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Wen X, Wang F, Tang T, Xu B, Yuan M, Li Y, Ding H, Tao F, Su P, Wang G. Sex-specific association of peripheral blood cell indices and inflammatory markers with depressive symptoms in early adolescence. J Affect Disord 2024; 362:134-144. [PMID: 38960333 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.06.098] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have reported the correlation of dysregulated blood cell indices and peripheral inflammatory markers with depression in adults but limited studies have examined this correlation in early adolescents. METHODS This study used data from the Chinese Early Adolescents Cohort Study, which was conducted in Anhui, China. Students' depression symptoms were repeatedly measured using the Chinese version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children. Students' blood samples were collected in September 2019 and September 2021. The peripheral blood cell counts and inflammatory marker levels were determined using routine blood tests. Multivariable regression models were used to explore the associations between blood cell indices and adolescent depressive symptoms in both the whole sample and the sex-stratified samples. RESULTS The white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil count (NC), platelet (PLT) count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and systemic immune inflammation index (SII) were positively correlated with the severity of depressive symptoms during follow-up. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean hemoglobin (HGB) volume (MCH), and mean corpuscular HGB concentration (MCHC) exhibited negative temporal correlations with depressive symptoms. Additionally, several sex-specific blood cell markers were correlated with depression. Male adolescents with increased red blood cell (RBC) and female adolescents with decreased HGB levels and upregulated WBC, NC, NLR, and SII levels exhibited severe depressive symptoms at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggested the potential usefulness of peripheral blood cell indices in the assessment of depression in early adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Wen
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Fan Wang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Ting Tang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Baoyu Xu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Mengyuan Yuan
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yonghan Li
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Han Ding
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Puyu Su
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Gengfu Wang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
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Cardona-Acosta AM, Meisser N, Vardeleon NI, Steiner H, Bolaños-Guzmán CA. Mother's little helper turned a foe: Benzodiazepine use, misuse, and abuse. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024:111137. [PMID: 39260815 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111137] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Benzodiazepines are effective in managing anxiety and related disorders when used properly (short-term). Their inappropriate use, however, carries significant risks, involving amnesia, rebound insomnia, rebound anxiety, depression, dependence, abuse, addiction, and an intense and exceedingly prolonged withdrawal, among other complications. Benzodiazepines also amplify the effects of opioids and, consequently, have been implicated in approximately 30 % of opioid overdose deaths. Despite their unfavorable profile, sharp increases in medical and non-medical use of benzodiazepines have been steadily reported worldwide. Alprazolam (Xanax®), a potent, short-acting benzodiazepine, is among the most prescribed and abused anxiolytics in the United States. This medication is commonly co-abused with opioids, increasing the likelihood for oversedation, overdose, and death. Notwithstanding these risks, it is surprising that research investigating how benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, interact with opioids is severely lacking in clinical and preclinical settings. This review therefore aims to present our current knowledge of benzodiazepine use and misuse, with an emphasis on alprazolam when data is available, and particularly in populations at higher risk for developing substance use disorders. Additionally, the potential mechanism(s) surrounding tolerance, dependence and abuse liability are discussed. Despite their popularity, our understanding of how benzodiazepines and opioids interact is less than adequate. Therefore, it is now more important than ever to understand the short- and long-term consequences of benzodiazepine/alprazolam use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid M Cardona-Acosta
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, and Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Noelle Meisser
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, and Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Nathan I Vardeleon
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, and Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Heinz Steiner
- Stanson Toshok Center for Brain Function and Repair, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA; Discipline of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - Carlos A Bolaños-Guzmán
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, and Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
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3
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Quintana DS, Glaser BD, Kang H, Kildal ESM, Audunsdottir K, Sartorius AM, Barth C. The interplay of oxytocin and sex hormones. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 163:105765. [PMID: 38885888 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105765] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin has historically been associated with reproduction and maternal behavior. However, more recent research has uncovered that oxytocin has a much wider range of roles in physiology and behavior. Despite the excitement surrounding potential therapeutical applications of intranasally administered oxytocin, the results of these intervention studies have been inconsistent. Various reasons for these mixed results have been proposed, which tend to focus on methodological issues, such as study design. While methodological issues are certainly important, emerging evidence suggests that the interaction between oxytocin and sex hormones may also account for these varied findings. To better understand the purpose and function of the interaction of oxytocin with sex hormones, with a focus on estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone, we conducted a comprehensive thematic review via four perspectives: evolutionary, developmental, mechanistic, and survival. Altogether, this synergistic approach highlights the critical function of sex hormone activity for accomplishing the diverse roles of oxytocin via the modulation of oxytocin release and oxytocin receptor activity, which is also likely to contribute to the heterogeneity of outcomes after oxytocin administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Quintana
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; NevSom, Department of Rare Disorders, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Bernt D Glaser
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Heemin Kang
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Emilie S M Kildal
- KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychiatry, Lovisenberg Diakonale Sykehus, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristin Audunsdottir
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Claudia Barth
- Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Raymond J, Morin A, Bradley-Garcia M, Plamondon H. Juvenile/Peripubertal Exposure to Omega-3 and Environmental Enrichment Differentially Affects CORT Secretion and Adulthood Stress Coping, Sociability, and CA3 Glucocorticoid Receptor Expression in Male and Female Rats. Nutrients 2024; 16:2350. [PMID: 39064793 PMCID: PMC11279577 DOI: 10.3390/nu16142350] [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: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In adult rats, omega-3 supplementation through fish oil (FO) and environmental enrichment (EE) have shown beneficial effects on cognition and stress regulation. This study assessed sex-specific effects of FO and EE during adolescence, a period critical for brain maturation, on adulthood coping mechanisms, sociability, and glucocorticoid regulation. An amount of 64 Wistar rats [n = 32/sex; postnatal day (PND) 23] were assigned to supplementation of control soybean oil (CSO) or menhaden fish oil (FO; 0.3 mL/100 g) from PND28 to 47 and exposed to EE or regular cage (RC) housing from PND28 to 58, with their blood corticosterone (CORT) levels being assessed weekly. As adults, exposure to repeated forced swim tests (FSTs; PND90-91) enabled analysis of coping responses, while socioemotional and memory responses were evaluated using the OFT, EPM, SIT, and Y maze tests (PND92-94). Immunohistochemistry determined hippocampal CA1/CA3 glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression (PND95). CORT secretion gradually increased as the supplementation period elapsed in female rats, while changes were minimal in males. Coping strategies in the FST differed between sexes, particularly in FO-fed rats, where females and males, respectively, favoured floating and tail support to minimise energy consumption and maintain immobility. In the SIT, FO/EE promoted sociability in females, while a CSO diet favoured social recognition in males. Reduced CA3 GR-ir expression was found in FO/RC and CSO/EE rat groups, supporting stress resilience and memory consolidation. Our findings support environment and dietary conditions to exert a sex-specific impact on biobehavioural responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hélène Plamondon
- Behavioural Neuroscience Group, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (J.R.); (A.M.); (M.B.-G.)
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Liu Y, Jia S, Meng Y, Xing M, Guan J, Jiang J, Wang H. Intimate relationships regulate female brain activity in a competitive context: evidence from EEG and functional connectivity analysis. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhae276. [PMID: 38989873 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae276] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Competition is common in life, and intimate relationships are essential. Understanding how intimate relationships impact an individual's competitive process is crucial. This study explored the impact of competitor gender on female competition using electroencephalography analysis. The results revealed that females exhibited a smaller median of the absolute value of reaction time difference (DRT) between their partners and their competitors when their partners were absent compared to when their partners were present. Additionally, females showed greater average amplitudes of N2 posterior contralateral component (N2pc) and Late Positive Potential (LPP), increased activation of the alpha frequency band, and enhanced theta frequency band functional connectivity between the central parietal lobe and occipital lobe. Furthermore, when competing with individuals of the same gender as opposed to individuals of the opposite gender, females exhibited greater average amplitudes of percentage of wins and N2pc. A significant negative correlation was noted between the DRT and the average wave amplitudes of N2pc and LPP. These findings suggest that females are more engaged in competitive tasks when partners are not present and have improved decision-making when competing with same-gender individuals. This study provides evidence for the influence of lovers on female competition, helping females adapt to social competition and promoting healthy relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Liu
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Hebei, China
- School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Hebei, China
| | - Shuyu Jia
- School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Hebei, China
| | - Yujia Meng
- School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Hebei, China
| | - Miao Xing
- School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Hebei, China
| | - Jiaqi Guan
- School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Hebei, China
| | - Jinru Jiang
- School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Hebei, China
| | - He Wang
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Hebei, China
- School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Hebei, China
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6
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Wu Q, Yan Y, La R, Zhang X, Lu L, Xie R, Xue Y, Lin C, Xu W, Xu J, Huang L. Association of reproductive lifespan and age at menopause with depression: Data from NHANES 2005-2018. J Affect Disord 2024; 356:519-527. [PMID: 38657760 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.04.077] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between reproductive lifespan and depression in older women is unclear. We conducted this analysis to explore whether a shorter reproductive lifespan is associated with higher odds of depression, while also considering the age at menarche and age at menopause. METHODS This observational study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which was conducted between 2005 and 2018. Reproductive lifespan was defined as years from age at menarche to age at menopause. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to explore the relationship between the association of reproductive life span, age at menarche and age at menopause with the incidence of depression. RESULTS Totally, 2947 patients aged 60 and above were enrolled in the trial, with 241 individuals (8.18 %) diagnosed with depression. Higher odds of depression were found to be significantly correlated with a shorter reproductive lifespan [Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.95, 95 % Confidence interval (CI) = 0.92-0.98] or an earlier ager at menopause (OR = 0.95, 95 % CI = 0.92-0.99), according to the results of multivariable logistic regression analysis after full adjustment. Subgroup analysis and interaction tests indicated a similar association. LIMITATIONS The cross-sectional study could not yield any conclusions regarding causality. CONCLUSION In this large cross-sectional study, our result suggested that populations with a shorter reproductive lifespan or an earlier age at menopause were significantly more likely to have depressive symptoms in older U.S. women. Further large-scale prospective studies are warranted for a comprehensive analysis of the role of the reproductive lifespan and age at menopause in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu, China; Research Institute of Clinical Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yuxin Yan
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rui La
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Yixing People's Hospital, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lingchen Lu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rui Xie
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongliao City Hospital, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yulun Xue
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chuan Lin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanchong Central Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, North Sichuan Medical University, Sichuan, China
| | - Wu Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiangnan Xu
- Department of Urology, Yancheng First Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, The First people's Hospital of Yancheng, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Lixin Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu, China.
