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Gavrilova Y, Rooney E, Lesher A. Perceived stress and posttraumatic growth in caregivers of pediatric burn patients undergoing mHealth-enhanced outpatient burn care: A pilot study. Burns 2024; 50:1682-1689. [PMID: 38705775 PMCID: PMC11182365 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2024.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Approximately 120,000 children in the United States are evaluated in the emergency department annually due to burn injuries. Studies have consistently documented that pediatric burns are among the most stressful events for caregivers, resulting in a wide range of emotions, including guilt, anxiety, grief, depression, and posttraumatic stress symptoms, as well as positive psychological changes, a phenomenon known as posttraumatic growth. The present pilot study aimed to explore the prevalence of elevated perceived stress as well as posttraumatic growth among caregivers of pediatric burn patients receiving outpatient burn care and using an mHealth burn platform to administer burn treatment. Our results demonstrated that, on average, caregivers endorsed similar or lower levels of perceived stress over the past 30 days compared to the general population of 30-44-year-old adults and only a third of caregivers reported elevated levels of perceived stress in the past 30 days. However, during the treatment phase, two-thirds of caregivers reported elevated levels of stress. Further, approximately half of the caregiver sample reported moderate to high levels of posttraumatic growth following their child's burn injury. This pilot study clarifies the level of the perceived stress that caregivers of burn-injured children experience, particularly during the treatment phase when they are responsible for their children's outpatient burn care (e.g., dressing changes). Additionally, the results shed light on the high prevalence of moderate to high posttraumatic growth in caregivers, with a prevalence rate similar to other trauma survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Gavrilova
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas St., CSB 417, MSC 613, Charleston, 29425, SC, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas St., CSB 417, MSC 613, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
| | - Emily Rooney
- Department of Psychology, University of Toledo, 2801 Bancroft St, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Aaron Lesher
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas St., CSB 417, MSC 613, Charleston, 29425, SC, USA
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Webb EK, Carter SE, Ressler KJ, Fani N, Harnett NG. The neurophysiological consequences of racism-related stressors in Black Americans. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 161:105638. [PMID: 38522814 PMCID: PMC11081835 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105638] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Racism-related stressors, from experiences of both implicit and explicit racial discrimination to systemic socioeconomic disadvantage, have a cumulative impact on Black Americans' health. The present narrative review synthesizes peripheral (neuroendocrine and inflammation markers), psychophysiological (heart-rate variability, skin conductance), and neuroimaging (structural and functional) findings that demonstrate unique associations with racism-related stress. Emerging evidence reveals how racism-related stressors contribute to differential physiological and neural responses and may have distinct impacts on regions involved with threat and social processing. Ultimately, the neurophysiological effects of racism-related stress may confer biological susceptibility to stress and trauma-related disorders. We note critical gaps in the literature on the neurophysiological impact of racism-related stress and outline additional research that is needed on the multifactorial interactions between racism and mental health. A clearer understanding of the interactions between racism-related stress, neurophysiology, and stress- and trauma-related disorders is critical for preventative efforts, biomarker discovery, and selection of effective clinical treatments for Black Americans.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Kate Webb
- McLean Hospital, Division of Depression and Anxiety, Belmont, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sierra E Carter
- Georgia State University, Department of Psychology, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Kerry J Ressler
- McLean Hospital, Division of Depression and Anxiety, Belmont, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Negar Fani
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nathaniel G Harnett
- McLean Hospital, Division of Depression and Anxiety, Belmont, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA, USA.
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3
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Golmakani MR, Abrari K, Goudarzi I, Khodaparast A, Bagheri F. Protective role of Eugenol against the destructive effects of lead on conditioned fear memory in male rats with post-traumatic stress disorder-related behavioral traits. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2024; 16:395-402. [PMID: 38444813 PMCID: PMC10912844 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2024.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a consequence of living in today's stressful society. Patients have difficulty forgetting traumatic events. lead pollution has many effects on the nervous system, one of which is memory and learning disorders. The herbal medicine Eugenol has a beneficial effect on memory. Aim This study aims to investigate the protective effect of Eugenol on lead-induced memory impairments in stressed rats. Methods In the first experiment, the animals were divided into three groups: SPS+Saline, SPS+Pb, and naïve. The SPS+Saline, SPS+Pb groups received normal saline and lead through gavage for 21 days, while the sham group remained untreated. Rats were subjected to the modified single prolonged stress model. Memory tests were conducted one week later, evaluating freezing levels in three consecutive tests over three days. In the second experiment, rats were divided into a SPS+Pb+Saline and three treatment groups. The SPS+Pb+Saline group received daily saline injections, while the other groups received different doses of Eugenol (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg). Memory tests similar to the first experiment were conducted. Results The results showed significantly higher immobility levels in the SPS+Saline and SPS+Pb groups compared to the sham. Additionally, the SPS+Pb group had a significant higher immobility compared to the SPS+Saline group. In the second experiment, the SPS+Pb+EU 25 group showed a significant lower freezing compared to the SPS+Pb+Saline group. Additionally, freezing in the SPS+Pb+EU 50 and SPS+Pb+EU 100 groups was significantly higher than in the SPS+Pb+EU 25 group. The SPS+Pb+EU 50 group showed a significant higher freezing compared to the SPS+Pb+Saline group. Conclusion lead acetate exacerbated memory impairments in stressed rats and Eugenol, particularly at a dose of 25 mg/kg, improved these impairments. Therefore, Eugenol has the potential to partially reduce the negative effects of lead on memory in individuals with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kataneh Abrari
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Postal Code: 3197937551, Karaj, Iran
| | - Iran Goudarzi
- School of Biology, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran
