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Ney LJ, Crombie KM, Mayo LM, Felmingham KL, Bowser T, Matthews A. Translation of animal endocannabinoid models of PTSD mechanisms to humans: Where to next? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:76-91. [PMID: 34838529 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.11.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is known to be involved in mechanisms relevant to PTSD aetiology and maintenance, though this understanding is mostly based on animal models of the disorder. Here we review how human paradigms can successfully translate animal findings to human subjects, with the view that substantially increased insight into the effect of endocannabinoid signalling on stress responding, emotional and intrusive memories, and fear extinction can be gained using modern paradigms and methods for assessing the state of the endocannabinoid system in PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke J Ney
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Australia; School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Australia.
| | - Kevin M Crombie
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, United States
| | - Leah M Mayo
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Linköping University, Sweden
| | - Kim L Felmingham
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Allison Matthews
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Australia
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2
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Castro-Vale I, van Rossum EFC, Staufenbiel SM, Severo M, Mota-Cardoso R, Carvalho D. Hair Cortisol as a Marker of Intergenerational Heritage of War? A Study of Veterans and Their Offspring. Psychiatry Investig 2020; 17:976-986. [PMID: 33017887 PMCID: PMC7596280 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2020.0212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been associated with lower circulating cortisol levels in specific subgroups, which have also been found in the offspring of people with PTSD. The analysis of hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) is a recent methodology which is used to assess long-term systemic cortisol levels. We aimed to study veterans with war-related lifetime PTSD and their respective offspring with regards to HCC. We also studied the influence of lifetime major depressive disorder (MDD), war experiences, and childhood adversities on HCC in these groups. METHODS 31 male veterans with PTSD and 28 without PTSD and 69 adult offspring were studied. HCC were quantified by liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry. RESULTS No differences in HCC were found between veterans with and without PTSD, or between their respective offspring. Veterans without MDD showed a positive association between total war exposure and HCC. Veterans reporting more frequent childhood physical abuse had lower HCC. Veterans-with-PTSD's offspring with MDD had increased HCC compared to offspring without MDD. Offspring's exposure to more frequent childhood physical abuse was negatively associated with HCC in those without MDD. CONCLUSION HCC did not appear to constitute a marker of intergenerational heritage of war-related PTSD, except in the case of veteranswith-PTSD's offspring with MDD. Our data suggest that HCC is a marker of adult reported childhood physical abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivone Castro-Vale
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Elisabeth F C van Rossum
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sabine M Staufenbiel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Milton Severo
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Predictive Medicine and Public Health and Department of Medical Education and Simulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Mota-Cardoso
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Davide Carvalho
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, São João University Hospital Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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3
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Sbarski B, Akirav I. Cannabinoids as therapeutics for PTSD. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 211:107551. [PMID: 32311373 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex disorder that involves dysregulation of multiple neurobiological systems. The traumatic stressor plays a causal role in producing psychological dysfunction and the pattern of findings suggests that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is instrumental for stress adaptation, is critically dysfunctional in PTSD. Given the lack of understanding of the basic mechanisms and underlying pathways that cause the disorder and its heterogeneity, PTSD poses challenges for treatment. Targeting the endocannabinoid (ECB) system to treat mental disorders, and PTSD in particular, has been the focus of research and interest in recent years. The ECB system modulates multiple functions, and drugs enhancing ECB signaling have shown promise as potential therapeutic agents in stress effects and other psychiatric and medical conditions. In this review, we focus on the interaction between the ECB-HPA systems in animal models for PTSD and in patients with PTSD. We summarize evidence supporting the use of cannabinoids in preventing and treating PTSD in preclinical and clinical studies. As the HPA system plays a key role in the mediation of the stress response and the pathophysiology of PTSD, we describe preclinical studies suggesting that enhancing ECB signaling is consistent with decreasing PTSD symptoms and dysfunction of the HPA axis. Overall, we suggest that a pharmacological treatment targeted at one system (e.g., HPA) may not be very effective because of the heterogeneity of the disorder. There are abnormalities across different neurotransmitter systems in the pathophysiology of PTSD and none of these systems function uniformly among all patients with PTSD. Hence, conceptually, enhancing ECB signaling may be a more effective avenue for pharmacological treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Sbarski
- School of Psychological Sciences, Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Irit Akirav
- School of Psychological Sciences, Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel.
