol awakening response and the diurnal slope were not consistently associated with physical fatigue. Affective and cognitive fatigue showed no clear association with any of the cortisol parameters. In conclusion, the physical but not the affective or cognitive dimension of fatigue seems associated with cortisol dysregulations in breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant therapy, characterized by an unaffected cortisol level in the morning but blunted decline to the evening level. Research focusing on disturbances of the cortisol rhythm and HPA dysregulations during and after cancer treatment may open new strategies to reduce cancer-related fatigue.
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