1
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Andersen EH, Nagpal A, Eisenlohr-Moul TA, Gordon JL. A novel method for quantifying affective sensitivity to endogenous ovarian hormones. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 167:107095. [PMID: 38896987 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107095] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Increased sensitivity to ovarian hormone changes is implicated in the etiology of reproductive mood disorders across the female lifespan, including menstrually-related mood disorders, perinatal mood disorders, and perimenopausal depression. Developing a method to accurately quantify sensitivity to endogenous hormone fluctuations may therefore facilitate the prediction and prevention of these mental health conditions. Here, we propose one such method applying a synchrony analysis to compute time-lagged cross-correlations between repeated assessments of endogenous hormone levels and self-reported affect. We apply this method to a dataset containing frequent repeated assessments of affective symptoms and the urinary metabolites of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) in 94 perimenopausal females. These preliminary findings suggest that, with further refinement and validation, the proposed method holds promise as a diagnostic tool to be used in clinical practice and to advance research investigating the etiology of reproductive mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth H Andersen
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Anisha Nagpal
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Jennifer L Gordon
- Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.
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2
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Scala M, Martínez Trapote P, Rodriguez-Jimenez R, Pecorino B, Serretti A. Managing a Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder With a Hormonal Twist in a Female Patient: A Case Report of a Progestin-Only Pill. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2024; 44:323-326. [PMID: 38591793 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000001836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
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3
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Huang D, He J, Zhang R, Zhong S, Lai S, Jia Y. Sex differences in serum trace elements and minerals levels in unmedicated patients with major depressive episode: The role of suicidal ideation. J Affect Disord 2024; 348:26-34. [PMID: 38086449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.12.024] [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: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to examine the influence of gender on serum trace elements and minerals levels in depression, as well as the impact of suicidal ideation (SI) on these gender dimorphisms. METHODS A total of 260 unmedicated patients with a current major depressive episode were enrolled. The Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation was utilized to evaluate SI. The serum levels of copper, zinc, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium were quantified. RESULTS Within the non-SI (NSI) group, females exhibited higher levels of copper (p = 0.001) and phosphorus (p = 0.008), and lower levels of zinc (p = 0.022) and calcium (p = 0.008) compared to males. Conversely, no discernible gender disparities were observed in the SI group (all p > 0.05). Also, no group differences in these trace elements/minerals were observed between the SI and NSI groups (all p > 0.05). Notably, serum iron levels exhibited a significant group-by-sex interaction effect (p = 0.024). Further analysis revealed that iron levels were higher in the SI group than in the NSI group among females (p = 0.048), but lower in females than in males within the NSI group (p < 0.001). Moreover, a positive association between the fourth quantile of serum iron and SI was detected in females (odds ratio [OR] = 2.88, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-8.11). CONCLUSIONS Gender effects on serum trace element/mineral levels were different in depressed patients with and without SI. Female patients were susceptible to SI when serum iron was at the upper end of normal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Jiali He
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Rongxu Zhang
- 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
| | - Shunkai Lai
- 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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4
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Eng AG, Nirjar U, Elkins AR, Sizemore YJ, Monticello KN, Petersen MK, Miller SA, Barone J, Eisenlohr-Moul TA, Martel MM. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and the menstrual cycle: Theory and evidence. Horm Behav 2024; 158:105466. [PMID: 38039899 PMCID: PMC10872410 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105466] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that exhibits striking sex differences in symptoms, prevalence, and associated problems across development. Etiological factors and mechanisms underlying these sex differences remain one of the most understudied aspects of this disorder. The current paper seeks to provide a novel theoretical framework for understanding this phenomenon by reviewing evidence that females with ADHD may experience a "double whammy" of organizational and activational pubertal hormonal effects. We propose a novel theory of activational effects of cyclical circulating ovarian hormones on ADHD with increasing risk at times of rapid declines in estrogen. These declines may decrease executive function and trait control at two points of the cycle characterized by biphasic affective risk: (1) increases in approach/risk-taking behaviors at mid-cycle (periovulatory) and (2) increases in avoidance/negative affect perimenstrually. Low estrogen and control may then interact with increases in positive and negative affect, respectively, to increase hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms post-ovulation and inattention symptoms perimenstrually. These interactions may be exacerbated by organizational pubertal effects on relatively overdeveloped limbic circuitry and adolescent-specific social pressures magnified in females with ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley G Eng
- University of Kentucky, Department of Psychology, 106-B Kastle Hall, Lexington, KY 40506-0044, United States of America.