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Traynor A, Doyle B, Eppich W, Tjin A, Mulhall C, O'Toole M. "This is it…this is our normal" - the voices of family members and first responders experiencing duty-related trauma in Ireland. Compr Psychiatry 2024; 133:152499. [PMID: 38776684 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2024.152499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compared to other occupational groups, first responders (FR) experience worse mental health outcomes due to duty-related trauma and occupational stressors. Despite their best efforts, they bring this stress home to friends and family. Consequently, FR and their supporters suffer from increased psychosocial difficulties and experience stigma and other barriers to help-seeking. Prior work offers little opportunity for open dialogue and shared understanding of the repercussions of this occupation for all members of the first responder community. In this qualitative study, we aimed to: (i) explore the lived experience of Irish FR and their family members (FM) related to occupational stressors, and (ii) identify opportunities to engage FM with existing organizational supports available for FR. METHODS Using a community based participatory research (CBPR) approach, we conducted six focus groups involving a total of fourteen participants comprising FR, organizational representatives, and FM. All focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. FINDINGS FR and FM shared their experiences of both joining and learning to live as members of the FR community in Ireland. Through our analysis, we identified a main theme of 'crossing thresholds', characterizing their transformative learning experiences. This learning experience includes recognizing the consequences of this new role for them as individuals and for their relationships. Participants also shared how they have learned to cope with the consequences of their roles and what they need to better support each other. CONCLUSIONS FM are often unheard, hidden members of the first responder community in Ireland, highlighting an unmet need for FR organizations to acknowledge FM role in supporting FR and to provide them with the appropriate training and resources required. Training for new recruits needs to move beyond the tokenistic involvement of FM and encourage knowledge sharing among experienced and novice members. Cultural change is required to support help-seeking among FR and foster a sense of peer support and community among families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeline Traynor
- RCSI SIM Centre for Simulation Education and Research, RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ireland; School of Psychology, University of Galway, Arts Millenium Extension, University Road, Galway, Ireland
| | - Brian Doyle
- RCSI SIM Centre for Simulation Education and Research, RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ireland.
| | - Walter Eppich
- RCSI SIM Centre for Simulation Education and Research, RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ireland; Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anna Tjin
- RCSI SIM Centre for Simulation Education and Research, RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ireland; Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London SE5 8AB, UK
| | - Claire Mulhall
- RCSI SIM Centre for Simulation Education and Research, RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ireland
| | - Michelle O'Toole
- RCSI SIM Centre for Simulation Education and Research, RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ireland
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Chiapperino L. Enacting biosocial complexity: Stress, epigenetic biomarkers and the tools of postgenomics. SOCIAL STUDIES OF SCIENCE 2024:3063127231222613. [PMID: 38214449 DOI: 10.1177/03063127231222613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
This article analyses attempts to enact complexity in postgenomic experimentations using the case of epigenetic research on biomarkers of psychosocial stress. Enacting complexity in this research means dissecting multiple so-called biosocial processes of health differentiation in the face of stressful experiences. To characterize enactments of biosocial complexity, the article develops the concepts of complexity work and complexification. The former emphasizes the social, technical, and material work that goes into the production of mixed biological and social representations of stress in epigenetics. The latter underlines how complexity can be assembled differently across distinct configurations of experimental work. Specifically, complexification can be defined as producing, stabilizing, and normalizing novel experimental systems that are supposed to improve techno-scientific enactments of complexity. In the case of epigenetics, complexification entails a reconfiguration of postgenomic experimental systems in ways that some actors deem 'better' at enacting health as a biosocial process. This study of complexity work and complexification shows that biosocial complexity is hardly a univocal enterprise in epigenetics. Consequently, the article calls for abandoning analysis of these research practices using clear-cut dichotomies of reductionism vs. holism, as well as simplicity vs. complexity. More broadly, the article suggests the relevance of a sociology of complexification for STS approaches to complexity in scientific practices. Complementing the existing focus on complexity as instrumental rhetoric in contemporary sciences, complexification directs analytical attention to the pragmatic opportunities that alternative (biosocial) complexities offer to collective, societal, and political thinking about science in society.
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Zhang S, Liu B, Huang L, Zhang R, An L, Liu Z. Metabolomics reveals that chronic restraint stress alleviates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis through the INSR/PI3K/AKT/AMPK pathway. J Mol Med (Berl) 2024; 102:113-128. [PMID: 37993562 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-023-02395-4] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF) could be developed into liver cirrhosis or even hepatocellular carcinoma. Stress has an important role in the occurrence and development of various considerable diseases. However, the effect of a certain degree stress on HF is still controversial. In our study, stress was simulated with regular chronic restraint stress (CRS) and HF model was induced with CCl4 in mice. We found that CRS was able to attenuate CCl4-induced liver injury and fibrosis in mice. Surprisingly, behavioral analysis showed that the mice in the HF group exhibited depression-like behavior. Further, the metabolomic analysis revealed that 119 metabolites and 20 metabolic pathways were altered in mice liver, especially the betaine metabolism pathway. Combined with the results of Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), the key proteins INSR, PI3K, AKT, and p-AMPK were identified and verified, and the results showed that CRS could upregulate the protein levels and mRNA expression of INSR, PI3K, AKT, and p-AMPK in liver tissues of HF mice. It suggested that CRS alleviated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice through upregulation of the INSR/PI3K/AKT/AMPK pathway. Proper stress might be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of chronic liver disease, which provided new insights into the treatment of HF. KEY MESSAGES: Chronic restraint stress mitigated CCl4-induced liver injury and hepatic fibrosis. CCl4-induced liver fibrosis could cause depression-like behavior. Chronic restraint stress altered metabolomic profiles in hepatic fibrosis mice, especially the betaine metabolism pathway. Chronic restraint stress increased betaine levels in liver tissue. Chronic restraint stress regulated the INSR/PI3K/AKT/AMPK signaling pathway in hepatic fibrosis mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Zhang
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab On Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 232, Outer Ring East Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Binjie Liu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab On Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 232, Outer Ring East Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Lan Huang
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab On Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 232, Outer Ring East Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab On Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 232, Outer Ring East Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin An
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab On Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 232, Outer Ring East Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhongqiu Liu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab On Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 232, Outer Ring East Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, People's Republic of China.