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4
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Silkis IG. The Possible Mechanism of the Appearance of Nightmares in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Approaches to Their Prevention. NEUROCHEM J+ 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s1819712419030127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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5
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Koek RJ, Luong TN. Theranostic pharmacology in PTSD: Neurobiology and timing. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 90:245-263. [PMID: 30529001 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent reviews and treatment guidelines regard trauma-focused cognitive-behavior therapies as the treatments of choice for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, many patients do not engage in this treatment when it is available, drop out before completion, or do not respond. Medications remain widely used, alone and in conjunction with psychotherapy, although the limitations of traditional monoamine-based pharmacotherapy are increasingly recognized. This article will review recent developments in psychopharmacology for PTSD, with a focus on current clinical data that apply putative neurobiologic mechanisms to medication use-i.e., a theranostic approach. A theranostic approach however, also requires consideration of timing, pre, peri or post trauma in conjunction with underlying dynamic processes affecting synaptic plasticity, the HPA axis, hippocampal activation, PFC-amygdala circuitry and fear memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph J Koek
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, North Hills, CA, USA.
| | - Tinh N Luong
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Olive View Medical Center, Sylmar, CA, USA
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Tingelstad HC, Filion LG, Martin J, Spivock M, Tang V, Haman F. Levels of circulating cortisol and cytokines in members of the Canadian Armed Forces: associations with age, sex, and anthropometry. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2017; 43:445-452. [PMID: 29200312 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2017-0551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This study assessed blood levels of cortisol and cytokines (inflammatory and non-inflammatory) in members of the regular Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), and examined the associations between sex, age, and adiposity and circulating levels of cortisol as well as pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. As part of a larger ranging project, 331 blood samples were collected from a representative population of the total CAF, which included officers and noncommissioned women and men from the Air Force, Navy, and Army. The blood samples were analyzed for levels of cortisol, C-reactive protein (CRP), adiponectin, and 20 cytokines (which included interleukins, interferons, and tumor necrosis factors). Higher levels of adiponectin were found in women compared with men (median and interquartile range; 16.71 (7.68-25.32) vs 5.81 (3.52-13.19) μg/mL), and higher levels of interleukin (IL)-18 in men compared with women (89.25 (84.03-94.48) vs 75.91 (69.70-82.13) pg/mL). An association between age and levels of stress and inflammatory cytokines was observed, with CRP, IL-18, IL-2 and adiponectin all increasing with increasing age. However, contrary to trends seen in the general population, cortisol levels decreased with increasing age. Levels of CRP and IL-18 increased with an increase in adiposity, while adiponectin levels decreased. Most importantly, at the entire cohort level, a low detection rate for most of the cytokines was observed with 17 out of 22 cytokines having a detection below 10%. IN CONCLUSION In this CAF population, although an association between age and inflammatory cytokines was observed, both sex and adiposity had a small impact on levels of cortisol and cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Christian Tingelstad
- a School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 1A2, Canada
| | - Lionel G Filion
- b Department of Biochemistry Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Julie Martin
- a School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 1A2, Canada.,c Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, Directorate of Fitness, Ottawa, ON K1J 1J8, Canada
| | - Michael Spivock
- a School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 1A2, Canada.,c Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, Directorate of Fitness, Ottawa, ON K1J 1J8, Canada
| | - Vera Tang
- d University of Ottawa Flow Cytometry Core Facility, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - François Haman
- a School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 1A2, Canada