| | - Urveesha Nirjar
- University of Kentucky, Department of Psychology, 106-B Kastle Hall, Lexington, KY 40506-0044, United States of America
| | - Anjeli R Elkins
- University of Kentucky, Department of Psychology, 106-B Kastle Hall, Lexington, KY 40506-0044, United States of America
| | - Yancey J Sizemore
- University of Kentucky, Department of Psychology, 106-B Kastle Hall, Lexington, KY 40506-0044, United States of America
| | - Krystina N Monticello
- University of Kentucky, Department of Psychology, 106-B Kastle Hall, Lexington, KY 40506-0044, United States of America
| | - Madeline K Petersen
- University of Kentucky, Department of Psychology, 106-B Kastle Hall, Lexington, KY 40506-0044, United States of America
| | - Sarah A Miller
- University of Kentucky, Department of Psychology, 106-B Kastle Hall, Lexington, KY 40506-0044, United States of America
| | - Jordan Barone
- University of Illinois Chicago at Chicago College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, 912 S. Wood St, Chicago, IL 60612, United States of America
| | - Tory A Eisenlohr-Moul
- University of Illinois Chicago at Chicago College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, 912 S. Wood St, Chicago, IL 60612, United States of America
| | - Michelle M Martel
- University of Kentucky, Department of Psychology, 106-B Kastle Hall, Lexington, KY 40506-0044, United States of America
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5
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Dong P, Dai W, Su M, Wang S, Ma Y, Zhao T, Zheng F, Sun P. The potential role of the orexin system in premenstrual syndrome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1266806. [PMID: 38292774 PMCID: PMC10824941 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1266806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) occurs recurrently during the luteal phase of a woman's menstrual cycle and disappears after menstruation ends. It is characterized by abnormal changes in both the body and mood, and in certain cases, severe disruptions in daily life and even suicidal tendencies. Current drugs for treating PMS, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, do not yield satisfactory results. Orexin, a neuropeptide produced in the lateral hypothalamus, is garnering attention in the treatment of neurological disorders and is believed to modulate the symptoms of PMS. This paper reviews the advancements in research on sleep disturbances, mood changes, and cognitive impairment caused by PMS, and suggests potential pathways for orexin to address these symptoms. Furthermore, it delves into the role of orexin in the molecular mechanisms underlying PMS. Orexin regulates steroid hormones, and the cyclic fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of PMS. Additionally, orexin also modulates the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system and the inflammatory response involved in coordinating the mechanism of PMS. Unraveling the role of orexin in the pathogenesis of PMS will not only aid in understanding the etiology of PMS but also hold implications for orexin as a novel target for treating PMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Dong
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Weibo Dai
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhong Shan, China
| | - Mengyue Su
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Shukun Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yuexiang Ma
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Tingting Zhao
- College of Foreign Languages, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Feng Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Innovation Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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6
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Ross JM, Barone JC, Tauseef H, Schmalenberger KM, Nagpal A, Crane NA, Eisenlohr-Moul TA. Predicting Acute Changes in Suicidal Ideation and Planning: A Longitudinal Study of Symptom Mediators and the Role of the Menstrual Cycle in Female Psychiatric Outpatients With Suicidality. Am J Psychiatry 2024; 181:57-67. [PMID: 38093647 PMCID: PMC11031249 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.20230303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cross-sectional and preliminary longitudinal findings suggest that cyclical ovarian hormone fluctuations influence acute suicide risk. The authors provide the first analyses in females with suicidality to investigate which daily symptoms covary with suicidal ideation and planning thoughts, the role of the menstrual cycle in daily symptom variation, how daily fluctuations in symptoms mediate the menstrual cycle-suicidality relationship, and how these associations vary across individuals. METHODS Naturally cycling psychiatric outpatients (N=119) with past-month suicidal ideation provided daily ratings of psychiatric symptoms (depression, hopelessness, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, agitation, anhedonia, worthlessness, rejection