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7
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Jing L, Ma C, Xu L, Richter-Levin G. Distinct Neural Representations and Cognitive Behaviors Attributable to Naturally Developed Active Avoidance or Reactive Escape Strategies in the Male Rat. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2023; 26:761-772. [PMID: 37725443 PMCID: PMC10674082 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyad054] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high individual variability in coping with stress is often attributed to genetic background differences, sustained environmental conditions, or a combination of both. However, the neural mechanisms underlying coping style variability are still poorly understood. METHODS Here we examined the impact of a single extended emotional challenge on coping style variability and the associated involvement of the hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and periaqueductal gray (PAG). Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 170) were trained in an extended 2-way shuttle avoidance (eTWSA) task for 7 days, and daily avoidance rates were measured. Forced swim test, elevated plus maze, or Morris water maze was tested before or after eTWSA exposure. Excitotoxic lesion of the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) was performed by Ibotenic infusion. Transient pharmacological blocking of DG, mPFC, or PAG was performed by muscimol or CNQX+TTX infusion. RESULTS Exposing rats to eTWSA was found to lead to naturally developing dichotomous, not continuous, coping styles, which we termed active avoidance (AA) or reactive escape (RE). Prior emotional responses did not predict the developing coping style. AA was associated with beneficial outcomes, including reduced behavioral despair and improved spatial learning. RE led to impaired spatial retrieval. AA was abolished by lesioning or pharmacological blocking of the DG. RE was prevented by blocking mPFC or PAG. CONCLUSION The results indicate that a single exposure to a significant emotional challenge can lead, in otherwise healthy individuals, to dichotomous development of an active or reactive coping style with distinctive neural correlates and subsequent behavioral significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Jing
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBR), University of Haifa, Israel
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chen Ma
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Lab of Learning and Memory, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBR), University of Haifa, Israel
| | - Lin Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Lab of Learning and Memory, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- CAS Centre for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligent Technology, Shanghai, China
- Mental Health Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- KIZ-SU Joint Laboratory of Animal Model and Drug Development, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Gal Richter-Levin
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBR), University of Haifa, Israel
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Leigh SJ, Uhlig F, Wilmes L, Sanchez-Diaz P, Gheorghe CE, Goodson MS, Kelley-Loughnane N, Hyland NP, Cryan JF, Clarke G. The impact of acute and chronic stress on gastrointestinal physiology and function: a microbiota-gut-brain axis perspective. J Physiol 2023; 601:4491-4538. [PMID: 37756251 DOI: 10.1113/jp281951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The physiological consequences of stress often manifest in the gastrointestinal tract. Traumatic or chronic stress is associated with widespread maladaptive changes throughout the gut, although comparatively little is known about the effects of acute stress. Furthermore, these stress-induced changes in the gut may increase susceptibility to gastrointestinal disorders and infection, and impact critical features of the neural and behavioural consequences of the stress response by impairing gut-brain axis communication. Understanding the mechanisms behind changes in enteric nervous system circuitry, visceral sensitivity, gut barrier function, permeability, and the gut microbiota following stress is an important research objective with pathophysiological implications in both neurogastroenterology and psychiatry. Moreover, the gut microbiota has emerged as a key aspect of physiology sensitive to the effects of stress. In this review, we focus on different aspects of the gastrointestinal tract including gut barrier function as well as the immune, humoral and neuronal elements involved in gut-brain communication. Furthermore, we discuss the evidence for a role of stress in gastrointestinal disorders. Existing gaps in the current literature are highlighted, and possible avenues for future research with an integrated physiological perspective have been suggested. A more complete understanding of the spatial and temporal dynamics of the integrated host and microbial response to different kinds of stressors in the gastrointestinal tract will enable full exploitation of the diagnostic and therapeutic potential in the fast-evolving field of host-microbiome interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah-Jane Leigh
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Friederike Uhlig
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Physiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Lars Wilmes
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Paula Sanchez-Diaz
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Cassandra E Gheorghe
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Michael S Goodson
- 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, USA
| | - Nancy Kelley-Loughnane
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, USA
| | - Niall P Hyland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Physiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - John F Cryan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Gerard Clarke
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Winzenried ET, Everett AC, Saito ER, Miller RM, Johnson T, Neal E, Boyce Z, Smith C, Jensen C, Kimball S, Brantley A, Melendez G, Moffat D, Davis E, Aponik L, Crofts T, Dabney B, Edwards JG. Effects of a True Prophylactic Treatment on Hippocampal and Amygdala Synaptic Plasticity and Gene Expression in a Rodent Chronic Stress Model of Social Defeat. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11193. [PMID: 37446371 PMCID: PMC10342862 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311193] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex stress-related disorder induced by exposure to traumatic stress that is characterized by symptoms of re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyper-arousal. While it is widely accepted that brain regions involved in emotional regulation and memory-e.g., the amygdala and hippocampus-are dysregulated in PTSD, the pathophysiology of the disorder is not well defined and therefore, pharmacological interventions are extremely limited. Because stress hormones norepinephrine and cortisol (corticosterone in rats) are heavily implicated in the disorder, we explored whether preemptively and systemically antagonizing β-adrenergic and glucocorticoid receptors with propranolol and mifepristone are sufficient to mitigate pathological changes in synaptic plasticity, gene expression, and anxiety induced by a modified social defeat (SD) stress protocol. Young adult, male Sprague Dawley rats were initially pre-screened for anxiety. The rats were then exposed to SD and chronic light stress to induce anxiety-like symptoms. Drug-treated rats were administered propranolol and mifepristone injections prior to and continuing throughout SD stress. Using competitive ELISAs on plasma, field electrophysiology at CA1 of the ventral hippocampus (VH) and the basolateral amygdala (BLA), quantitative RT-PCR, and behavior assays, we demonstrate that our SD stress increased anxiety-like behavior, elevated long-term potentiation (LTP) in the VH and BLA, and altered the expression of mineralocorticoid, glucocorticoid, and glutamate receptors. These measures largely reverted to control levels with the administration of propranolol and mifepristone. Our findings indicate that SD stress increases LTP in the VH and BLA and that prophylactic treatment with propranolol and mifepristone may have the potential in mitigating these and other stress-induced effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna C. Everett
- Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Erin R. Saito
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Roxanne M. Miller
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Taylor Johnson
- Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Eliza Neal
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Zachary Boyce
- Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Calvin Smith
- Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Chloe Jensen
- Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Spencer Kimball
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Adam Brantley
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Gabriel Melendez
- Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Devin Moffat
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Erin Davis
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Lyndsey Aponik
- Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Tyler Crofts
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Bryson Dabney
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Jeffrey G. Edwards
- Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
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10
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Hosgoren Alıcı Y, Hasanli J, Saygılı G, Koçak OM. The importance of mentalization, coping mechanisms, and perceived stress in the prediction of resilience of healthcare workers. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2023; 28:2635-2646. [PMID: 36217606 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2022.2131855] [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: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Resilience is the process of overcoming stressors. Being able to examine the effect of the Covid epidemic on healthcare workers (HCWs) has provided us a unique opportunity to understand the impact of trauma on resilience. We aimed to investigate the relationship between stress, mentalization, and an individual's coping capacity against a real risk (Covid-19) and evaluate the predictors of resilience. 302 HCWs have enrolled in the study and completed an online questionnaire assessing demographics, perceived stress, resilience, coping, and mentalization. We utilized statistical analysis together with a Random Forest classifier to analyze the interaction between these factors extensively. We applied ten times ten-fold cross-validation and plotted Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) with the calculated Area Under the Curve(AUC) score and identify the most important features. Our experiments showed that the Perceived stress scale has the strongest relationship with resilience. The subject's awareness level of emotional states is an important factor that determines the level of resilience. Coping styles such as the decision of giving up is also a crucial indicator. We conclude that being aware of the risks and the mental states are the dominant factors behind the resilience levels of healthcare workers under pandemic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jamal Hasanli
- Department of Psychiatry, Baskent University, School of Medicine, Turkey
| | - Görkem Saygılı
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ankara University, Turkey
- Department of Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, Health Science Institute, Ankara University, Turkey
| | - Orhan Murat Koçak
- Department of Psychiatry, Baskent University, School of Medicine, Turkey
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11
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Raise-Abdullahi P, Meamar M, Vafaei AA, Alizadeh M, Dadkhah M, Shafia S, Ghalandari-Shamami M, Naderian R, Afshin Samaei S, Rashidy-Pour A. Hypothalamus and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Review. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1010. [PMID: 37508942 PMCID: PMC10377115 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13071010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans have lived in a dynamic environment fraught with potential dangers for thousands of years. While fear and stress were crucial for the survival of our ancestors, today, they are mostly considered harmful factors, threatening both our physical and mental health. Trauma is a highly stressful, often life-threatening event or a series of events, such as sexual assault, war, natural disasters, burns, and car accidents. Trauma can cause pathological metaplasticity, leading to long-lasting behavioral changes and impairing an individual's ability to cope with future challenges. If an individual is vulnerable, a tremendously traumatic event may result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The hypothalamus is critical in initiating hormonal responses to stressful stimuli via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Linked to the prefrontal cortex and limbic structures, especially the amygdala and hippocampus, the hypothalamus acts as a central hub, integrating physiological aspects of the stress response. Consequently, the hypothalamic functions have been attributed to the pathophysiology of PTSD. However, apart from the well-known role of the HPA axis, the hypothalamus may also play different roles in the development of PTSD through other pathways, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axes, as well as by secreting growth hormone, prolactin, dopamine, and oxytocin. This review aims to summarize the current evidence regarding the neuroendocrine functions of the hypothalamus, which are correlated with the development of PTSD. A better understanding of the role of the hypothalamus in PTSD could help develop better treatments for this debilitating condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Morvarid Meamar
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Abbas Ali Vafaei
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Maryam Alizadeh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Qom Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran
| | - Masoomeh Dadkhah
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Sakineh Shafia
- Immunogenetics Research Center, Department of Physiology, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | | | - Ramtin Naderian
- Student Research Committee, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Seyed Afshin Samaei
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Ali Rashidy-Pour
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
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12
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Chiapperino L, Paneni F. In medio stat virtus? A reply to Dupras. EPIGENETICS COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:5. [PMID: 38799084 PMCID: PMC11116170 DOI: 10.1186/s43682-023-00017-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Chiapperino
- STS Lab, Institute of Social Sciences, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Lausanne, Quartier UNIL-Mouline, Bâtiment Géopolis, Bureau 5556, Lausanne, CH-1015 Switzerland
| | - Francesco Paneni
- Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology (CTEC), University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, CH-8091 Switzerland
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
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13
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Mancini GF, Meijer OC, Campolongo P. Stress in adolescence as a first hit in stress-related disease development: Timing and context are crucial. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 69:101065. [PMID: 37001566 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
The two-hit stress model predicts that exposure to stress at two different time-points in life may increase or decrease the risk of developing stress-related disorders later in life. Most studies based on the two-hit stress model have investigated early postnatal stress as the first hit with adult stress as the second hit. Adolescence, however, represents another highly sensitive developmental window during which exposure to stressful events may affect programming outcomes following exposure to stress in adulthood. Here, we discuss the programming effects of different types of stressors (social and nonsocial) occurring during adolescence (first hit) and how such stressors affect the responsiveness toward an additional stressor occurring during adulthood (second hit) in rodents. We then provide a comprehensive overview of the potential mechanisms underlying interindividual and sex differences in the resilience/susceptibility to developing stress-related disorders later in life when stress is experienced in two different life stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia F Mancini
- Dept. of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Onno C Meijer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Patrizia Campolongo
- Dept. of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy.