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Liu Q, Zhao JN, Fang ZT, Wang X, Zhang BG, He Y, Liu RJ, Chen J, Liu GP. BGP-15 alleviates LPS-induced depression-like behavior by promoting mitophagy. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 119:648-664. [PMID: 38677623 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.04.036] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The high prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) frequently imposes severe constraints on psychosocial functioning and detrimentally impacts overall well-being. Despite the growing interest in the hypothesis of mitochondrial dysfunction, the precise mechanistic underpinnings and therapeutic strategies remain unclear and require further investigation. In this study, an MDD model was established in mice using lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Our research findings demonstrated that LPS exposure induced depressive-like behaviors and disrupted mitophagy by diminishing the mitochondrial levels of PINK1/Parkin in the brains of mice. Furthermore, LPS exposure evoked the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, accompanied by a notable elevation in the concentrations of pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6). Additionally, neuronal apoptosis was stimulated through the JNK/p38 pathway. The administration of BGP-15 effectively nullified the impact of LPS, corresponding to the amelioration of depressive-like phenotypes and restoration of mitophagy, prevention of neuronal injury and inflammation, and suppression of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Furthermore, we elucidated the involvement of mitophagy in BGP-15-attenuated depressive-like behaviors using the inhibitors targeting autophagy (3-MA) and mitophagy (Mdivi-1). Notably, these inhibitors notably counteracted the antidepressant and anti-inflammatory effects exerted by BGP-15. Based on the research findings, it can be inferred that the antidepressant properties of BGP-15 in LPS-induced depressive-like behaviors could potentially be attributed to the involvement of the mitophagy pathway. These findings offer a potential novel therapeutic strategy for managing MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jun-Ning Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Zhi-Ting Fang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bing-Ge Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Ye He
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Rui-Juan Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
| | - Gong-Ping Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China.
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8
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Calaf J, Perelló-Capó J, Gich-Saladich I, Lete I, Novalbos J. Effects of SARS-COVID-19 lockdown on menstrual patterns: A transversal large sample survey. Med Clin (Barc) 2024; 162:581-587. [PMID: 38614906 DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2024.01.016] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To elucidate the presence, importance, and characteristics of menstrual changes related to stressful circumstances during the COVID-19 lockdown in Spain. STUDY DESIGN An online survey was administered in Spain to menstruating women aged 15-55 who had not contracted COVID-19. It collected information on activities during the lockdown, sexual activity, perceptions of emotional status, any changes in menstrual characteristics, and impact on quality of life. The analysis of menstrual changes was limited to responders who did not use hormonal contraception. RESULTS A total of 6449 women answered the survey, and 4989 surveys were valid for the final analysis. 92.3% of women had at least one menstruation period during the lockdown, while 7.7% had amenorrhea. Quality of life (QoL) associated with menstruation worsened in 19% of women, did not change in 71.7%, and improved in 1.6%. For 50.1% of the women, global QoL worsened during the lockdown; 41.3% remained about the same and 8.7% reported improvement. Sexual activity during the lockdown decreased in 49.8% of the respondents, remained unchanged in 40.7%, and increased in 9.5%. As far the menstrual changes are concerned, there were no statistically significant differences in amenorrhea incidence, regularity of the menstrual cycle, or the amount or duration of menstrual bleeding in non-hormonal contraceptive users when evaluated by the length and characteristics of isolation, the perception of exposure to COVID-19 and the economic or employment situation. Conversely, we found statistically significant differences according to the intensity of changes in emotional status due to lockdown stressors and changes in regularity, duration, and heaviness of menstruation. CONCLUSION Changes in emotional status, but not the length and intensity of the isolation or exposure to the disease, significantly influenced menstrual disturbances during the COVID-19 lockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquim Calaf
- Institut de Recerca and Servei de Ginecologia, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Josep Perelló-Capó
- Institut de Recerca and Servei de Ginecologia, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ignasi Gich-Saladich
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), IIB Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iñaki Lete
- Servicio de Ginecologia, Hospital Universitario Araba, Vitoria, Spain
| | - Jesús Novalbos
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa, Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Madrid, Spain
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9
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Wang Z, Becker M, Kondla G, Gimpel H, Beer AL, Greenlee MW. Dynamic modulation of the processing of unpredicted technical errors by the posterior cingulate and the default mode network. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13467. [PMID: 38867061 PMCID: PMC11169251 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64409-6] [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: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The pervasive use of information technologies (IT) has tremendously benefited our daily lives. However, unpredicted technical breakdowns and errors can lead to the experience of stress, which has been termed technostress. It remains poorly understood how people dynamically respond to unpredicted system runtime errors occurring while interacting with the IT systems on a behavioral and neuronal level. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying such processes, we conducted a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study in which 15 young adults solved arithmetic problems of three difficulty levels (easy, medium and hard) while two types of system runtime errors (problem errors and feedback errors) occurred in an unexpected manner. The problem error condition consisted of apparently defective displays of the arithmetic problem and the feedback error condition involved erroneous feedback. We found that the problem errors positively influenced participants' problem-solving performance at the high difficulty level (i.e., hard tasks) at the initial stage of the session, while feedback errors disturbed their performance. These dynamic behavioral changes are mainly associated with brain activation changes in the posterior cingulate and the default mode network, including the posterior cingulate cortex, the mPFC, the retrosplenial cortex and the parahippocampal gyrus. Our study illustrates the regulatory role of the posterior cingulate in coping with unpredicted errors as well as with dynamic changes in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyan Wang
- Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Markus Becker
- Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gregor Kondla
- Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Schloss Hohenheim 1B, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Henner Gimpel
- Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Schloss Hohenheim 1B, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Anton L Beer
- Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Mark W Greenlee
- Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
- University of Regensburg, Sedanstraße 1, 93055, Regensburg, Germany.
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10
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He W, Zhang S, Qi Z, Liu W. Unveiling the potential of estrogen: Exploring its role in neuropsychiatric disorders and exercise intervention. Pharmacol Res 2024; 204:107201. [PMID: 38704108 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107201] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disorders shorten human life spans through multiple ways and become major threats to human health. Exercise can regulate the estrogen signaling, which may be involved in depression, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), and other neuropsychiatric disorders as well in their sex differences. In nervous system, estrogen is an important regulator of cell development, synaptic development, and brain connectivity. Therefore, this review aimed to investigate the potential of estrogen system in the exercise intervention of neuropsychiatric disorders to better understand the exercise in neuropsychiatric disorders and its sex specific. Exercise can exert a protective effect in neuropsychiatric disorders through regulating the expression of estrogen and estrogen receptors, which are involved in neuroprotection, neurodevelopment, and neuronal glucose homeostasis. These processes are mediated by the downstream factors of estrogen signaling, including N-myc downstream regulatory gene 2 (Ndrg2), serotonin (5-HT), delta like canonical Notch ligand 1 (DLL1), NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3), etc. In addition, exercise can act on the estrogen response element (ERE) fragment in the genes of estrogenic downstream factors like β-amyloid precursor protein cleavase 1 (BACE1). However, there are few studies on the relationship between exercise, the estrogen signaling pathway, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Hence, we review how the estrogen signaling mediates the mechanism of exercise intervention in neuropsychiatric disorders. We aim to provide a theoretical perspective for neuropsychiatric disorders affecting female health and provide theoretical support for the design of exercise prescriptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenke He
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241,China
| | - Sen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241,China
| | - Zhengtang Qi
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241,China.
| | - Weina Liu
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241,China.
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11
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Meers JM, Bower J, Nowakowski S, Alfano C. Interaction of sleep and emotion across the menstrual cycle. J Sleep Res 2024:e14185. [PMID: 38513350 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.14185] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Menstruating individuals experience an increased risk for sleep and affective disorders, attributed in part to monthly oscillations in sex hormones. Emotional functioning and sleep continuity worsens during the perimenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle. This study examined the interactive effects of sleep, menstrual phase, and emotion in healthy women. Participants (N = 51, 43% Caucasian) aged 18-35 (m = 24 years) completed actigraphy and daily sleep/emotion diaries over two menstrual cycles (m days = 51.29). Diary and actigraphic total wake time at night (TWT) and daily ratings of positive and negative affect were compared across four phases of the menstrual cycle: perimenstrual, mid-follicular, periovulatory, and mid-luteal. Relationships between phase, sleep, and emotion were estimated using multistep hierarchical linear modelling. Mean menstrual cycle length was 28.61 ± 2.69 days. Perimenstrual phase positively predicted anger (p < 0.001) but no other emotions. Additionally, the perimenstrual phase predicted higher rates of TWT, such that diary TWT was 8-16 min longer during the perimenstrual (m = 67.54, SE = 3.37) compared to other phases (p < 0.001). Actigraphic TWT was also increased by 4-7 min (m = 61.54, SE = 3.37) in the perimenstrual phase (p < 0.001). Positive emotions were 0.05-0.10 points lower (p = 0.006-0.02) when TWT was greater in the perimenstrual phase. Greater rates of anger and sleep disruption were seen during the perimenstrual phase compared with other phases. When poor sleep occurred during the perimenstrual phase individuals reported reduced positive emotions. Reducing perimenstrual sleep disruptions may be an important intervention target for those at risk for affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Meers
- VA HSR&D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Joanne Bower
- School of Psychology, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Sara Nowakowski
- VA HSR&D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Candice Alfano
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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12
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Russman Block SR, Klump KL, Beltz AM, Burt SA, Moser JS. Ovarian hormones reduce the negative association between worry and cognitive control: A combined neural and behavioral investigation. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 161:106947. [PMID: 38183865 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106947] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased reactivity to response conflict and errors, processes governed by the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), have both been implicated in anxiety. Anxiety is also more common in females than males. Importantly, natural changes in ovarian hormones levels are related to fluctuations in anxiety symptoms in healthy and clinical populations, and ovarian hormones likely modulate prefrontal cortex structure and function. No studies, however, have examined the role of fluctuating ovarian hormones in the association between anxiety and cognitive control across the menstrual cycle. METHODS In this multimodal proof-of-concept study, naturally cycling females (N = 30 twins from 14 complete twin pairs and 2 participants whose co-twin was not in the final sample; age 18-29) provided saliva samples to assay for estradiol and progesterone and completed the Penn State Worry Questionnaire for 35 consecutive days. At two time points, during projected pre-ovulatory and post-ovulatory phases, they also completed the Flanker task while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging to probe cognitive control-related dACC activity. Multilevel modeling was used to examine within- and between-person effects of hormones and worry on cognitive-control indices. RESULTS On days when estradiol and progesterone were low relative to a female's own average (i.e., within-subjects effect), worry was associated with greater flanker interference. In females with higher estradiol and progesterone levels compared to other females (i.e., between-subject effects), worry was associated with less error-related dACC activity, irrespective of the day that dACC activity was assessed. CONCLUSION Findings suggest a protective effect of ovarian hormones on the link between worry and cognitive control. Associations between worry and conflict-monitoring were sensitive to daily hormonal fluctuations (within-person states), whereas associations between worry and error-monitoring were sensitive to mean hormone levels (between-person traits), suggesting that ovarian hormones are critical to consider in studies examining associations between anxiety and cognitive control in females.