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Kiran U, Ladha S, Makhija N, Kapoor PM, Choudhury M, Das S, Gharde P, Malik V, Airan B. The role of Rajyoga meditation for modulation of anxiety and serum cortisol in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery: A prospective randomized control study. Ann Card Anaesth 2017; 20:158-162. [PMID: 28393774 PMCID: PMC5408519 DOI: 10.4103/aca.aca_32_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Rajyoga meditation is a form of mind body intervention that is promoted by the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University. This form of meditation can be easily performed without rituals or mantras and can be practiced anywhere at any time. The practice of Rajyoga meditation can have beneficial effects on modulating anxiety and cortisol level in patients undergoing major cardiac surgery. Materials and Methods: A prospective randomized control study was carried out in a single tertiary care center. One hundred and fifty patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomized in two groups namely, Group 1 (Rajyoga group) and Group 2 (Control Group). Anxiety was measured on a visual analog scale 1–10 before the start of Rajyoga training or patient counseling (T1), on the morning of the day of surgery (T2), on the 2nd postoperative day (T3), and on the 5th postoperative day (T4). The serum cortisol level was measured in the morning of the day of surgery (T1), on the 2nd postoperative day (T2) and on the 5th postoperative day (T3), respectively. Results: In the study, it was seen that the anxiety level of the patients before the surgery (T1) and on the day of surgery (T2) were comparable between the two groups. However on the 2nd postoperative day (T3), the patients who underwent Rajyoga training had lower anxiety level in comparison to the control group (3.12 ± 1.45 vs. 6.12 ± 0.14, P < 0.05) and on the 5th postoperative day (T4) it was seen that Rajyoga practice had resulted in significant decline in anxiety level (0.69 ± 1.1 vs. 5.6 ± 1.38, P < 0.05). The serum cortisol level was also favorably modulated by the practice of Rajyoga meditation. Conclusion: Mindbody intervention is found to effective in reducing the anxiety of the patients and modulating the cortisol level in patients undergoing wellknown stressful surgery like coronary artery bypass surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usha Kiran
- Department of Cardiac Anaesthesia and Surgery, Cardiothoracic Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Suruchi Ladha
- Department of Cardiac Anaesthesia and Surgery, Cardiothoracic Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Neeti Makhija
- Department of Cardiac Anaesthesia and Surgery, Cardiothoracic Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Poonam Malhotra Kapoor
- Department of Cardiac Anaesthesia and Surgery, Cardiothoracic Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Minati Choudhury
- Department of Cardiac Anaesthesia and Surgery, Cardiothoracic Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sambhunath Das
- Department of Cardiac Anaesthesia and Surgery, Cardiothoracic Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Parag Gharde
- Department of Cardiac Anaesthesia and Surgery, Cardiothoracic Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vishwas Malik
- Department of Cardiac Anaesthesia and Surgery, Cardiothoracic Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Balram Airan
- Department of Cardiac Anaesthesia and Surgery, Cardiothoracic Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Homberg JR, Kozicz T, Fernández G. Large-scale network balances in the transition from adaptive to maladaptive stress responses. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Hong C, Efferth T. Systematic Review on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Survivors of the Wenchuan Earthquake. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2016; 17:542-561. [PMID: 26028651 DOI: 10.1177/1524838015585313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) widely occurs among victims or witness of disasters. With flashbacks, hyperarousal, and avoidance being the typical symptoms, PTSD became a focus of psychological research. The earthquake in Wenchuan, China, on May 12, 2008, was without precedent in magnitude and aftermath and caused huge damage, which drew scientists' attention to mental health of the survivors. We conducted a systematic overview by collecting published articles from the PubMed database and classifying them into five points: epidemiology, neuropathology, biochemistry, genetics and epigenetics, and treatment. The large body of research during the past 6 years showed that adolescents and adults were among the most studied populations with high prevalence rates for PTSD. Genomic and transcriptomic studies focusing on gene × environment studies as well as epigenetics are still rare, although a few available data showed great potential to better understand the pathophysiology of PTSD as multifactorial disease. Phytotherapy with Chinese herbs and acupuncture are rarely reported as of yet, although the first published data indicated promising therapy effects. Future studies should focus on the following points: (1) The affected populations under observation should be better defined concerning individual risk factor, time of observation, spatial movement, and individual disease courses of patients. (2) The role of social support for prevalence rates of PTSD should be observed in more detail. (3) Efficacy and safety of Chinese medicine should be studied to find potential interventions and effective treatments of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlan Hong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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10