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14
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Mansour E, Palzur E, Broza YY, Saliba W, Kaisari S, Goldstein P, Shamir A, Haick H. Noninvasive Detection of Stress by Biochemical Profiles from the Skin. ACS Sens 2023; 8:1339-1347. [PMID: 36848629 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Stress is a leading cause of several disease types, yet it is underdiagnosed as current diagnostic methods are mainly based on self-reporting and interviews that are highly subjective, inaccurate, and unsuitable for monitoring. Although some physiological measurements exist (e.g., heart rate variability and cortisol), there are no reliable biological tests that quantify the amount of stress and monitor it in real time. In this article, we report a novel way to measure stress quickly, noninvasively, and accurately. The overall detection approach is based on measuring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from the skin in response to stress. Sprague Dawley male rats (n = 16) were exposed to underwater trauma. Sixteen naive rats served as a control group (n = 16). VOCs were measured before, during, and after induction of the traumatic event, by gas chromatography linked with mass spectrometry determination and quantification, and an artificially intelligent nanoarray for easy, inexpensive, and portable sensing of the VOCs. An elevated plus maze during and after the induction of stress was used to evaluate the stress response of the rats, and machine learning was used for the development and validation of a computational stress model at each time point. A logistic model classifier with stepwise selection yielded a 66-88% accuracy in detecting stress with a single VOC (2-hydroxy-2-methyl-propanoic acid), and an SVM (support vector machine) model showed a 66-72% accuracy in detecting stress with the artificially intelligent nanoarray. The current study highlights the potential of VOCs as a noninvasive, automatic, and real-time stress predictor for mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Mansour
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Eilam Palzur
- Eliachar Research Laboratory, Galilee Medical Center, P.O. Box 21, Nahariya 2210001, Israel
| | - Yoav Y Broza
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Walaa Saliba
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Sharon Kaisari
- Integrative Pain Laboratory (iPainLab), School of Public Health, University of Haifa, Haifa 2611001, Israel
| | - Pavel Goldstein
- Integrative Pain Laboratory (iPainLab), School of Public Health, University of Haifa, Haifa 2611001, Israel
| | - Alon Shamir
- Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
- Mazor Mental Health Center, Akko 2423314, Israel
| | - Hossam Haick
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
- Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
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15
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McGuire AB, Jackson Y, McDonald J. Adding fuel to the fire? Examining exposure to potentially stressful or traumatic events before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in low-income, Black families. PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA : THEORY, RESEARCH, PRACTICE AND POLICY 2023; 15:422-430. [PMID: 35925692 PMCID: PMC10208752 DOI: 10.1037/tra0001336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic has upended the lives of many individuals. While emerging evidence has begun to document health (e.g., infection) and financial (e.g., job loss) consequences, less is known about the day-to-day experiences of some of the country's most vulnerable populations. The current study sought to address this gap in understanding by examining exposure to potentially stressful or traumatic experiences (PSTEs) and their relation to mental health among predominately low-income, African American/Black individuals. METHOD Adult caregivers (N = 110) from an ongoing longitudinal research project occurring prior the pandemic completed surveys about their exposure to COVID-19-specific PSTEs during the initial months of the pandemic. Information on participants was combined with pre-COVID-19 PSTE exposure and examined in relation to current mental health functioning (e.g., depression). RESULTS Findings indicated that participants experienced several different types of COVID-19-specific PSTEs across multiple domains, including home, work, social life, and health and well-being. Results from model testing indicated that COVID-19-specific PSTEs were only associated with worry about COVID-19-specifically. Adulthood PSTEs prior to COVID-19 were also associated with current anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Among low-income, African American/Black individuals with a history of exposure to PSTEs, additional PSTEs experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic may not contribute significantly to general mental health functioning above and beyond pre-COVID-19 PSTE exposures. Taken together, research on PSTE exposure from the pandemic should make attempts to account for lifetime PSTE exposure to most accurately evaluate current mental health concerns, especially among marginalized populations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Austen B McGuire
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, Dole Human Development Center, Department of Psychology, University of Kansas
| | - Yo Jackson
- Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University
| | - Jennifer McDonald
- Bureau of Child Research, Dole Lifespan Institute, University of Kansas
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16
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Modeling integrated stress, sleep, fear and neuroimmune responses: Relevance for understanding trauma and stress-related disorders. Neurobiol Stress 2023; 23:100517. [PMID: 36793998 PMCID: PMC9923229 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2023.100517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Sleep and stress have complex interactions that are implicated in both physical diseases and psychiatric disorders. These interactions can be modulated by learning and memory, and involve additional interactions with the neuroimmune system. In this paper, we propose that stressful challenges induce integrated responses across multiple systems that can vary depending on situational variables in which the initial stress was experienced, and with the ability of the individual to cope with stress- and fear-inducing challenges. Differences in coping may involve differences in resilience and vulnerability and/or whether the stressful context allows adaptive learning and responses. We provide data demonstrating both common (corticosterone, SIH and fear behaviors) and distinguishing (sleep and neuroimmune) responses that are associated with an individual's ability to respond and relative resilience and vulnerability. We discuss neurocircuitry regulating integrated stress, sleep, neuroimmune and fear responses, and show that responses can be modulated at the neural level. Finally, we discuss factors that need to be considered in models of integrated stress responses and their relevance for understanding stress-related disorders in humans.