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13
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Jia S, Meng Y, Gao Y, Ao L, Yang L, Wang H, Liu Y. The absence of one's intimate partner promotes dyadic competition through enhanced interbrain synchronization between opponents. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1298175. [PMID: 38328380 PMCID: PMC10847280 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1298175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Competition is a common occurrence in life, but the influence of intimate relationships on people's competitiveness remains unknown. Grounded in Darwin's theory of sexual selection, this study utilized EEG hyperscanning technology to investigate the influence of the presence of romantic partners and the gender of competitors on the interbrain synchronization of female individuals during competitive contexts. The research results showed that in competitive interactions, there was a significant increase in Theta and Alpha frequency band activity between females and their competitors. Interbrain synchronization was strongest when their partners were not nearby and females competed with same gender competitors. The research results indicate that intimate companionship has an impact on the early alertness and late cognitive execution mechanisms of female individuals in competition, and due to intimate relationships, females pay more attention to same-gender competitors. This study demonstrates that the presence of intimate partners can affect a female's competitive state and brain synchronization with opponents of different genders, improving the theoretical explanation of intimate relationships and competitive interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyu Jia
- School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Yujia Meng
- School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Lihong Ao
- School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Lei Yang
- School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - He Wang
- School of Public Health, School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Yingjie Liu
- School of Public Health, School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China
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14
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Kundakovic M, Tickerhoof M. Epigenetic mechanisms underlying sex differences in the brain and behavior. Trends Neurosci 2024; 47:18-35. [PMID: 37968206 PMCID: PMC10841872 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Sex differences are found across brain regions, behaviors, and brain diseases. Sexual differentiation of the brain is initiated prenatally but it continues throughout life, as a result of the interaction of three major factors: gonadal hormones, sex chromosomes, and the environment. These factors are thought to act, in part, via epigenetic mechanisms which control chromatin and transcriptional states in brain cells. In this review, we discuss evidence that epigenetic mechanisms underlie sex-specific neurobehavioral changes during critical organizational periods, across the estrous cycle, and in response to diverse environments throughout life. We further identify future directions for the field that will provide novel mechanistic insights into brain sex differences, inform brain disease treatments and women's brain health in particular, and apply to people across genders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Kundakovic
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, NY 10458, USA.
| | - Maria Tickerhoof
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, NY 10458, USA
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15
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Perović M, Heffernan EM, Einstein G, Mack ML. Learning exceptions to category rules varies across the menstrual cycle. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21999. [PMID: 38081874 PMCID: PMC10713535 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48628-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Ways in which ovarian hormones affect cognition have been long overlooked despite strong evidence of their effects on the brain. To address this gap, we study performance on a rule-plus-exception category learning task, a complex task that requires careful coordination of core cognitive mechanisms, across the menstrual cycle (N = 171). Results show that the menstrual cycle distinctly affects exception learning in a manner that parallels the typical rise and fall of estradiol across the cycle. Participants in their high estradiol phase outperform participants in their low estradiol phase and demonstrate more rapid learning of exceptions than a male comparison group. A likely mechanism underlying this effect is estradiol's impact on pattern separation and completion pathways in the hippocampus. These results provide novel evidence for the effects of the menstrual cycle on category learning, and underscore the importance of considering female sex-related variables in cognitive neuroscience research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateja Perović
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George St., Toronto, ON, M5S 3J3, Canada.
| | - Emily M Heffernan
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George St., Toronto, ON, M5S 3J3, Canada
| | - Gillian Einstein
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George St., Toronto, ON, M5S 3J3, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Tema Genus, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael L Mack
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George St., Toronto, ON, M5S 3J3, Canada
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16
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Jia S, Meng Y, Wang Q, Ao L, Gao Y, Yang L, Wang H, Liu Y. Intimate Relationships Weaken Female Competition: Evidence from Phase-amplitude Coupling and Event-Related Potentials. Neuroscience 2023; 534:41-53. [PMID: 37884087 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.10.013] [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: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Competition, an essential component of social interaction, frequently occurs in daily life, and the impact of intimate relationships on women's competition has not yet been revealed. In this study, the visual target paradigm was used to explore the neural mechanisms underlying the regulation of female competitiveness by intimate relationships using event-related potential (ERP) data, time-frequency analysis, and brain functional connectivity. The research results indicate that, the P1, the N4, and the LPP were sensitive to the impact of intimate relationships on competition. Compared to competition between unfamiliar opposite-gender dyads, the average amplitudes of the N4 and LPP were higher in the late stage of competition between romantic partners. Compared to competition with strangers of the opposite gender, alpha band power was significantly higher when female individuals competed with their romantic partners. In addition, there was a positive correlation between the synchronization of activity in the frontal, parietal, and right temporal lobes of a female's brain and their degree of female engagement in competition. When a female individuals focused on the competition, activity synchronization was higher. The results indicate that competition with unfamiliar individuals of the opposite gender can make female focus on the competitive task, causing synchronous activation of corresponding brain regions. When competing with a romantic partner, women's focus decreases, their willingness to compete decreases, and the synchrony of brain functional connectivity decreases. This study suggests that intimate relationship weakens women's competitiveness, which is of significant importance for understanding high-quality intimate relationship and promoting the development of healthy competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyu Jia
- Yingjie Liu, School of Public Health, School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Hebei, China
| | - Yujia Meng
- Yingjie Liu, School of Public Health, School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Hebei, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Yingjie Liu, School of Public Health, School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Hebei, China
| | - Lihong Ao
- Yingjie Liu, School of Public Health, School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Hebei, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Yingjie Liu, School of Public Health, School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Hebei, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Yingjie Liu, School of Public Health, School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Hebei, China
| | - He Wang
- Yingjie Liu, School of Public Health, School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Hebei, China
| | - Yingjie Liu
- Yingjie Liu, School of Public Health, School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Hebei, China.
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17
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Giglberger M, Peter HL, Henze GI, Kraus E, Bärtl C, Konzok J, Kreuzpointner L, Kirsch P, Kudielka BM, Wüst S. Neural responses to acute stress predict chronic stress perception in daily life over 13 months. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19990. [PMID: 37968323 PMCID: PMC10651906 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46631-w] [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: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of amygdala, hippocampus, and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) for the integration of neural, endocrine, and affective stress processing was shown in healthy participants and patients with stress-related disorders. The present manuscript which reports on one study-arm of the LawSTRESS project, aimed at investigating the predictive value of acute stress responses in these regions for biopsychological consequences of chronic stress in daily life. The LawSTRESS project examined law students either in preparation for their first state examination (stress group [SG]) or in the mid-phase of their study program (control group [CG]) over 13 months. Ambulatory assessments comprising perceived stress measurements and the cortisol awakening response (CAR) were administered on six sampling points (t1 = - 1 year, t2 = - 3 months, t3 = - 1 week, t4 = exam, t5 = + 1 week, t6 = + 1 month). In a subsample of 124 participants (SG: 61; CG: 63), ScanSTRESS was applied at baseline. In the SG but not in the CG, amygdala, hippocampus, and (post-hoc analyzed) right mPFC activation changes during ScanSTRESS were significantly associated with the trajectory of perceived stress but not with the CAR. Consistent with our finding in the total LawSTRESS sample, a significant increase in perceived stress and a blunted CAR over time could be detected in the SG only. Our findings suggest that more pronounced activation decreases of amygdala, hippocampus, and mPFC in response to acute psychosocial stress at baseline were related to a more pronounced increase of stress in daily life over the following year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Giglberger
- Department of Psychology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hannah L Peter
- Department of Psychology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gina-Isabelle Henze
- Department of Psychology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
- Research Division of Mind and Brain, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy CCM, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Kraus
- Department of Psychology, Computational Modeling in Psychology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Bärtl
- Department of Psychology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Julian Konzok
- Department of Psychology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ludwig Kreuzpointner
- Department of Psychology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Peter Kirsch
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Brigitte M Kudielka
- Department of Psychology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Wüst
- Department of Psychology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
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18
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Nasrullah N, Khorashad Sorouri B, Lundmark A, Seiger R, Savic I. Occupational stress is associated with sex and subregion specific modifications of the amygdala volumes. Stress 2023; 26:2247102. [PMID: 37771232 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2023.2247102] [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: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Despite the rapid increase in reports of exhaustion syndrome (ES) due to daily occupational stress, the mechanisms underlying ES are unknown. In the present study, we investigated whether occupational ES is associated with specific modifications of the subfields of the amygdala and hippocampus resembling those described in other chronic stress conditions. Special focus was paid to possible sex differences.Methods: As a follow up to our previous studies of occupational ES, we carried out MRI-based subfield segmentation of the hippocampus and amygdala volumes in 58 patients with occupational ES (22 males) and 65 age-matched controls (27 males) (age range 30-46 years).Results: There was a significant and bilateral enlargement of the lateral, basal and central nucleus of the amygdala in patients with ES (corrected for the total intracranial volume (ICV)). These differences were detected only in females. Higher values in the right central and right basal amygdala remained when the whole amygdala volume was used as reference, instead of the ICV. Notably, in female patients the volumes of these specific nuclei were positively correlated with the degree of perceived stress. No changes in the hippocampus subfields were detected in female or male patients.Conclusions: The findings underline that ES is a chronic stress condition, suggesting that not only extreme forms of stress, but also the everyday stress is associated with localized differences from controls in the amygdala. The absence of significant alterations among men with ES despite a similar degree of perceived stress supports the notion that women seem more susceptible to stress-related cerebral changes, and may explain the higher prevalence of ES among women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilab Nasrullah
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute and Neurology Clinic, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - B Khorashad Sorouri
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute and Neurology Clinic, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anton Lundmark
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute and Neurology Clinic, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rene Seiger
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute and Neurology Clinic, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ivanka Savic
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute and Neurology Clinic, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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19
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Jain P, Chauhan AK, Singh K, Garg R, Jain N, Singh R. Correlation of perceived stress with monthly cyclical changes in the female body. J Family Med Prim Care 2023; 12:2927-2933. [PMID: 38186841 PMCID: PMC10771141 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_874_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Women are liable to stress-related disorders as female sex hormone, estrogen has been indicated to be protective against stress disorders. The hormone level varies with different phases of menstrual cycle. Moreover, postmenopausal women are at risk for stress-related disorders. So this study was done to correlate the different phases of menstrual cycle with the perceived stress in different phases of monthly cycle. Methods This study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences (SGRRIMHS), Dehradun. Four hundred girls in the age group of 18-26 years were selected for the study. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) questionnaire was circulated via Google forms after briefing them about the study. Informed consent was also taken. The menstrual history of the subjects was enquired by one-to-one interaction. The participants completed the PSS questionnaire twice in the same cycle. Data collected were statistically analyzed, using Independent t-test and Chi-square test and point biserial correlation test. Result The analysis showed strong statistical association of PSS with two phases of menstrual cycle. The PSS score was higher in the late luteal and menstrual phase, while it was less in the late follicular phase (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The decreased oestrogen levels in the late luteal & menstrual phase are strongly associated with perceived stress in our study. Hormonal changes in the monthly cycles are related with stress, behavioral shift and many other physical changes in females. This information to the family physicians would be beneficial in counseling the females regarding various changes occurring during the menstrual cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Jain
- Department of Physiology, Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences (SGRRIMHS), Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Anil Kumar Chauhan
- Department of Physiology, SKS Hospital Medical College and Research Center, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Kavita Singh
- Department of Physiology, Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences (SGRRIMHS), Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Rinku Garg
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Nidhi Jain
- Department of Physiology, Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences (SGRRIMHS), Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Randhir Singh
- Department of Physiology, Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences (SGRRIMHS), Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
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20
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Kühnel A, Hagenberg J, Knauer-Arloth J, Ködel M, Czisch M, Sämann PG, Binder EB, Kroemer NB. Stress-induced brain responses are associated with BMI in women. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1031. [PMID: 37821711 PMCID: PMC10567923 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05396-8] [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: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Overweight and obesity are associated with altered stress reactivity and increased inflammation. However, it is not known whether stress-induced changes in brain function scale with BMI and if such associations are driven by peripheral cytokines. Here, we investigate multimodal stress responses in a large transdiagnostic sample using predictive modeling based on spatio-temporal profiles of stress-induced changes in activation and functional connectivity. BMI is associated with increased brain responses as well as greater negative affect after stress and individual response profiles are associated with BMI in females (pperm < 0.001), but not males. Although stress-induced changes reflecting BMI are associated with baseline cortisol, there is no robust association with peripheral cytokines. To conclude, alterations in body weight and energy metabolism might scale acute brain responses to stress more strongly in females compared to males, echoing observational studies. Our findings highlight sex-dependent associations of stress with differences in endocrine markers, largely independent of peripheral inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Kühnel
- Section of Medical Psychology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany.