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Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Hypofunction in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) as a Consequence of Activated Immune-Inflammatory and Oxidative and Nitrosative Pathways. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:6806-6819. [PMID: 27766535 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-0170-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
There is evidence that immune-inflammatory and oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS) pathways play a role in the pathophysiology of myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)/chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). There is also evidence that these neuroimmune diseases are accompanied by hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hypoactivity as indicated by lowered baseline glucocorticoid levels. This paper aims to review the bidirectional communications between immune-inflammatory and O&NS pathways and HPA axis hypoactivity in ME/CFS, considering two possibilities: (a) Activation of immune-inflammatory pathways is secondary to HPA axis hypofunction via attenuated negative feedback mechanisms, or (b) chronic activated immune-inflammatory and O&NS pathways play a causative role in HPA axis hypoactivity. Electronic databases, i.e., PUBMED, Scopus, and Google Scholar, were used as sources for this narrative review by using keywords CFS, ME, cortisol, ACTH, CRH, HPA axis, glucocorticoid receptor, cytokines, immune, immunity, inflammation, and O&NS. Findings show that activation of immune-inflammatory and O&NS pathways in ME/CFS are probably not secondary to HPA axis hypoactivity and that activation of these pathways may underpin HPA axis hypofunction in ME/CFS. Mechanistic explanations comprise increased levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, T regulatory responses with elevated levels of interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-β, elevated levels of nitric oxide, and viral/bacterial-mediated mechanisms. HPA axis hypoactivity in ME/CFS is most likely a consequence and not a cause of a wide variety of activated immune-inflammatory and O&NS pathways in that illness.
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Packard AEB, Egan AE, Ulrich-Lai YM. HPA Axis Interactions with Behavioral Systems. Compr Physiol 2016; 6:1897-1934. [PMID: 27783863 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c150042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Perhaps the most salient behaviors that individuals engage in involve the avoidance of aversive experiences and the pursuit of pleasurable experiences. Engagement in these behaviors is regulated to a significant extent by an individual's hormonal milieu. For example, glucocorticoid hormones are produced by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis, and influence most aspects of behavior. In turn, many behaviors can influence HPA axis activity. These bidirectional interactions not only coordinate an individual's physiological and behavioral states to each other, but can also tune them to environmental conditions thereby optimizing survival. The present review details the influence of the HPA axis on many types of behavior, including appetitively-motivated behaviors (e.g., food intake and drug use), aversively-motivated behaviors (e.g., anxiety-related and depressive-like) and cognitive behaviors (e.g., learning and memory). Conversely, the manuscript also describes how engaging in various behaviors influences HPA axis activity. Our current understanding of the neuronal and/or hormonal mechanisms that underlie these interactions is also summarized. © 2016 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 6:1897-1934, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E B Packard
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Ann E Egan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Yvonne M Ulrich-Lai
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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12
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Alcazar RM, Becker L, Hilliard AT, Kent KR, Fernald RD. Two types of dominant male cichlid fish: behavioral and hormonal characteristics. Biol Open 2016; 5:1061-71. [PMID: 27432479 PMCID: PMC5004607 DOI: 10.1242/bio.017640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Male African cichlid fish, Astatotilapia burtoni, have been classified as dominant or subordinate, each with unique behavioral and endocrine profiles. Here we characterize two distinct subclasses of dominant males based on types of aggressive behavior: (1) males that display escalating levels of aggression and court females while they establish a territory, and (2) males that display a stable level of aggression and delay courting females until they have established a territory. To profile differences in their approach to a challenge, we used an intruder assay. In every case, there was a male-male confrontation between the resident dominant male and the intruder, with the intruder quickly taking a subordinate role. However, we found that dominant males with