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17
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Darroch FE, Smith SVM, Sheppard-Perkins MD, Giles AR, Wykes D. Exploring the stress of olympic postponement due to COVID-19 on elite/international and world-class parenting and pregnant runners. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1001127. [PMID: 37113985 PMCID: PMC10127675 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1001127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The primary objective of this community-based participatory research is to explore the impacts of COVID-19 and the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on world-class and elite/international-class parenting and pregnant athletes. Participants in this study include 11 female and 10 male parenting and/or pregnant middle and distance runners. Combined, the participants have competed at 26 Olympic Games and 31 World Championships. Drawing on the general concepts of stressors and psychological resilience, we use thematic analysis to develop four themes to understand the stressors for world-class and elite/international-class parenting and pregnant athletes due to COVID-19 and the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games: (1) lack of childcare support, (2) family planning, and (3) needing to stay away from sources of COVID-including their children. Despite the stressors identified in the aforementioned themes, we identified a fourth theme: (4) participants demonstrated adaptability to stress in spite of-or due to-their athlete-parent identities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francine E. Darroch
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Correspondence: Francine E. Darroch
| | - Sydney V. M. Smith
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Audrey R. Giles
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Dylan Wykes
- Mile2Marathon Coaching Inc., Ottawa, ON, Canada
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18
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Gut microbiota alterations promote traumatic stress susceptibility associated with p-cresol-induced dopaminergic dysfunctions. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 107:385-396. [PMID: 36400332 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence suggests a link between gut microbiota abnormalities and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, whether and how the gut microbiota influences PTSD susceptibility is poorly understood. Here using the arousal-based individual screening model, we provide evidence for pre-trauma and post-trauma gut microbiota alterations in susceptible mice exhibiting persistent PTSD-related phenotypes. A more in-depth analysis revealed an increased abundance of bacteria affecting brain processes including myelination, and brain systems like the dopaminergic neurotransmission. Because dopaminergic dysfunctions play a key role in the pathophysiological mechanisms subserving PTSD, we assessed whether these alterations in gut microbiota composition could be associated with abnormal levels of metabolites inducing dopaminergic dysfunctions. We found high levels of the l-tyrosine-derived metabolite p-cresol exclusively in the prefrontal cortex of susceptible mice. We further uncovered abnormal levels of dopamine and DOPAC, together with a detrimental increase of dopamine D3 receptor expression, exclusively in the prefrontal cortex of susceptible mice. Conversely, we observed either resilience mechanisms aimed at counteracting these p-cresol-induced dopaminergic dysfunctions or myelination-related resilience mechanisms only in the prefrontal cortex of resilient mice. These findings reveal that gut microbiota abnormalities foster trauma susceptibility and thus it may represent a promising target for therapeutic interventions.
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19
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McGonigle CE, Lapish CC, Logrip ML. Male and female impairments in odor span are observed in a rat model of PTSD. Learn Mem 2023; 30:1-11. [PMID: 36543385 PMCID: PMC9872191 DOI: 10.1101/lm.053620.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with neural and behavioral alterations in response to trauma exposure, including working memory impairments. Rodent models of PTSD have not fully investigated chronic or reactive working memory deficits, despite clinical relevance. The present study uses footshock to induce a posttraumatic stress state in male and female rats and evaluates the effect of footshock and trauma-paired odor cues on working memory performance in the odor span task. Results demonstrate the emergence of chronic deficits in working memory among animals exposed to footshock by 3 wk after traumatic stress. The presentation of a trauma-paired odor cue was associated with further decrement in working memory performance for male animals. Furthermore, anxiety-like behaviors associated with the PTSD-like phenotype could predict the degree of working memory impairment in response to the trauma-paired odor cue. This study enhances validation of an existing rodent model of PTSD through replication of the clinical observations of working memory deficits associated with PTSD and provides novel insight into effects in female rodents. This will facilitate work to probe underlying mechanistic dysregulation of working memory following footshock trauma exposure and future development of novel treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen E McGonigle
- Addiction Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Indiana Alcohol Research Center, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA
| | - Christopher C Lapish
- Addiction Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Indiana Alcohol Research Center, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA
- Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA
| | - Marian L Logrip
- Addiction Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Indiana Alcohol Research Center, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA
- Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA
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20
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Krispil-Alon M, Jovasevic V, Radulovic J, Richter-Levin G. Sex-specific roles of hippocampal microRNAs in stress vulnerability and resilience. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:503. [PMID: 36473835 PMCID: PMC9726879 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02267-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Contrary to intuition, most individuals are resilient to psychological trauma and only a minority is vulnerable. Men and women are known to respond differently to trauma exposure, however, mechanisms underlying the relationship between sex differences and trauma resilience and vulnerability are not yet fully understood. Taking advantage of the Behavioral Profiling approach, which enables differentiating between 'affected' and 'unaffected' individuals, we examined sex-associated differences in stress exposure effects on hippocampal expression of selected stress-related GABA-A receptor targeting miRNAs. Levels of the miRNA-144 and miRNA-33 were measured in male and female affected (vulnerable, e.g., higher freezing time) and unaffected (resilient) rats. In male rats, increased levels of miRNA-144 and miRNA-33 were observed in the dorsal dentate gyrus (dDG) and ventral dentate gyrus (vDG) respectively, of stress-exposed but unaffected animals. In females, we observed an increased expression of miRNA-144 and miRNA-33 in the ventral cornu ammonis 1 (vCA1) of affected animals. Accordingly, we inhibited miRNAs expression selectively in hippocampal subregions using oligonucleotides containing locked nucleic acid bases, to examine the miRNAs' causal contribution to either vulnerability or resilience to stress in each sex. Inhibition of miRNA-144 in dDG and miRNA-33 in vDG in males resulted in an increased prevalence of vulnerable animals, while inhibition of miRNA-144 and miRNA-33 in vCA1 in females increased the proportion of resilient animals. The current findings reveal a critical sex-associated difference in the role of miRNAs in stress vulnerability and resilience. This novel understanding of sex-associated epigenetic involvement in the mechanism of stress-related psychopathologies may help improve gender-specific diagnosis and effective treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maayan Krispil-Alon