- International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry (IMPRS-TP), Munich, Germany.
| | - Jonas Hagenberg
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry (IMPRS-TP), Munich, Germany
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Janine Knauer-Arloth
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Maik Ködel
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Elisabeth B Binder
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany.
- German Center for Mental Health, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Nils B Kroemer
- Section of Medical Psychology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tübingen Center for Mental Health (TüCMH), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Gloe LM, Russman Block S, Klump KL, Beltz AM, Moser JS. Determining menstrual cycle phase: An empirical examination of methodologies and recommendations for improvement in behavioral and brain sciences. Horm Behav 2023; 155:105421. [PMID: 37666081 PMCID: PMC10714354 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
The recent decade has brought an exciting proliferation of behavioral, psychological and neuroscientific research involving the menstrual cycle. However, the reliability and validity of many popular methodologies for determining menstrual cycle phase lack empirical examination. These under-investigated methods include: (1) predicting menstrual cycle phase using self-report information only (e.g., "count" methods), (2) utilizing ovarian hormone ranges to determine menstrual cycle phase, and (3) using ovarian hormone changes from limited measurements (e.g., two time points) to determine menstrual cycle phase. In the current study, we examine the accuracy of these methods for menstrual cycle phase determination using 35-day within-person assessments of circulating ovarian hormones from 96 females across the menstrual cycle. Findings indicate that all three common methods are error-prone, resulting in phases being incorrectly determined for many participants, with Cohen's kappa estimates ranging from -0.13 to 0.53 indicating disagreement to only moderate agreement depending on the comparison. Such methodological challenges are surmountable through careful study design, more frequent hormone assays (when possible), and utilization of sophisticated statistical methods. With increased methodological rigor in behavioral, psychological and neuroscientific research, the field will be poised to detect biobehavioral correlates of ovarian hormone fluctuations for the betterment of the mental health and wellbeing of millions of females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilianne M Gloe
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Stefanie Russman Block
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Kelly L Klump
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA
| | - Adriene M Beltz
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jason S Moser
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA
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22
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Frye BM, Register TC, Appt SE, Vitolins MZ, Uberseder B, Chen H, Shively CA. Differential effects of western versus mediterranean diets and psychosocial stress on ovarian function in female monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 153:106107. [PMID: 37060654 PMCID: PMC10225337 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian dysfunction increases risk for chronic diseases of aging including cardiovascular disease, depression, cognitive impairment, as well as bone and muscle loss which promote frailty. Psychosocial stress can disrupt ovarian function, and recent observations suggest that consumption of a Western Diet may also. Determination of causal relationships among diet, psychosocial stress, and ovarian physiology is difficult in humans. Long-tailed (a.k.a. cynomolgus) macaques (Macaca fascicularis) are an excellent translational model for the study of diet and psychosocial effects on ovarian physiology and aging-related processes. They have 28-day menstrual cycles with hormonal fluctuations like those of women, and similar physiologic responses to alterations and/or cessation of cyclicity. We examined ovarian function in 38 middle-aged socially housed females fed either a Western or Mediterranean diet for 31 months (≈ a 9-year period for humans). During the last year, we examined cycle length and peak progesterone per cycle using blood sampling (3/week) and vaginal swabbing for menses (6/week). Repeated measures analysis revealed a circannual pattern consistent with increased menstrual cycle disturbance during the late Summer and early Fall (F(11,348)= 4.05 p < 0.001). In addition, both Western diet (F(1,34)= 3.99; p = 0.05) and the stress of low social status (F(1,34)= 3.99; p = 0.04) reduced mean progesterone levels. Thus, on average, subordinates in the Western group had the lowest average progesterone levels (10.02 ng/pl). Compared to Western diets, Mediterranean diets exhibited protective effects via menstrual cycle regularity. For dominant monkeys, consuming Mediterranean diets resulted in significantly greater likelihood of having regular menstrual cycles. Mediterranean diets also protected individuals from shorter than normal menstrual cycles. The relationships between diet and menstrual regularity were partially mediated by both adrenal reactivity and social isolation. This study demonstrates the additive negative effects of poor diet and psychosocial stress on ovarian physiology in mid-life and lays the groundwork for future investigations to uncover their impact on metabolic signatures of accelerated aging. The results also suggest that - compared to Western-style diets - a Mediterranean diet may exert a protective influence against ovarian dysfunction and its pathologic sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett M Frye
- Department of Pathology/Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, United States; Department of Biology, Emory & Henry College, United States; Wake Forest Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, United States
| | - Thomas C Register
- Department of Pathology/Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, United States; Wake Forest Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, United States
| | - Susan E Appt
- Department of Pathology/Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, United States
| | - Mara Z Vitolins
- Department of Epidemiology & Prevention, Wake Forest School of Medicine, United States
| | - Beth Uberseder
- Department of Pathology/Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, United States
| | - Haiying Chen
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, United States
| | - Carol A Shively
- Department of Pathology/Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, United States; Wake Forest Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, United States.
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23
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Cohen JE, Holsen LM, Ironside M, Moser AD, Duda JM, Null KE, Perlo S, Richards CE, Nascimento NF, Du F, Zuo C, Misra M, Pizzagalli DA, Goldstein JM. Neural response to stress differs by sex in young adulthood. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2023; 332:111646. [PMID: 37146439 PMCID: PMC10247431 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2023.111646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Increase in stress-related disorders in women begins post-puberty and persists throughout the lifespan. To characterize sex differences in stress response in early adulthood, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging while participants underwent a stress task in conjunction with serum cortisol levels and questionnaires assessing anxiety and mood. Forty-two healthy subjects aged 18-25 years participated (21M, 21F). Interaction of stress and sex in brain activation and connectivity were examined. Results demonstrated significant sex differences in brain activity with women exhibiting increased activation in regions that inhibit arousal compared to men during the stress paradigm. Women had increased connectivity among stress circuitry regions and default mode network, whereas men had increased connectivity between stress and cognitive control regions. In a subset of subjects (13F, 17M), we obtained gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) magnetic resonance spectroscopy in rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rostral ACC) and dorsolateral prefrotal cortex (dlPFC) and conducted exploratory analyses to relate GABA measurements with sex differences in brain activation and connectivity. Prefrontal GABA levels were negatively associated with inferior temporal gyrus activation in men and women and with ventromedial prefrontal cortex activation in men. Despite sex differences in neural response, we found similar subjective ratings of anxiety and mood, cortisol levels, and GABA levels between sexes, suggesting sex differences in brain activity result in similar behavioral responses among the sexes. These results help establish sex differences in healthy brain activity from which we can better understand sex differences underlying stress-associated illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine E Cohen
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Innovation Center on Sex Differences in Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Laura M Holsen
- Divison of Women's Health, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maria Ironside
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Depression, Anxiety and Stress Research, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Amelia D Moser
- Center for Depression, Anxiety and Stress Research, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Jessica M Duda
- Center for Depression, Anxiety and Stress Research, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Kaylee E Null
- Center for Depression, Anxiety and Stress Research, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Sarah Perlo
- Center for Depression, Anxiety and Stress Research, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Christine E Richards
- Center for Depression, Anxiety and Stress Research, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Nara F Nascimento
- Center for Depression, Anxiety and Stress Research, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Fei Du
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Chun Zuo
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Madhusmita Misra
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Diego A Pizzagalli
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Depression, Anxiety and Stress Research, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA; McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Jill M Goldstein
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Innovation Center on Sex Differences in Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA; Divison of Women's Health, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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24
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Kinkead R, Ambrozio-Marques D, Fournier S, Gagnon M, Guay LM. Estrogens, age, and, neonatal stress: panic disorders and novel views on the contribution of non-medullary structures to respiratory control and CO 2 responses. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1183933. [PMID: 37265841 PMCID: PMC10229816 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1183933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
CO2 is a fundamental component of living matter. This chemical signal requires close monitoring to ensure proper match between metabolic production and elimination by lung ventilation. Besides ventilatory adjustments, CO2 can also trigger innate behavioral and physiological responses associated with fear and escape but the changes in brain CO2/pH required to induce ventilatory adjustments are generally lower than those evoking fear and escape. However, for patients suffering from panic disorder (PD), the thresholds for CO2-evoked hyperventilation, fear and escape are reduced and the magnitude of those reactions are excessive. To explain these clinical observations, Klein proposed the false suffocation alarm hypothesis which states that many spontaneous panics occur when the brain's suffocation monitor erroneously signals a lack of useful air, thereby maladaptively triggering an evolved suffocation alarm system. After 30 years of basic and clinical research, it is now well established that anomalies in respiratory control (including the CO2 sensing system) are key to PD. Here, we explore how a stress-related affective disorder such as PD can disrupt respiratory control. We discuss rodent models of PD as the concepts emerging from this research has influenced our comprehension of the CO2 chemosensitivity network, especially structure that are not located in the medulla, and how factors such as stress and biological sex modulate its functionality. Thus, elucidating why hormonal fluctuations can lead to excessive responsiveness to CO2 offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the neuroendocrine mechanisms regulating this key aspect of respiratory control and the pathophysiology of respiratory manifestations of PD.
