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Gano A. Leukocytes: Likely not the immune system's white knights in the wake of early life adversity. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 121:70-71. [PMID: 39043342 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.07.032] [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] [Received: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anny Gano
- Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center (DEARC), Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton NY 13902-6000, United States.
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2
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Wood EK, Aston SA, O'Connell PH, Hafen E, Skowbo AN, Schwandt ML, Lindell SG, Smith E, Johnson M, Baron Z, Gabrielle N, Barr CS, Suomi SJ, Goldman D, Higley JD. Genotypic variation in the promoter region of the CRH-248 gene interacts with early rearing experiences to disrupt the development of the HPA axis in infant rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta). Stress 2024; 27:2377272. [PMID: 39020286 PMCID: PMC11279524 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2024.2377272] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a hallmark of conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Early-life adversity and genetic variation can interaction to disrupt HPA axis regulation, potentially contributing to certain forms of psychopathology. This study employs a rhesus macaque model to investigate how early parental neglect interacts with a single nucleotide polymorphism within the promoter region of the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH-248) gene, impacting the development of the HPA axis. For the initial six months of life, 307 rhesus monkey infants (n = 146 females, n = 161 males) were either reared with their mothers (MR) in conditions emulating the natural environment (control group) or raised without maternal care in groups with constant or 3-hours daily access to same-aged peers (NR). Blood samples collected on days 30, 60, 90, and 120 of life under stressful conditions were assayed for plasma cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentrations. Findings revealed that NR subjects exhibited a significant blunting of both ACTH and cortisol concentrations. Notably, there was a gene-by-environment interaction observed for ACTH and cortisol levels, with NR subjects with the polymorphism displaying higher ACTH concentrations and lower cortisol concentrations. To the extent that these results generalize to humans, they suggest that early parental neglect may render individuals vulnerable to HPA axis dysfunction, a susceptibility that is modulated by CRH-248 genotype-a gene-by-environment interaction that leaves a lasting developmental signature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth K Wood
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - S Andrew Aston
- Department of Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | | | - Elia Hafen
- Department of Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Andrea N Skowbo
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Melanie L Schwandt
- Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Poolesville, MD, USA
| | - Stephen G Lindell
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Section of Comparative Behavioral Genomics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Ellie Smith
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Miranda Johnson
- Department of Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Zachary Baron
- Department of Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | | | - Christina S Barr
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Section of Comparative Behavioral Genomics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Stephen J Suomi
- Laboratory of Comparative Ethology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Poolesville, MD, USA
| | - David Goldman
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Section of Comparative Behavioral Genomics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - J Dee Higley
- Department of Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
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3
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Lutgendorf SK, Zia S, Luo Y, O'Donnell M, van Bokhoven A, Bradley CS, Gallup R, Pierce J, Taple BJ, Naliboff BD, Quentin Clemens J, Kreder KJ, Schrepf A. Early and recent exposure to adversity, TLR-4 stimulated inflammation, and diurnal cortisol in women with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: A MAPP research network study. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 111:116-123. [PMID: 37001828 PMCID: PMC10474614 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.03.024] [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: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Both early (ELA) and recent life adversity (RLA) have been linked with chronic pain conditions and persistent alterations of neuroendocrine and inflammatory responses. Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic urologic disorder characterized by bladder and/or pelvic pain, and excessive urinary frequency and/or urgency. IC/BPS has been associated with high levels of ELA as well as a distinct inflammatory signature. However, associations between ELA and RLA with inflammatory mechanisms in IC/BPS that might underlie the link between adversity and symptoms have not been examined. Here we investigated ELA and RLA in women with IC/BPS as potential risk factors for inflammatory processes and hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal (HPA) abnormalities using data from the Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain (MAPP) Research Network. Women with IC/BPS and healthy controls (n = 154 and 32, respectively) completed surveys, collected salivary cortisol at awakening and bedtime for 3 days, and gave a blood sample which was analyzed for 7 LPS-stimulated cytokines and chemokines (IL-6, TNFα, IL-1β, MIP1α, MCP1, IL-8, and IL-10). Two cytokine/chemokine composites were identified using principal components analysis. Patients with greater exposure to RLA or cumulative ELA and RLA of at least moderate severity showed elevated levels of a composite of all cytokines, adjusting for age, body mass index, and study site. Furthermore, there was a trending relationship between ELA and the pro-inflammatory composite score. Nocturnal cortisol and cortisol slope were not associated with ELA, RLA, or inflammation. The present findings support the importance of adverse events in IC/BPS via a biological mechanism and suggest that ELA and RLA should be assessed as risk factors for inflammation as part of a clinical workup for IC/BPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan K Lutgendorf