sensitivity, anger, perceived burdensomeness, and interpersonal conflict), suicidal ideation, and suicidal planning across at least one menstrual cycle. Symptom ratings were decomposed into trait (person-centered mean) and state (daily person-centered mean deviation) components. Five cycle phases were identified in relation to menses onset and ovulation (surge in urine luteinizing hormone level). Hypotheses were tested in multilevel structural equation models. RESULTS Nearly all psychiatric symptoms covaried with fluctuations in daily suicidal ideation, and a limited set of symptoms (depression, hopelessness, rejection sensitivity, and perceived burdensomeness) predicted within-person increases in suicidal planning. Many patients demonstrated perimenstrual worsening of psychiatric symptoms, suicidal ideation, and suicidal planning. Depressive symptoms (depression, hopelessness, perceived burdensomeness, and anhedonia) were the most robust statistical mediators predicting perimenstrual exacerbation of suicidality. CONCLUSIONS Research on the menstrual cycle and suicide has been limited historically by small, cross-sectional samples. This study provides the first evidence that measuring day-to-day correlates of suicidality in a large transdiagnostic sample of females with suicidal ideation can contribute to understanding the pathways by which the menstrual cycle influences acute suicide risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn M Ross
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago
| | - Jordan C Barone
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago
| | - Hafsah Tauseef
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago
| | | | - Anisha Nagpal
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago
| | - Natania A Crane
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago
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7
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Drago A. Genetic signatures of suicide attempt behavior: insights and applications. Expert Rev Proteomics 2024; 21:41-53. [PMID: 38315076 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2024.2314143] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Every year about 800,000 complete suicide events occur. The identification of biologic markers to identify subjects at risk would be helpful in targeting specific support treatments. AREA COVERED A narrative review defines the meta-analytic level of current evidence about the biologic markers of suicide behavior (SB). The meta-analytic evidence gathered so far indicates that the hypothesis-driven research largely failed to identify the biologic markers of suicide. The most consistent and replicated result was reported for: 1) 5-HTR2A T102C, associated with SB in patients with schizophrenia (OR = 1.73 (1.11-2.69)) and 2) BDNF Val66Met (rs6265), with the Met-Val + Val-Val carriers found to be at risk for suicide in the Caucasian population (OR: 1.96 (1.58-2.43)), while Val-Val vs. Val-Met + Met carriers found to be at risk for suicide in the Asian populations (OR: 1.36 (1.04-1.78)). GWAS-based meta-analyses indicate some positive replicated findings regarding the DRD2, Neuroligin gene, estrogen-related genes, and genes involved in gene expression. EXPERT OPINION Most consistent results were obtained when analyzing sub-samples of patients. Some promising results come from the implementation of the polygenic risk score. There is no current consensus about an implementable biomarker for SB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Drago
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
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8
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Klusmann H, Eisenlohr-Moul T, Baresich K, Schmalenberger KM, Girdler S, Andersen E. Analyzing the atypical - Methods for studying the menstrual cycle in adolescents. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 158:106389. [PMID: 37769538 PMCID: PMC10843271 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106389] [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: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The female pubertal transition is characterized by a rapidly changing hormone milieu, which is heavily influenced by the first menstrual cycle - menarche. The first year following menarche is associated with menstrual cycles that are irregular and anovulatory. Peripuberty also marks the beginning of a female-biased risk for suicidality and depression, suggesting some influence by the menstrual cycle and ovarian hormone fluctuations. However, there are limited methods and guidelines for studying the menstrual cycle and related affective symptoms in this developmental window. Thus, this study's objective was to identify the most accurate methods for detecting ovulation in irregular cycles (Part 1) and develop guidelines based on these methods for determining menstrual cycle phases. These methods