escalating aggression spent measurably more time attacking subordinates than did dominant males with stable aggression that instead increased their attention toward the females in their tank. There was no difference in the behavior of intruders exposed to either type of dominant male, suggesting that escalating aggression is an intrinsic characteristic of some dominant males and is not elicited by the behavior of their challengers. Male behavior during the first 15 min of establishing a territory predicts their aggressive class. These two types of dominant males also showed distinctive physiological characteristics. After the intruder assay, males with escalating aggression had elevated levels of 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), testosterone, estradiol, and cortisol, while those with stable aggression did not. These observations show that the same stimulus can elicit different behavioral and endocrine responses among A. burtoni dominant males that characterize them as either escalating or stable aggressive types. Our ability to identify which individuals within a population have escalating levels of aggressive responses versus those which have stable levels of aggressive responses when exposed to the same stimulus, offers a potentially powerful model for investigating the underlying molecular mechanisms that modulate aggressive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa M Alcazar
- Biology Department and Neuroscience Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Lisa Becker
- Biology Department and Neuroscience Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Austin T Hilliard
- Biology Department and Neuroscience Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kai R Kent
- Biology Department and Neuroscience Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Russell D Fernald
- Biology Department and Neuroscience Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Steudte-Schmiedgen S, Kirschbaum C, Alexander N, Stalder T. An integrative model linking traumatization, cortisol dysregulation and posttraumatic stress disorder: Insight from recent hair cortisol findings. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 69:124-35. [PMID: 27443960 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Abundant evidence suggests links between trauma exposure, altered secretion of the glucocorticoid cortisol and the development/maintenance of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), albeit with some inconsistency in findings. Further insight into the complex relations underlying this process may be derived from an increasing number of studies using hair cortisol analysis, a novel assessment strategy assumed to retrospectively capture long-term integrated cortisol secretion. Here, we evaluate the utility of hair cortisol analysis as a method in trauma/PTSD research and review current findings in this context. We compare hair cortisol data on the complex links between trauma, cortisol dysregulation and PTSD against the main findings obtained using traditional cortisol assessment methods. Finally, we integrate these data into a model which proposes that traumatization leads to dose and time-dependent changes in long-term cortisol output (initial post-traumatic increase, subsequent chronic attenuation) and that such dysregulation may partly mediate the link between traumatic load and the risk of PTSD development upon additional trauma exposure ("building block effect").
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Clemens Kirschbaum
- Department of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Nina Alexander
- Department of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Tobias Stalder
- Department of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
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14
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Liu K, Ruggero CJ, Goldstein B, Klein DN, Perlman G, Broderick J, Kotov R. Elevated cortisol in healthy female adolescent offspring of mothers with posttraumatic stress disorder. J Anxiety Disord 2016; 40:37-43. [PMID: 27088877 PMCID: PMC4964788 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2016.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Offspring with maternal PTSD are at increased risk of developing PTSD themselves. Alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis may play a role and have been noted in offspring, although evidence is mostly from adult offspring with PTSD symptoms themselves. The present study of adolescent girls (N=472) and their mothers (n=18 with lifetime PTSD versus n=454 with no PTSD) sought to determine whether healthy, non-affected offspring of mothers with PTSD would exhibit altered HPA axis function. Saliva samples were collected from the adolescent girls at waking, 30min after waking, and 8 pm on 3 consecutive days. Offspring whose mothers were diagnosed with PTSD demonstrated higher cortisol awakening response (CAR; Cohen's d=0.58) and greater total cortisol output (Cohen's d=0.62). In this preliminary study, higher cortisol levels during adolescence among offspring of mothers with PTSD may index a vulnerability in these at-risk youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keke Liu
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, United States.