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBR), University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Psychology Department, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Vladimir Jovasevic
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Jelena Radulovic
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Gal Richter-Levin
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBR), University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
- Psychology Department, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
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21
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Bassil K, De Nijs L, Rutten BPF, Van Den Hove DLA, Kenis G. In vitro modeling of glucocorticoid mechanisms in stress-related mental disorders: Current challenges and future perspectives. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1046357. [DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1046357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, in vitro models has been attracting a great deal of attention for the investigation of a number of mechanisms underlying neurological and mental disorders, including stress-related disorders, for which human brain material has rarely been available. Neuronal cultures have been extensively used to investigate the neurobiological effects of stress hormones, in particular glucocorticoids. Despite great advancements in this area, several challenges and limitations of studies attempting to model and investigate stress-related mechanisms in vitro exist. Such experiments often come along with non-standardized definitions stress paradigms in vitro, variations in cell models and cell types investigated, protocols with differing glucocorticoid concentrations and exposure times, and variability in the assessment of glucocorticoid-induced phenotypes, among others. Hence, drawing consensus conclusions from in-vitro stress studies is challenging. Addressing these limitations and aligning methodological aspects will be the first step towards an improved and standardized way of conducting in vitro studies into stress-related disorders, and is indispensable to reach the full potential of in vitro neuronal models. Here, we consider the most important challenges that need to be overcome and provide initial guidelines to achieve improved use of in vitro neuronal models for investigating mechanisms underlying the development of stress-related mental disorders.
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22
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The role of hippocampal CaMKII in resilience to trauma-related psychopathology. Neurobiol Stress 2022; 21:100506. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
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23
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Mental Health in the Time of Coronavirus Disease 2019. J Nurse Pract 2022; 18:957-961. [PMID: 35855299 PMCID: PMC9283604 DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2022.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Certain life experiences can have a profound effect on human emotions. During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, patients are reporting mood disturbances at much higher levels. Multiple encounters with real and imagined threat, prolonged isolation, and loss of control have adversely impacted the country’s behavioral health. However, most people will not pursue psychological care when needed, and some who pursue it will be unable to access it. Nurse practitioners and other health care professionals are in an optimal position to help. Psychological research explains some of what is driving this phenomenon and offers suggestions of benefit to patients, families, and colleagues.
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24
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Kent M, Kovalev D, Hart B, Leserve D, Handford G, Vavra D, Lambert K. The emotional impact of disrupted environmental contexts: Enrichment loss and coping profiles influence stress response recovery in Long-Evans rats. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13179. [PMID: 35866213 PMCID: PMC9540572 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
With increasing rates of anxiety and mood disorders across the world, there is an unprecedented need for preclinical animal models to generate translational results for humans experiencing disruptive emotional symptoms. Considering that life events resulting in a perception of loss are correlated with depressive symptoms, the enrichment-loss rodent model offers promise as a translational model for stress-initiated psychiatric disorders. Additionally, predisposed temperament characteristics such as coping styles have been found to influence an individual's stress response. Accordingly, male rats were profiled as either consistent or flexible copers and assigned to one of three environments: standard laboratory housing, enriched environment, or enriched environment exposure followed by downsizing to standard laboratory cages (i.e., enrichment-loss group). Throughout the study, several behaviors were assessed to determine stress, social, and reward-processing responses. To assess recovery of the stress response, fecal samples were collected following the swim stress in 3-h increments to determine the recovery trajectory of corticosterone (CORT) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) metabolite levels. Upon death, neural markers of neuroplasticity including doublecortin, glial fibrillary acidic factor, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor were assessed via immunohistochemistry. Results indicated the flexible coping animals in the continuous enriched group had higher DHEA/CORT ratios (consistent with adaptive responses in past research); furthermore, the enrichment-loss animals exhibited a blunted CORT response throughout the assessments and enriched flexible copers had faster CORT recovery rates than consistent copers. Standard housed animals exhibited less exploratory behavior in the open field task and continuous enriched, flexible rats consumed more food rewards than the other groups. No differences in neuroplasticity neural markers were observed. In sum, the results of the present study support past research indicating the disruptive consequences of enrichment-loss, providing evidence that the model represents a valuable approach for the investigation of neurobiological mechanisms contributing to interindividual variability in responses to changing experiential landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Kent
- Department of BiologyVirginia Military InstituteLexingtonVAUSA
| | - Dmitry Kovalev
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of RichmondRichmondVAUSA
| | - Benjamin Hart
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of RichmondRichmondVAUSA
| | | | | | - Dylan Vavra
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of RichmondRichmondVAUSA
| | - Kelly Lambert
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of RichmondRichmondVAUSA
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25