were applied to investigate hormones and affective symptoms based on cycle phase and ovulation status in a sample of peripubertal females (Part 2). METHODS Thirty-two peripubertal females (ages 11-14) provided daily urine samples of estrogen (E1G) and progesterone (PdG) metabolites and luteinizing hormone (LH), and ratings of affective symptoms for one menstrual cycle. Ten literature-derived methods for determining the presence of an LH-peak or PdG rise were compared, focusing on their feasibility for psychological research. RESULTS Methods by Sun et al. (2019) and Park et al. (2007) most accurately detected PdG rises and LH peaks in this sample, identifying 40.6% of cycles as ovulatory. As expected, ovulatory participants showed greater LH in the periovulatory phase (p = .001), greater PdG in the mid-luteal phase (p < .0001), and greater E1G in the periovulatory phase (p = .001) compared with anovulatory participants. Exemplary methods to compare psychological symptoms between both groups are provided. CONCLUSIONS Recommendations and guidelines for studying the menstrual cycle in irregular cycling adolescents are offered. Novel methods for ovulation detection identified phase-specific hormonal patterns in anovulatory and ovulatory adolescent cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Klusmann
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Schwendenerstraße 27, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Tory Eisenlohr-Moul
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry (MC 913), 60612 Chicago, USA.
| | - Kayla Baresich
- School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Carolina Crossings Building B, 2218 Nelson Highway, 27517 Chapel Hill, USA.
| | - Katja M Schmalenberger
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry (MC 913), 60612 Chicago, USA.
| | - Susan Girdler
- School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Carolina Crossings Building B, 2218 Nelson Highway, 27517 Chapel Hill, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Andersen
- School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Carolina Crossings Building B, 2218 Nelson Highway, 27517 Chapel Hill, USA.
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9
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Barone JC, Wenzel E, Alluri V, Moriarity D, Pinna G, Walsh E, Rubinow DR, Morrow AL, Eisenlohr-Moul TA. Effects of estrogen and progesterone on neuroactive steroids and cytokines in patients with suicidality. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 157:106359. [PMID: 37611527 PMCID: PMC10543480 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106359] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In ovulating psychiatric patients experiencing suicidality, suicidal ideation (SI) often peaks perimenstrually. Our recent double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover randomized clinical trial (RCT; NCT03720847) showed that perimenstrual administration of estradiol and progesterone (EP) can prevent this peak in SI and depressed mood. In this pre-registered follow-up analysis, we studied how the menstrual cycle and experimental manipulation affected two neurobiological systems associated with the menstrual cycle and suicide risk: GABAergic neuroactive steroids (NAS) and peripheral cytokines. METHODS In 26 psychiatric outpatients with natural menstrual cycles and past-month SI, we analyzed serum samples from three blood draws (midluteal, perimenstrual, midfollicular) per experimental condition (EP vs placebo) timed to a luteinizing hormone-surge ovulation test. Using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), we measured the progesterone (P4)-derived pregnane NAS (3α,5α)- 3-hydroxypregnan20-one (3α,5α-THP), (3α,5β)- 3-hydroxypregnan-20-one (3α,5β-THP), (3α,5α)- 3,21-dihydroxypregnan-20-one (3α,5α-THDOC), (3α,5α)- 3-hydroxyandrostan-17-one (3α,5α-A), the androstane NAS (3α,5β)- 3-hydroxyandrostan-17-one (3α,5β-A), (3α,5α,17β)-androstane-3,17-diol (3α,5α-A-diol), (3α,5β,17β)-androstane-3,17-diol (3α,5β-A-diol), and their precursor pregnenolone. High sensitivity multiplex assay kits quantified peripheral cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. RESULTS P4-derived NAS fluctuated in parallel with P4 and increased with exogenous perimenstrual administration of EP. Conversely, androstane NAS either did not fluctuate or fluctuated inversely from P4, and these NAS decreased with exogenous EP. Peripheral cytokines did not show cyclical patterns, but each significantly predicted SI, depressed mood, or anxiousness. Concomitant SSRI medication use predicted lower androstane NAS. CONCLUSIONS While preliminary and exploratory, our findings provide critical descriptive context for future studies. Further, our work presents menstrual cycle-related patterns for ten frequently-studied biomarkers, allowing for improved quality of comparisons involving naturally-cycling populations in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan C Barone