| | - Camilo J. Ruggero
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, United States of America
| | - Brandon Goldstein
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, United Sates of America
| | - Daniel N. Klein
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, United Sates of America
| | - Greg Perlman
- Department of Psychiatry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, United States of America
| | - Joan Broderick
- Center for Self-Report Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States of America
| | - Roman Kotov
- Department of Psychiatry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, United States of America
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15
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Castro-Vale I, van Rossum EF, Machado JC, Mota-Cardoso R, Carvalho D. Genetics of glucocorticoid regulation and posttraumatic stress disorder—What do we know? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 63:143-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2014] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Lau WKW, Leung MK, Chan CCH, Wong SSY, Lee TMC. Can the neural-cortisol association be moderated by experience-induced changes in awareness? Sci Rep 2015; 5:16620. [PMID: 26577539 PMCID: PMC4649618 DOI: 10.1038/srep16620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortisol homeostasis is important for cognitive and affective functions that depend on cortisol-sensitive brain regions including the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Recent studies have shown that training induces changes in the brain. We report the findings of a longitudinal study that verified the moderation effect of experience-induced changes in awareness on the neural-cortisol association in cortisol-sensitive brain regions. These findings provide the first piece of evidence that planned behavioral experience can moderate the neural-cortisol association. A range of changes in awareness was achieved in a sample of 21 Chinese participants, divided into two groups: Awareness-based compassion meditation (ABCM) (n = 10) and relaxation (n = 11). We observed that changes in awareness were significant moderators of hippocampal-cortisol changes. Furthermore, a significant negative association between changes in plasma cortisol level and the resting-state synchrony of the right hippocampal and insular-frontal-operculum regions was observed. These novel findings shed light on the inter-relationships between changes in hippocampal-cortisol levels and changes in awareness and preliminarily identify the neural underpinnings of interventions for cortisol-related abnormal functioning for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Way K. W. Lau
- Laboratory of Cognitive Affective Neuroscience, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Mei-Kei Leung
- Laboratory of Cognitive Affective Neuroscience, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Chetwyn C. H. Chan
- Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Samuel S. Y. Wong
- School of Public Health, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Tatia M. C. Lee
- Laboratory of Cognitive Affective Neuroscience, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Institute of Clinical Neuropsychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Hair cortisone level is associated with PTSD׳s dysphoric arousal symptoms in highly traumatized Chinese females. J Affect Disord 2015; 182:18-22. [PMID: 25958219 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Revised: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cortisone has been proposed as a useful additional biomarker for stress research. However, only very limited studies has investigated alterations of cortisone levels in stress-related mental disorder such as PTSD. The present study investigated the associations between PTSD symptomatology and hair cortisone levels which can reflect cumulative cortisone secretion over prolonged periods of time and is more robust to the influence of situational confounding. METHODS Participants included 201 females who experienced 2008 Wenchuan earthquake and lost their children during the disaster. PTSD symptoms were assessed with the PTSD Checklist (PCL), and depression symptoms with the Center for epidemiological studies depression scale (CES-D). Hair cortisone levels were quantified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometer. RESULTS The results indicated that although hair cortisone secretion could not distinguish traumatized individuals with and without PTSD, it was uniquely linked to dysphoric arousal symptoms, a key aspect of the complex PTSD phenotype LIMITATIONS A sample of females exposed to specific traumatic events was used, and PTSD was assessed using a self-reported measure. CONCLUSIONS The findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the critical role of long-term cortisone changes in the development and maintenance of PTSD symptoms, and add to extant knowledge on the neuroendocrinological underpinnings of posttraumatic psychopathology.