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Helpman L. On the Stress of Being a Woman: The synergistic contribution of sex as a biological variable and gender as a psychosocial one to risk of stress-related disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 150:105211. [PMID: 37141960 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Stress-related disorders (SRD) disproportionately affect women. Cortisol blunting, a failure to demonstrate a typical rise and fall of cortisol in response to stress, is associated with SRDs and has been found to be more pronounced among women. Cortisol blunting relates to both sex as a biological variable (SABV; e.g., estrogens and their fluctuations, impact on neural circuits) and gender as a psychosocial variable (GAPSV; e.g., discrimination, harassment, gender roles). I suggest a theoretical model linking experience, sex- and gender-related factors, and neuroendocrine substrates of SRD to the heightened risk among women. The model thus bridges multiple gaps in the literature to create a synergistic conceptual framework with which to understand the stress of being a woman. Utilizing such a framework in research may allow identifying targeted, sex-and gender-dependent risk factors, informing psychological treatment, medical advice, educational and community programming, and policy. DATA AVAILABILITY: All references are cited as required, no other data is reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liat Helpman
- Department of Counseling and Human Development, University of Haifa.
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26
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Zhang J, Yin J, Song X, Lai S, Zhong S, Jia Y. The effect of exogenous estrogen on depressive mood in women: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 162:21-29. [PMID: 37068417 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Sex differences exist in the prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD). Comparing with males, females are at a higher risk of depression, especially in some reproductive statuses with significant changes in sex hormones. Based on the positive effect on menopausal symptoms in human and on depression-like behaviors in animals, exogenous estrogen was considered as a potential therapeutic approach to the treatment of female depression, however, with inconsistent conclusions in previous studies. In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, 14 eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included to investigate the effect of exogenous estrogen on depressive mood in women. The results indicated that exogenous estrogens were superior to the control group either alone or in combination with progesterone or antidepressants. Female individuals in perimenopause are more sensitive to estrogen than those in other reproductive statuses, which might be the reason that depressive mood during this stage is more associated with estrogen fluctuations, and exogenous estrogen supplementation can moderate these drastic changes. The finding of meta-regressions that the effect of exogenous estrogen was associated with age in perimenopause and post-menopause rather than the dose or administration of exogenous estrogen, showed again that a stable level of estrogen is more beneficial than a high serum level. This study provides strong evidence of the important role of estrogen fluctuations but not estrogen levels in female depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhao Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jie Yin
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Xiaodong Song
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Shunkai Lai
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Shuming Zhong
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yanbin Jia
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
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27
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Rocks D, Kundakovic M. Hippocampus-based behavioral, structural, and molecular dynamics across the estrous cycle. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13216. [PMID: 36580348 PMCID: PMC10050126 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The activity of neurons in the rodent hippocampus contributes to diverse behaviors, with the activity of ventral hippocampal neurons affecting behaviors related to anxiety and emotion regulation, and the activity of dorsal hippocampal neurons affecting performance in learning- and memory-related tasks. Hippocampal cells also express receptors for ovarian hormones, estrogen and progesterone, and are therefore affected by physiological fluctuations of those hormones that occur over the rodent estrous cycle. In this review, we discuss the effects of cycling ovarian hormones on hippocampal physiology. Starting with behavior, we explore the role of the estrous cycle in regulating hippocampus-dependent behaviors. We go on to detail the cellular mechanisms through which cycling estrogen and progesterone, through changes in the structural and functional properties of hippocampal neurons, may be eliciting these changes in behavior. Then, providing a basis for these cellular changes, we outline the epigenetic, chromatin regulatory mechanisms through which ovarian hormones, by binding to their receptors, can affect the regulation of behavior- and synaptic plasticity-related genes in hippocampal neurons. We also highlight an unconventional role that chromatin dynamics may have in regulating neuronal function across the estrous cycle, including in sex hormone-driven X chromosome plasticity and hormonally-induced epigenetic priming. Finally, we discuss directions for future studies and the translational value of the rodent estrous cycle for understanding the effects of the human menstrual cycle on hippocampal physiology and brain disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin Rocks
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University; Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Marija Kundakovic
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University; Bronx, NY, USA
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28
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Behavioral Despair Is Blocked by the Flavonoid Chrysin (5,7-Dihydroxyflavone) in a Rat Model of Surgical Menopause. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28020587. [PMID: 36677645 PMCID: PMC9862461 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28020587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Women have a high susceptibility to the negative effects of stress. Hormonal changes experienced throughout their reproductive life partially contribute to a higher incidence of anxiety and depression symptoms, particularly, during natural or surgical menopause. In preclinical research, the flavonoid chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone) exerts anxiolytic- and anti-despair-like effects; however, it is unknown whether chrysin exerts a protective effect against the behavioral changes produced by acute stress on locomotor activity and behavioral despair in rats at 12-weeks post-ovariectomy. Ovariectomized female Wistar rats were assigned to eight groups: vehicle group (10% DMSO), three groups with chrysin and three groups with the same dose of allopregnanolone (0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg), and one group with diazepam (2 mg/kg). The treatments were administered for seven consecutive days and the effects were evaluated in the locomotor activity and swimming tests. Chrysin (2 mg/kg) increased the latency to first immobility and decreased the total immobility time in the swimming test as the reference drugs allopregnanolone and diazepam (2 mg/kg); while locomotor activity prevented the behavioral changes produced by swimming. In conclusion, chrysin exerts a protective effect against the behavioral changes induced by acute stress, similarly to the neurosteroid allopregnanolone and the benzodiazepine diazepam in rats subjected to a surgical menopause model.
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29
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Liu M, Zhang X, He Z, Liang Y, Zou B, Ma X, Gu S, Wang F. Opposite effects of estradiol and progesterone on woman's disgust processing. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1161488. [PMID: 37091703 PMCID: PMC10115175 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1161488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian hormones play a critical role in emotion processing, which may be a major reason for the high rates of major depressive disorders in women. However, the exact roles of estradiol and progesterone in emotional processing remain unclear. To this end, we performed behavioral and rs-fMRI studies on the effects ovarian hormones on disgust emotion. Methods In Experiment 1, 95 Chinese female undergraduates completed the single category implicit association test (SC-IAT) and explicit measures of disgust intensity task, 32 in the menstrual phase, 30 in the follicular phase, and 33 in the luteal phase. In Experiment 2, A total of 25 healthy female undergraduates completed three sessions of the rs-fMRI. The menstrual group was scanned during cycle days 2-5, the follicular group during cycle during days 10-13, and the luteal group was scanned 3-7 days before the next menstruation. Results The behavioral results showed that women during the luteal phase had higher D scores and shorter response times (RTs) to disgust stimuli compared to the menses and follicular phases. In contrast, women during the follicular phase had fewer feelings of disgust and longer RTs to pathogen stimuli compared with that during the menses and luteal phases, but this effect was moderated by the intensity of the stimuli. rs-fMRI studies showed that women during the luteal phase have higher functional connectivity in the salience network than those in the follicular phase. Compared with the menstrual phase, women have lower functional connectivity in the amygdala during the follicular phase. Conclusion In summary, a more negative attitude to disgust stimuli and the enhanced functional connectivity of the salience network during the luteal phase may be associated with high progesterone levels, whereas lower disgust feelings and reduced functional connectivity of the amygdala during the follicular phase may be associated with high estradiol levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Liu
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhengming He
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuan Liang
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bihong Zou
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianjun Ma
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Xianjun Ma
| | - Simeng Gu
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Psychology, Jiangsu University Medical School, Zhenjiang, China
- Simeng Gu
| | - Fushun Wang
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China
- Fushun Wang
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30
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DAM TINEVRIST, DALGAARD LINEBARNER, SEVDALIS VASSILIS, BIBBY BOMARTIN, JANSE DE JONGE XANNE, GRAVHOLT CLAUSH, HANSEN METTE. Muscle Performance during the Menstrual Cycle Correlates with Psychological Well-Being, but Not Fluctuations in Sex Hormones. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2022; 54:1678-1689. [PMID: 36106832 PMCID: PMC9473716 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to study variations in strength and power performance during the menstrual cycle (MC) in eumenorrheic young women and during the pill cycle in oral contraceptives (OC) users. METHODS Forty healthy, normal-weight women between 18 and 35 yr (n = 30 eumenorrheic women; n = 10 OC users) completed this prospective cohort study. Seven to nine times during the MC/pill-cycle, the participants completed a physical performance test series, a questionnaire about psychological well-being, blood sampling, and determination of body mass. The physical tests included isometric handgrip strength, elbow flexor strength, countermovement jump (CMJ) height, and a 10-s Wingate bike test. RESULTS No direct correlation was observed between the variations in sex hormones and physical performance parameters. However, positive correlations were observed between physical performance outcomes and self-reported motivation, perception of own physical performance level, pleasure level, and arousal level. CMJ was 6% lower in the late luteal phase (LL) compared with the midluteal phase (ML) (P = 0.04). Wingate peak power was 3% lower in early follicular (EF) compared with the ML (P = 0.04). Furthermore, Wingate average power was 2%-5% lower in LL compared with all other MC phases. In line with these observations, physical pain was higher in EF and LL, and the pleasure level was lower in EF compared with the other MC phases. In OC users, we observed no variation in performance and self-reported parameters between the placebo-pill phase and the OC-pill phase. CONCLUSIONS Impairments in CMJ and Wingate performance were observed at the end and start of MC compared with other MC phases, which were associated with lower psychological well-being, but not the sex hormone fluctuations.