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Dept of Psychiatry, 912 S Wood St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Wenzel
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Dept of Psychiatry, 912 S Wood St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Viraja Alluri
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Dept of Psychiatry, 912 S Wood St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Daniel Moriarity
- University of California, Los Angeles, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, 757 Westwood Plaza #4, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Stanford University, Department of Genetics, 291 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Graziano Pinna
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Dept of Psychiatry, 912 S Wood St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Erin Walsh
- University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Department of Psychiatry, 101 Manning Dr. #1, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - David R Rubinow
- University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Department of Psychiatry, 101 Manning Dr. #1, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - A Leslie Morrow
- University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Department of Psychiatry, 101 Manning Dr. #1, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Tory A Eisenlohr-Moul
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Dept of Psychiatry, 912 S Wood St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Barone JC, Butler MP, Ross A, Patterson A, Wagner-Schuman M, Eisenlohr-Moul TA. A scoping review of hormonal clinical trials in menstrual cycle-related brain disorders: Studies in premenstrual mood disorder, menstrual migraine, and catamenial epilepsy. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 71:101098. [PMID: 37619655 PMCID: PMC10843388 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Cyclic variations in hormones during the normal menstrual cycle underlie multiple central nervous system (CNS)-linked disorders, including premenstrual mood disorder (PMD), menstrual migraine (MM), and catamenial epilepsy (CE). Despite this foundational mechanistic link, these three fields operate independently of each other. In this scoping review (N = 85 studies), we survey existing human research studies in PMD, MM, and CE to outline the exogenous experimental hormone manipulation trials conducted in these fields. We examine a broad range of literature across these disorders in order to summarize existing diagnostic practices and research methods, highlight gaps in the experimental human literature, and elucidate future research opportunities within each field. While no individual treatment or study design can fit every disease, there is immense overlap in study design and established neuroendocrine-based hormone sensitivity among the menstrual cycle-related disorders PMD, MM, and CE. SCOPING REVIEW STRUCTURED SUMMARY Background. The menstrual cycle can be a biological trigger of symptoms in certain brain disorders, leading to specific, menstrual cycle-linked phenomena such as premenstrual mood disorders (PMD), menstrual migraine (MM), and catamenial epilepsy (CE). Despite the overlap in chronicity and hormonal provocation, these fields have historically operated independently, without any systematic communication about methods or mechanisms. OBJECTIVE Online databases were used to identify articles published between 1950 and 2021 that studied hormonal manipulations in reproductive-aged females with either PMD, MM, or CE. We selected N = 85 studies that met the following criteria: 1) included a study population of females with natural menstrual cycles (e.g., not perimenopausal, pregnant, or using hormonal medications that were not the primary study variable); 2) involved an exogenous hormone manipulation; 3) involved a repeated measurement across at least two cycle phases as the primary outcome variable. CHARTING METHODS After exporting online database query results, authors extracted sample size, clinical diagnosis of sample population, study design, experimental hormone manipulation, cyclical outcome measure, and results from each trial. Charting was completed manually, with two authors reviewing each trial. RESULTS Exogenous hormone manipulations have been tested as treatment options for PMD (N = 56 trials) more frequently than MM (N = 21) or CE (N = 8). Combined oral contraceptive (COC) trials, specifically those containing drospirenone as the progestin, are a well-studied area with promising results for treating both PMDD and MM. We found no trials of COCs in CE. Many trials test ovulation suppression using gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa), and a meta-analysis supports their efficacy in PMD; GnRHa have been tested in two MM-related trials, and one CE open-label case series. Finally, we found that non-contraceptive hormone manipulations, including but not limited to short-term