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18
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The relationship between response inhibition and posttraumatic stress symptom clusters in adolescent earthquake survivors: an event-related potential study. Sci Rep 2015; 5:8844. [PMID: 25740732 PMCID: PMC4350076 DOI: 10.1038/srep08844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients experience impaired response inhibition. Little is known about the relationship between response inhibition abnormalities and distinct PTSD symptom clusters. This study investigated the relationship between response inhibition processing and a five-factor model of posttraumatic stress symptomatology in adolescents. The event-related potentials of 54 unmedicated adolescent earthquake survivors (age 15–18 years) were recorded as they completed a Go/NoGo task. The PTSD Checklist-Specific Stressor Version (PCL-S) was used to assess PTSD symptoms. Regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between the five symptom-cluster model and response inhibition processing. The results revealed that the avoidance symptom cluster score, but not the numbing or other clusters' scores, was positively associated with NoGo-P3 latency. These results suggest that a specific PTSD symptom cluster—avoidance—has a distinct association with the slowed speed of the late step of response inhibition processing, i.e., decision or success of response inhibition in adolescent earthquake survivors.
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Steudte-Schmiedgen S, Kirschbaum C, Gao W, Alexander N, Schönfeld S, Hoyer J, Stalder T. Reply to: linking hair cortisol levels to phenotypic heterogeneity of posttraumatic stress symptoms in highly traumatized Chinese women. Biol Psychiatry 2015; 77:e23-4. [PMID: 25086663 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2014.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wei Gao
- Institute of Biological Psychology
| | | | - Sabine Schönfeld
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jürgen Hoyer
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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20
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Prasad KN, Bondy SC. Common biochemical defects linkage between post-traumatic stress disorders, mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) and penetrating TBI. Brain Res 2014; 1599:103-14. [PMID: 25553619 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.12.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Revised: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex mental disorder with psychological and emotional components, caused by exposure to single or repeated extreme traumatic events found in war, terrorist attacks, natural or man-caused disasters, and by violent personal assaults and accidents. Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the brain is violently rocked back and forth within the skull following a blow to the head or neck as in contact sports, or when in close proximity to a blast pressure wave following detonation of explosives in the battlefield. Penetrating TBI occurs when an object penetrates the skull and damages the brain, and is caused by vehicle crashes, gunshot wound to the head, and exposure to solid fragments in the proximity of explosions, and other combat-related head injuries. Despite clinical studies and improved understanding of the mechanisms of cellular damage, prevention and treatment strategies for patients with PTSD and TBI remain unsatisfactory. To develop an improved plan for treating and impeding progression of PTSD and TBI, it is important to identify underlying biochemical changes that may play key role in the initiation and progression of these disorders. This review identifies three common biochemical events, namely oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and excitotoxicity that participate in the initiation and progression of these conditions. While these features are separately discussed, in many instances, they overlap. This review also addresses the goal of developing novel treatments and drug regimens, aimed at combating this triad of events common to, and underlying, injury to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kedar N Prasad
- Antioxidant Research Institute, Premier Micronutrient Corporation, 14 Galli Drive, suite 200, Novato, CA 94949, USA.
| | - Stephen C Bondy
- Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-1830, USA.
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21
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Pietrzak RH, Naganawa M, Huang Y, Corsi-Travali S, Zheng MQ, Stein MB, Henry S, Lim K, Ropchan J, Lin SF, Carson RE, Neumeister A. Association of in vivo κ-opioid receptor availability and the transdiagnostic dimensional expression of trauma-related psychopathology. JAMA Psychiatry 2014; 71:1262-1271. [PMID: 25229257 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.1221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Exposure to trauma increases the risk for developing threat (ie, fear) symptoms, such as reexperiencing and hyperarousal symptoms, and loss (ie, dysphoria) symptoms, such as emotional numbing and depressive symptoms. While preclinical data have implicated the activated dynorphin/κ-opioid receptor (KOR) system in relation to these symptoms, the role of the KOR system in mediating these phenotypes in humans is unknown. Elucidation of molecular targets implicated in threat and loss symptoms is important because it can help inform the development of novel, mechanism-based treatments for trauma-related psychopathology. OBJECTIVE To use the newly developed [11C]LY2795050 radiotracer and high-resolution positron emission tomography to evaluate the relation between in vivo KOR availability in an amygdala-anterior cingulate cortex-ventral striatal neural circuit and the severity of threat and loss symptoms. We additionally evaluated the role of 24-hour urinary cortisol levels in mediating this association. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional positron emission tomography study under resting conditions was conducted at an academic medical center. Thirty-five individuals representing a broad transdiagnostic and dimensional spectrum of trauma-related psychopathology, ranging from nontrauma-exposed psychiatrically healthy adults to trauma-exposed adults with severe trauma-related psychopathology (ie, posttraumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, and/or generalized anxiety disorder). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES [11C]LY2795050 volume of distribution values in amygdala-anterior cingulate cortex-ventral striatal neural circuit; composite measures of threat (ie, reexperiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal symptoms) and loss (ie, emotional numbing, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder symptoms) symptoms as assessed using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety; and 24-hour urinary cortisol levels. RESULTS [11C]LY2795050 volume of distribution values in an amygdala-anterior cingulate cortex-ventral striatal neural circuit were negatively associated with severity of loss (r = -0.39; 95% CI, -0.08 to -0.66), but not threat (r = -0.03; 95% CI, -0.30 to 0.27), symptoms; this association was most pronounced for dysphoria symptoms (r = -0.45; 95% CI, -0.10 to -0.70). Path analysis revealed that lower [11C]LY2795050 volume of distribution values in this circuit was directly associated with greater severity of loss symptoms and indirectly mediated by 24-hour urinary cortisol levels. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Results of this study suggest that KOR availability in an amygdala-anterior cingulate cortex-ventral striatal neural circuit mediates the phenotypic expression of trauma-related loss (ie, dysphoria) symptoms. They further suggest that an activated corticotropin-releasing factor/hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis system, as assessed by 24-hour urinary cortisol levels, may indirectly mediate this association. These results may help inform the development of more targeted, mechanism-based transdiagnostic treatments for loss (ie, dysphoric) symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Pietrzak
- US Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neurosciences Division, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Mika Naganawa
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Yiyun Huang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Stefani Corsi-Travali
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York.,Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York
| | - Ming-Qiang Zheng
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Murray B Stein
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego.,Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego
| | - Shannan Henry
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Keunpoong Lim
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jim Ropchan
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Shu-Fei Lin
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Richard E Carson
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Alexander Neumeister
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York.,Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York.,Steven and Alexandra Cohen Veterans Center, New York, New York
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22
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Barlow DH, Ellard KK, Sauer-Zavala S, Bullis JR, Carl JR. The Origins of Neuroticism. PERSPECTIVES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2014; 9:481-96. [DOI: 10.1177/1745691614544528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In this article, we provide a fresh perspective on the developmental origins of neuroticism—a dimension of temperament marked by elevated stress reactivity resulting in the frequent experience of negative emotions. This negative affectivity is accompanied by a pervasive perception that the world is a dangerous and threatening place, along with beliefs about one’s inability to manage or cope with challenging events. Historically, neuroticism has been viewed as a stable, genetically based trait. However, recent understanding of ongoing gene–environment interactions that occur throughout the life span suggests there may be a more complex and dynamic etiology. Thus, the purpose of this article is to offer a theory for understanding the development of neuroticism that integrates genetic, neurobiological, and environmental contributions to this trait. Given the strong correlation between neuroticism and the development of negative health outcomes—most notably, the full range of anxiety and mood disorders—an enhanced understanding of how neuroticism originates has implications for the treatment and prevention of a broad range of pathologies and, perhaps, even for the prevention of neuroticism itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H. Barlow
- Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders and Department of Psychology, Boston University
| | | | - Shannon Sauer-Zavala
- Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders and Department of Psychology, Boston University
| | - Jacqueline R. Bullis
- Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders and Department of Psychology, Boston University
| | - Jenna R. Carl
- Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders and Department of Psychology, Boston University
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23
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Young G, Lareau C, Pierre B. One Quintillion Ways to Have PTSD Comorbidity: Recommendations for the Disordered DSM-5. PSYCHOLOGICAL INJURY & LAW 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s12207-014-9186-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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