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Affiliation(s)
- TINE VRIST DAM
- Section of Sport Science, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, DENMARK
| | - LINE BARNER DALGAARD
- Section of Sport Science, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, DENMARK
| | - VASSILIS SEVDALIS
- Section of Sport Science, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, DENMARK
| | - BO MARTIN BIBBY
- Section of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, DENMARK
| | | | - CLAUS H. GRAVHOLT
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, DENMARK
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, DENMARK
| | - METTE HANSEN
- Section of Sport Science, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, DENMARK
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31
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Tronson NC, Schuh KM. Hormonal contraceptives, stress, and the brain: The critical need for animal models. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 67:101035. [PMID: 36075276 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Hormonal contraceptives are among the most important health and economic developments in the 20thCentury, providing unprecedented reproductive control and a range of health benefits including decreased premenstrual symptoms and protections against various cancers. Hormonal contraceptives modulate neural function and stress responsivity. These changes are usually innocuous or even beneficial, including their effects onmood. However, in approximately 4-10% of users, or up to 30 million people at any given time, hormonal contraceptives trigger depression or anxiety symptoms. How hormonal contraceptives contribute to these responses and who is at risk for adverse outcomes remain unknown. In this paper, we discussstudies of hormonal contraceptive use in humans and describe the ways in which laboratory animal models of contraceptive hormone exposure will be an essential tool for expanding findings to understand the precise mechanisms by which hormonal contraceptives influence the brain, stress responses, and depression risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie C Tronson
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Kristen M Schuh
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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32
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Joseph JE, Bustos N, Crum K, Flanagan J, Baker NL, Hartwell K, Santa-Maria MM, Brady K, McRae-Clark A. Oxytocin moderates corticolimbic social stress reactivity in cocaine use disorder and healthy controls. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2022; 11:100150. [PMID: 35967924 PMCID: PMC9363641 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2022.100150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Social stress can contribute to the development of substance use disorders (SUDs) and increase the likelihood of relapse. Oxytocin (OT) is a potential pharmacotherapy that may buffer the effects of social stress on arousal and reward neurocircuitry. However, more research is needed to understand how OT moderates the brain’s response to social stress in SUDs. The present study examined the effect of intransasal OT (24 IU) versus placebo (PBO) on corticolimbic functional connectivity associated with acute social stress in individuals with cocaine use disorder (CUD; n = 67) and healthy controls (HC; n = 52). Psychophysiological interaction modeling used the left and right amygdala as seed regions with the left and right orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate cortex as a priori regions of interest. Moderators of the OT response included childhood trauma history and biological sex, which were examined in independent analyses. The main finding was that OT normalized corticolimbic connectivity (left amygdala-orbitofrontal and left amygdala-anterior cingulate) as a function of childhood trauma such that connectivity was different between trauma-present and trauma-absent groups on PBO, but not between trauma groups on OT. Effects of OT on corticolimbic connectivity were not different as a function of diagnosis (CUD vs HC) or sex. However, OT reduced subjective anxiety during social stress for CUD participants who reported childhood trauma compared to PBO and normalized craving response as a function of sex in CUD. The present findings add to some prior findings of normalizing effects of OT on corticolimbic circuitry in individuals with trauma histories and provide some initial support that OT can normalize subjective anxiety and craving in CUD. Social stress-related corticolimbic connectivity was affected by childhood trauma under placebo. Under oxytocin, corticolimbic connectivity differences due to childhood trauma were absent. Oxytocin reduced subjective anxiety in cocaine users with childhood trauma. Oxytocin reduced subjective craving in male cocaine users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane E. Joseph
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Cannon Street, Charleston SC, 29425, USA
- Corresponding author.
| | - Nicholas Bustos
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Cannon Street, Charleston SC, 29425, USA
| | - Kathleen Crum
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Cannon Street, Charleston SC, 29425, USA
- Department of Psychiatry Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Julianne Flanagan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Nathaniel L. Baker
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Karen Hartwell
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Megan Moran Santa-Maria
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Boehringer Ingelheim, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Kathleen Brady
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Aimee McRae-Clark
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
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Güven AG, Jaferi L, Pehlivantürk-Kızılkan M. "Double-dose desogestrel: Is it effective in adolescent menstrual dysfunction?". J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2022; 35:518. [PMID: 35337988 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ayşe Gül Güven
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine, İhsan Doğramacı Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Hacettepe Mah.Gevher Nesibe Cad, Altındağ, Ankara 06230, Turkey.
| | - Laden Jaferi
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine, İhsan Doğramacı Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Hacettepe Mah.Gevher Nesibe Cad, Altındağ, Ankara 06230, Turkey
| | - Melis Pehlivantürk-Kızılkan
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine, İhsan Doğramacı Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Hacettepe Mah.Gevher Nesibe Cad, Altındağ, Ankara 06230, Turkey
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Masama C, Jarkas DA, Thaw E, Daneshmend AZB, Franklyn SI, Beaurepaire C, McQuaid RJ. Hormone contraceptive use in young women: Altered mood states, neuroendocrine and inflammatory biomarkers. Horm Behav 2022; 144:105229. [PMID: 35779518 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Oral contraceptives are used by millions of women worldwide, yet there are questions regarding the psychological and biological consequences of these medications. Considering that sex steroid hormones can regulate neuroendocrine and behavioral responses to stress, the current study examined mood and stress symptomatologies, as well as circulating levels of cortisol and inflammatory biomarkers among young women (N = 388), of whom, 47.0 % (n = 182) were using a form of hormonal contraception. Women using hormone contraceptives displayed significantly higher depressive and stress scores compared to non-users, whereas no differences were found for anxiety symptoms. Moreover, contraceptive users had markedly elevated plasma cortisol and C-reactive protein levels in comparison to non-users. Upon assessing women at different phases of their menstrual cycle, hormone contraceptive users displayed higher levels of cortisol compared to women in the follicular and luteal phases, in addition to higher levels of CRP levels compared to women in the luteal phase. Together, these findings suggest that hormone contraceptive use is linked to exaggerated basal neuroendocrine and inflammatory profiles, which could potentially increase sensitivity to the impacts of stressors and mood disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coleka Masama
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Dana A Jarkas
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada.
| | - Emily Thaw
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Ayeila Z B Daneshmend
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Sabina I Franklyn
- Department of Psychology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Cecile Beaurepaire
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research, 1145 Carling Avenue, K1Z 7K4 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robyn J McQuaid
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada; University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research, 1145 Carling Avenue, K1Z 7K4 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Velasco ER, Florido A, Flores Á, Senabre E, Gomez-Gomez A, Torres A, Roca A, Norrholm S, Newman EL, Das P, Ross RA, Lori A, Pozo OJ, Ressler KJ, Garcia-Esteve LL, Jovanovic T, Andero R. PACAP-PAC1R modulates fear extinction via the ventromedial hypothalamus. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4374. [PMID: 35902577 PMCID: PMC9334354 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31442-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to traumatic stress can lead to fear dysregulation, which has been associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previous work showed that a polymorphism in the PACAP-PAC1R (pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide) system is associated with PTSD risk in women, and PACAP (ADCYAP1)-PAC1R (ADCYAP1R1) are highly expressed in the hypothalamus. Here, we show that female mice subjected to acute stress immobilization (IMO) have fear extinction impairments related to Adcyap1 and Adcyap1r1 mRNA upregulation in the hypothalamus, PACAP-c-Fos downregulation in the Medial Amygdala (MeA), and PACAP-FosB/ΔFosB upregulation in the Ventromedial Hypothalamus dorsomedial part (VMHdm). DREADD-mediated inhibition of MeA neurons projecting to the VMHdm during IMO rescues both PACAP upregulation in VMHdm and the fear extinction impairment. We also found that women with the risk genotype of ADCYAP1R1 rs2267735 polymorphism have impaired fear extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- E R Velasco
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Florido
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Psicobiologia i de Metodologia de les Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Á Flores
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - E Senabre
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology-NeuroPhar, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Gomez-Gomez
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Torres
- Perinatal Mental health Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
- Programme for the Prevention and Treatment of Psychic Effects in Sexually Assaulted Women. Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Roca
- Perinatal Mental health Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Norrholm
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - E L Newman
- McLean Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - P Das
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Psychiatry Research Institute of Montefiore and Einstein, New York, NY, USA
| | - R A Ross
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Psychiatry Research Institute of Montefiore and Einstein, New York, NY, USA
| | - A Lori
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- American Cancer Society, Inc., Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - O J Pozo
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - K J Ressler
- McLean Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - L L Garcia-Esteve
- Perinatal Mental health Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
- Programme for the Prevention and Treatment of Psychic Effects in Sexually Assaulted Women. Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - T Jovanovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - R Andero
- Departament de Psicobiologia i de Metodologia de les Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
- Unitat de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
- ICREA, Barcelona, Spain.