transdermal estradiol, progesterone supplementation, and progesterone antagonism, have been used across all three disorders. CONCLUSIONS Research in PMD, MM, and CE commonly have overlapping study design and research methods, and similar effects of some interventions suggest the possibility of overlapping mechanisms contributing to their cyclical symptom presentation. Our scoping review is the first to summarize existing clinical trials in these three brain disorders, specifically focusing on hormonal treatment trials. We find that PMD has a stronger body of literature for ovulation-suppressing COC and GnRHa trials; the field of MM consists of extensive estrogen-based studies; and current consensus in CE focuses on progesterone supplementation during the luteal phase, with limited estrogen manipulations due to concerns about seizure provocation. We argue that researchers in any of these respective disciplines would benefit from greater communication regarding methods for assessment, diagnosis, subtyping, and experimental manipulation. With this scoping review, we hope to increase collaboration and communication among researchers to ultimately improve diagnosis and treatment for menstrual-cycle-linked brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan C Barone
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Psychiatry, USA; University of Illinois at Chicago, Medical Scientist Training Program, USA.
| | - Mitchell P Butler
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Medical Scientist Training Program, USA; University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, USA
| | - Ashley Ross
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Psychiatry, USA; University of Illinois at Chicago, Medical Scientist Training Program, USA
| | - Anna Patterson
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Psychiatry, USA; University of Illinois at Chicago, Medical Scientist Training Program, USA
| | | | - Tory A Eisenlohr-Moul
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Psychiatry, USA; University of Illinois at Chicago, Medical Scientist Training Program, USA
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11
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Noachtar IA, Frokjaer VG, Pletzer B. Mental Health Symptoms in Oral Contraceptive Users During Short-Term Hormone Withdrawal. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2335957. [PMID: 37755829 PMCID: PMC10534273 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.35957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Hormonal contraception has been linked to mood symptoms and the ability to recognize emotions after short periods of treatment, whereas the mental health of users of long-term hormonal contraceptives has had limited investigation. Objective To evaluate whether short-term hormonal withdrawal, which users of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) undergo once a month (pill pause), was associated with altered mood and emotional recognition in long-term users of COCs. Design, Setting, and Participants This case-control study included a community sample of individuals assigned female sex at birth who identified as women and used COC for 6 months or longer. The control group included women with natural menstrual cycles who otherwise fulfilled the same inclusion criteria. The study was conducted between April 2021 and June 2022 in Salzburg, Austria. Exposure COC users and women with natural menstrual cycles were tested twice within a month, once during their active pill phase or luteal phase and once during their pill pause or menses. Main Outcomes and Measures Negative affect, anxiety, and mental health problems were assessed during each session. The percentage increase in mental health symptoms was calculated during the pill pause compared with that during the active intake phase in COC users. How this change compared with mood fluctuations along the menstrual cycle in women with natural menstrual cycles was assessed. Results A total of 181 women aged 18 to 35 years (mean [SD] age, 22.7 [3.5] years) were included in the analysis (61 women with androgenic COC use, 59 with antiandrogenic COC use, 60 women with a menstrual cycle not taking COCs). COC users showed a 12.67% increase in negative affect (95% CI, 6.94%-18.39%), 7.42% increase in anxiety (95% CI, 3.43%-11.40%), and 23.61% increase in mental health symptoms (95% CI, 16.49%-30.73%; P < .001) during the pill pause compared with the active intake phase. The effect size of this change did not differ depending on progestin type (negative affect: F1,117 = 0.30, P = .59; state anxiety: F1,117 = 2.15, P = .15; mental health: F1,117 = .16, P = .69) or ethinylestradiol dose (negative affect: F1,57 = .99, P = .32; state anxiety: F1,57 = 2.30, P = .13; mental health: F1,57 = .14, P = .71) was comparable with mood changes along the menstrual cycle in women with natural cycles (negative affect: F2,175 = 0.13, P = .87; state anxiety: F2,175 = 0.14, P = .32; mental