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Becker DR, Welch B, Monti E, Sullivan H, Helou LB. Investigating Past Trauma in Laryngoresponders Versus Non-Laryngoresponders: Piloting New Methods in an Exploratory Study. J Voice 2022:S0892-1997(22)00144-8. [PMID: 35701254 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2022.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS This exploratory pilot study aimed to probe the relationship between past experiences of trauma in people who self-identify as "laryngoresponders" compared to those who do not. It also explored the communicative context of past traumatic events in laryngoresponders versus non-laryngoresponders. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, within-subjects experimental design. METHODS 29 vocally healthy cisgender women (ages 19 to 56) completed a battery of validated self-report measures relating to their past traumatic experiences. Participants also completed two original self-report measures designed to provide insight about (1) where stress tends to manifest in their body and (2) communicative settings of participants' past trauma. RESULTS Six participants (21%) self-identified a predictable laryngeal and/or vocal response to acute stress and thus comprise the laryngoresponders group. Laryngoresponders exhibited worse scores on 75% of all trauma-related variables compared to non-laryngoresponders, and Emotional Neglect was disproportionately represented in laryngoresponders. Participants with a reported history of childhood Emotional Neglect (83% of laryngoresponders, 35% of nonlaryngoresponders) reported quantitatively "less ideal" communication experiences in the context of past traumatic experiences. CONCLUSIONS Other investigators identify the larynx as a "vulnerable body pathway" for some women. This pilot study of adult women without voice complaints revealed several commonalities amongst self-reported laryngoresponders, and compels further exploration of the voice-trauma relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brett Welch
- Department of Communication Science and Disorders, The University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Elisa Monti
- Department of Psychology, The New School, New York City, New York
| | | | - Leah B Helou
- Department of Communication Science and Disorders, The University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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26
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Paez-Maggio M, Rossi M, Fazzito L, Merello M. Validation of an events exposure questionnaire for individuals living in major cities of Argentina. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2022; 13:2031830. [PMID: 35186218 PMCID: PMC8856068 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2022.2031830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Most of the validated 'events exposure' questionnaires are focused on lifetime burden and are hardly applicable to Argentina owing to its sociocultural and natural conditions, where corruption and economic crises have been hitting middle-class people's lives in a cyclic manner. This prompted us to develop a new questionnaire, validated in Argentina, to assess the occurrence of exposure to events and their severity over a limited period. Deductive (bibliographic search) and inductive (by a Delphi group) selection was used to create an initial group of 24 questions, which were condensed into a final 14-item questionnaire. After administration to 512 inhabitants of the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires and other major cities in Argentina, the questionnaire was shown to have an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.996 and an internal consistency, measured by the omega coefficient, of 0.86. Because this study was conducted during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, an additional question on how this situation affected individuals was included. The time span used to measure event exposure was 1 year prior to the study. In the case of an affirmative event exposure, the responder selected the severity of the stress perception generated on a Likert-like scale, ranging from 0 (nothing) to 5 (severe). Fifty-eight per cent of the responders were women, and the mean age was 47.14 years (SD: 13.97). The average annual event incidence per person was 2.5 events (SD: 1.88). Thirty-two per cent (164/512) reported at least one 5-point event on the severity scale. Ten per cent (51/512) responded that the COVID-19 pandemic affected them in a different manner than events related to personal or family disease, or the death of a close family member or friend.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Paez-Maggio
- Movement Disorders Service, Neuroscience Department, FLENI, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Rossi
- Movement Disorders Service, Neuroscience Department, FLENI, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - L Fazzito
- Department of Psychiatry, FLENI, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Merello
- Movement Disorders Service, Neuroscience Department, FLENI, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Neurodegenerative diseases, Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Smith KE, Pollak SD. Early life stress and perceived social isolation influence how children use value information to guide behavior. Child Dev 2021; 93:804-814. [PMID: 34971461 PMCID: PMC9177517 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Learning the value of environmental signals and using that information to guide behavior is critical for survival. Stress in childhood may influence these processes, but how it does so is still unclear. This study examined how stressful event exposures and perceived social isolation affect the ability to learn value signals and use that information in 72 children (8–9 years; 29 girls; 65.3% White). Stressful event exposures and perceived social isolation did not influence how children learned value information. But, children with high stressful event exposures and perceived social isolation were worse at using that information. These data suggest alterations in how value information is used, rather than learned, may be one mechanism linking early experiences to later behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen E Smith
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Seth D Pollak
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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28
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Haykin H, Rolls A. The neuroimmune response during stress: A physiological perspective. Immunity 2021; 54:1933-1947. [PMID: 34525336 PMCID: PMC7615352 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2021.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Stress is an essential adaptive response that enables the organism to cope with challenges and restore homeostasis. Different stressors require distinctive corrective responses in which immune cells play a critical role. Hence, effects of stress on immunity may vary accordingly. Indeed, epidemiologically, stress can induce either inflammation or immune suppression in an organism. However, in the absence of a conceptual framework, these effects appear chaotic, leading to confusion. Here, we examine how stressor diversity is imbedded in the neuroimmune axis. Stressors differ in the brain patterns they induce, diversifying the neuronal and endocrine mediators dispatched to the periphery and generating a wide range of potential immune effects. Uncovering this complexity and diversity of the immune response to different stressors will allow us to understand the involvement of stress in pathological conditions, identify ways to modulate it, and even harness the therapeutic potential embedded in an adaptive response to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hedva Haykin
- Department of immunology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3525422, Israel
| | - Asya Rolls
- Department of immunology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3525422, Israel.
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