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Jett S, Schelbaum E, Jang G, Boneu Yepez C, Dyke JP, Pahlajani S, Diaz Brinton R, Mosconi L. Ovarian steroid hormones: A long overlooked but critical contributor to brain aging and Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:948219. [PMID: 35928995 PMCID: PMC9344010 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.948219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian hormones, particularly 17β-estradiol, are involved in numerous neurophysiological and neurochemical processes, including those subserving cognitive function. Estradiol plays a key role in the neurobiology of aging, in part due to extensive interconnectivity of the neural and endocrine system. This aspect of aging is fundamental for women's brains as all women experience a drop in circulating estradiol levels in midlife, after menopause. Given the importance of estradiol for brain function, it is not surprising that up to 80% of peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women report neurological symptoms including changes in thermoregulation (vasomotor symptoms), mood, sleep, and cognitive performance. Preclinical evidence for neuroprotective effects of 17β-estradiol also indicate associations between menopause, cognitive aging, and Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia affecting nearly twice more women than men. Brain imaging studies demonstrated that middle-aged women exhibit increased indicators of AD endophenotype as compared to men of the same age, with onset in perimenopause. Herein, we take a translational approach to illustrate the contribution of ovarian hormones in maintaining cognition in women, with evidence implicating menopause-related declines in 17β-estradiol in cognitive aging and AD risk. We will review research focused on the role of endogenous and exogenous estrogen exposure as a key underlying mechanism to neuropathological aging in women, with a focus on whether brain structure, function and neurochemistry respond to hormone treatment. While still in development, this research area offers a new sex-based perspective on brain aging and risk of AD, while also highlighting an urgent need for better integration between neurology, psychiatry, and women's health practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Jett
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Eva Schelbaum
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Grace Jang
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Camila Boneu Yepez
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jonathan P. Dyke
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Silky Pahlajani
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Roberta Diaz Brinton
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Lisa Mosconi
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
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Paludo AC, Paravlic A, Dvořáková K, Gimunová M. The Effect of Menstrual Cycle on Perceptual Responses in Athletes: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis. Front Psychol 2022; 13:926854. [PMID: 35911030 PMCID: PMC9328165 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.926854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This article aimed to investigate the effects of menstrual cycle phases on perceptual responses in athletes by means of systematic review and meta-analysis. The search was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Sport Discus databases considering articles with two or more menstrual phases for comparison. The PECO criteria were used for the keywords “menstrual cycle,” “athletes,” and “perceptual responses” with their respective entry terms. Of 1.165 records identified, 14 articles were available for the final evaluation, while eight articles were eligible for a meta-analysis. The perceptual responses evaluated in the studies were: motivation, competitiveness, sleep quality, stress, muscle soreness, fatigue, perceived effort, mood, menstrual symptoms, perceived endurance, and readiness. The meta-analysis was conducted for perceived effort only. The results showed that the level of perceived exertion does not differ two phases of the menstrual cycle (MD = 3.03, Q = 1.58, df = 1, p = 0.209), whereas RPE was 19.81 ± 0.05 and 16.27 ± 0.53 at day 1–5 and day 19–24, respectively. Two studies found statistically significant changes in motivation and competitiveness during the cycle, with better outcomes in ovulatory phase compared to follicular and luteal. One study found an increase in mood disturbance in the pre-menstrual phase (vs. mid-cycle); one decreased vigor in the menstrual phase (vs. luteal); one increased the menstrual symptoms in the follicular phase (vs. ovulation), and one study reported increased fatigue and decreased sleep quality on luteal phase (vs. follicular). The remaining studies and variables were not affected by the menstrual cycle phase. Based on the results from the studies selected, some perceptual responses are affected in different menstrual cycle phases. A “favorable” subjective response in athletes was noticed when the ovarian hormones present an increase in concentration levels compared to phases with lower concentration. Different perceptual variables and methodological approaches limit the generalization of the conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Paludo
- Incubator of Kinanthropology Research, Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Ana Carolina Paludo
| | - Armin Paravlic
- Incubator of Kinanthropology Research, Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Science and Research Centre Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, Koper, Slovenia
| | - Kristýna Dvořáková
- Department of Health Promotion, Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Marta Gimunová
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- Marta Gimunová
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Kundakovic M, Rocks D. Sex hormone fluctuation and increased female risk for depression and anxiety disorders: From clinical evidence to molecular mechanisms. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 66:101010. [PMID: 35716803 PMCID: PMC9715398 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Women are at twice the risk for anxiety and depression disorders as men are, although the underlying biological factors and mechanisms are largely unknown. In this review, we address this sex disparity at both the etiological and mechanistic level. We dissect the role of fluctuating sex hormones as a critical biological factor contributing to the increased depression and anxiety risk in women. We provide parallel evidence in humans and rodents that brain structure and function vary with naturally-cycling ovarian hormones. This female-unique brain plasticity and associated vulnerability are primarily driven by estrogen level changes. For the first time, we provide a sex hormone-driven molecular mechanism, namely chromatin organizational changes, that regulates neuronal gene expression and brain plasticity but may also prime the (epi)genome for psychopathology. Finally, we map out future directions including experimental and clinical studies that will facilitate novel sex- and gender-informed approaches to treat depression and anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Kundakovic
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - Devin Rocks
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, NY, USA
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Gilfarb RA, Leuner B. GABA System Modifications During Periods of Hormonal Flux Across the Female Lifespan. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:802530. [PMID: 35783228 PMCID: PMC9245048 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.802530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The female lifespan is marked by periods of dramatic hormonal fluctuation. Changes in the ovarian hormones estradiol and progesterone, in addition to the progesterone metabolite allopregnanolone, are among the most significant and have been shown to have widespread effects on the brain. This review summarizes current understanding of alterations that occur within the GABA system during the major hormonal transition periods of puberty, the ovarian cycle, pregnancy and the postpartum period, as well as reproductive aging. The functional impacts of altered inhibitory activity during these times are also discussed. Lastly, avenues for future research are identified, which, if pursued, can broaden understanding of the GABA system in the female brain and potentially lead to better treatments for women experiencing changes in brain function at each of these hormonal transition periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A. Gilfarb
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Benedetta Leuner
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Benedetta Leuner,
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Pharmacological, Neurochemical, and Behavioral Mechanisms Underlying the Anxiolytic- and Antidepressant-like Effects of Flavonoid Chrysin. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27113551. [PMID: 35684488 PMCID: PMC9182416 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27113551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone) is a flavonoid isolated from plants, such as Passiflora coerulea, Passiflora incarnata, and Matricaria chamomilla. This natural molecule exerts diverse pharmacological effects, which includes antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, neuroprotective, and anti-apoptotic effects. Additionally, in brain structures, such as the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, raphe nucleus, and striatum, involved in the physiopathology of anxiety and depression disorders, several neuropharmacological activities, including the activation of neurotransmitter systems (GABAergic, serotonergic, dopaminergic, and noradrenergic), neurotrophic factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor and the nerve growth factor, and some signaling pathways are affected. The results showed that the anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects of chrysin occurs through its interaction with specific neurotransmitter systems, principally the GABAergic and the serotonergic, and activation of other neurotrophic factors. However, it is not possible to discard the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of chrysin while producing its anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects. Although these results have been obtained principally from pre-clinical research, they consistently demonstrate the potential therapeutic use of flavonoid chrysin as an anxiolytic and antidepressant agent. Therefore, this flavonoid could be considered as a promising novel therapy for anxiety and depression disorders.
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Eltokhi A, Sommer IE. A Reciprocal Link Between Gut Microbiota, Inflammation and Depression: A Place for Probiotics? Front Neurosci 2022; 16:852506. [PMID: 35546876 PMCID: PMC9081810 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.852506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is a severe mental disorder that places a significant economic burden on public health. The reciprocal link between the trillions of bacteria in the gut, the microbiota, and depression is a controversial topic in neuroscience research and has drawn the attention of public interest and press coverage in recent years. Mounting pieces of evidence shed light on the role of the gut microbiota in depression, which is suggested to involve immune, endocrine, and neural pathways that are the main components of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. The gut microbiota play major roles in brain development and physiology and ultimately behavior. The bidirectional communication between the gut microbiota and brain function has been extensively explored in animal models of depression and clinical research in humans. Certain gut microbiota strains have been associated with the pathophysiology of depression. Therefore, oral intake of probiotics, the beneficial living bacteria and yeast, may represent a therapeutic approach for depression treatment. In this review, we summarize the findings describing the possible links between the gut microbiota and depression, focusing mainly on the inflammatory markers and sex hormones. By discussing preclinical and clinical studies on probiotics as a supplementary therapy for depression, we suggest that probiotics may be beneficial in alleviating depressive symptoms, possibly through immune modulation. Still, further comprehensive studies are required to draw a more solid conclusion regarding the efficacy of probiotics and their mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Eltokhi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Iris E Sommer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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42
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Jenei-Lanzl Z, Pongratz G. Posttraumatic osteoarthritis as potential modulator of autonomic nervous system function. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2022; 30:498-500. [PMID: 35017059 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2021.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Z Jenei-Lanzl
- Dr Rolf M. Schwiete Research Unit for Osteoarthritis, Department of Orthopedics (Friedrichsheim), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, 60528 Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
| | - G Pongratz
- Department of Rheumatology and Hiller Research Center for Rheumatology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany.