health: F2,175 = 0.65, P = .52). Mood worsening during the pill pause was more pronounced in women with higher baseline depression scores (negative affect increase of 17.95% [95% CI, 7.80%-28.10%] in COC users with higher trait depression [BDI >8]). Emotion recognition performance did not differ between active pill phase and pill pause. Conclusions and Relevance In this case-control study of long-term COC users, withdrawal from contraceptive steroids during the pill pause was associated with adverse mental health symptoms similar to those experienced by women during menses with withdrawal from endogenous steroids. These results question the use of the pill pause from a mental health perspective. Long-term COC users may benefit more from the mood-stabilizing effects of COCs in cases of continuous intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel A. Noachtar
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Vibe G. Frokjaer
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Mental Health Services Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Belinda Pletzer
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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Eisenlohr-Moul TA, Barone JC. Optimizing Neuroactive Steroid Treatments for Stress-Related Affective Symptoms: Brief Reflections on Patient Population, Timing, and Access. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 94:191-193. [PMID: 37437990 PMCID: PMC11006370 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jordan C Barone
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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Wang R, Zheng S, Ouyang X, Zhang S, Ge M, Yang M, Sheng X, Yang K, Xia L, Zhou X. Suicidality and Its Association with Stigma in Clinically Stable Patients with Schizophrenia in Rural China. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:1947-1956. [PMID: 37275277 PMCID: PMC10237198 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s413070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Patients with schizophrenia not only experience more stigma than those with other mental illnesses, but they also have a higher risk of committing suicide. There are, however, few research on the connection between rural individuals with clinically stable schizophrenia and suicidality when they feel stigmatized. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to look at the suicidality in clinically stable patients with schizophrenia in rural China, including the prevalence, clinical correlates, and its relationships with stigma. Patients and Methods From September 2022 to October 2022, we conducted a multicenter, cross-sectional study in rural Chaohu, Anhui Province, China, and A total of 821 patients with schizophrenia completed the assessment. Three standardized questions were used to assess suicidality (including suicidal ideation, suicide plan, and suicide attempt), Patient Health Questionnaire with 9 items (PHQ-9) for determining depressive state, the first two items of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-Brief Version (QOL), which measures quality of life, the Social Impact Scale (SIS) to assess stigma, and some other important variables (eg employment, psychiatric medication, etc.) were measured using a homemade scale. Results Of the 821 participants who completed the questionnaire, 19.2% of the patients were found to have suicidality, of which 19.2% (158/821) were suicidal ideation, 5.6% (46/821) were suicide plans and 4.5% (37/821) were suicide attempts. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that job status (OR=0.520, p=0.047), psychiatric medication (OR=2.353, p=0.020), number of hospitalizations (OR=1.047, p=0.042), quality of life (OR=0.829, p=0.027), PHQ-9 (OR=0.209, p<0.001) stigma (OR=1.060, p<0.001) and social isolation in stigma (OR=1.134, p=0.001) were associated independently with suicidality. Conclusion Among clinically stable schizophrenia patients in rural China, suicidality is frequent and associated with stigma. Since stigma and some risk factors have a negative impact on suicidality, we should conduct routine screening and take suicide prevention measures to clinically stable schizophrenia patients in rural areas of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoqi Wang
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Siyuan Zheng
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xu Ouyang
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shaofei Zhang
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Menglin Ge
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meng Yang
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuanlian Sheng
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kefei Yang
- Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Xia
- Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqin Zhou
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, People’s Republic of China
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