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Ren X, Zhao X, Li J, Liu Y, Ren Y, Pruessner JC, Yang J. The Hippocampal-Ventral Medial Prefrontal Cortex Neurocircuitry Involvement in the Association of Daily Life Stress With Acute Perceived Stress and Cortisol Responses. Psychosom Med 2022; 84:276-287. [PMID: 35149637 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Daily life stressors include everyday irritants, hassles, and inconveniences, such as problems in traffic and unexpected work deadlines. A growing body of research has suggested higher daily stress is associated with blunted cortisol response to acute psychosocial stressors. However, so far, the neural mechanism underlying this association has not been elucidated. The current study aimed to examine the role of stress neurocircuitry between the hippocampus and the ventral medial prefrontal cortex in this relationship. METHODS To this end, as an index of daily stress in 44 young healthy individuals (23 females; mean [standard deviation] age = 19.07 [1.11] years), the total stressful rating score of daily life stress events that occurred in a 24-hour period was quantified. Individuals were then administered a modified version of the Montreal Imaging Stress Task while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging scans, and their saliva samples were collected for assessment of the stress hormone cortisol. RESULTS Results revealed that a higher level of daily stress was associated with lower salivary cortisol secretion (r = -0.39, p = .008) and lower activation of the left hippocampus (tpeak = -5.51) in response to the Montreal Imaging Stress Task. Furthermore, a higher level of daily stress was associated with stronger functional connectivity between the left hippocampus and the ventral medial prefrontal cortex/subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (tpeak = 4.91, R2= 0.365). CONCLUSIONS Taken together, the current study suggested a possible neurocircuitry of the hippocampus and ventral medial prefrontal cortex in the relationship between daily life stress and acute psychosocial stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Ren
- From the Faculty of Psychology (X. Ren, Zhao, Li, liu, Y. Ren, Yang), Southwest University, Chongqing, China; and Department of Psychology (Pruessner), University of Constance, Constance, Germany
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Rodríguez-Landa JF. Considerations of Timing Post-ovariectomy in Mice and Rats in Studying Anxiety- and Depression-Like Behaviors Associated With Surgical Menopause in Women. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:829274. [PMID: 35309685 PMCID: PMC8931748 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.829274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Pandey R, Garg A, Gupta K, Shukla P, Mandrah K, Roy S, Chattopadhyay N, Bandyopadhyay S. Arsenic Induces Differential Neurotoxicity in Male, Female, and E2-Deficient Females: Comparative Effects on Hippocampal Neurons and Cognition in Adult Rats. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:2729-2744. [PMID: 35175559 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02770-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We earlier reported that arsenic induced hippocampal neuronal loss, causing cognitive dysfunctions in male rats. This neuronal damage mechanism involved an altered bone morphogenetic protein (BMP2)/Smad and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/TrkB signaling. Susceptibility to toxicants is often sex-dependent, and hence we studied the comparative effects of arsenic in adult male and female rats. We observed that a lower dose of arsenic reduced learning-memory ability, examined through passive avoidance and Y-maze tests, in male but not female rats. Again, male rats exhibited greater learning-memory loss at a higher dose of arsenic. Supporting this, arsenic-treated male rats demonstrated larger reduction in the hippocampal NeuN and %-surviving neurons, together with increased apoptosis and altered BMP2/Smad and BDNF/TrkB pathways compared to their female counterparts. Since the primary female hormone, estrogen (E2), regulates normal brain functions, we next probed whether endogenous E2 levels in females offered resistance against arsenic-induced neurotoxicity. We used ovariectomized (OVX) rat as the model for E2 deficiency. We primarily identified that OVX itself induced hippocampal neuronal damage and cognitive decline, involving an increased BMP2/Smad and reduced BDNF/TrkB. Further, these effects appeared greater in arsenic + OVX compared to arsenic + sham (ovary intact) or OVX rats alone. The OVX-induced adverse effects were significantly reduced by E2 treatment. Overall, our study suggests that adult males could be more susceptible than females to arsenic-induced neurotoxicity. It also indicates that endogenous E2 regulates hippocampal BMP and BDNF signaling and restrains arsenic-induced neuronal dysfunctions in females, which may be inhibited in E2-deficient conditions, such as menopause or ovarian failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rukmani Pandey
- Developmental Toxicology Laboratory, Systems Toxicology & Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Vishvigyan Bhavan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Molecular Biology and Genetics of Neurodegeneration, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, USA
| | - Asmita Garg
- Developmental Toxicology Laboratory, Systems Toxicology & Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Vishvigyan Bhavan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Keerti Gupta
- Developmental Toxicology Laboratory, Systems Toxicology & Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Vishvigyan Bhavan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Pallavi Shukla
- Developmental Toxicology Laboratory, Systems Toxicology & Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Vishvigyan Bhavan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Division of Microbial Technology, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, 226001, India
| | - Kapil Mandrah
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
- Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Regulatory Toxicology Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Vishvigyan Bhawan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Somendu Roy
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
- Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Regulatory Toxicology Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Vishvigyan Bhawan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Naibedya Chattopadhyay
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, 226031, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay
- Developmental Toxicology Laboratory, Systems Toxicology & Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Vishvigyan Bhavan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
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Inter-relationships between changes in stress, mindfulness, and dynamic functional connectivity in response to a social stressor. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2396. [PMID: 35165343 PMCID: PMC8844001 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06342-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted a study to understand how dynamic functional brain connectivity contributes to the moderating effect of trait mindfulness on the stress response. 40 male participants provided subjective reports of stress, cortisol assays, and functional MRI before and after undergoing a social stressor. Self-reported trait mindfulness was also collected. Experiencing stress led to significant decreases in the prevalence of a connectivity state previously associated with mindfulness, but no changes in two connectivity states with prior links to arousal. Connectivity did not return to baseline 30 min after stress. Higher trait mindfulness was associated with attenuated affective and neuroendocrine stress response, and smaller decreases in the mindfulness-related connectivity state. In contrast, we found no association between affective response and functional connectivity. Taken together, these data allow us to construct a preliminary brain-behaviour model of how mindfulness dampens stress reactivity and demonstrate the utility of time-varying functional connectivity in understanding psychological state changes.
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Sex-specific neural responses to acute psychosocial stress in depression. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:2. [PMID: 35013110 PMCID: PMC8748634 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01768-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is characterized by increased stress sensitivity. Emerging findings in healthy adults suggest that stress responses within limbic/striatal-prefrontal regions are moderated by sex and unfold over time. Thus, we hypothesized that stress response abnormalities in MDD might be affected by sex and stress exposure time. The Montreal Imaging Stress Task was administered to 124 unmedicated patients with first-episode MDD (76 females) and 243 healthy controls (HC; 137 females) during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Based on prior studies, amygdala, hippocampus, medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) were selected as a priori regions of interest. In a complementary approach, we probed the effects of stress on the frontoparietal network (FPN) and a network including the amygdala, NAc and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Across groups, males exhibited higher dlPFC activity and right FPN amplitude than females. Relative to female HCs, the female MDD group had less deactivation in limbic/striatal regions (amygdala, NAc, hippocampus, Amygdala-NAc-ACC network). Furthermore, unlike female HCs, the female MDD group failed to show a significant increase of deactivation over stress exposure time in the amygdala, mOFC and NAc. Our findings confirm the importance of considering sex differences when investigating neural stress responses. Case-control differences in neural stress responses observed in females (but not males) provide insights into sex differences in the etiology and pathophysiology of depression. The failure to deactivate limbic/NAc regions in depressed females point to dysfunction of adaptive stress responses over stress exposure time.
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Brouillard A, Davignon LM, Fortin J, Marin MF. A Year Through the COVID-19 Pandemic: Deleterious Impact of Hormonal Contraception on Psychological Distress in Women. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:835857. [PMID: 35370813 PMCID: PMC8966723 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.835857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women are more at risk than men of suffering from psychological distress during disease outbreaks. Interestingly, no biological factors have been studied to explain this disparity in such contexts. Sex hormone variations induced by hormonal contraceptives (HC) have been associated with mental health vulnerabilities. However, most studies have examined current effects of HC without considering whether a chronic modulation of sex hormone levels could induce long-lasting effects that persist after HC cessation. OBJECTIVES To date, the role of HC on psychological health in women during a disease outbreak is still unknown. We aimed to investigate both current and long-term effects of HC on psychological distress throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD At four time points during the COVID-19 pandemic (June 2020, September 2020, December 2020, March 2021), we collected self-reported data on psychological distress, assessing symptoms of post-traumatic stress [via the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R)], symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress [via the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21)]. Linear mixed models were first used to compare men (n = 49), naturally cycling women (n = 73), and women using HC (n = 32) across time. To examine long-lasting effects of HC, exploratory analyses were restricted to women, comparing current HC users (n = 32), past users (n = 56), and never users (n = 17). RESULTS The first model revealed that women taking HC reported stable post-traumatic stress symptoms across time, compared to naturally cycling women and men who showed a significant decrease from T1 to T2. HC users also reported greater DASS-21 total scores over time. Moreover, HC users reported higher stress and anxiety symptoms than men. In the second model, results showed that past HC users had similar anxiety levels as current HC users. These two groups reported significantly more anxiety symptoms than never users. CONCLUSION HC users report increased distress during the pandemic relative to naturally cycling women and men. Our results also suggest a long-lasting effect of HC intake, highlighting the importance of considering both the current use of HC and its history. This could provide some insight into potential avenues for explaining why some women are prone to higher psychological distress than men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Brouillard
- Research Center of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Quebec in Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lisa Marie Davignon
- Research Center of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Quebec in Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Justine Fortin
- Research Center of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Quebec in Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie France Marin
- Research Center of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Quebec in Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Abstract
LEARNING OBJECTIVE After participating in this activity, learners should be better able to:• Discuss and outline the general and overlapping effects of the menstrual cycle on women's mental health. ABSTRACT A growing body of research demonstrates menstrual cycle-dependent fluctuations in psychiatric symptoms; these fluctuations can therefore be considered as prevalent phenomena. Possible mechanisms underlying these fluctuations posit behavioral, psychological, and neuroendocrine influences. Recent reviews document cyclic exacerbation of symptoms and explore these mechanisms in the context of specific and often single disorders. The question remains, however, as to whether there are general and overlapping effects of the menstrual cycle on women's mental health. To address this gap, we synthesized the literature examining the exacerbation of a variety of psychiatric symptoms across the menstrual cycle in adult women. Results show that the premenstrual and menstrual phases are most consistently implicated in transdiagnostic symptom exacerbation. Specifically, strong evidence indicates increases in psychosis, mania, depression, suicide/suicide attempts, and alcohol use during these phases. Anxiety, stress, and binge eating appear to be elevated more generally throughout the luteal phase. The subjective effects of smoking and cocaine use are reduced during the luteal phase, but fewer data are available for other substances. Less consistent patterns are demonstrated for panic disorder, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, and borderline personality disorder, and it is difficult to draw conclusions for symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and trichotillomania because of the limited data. Future research should focus on developing standardized approaches to identifying menstrual cycle phases and adapting pharmacological and behavioral interventions for managing fluctuations in psychiatric symptoms across the menstrual cycle.
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Long J, Wang Y, Liu L, Zhang J. The Prominent Role of the Temporal Lobe in Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Evidence From Multimodal Neuroimaging. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:954211. [PMID: 35836663 PMCID: PMC9274249 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.954211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of psychological, physical, and behavioral symptoms that recur with the menstrual cycle, usually occurring a few days before menstruation and ceasing with the onset of menstruation. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of PMS that has been included in a subcategory of depression in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) according to the latest diagnostic criteria. Patients usually present with mild to moderate emotional and physical symptoms that affect their routine work, social activities, and family lives. The pathogenesis of PMDD remains unclear, and some researchers believe that it is related to fluctuations in ovarian hormone levels. However, the details of the interrelationships and regulating effects between ovarian hormones, symptoms, and the brain need to be more comprehensively determined. Recent studies have revealed some novel findings on PMS and PMDD based on brain morphology, function, and metabolism. Additionally, multiple studies have suggested that PMS and PMDD are closely related to brain structural and functional variations in certain core temporal lobe regions, such as the amygdala and hippocampus. We summarized neuroimaging studies of PMS and PMDD related to the temporal lobe by retrospectively reviewing relevant literature over the past decade. This review contributes to further clarifying the significant role of the temporal lobe in PMS and PMDD and understanding the neurochemical links between hormones, symptoms, and the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Long
- Wuhan Mental Health Center, Wuhan, China.,Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Research Center for Psychological and Health Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuejie Wang
- Wuhan Mental Health Center, Wuhan, China.,Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lianzhong Liu
- Wuhan Mental Health Center, Wuhan, China.,Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Research Center for Psychological and Health Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Wuhan Mental Health Center, Wuhan, China.,Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Research Center for Psychological and Health Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
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