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Urology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Sharaf Zia
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Yi Luo
- Department of Urology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Adrie van Bokhoven
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Catherine S Bradley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Robert Gallup
- Department of Mathematics, West Chester University, West Chester, PA, USA
| | - Jennifer Pierce
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Bayley J Taple
- Department of Preventative Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bruce D Naliboff
- Department of Medicine David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Karl J Kreder
- Department of Urology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Andrew Schrepf
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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4
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Ortiz R, Zhao S, Kline DM, Brock G, Carroll JE, Seeman TE, Jaffee SR, Berger JS, Golden SH, Carnethon MR, Joseph JJ. Childhood environment early life stress, caregiver warmth, and associations with the cortisol diurnal curve in adulthood: The coronary artery risk development in young adults (CARDIA) study. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 149:106008. [PMID: 36599226 PMCID: PMC10029914 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.106008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early life stress (ELS) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality across the lifecourse. Studies observing a relationship between ELS and stress physiology (cortisol), may help explain the connection to poor health outcomes, but have been limited by cortisol measures used. PURPOSE We examined the association between ELS measured by a Risky Family (RF) environment questionnaire, and adult diurnal cortisol profile inclusive of multiple cortisol measures. METHODS RF and cortisol were collected from Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study participants at follow-up (Year 15). Complete case (n = 672) data were included in multi-variable regression analyses with log transformed cortisol measures (outcomes) including wake-up cortisol, cortisol awakening response [CAR], AUC and five other cortisol diurnal curve measures. RESULTS Participants were age 39.9 + /- 3.7 years and 51.6% Black. For every 1 unit increase in RF, there was a 1.4% greater wake-up cortisol and flatter CAR after adjustment for age, sex, income, and smoking (B=0.014, p = 0.023; B=-0.014, p = 0.028, respectively). Each unit increase in caregiver warmth/affection was associated with a 6.9% higher (steeper) CAR (B=0.069, p = 0.03). Results remained significant after adjusting for other covariates except social support in adulthood. An interaction between child abuse and caregiver warmth was nearly significant (p = 0.068), such that for those with exposure to the greatest caregiver warmth and lowest child abuse, CAR was steepest CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that ELS is associated with altered cortisol regulation in adulthood. However, further research is needed to assess how healthy relationships throughout the life course may modulate cortisol regulation in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Ortiz
- Institute for Excellence in Health Equity, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA; Departments of Pediatrics and Population Health, New York University, Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Songzhu Zhao
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - David M Kline
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Guy Brock
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Judith E Carroll
- The University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Jane and Terri Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Teresa E Seeman
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sara R Jaffee
- Department of Psychology, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Berger
- Departments of Medicine and Surgery, New York University, Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Division of Cardiology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sherita H Golden
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mercedes R Carnethon
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joshua J Joseph
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
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Diurnal dynamic range as index of dysregulation of system dynamics. A cortisol examplar using data from the Study of Midlife in the United States. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 142:105804. [PMID: 35623318 PMCID: PMC9262344 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105804] [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: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We discuss the importance of including measures of dysregulated system dynamics in the operationalization of allostatic load. The concept of allostatic load, as originally proposed by McEwen and Stellar, included dysregulation not only in the resting state of physiological systems, but also in system dynamics. We describe previous work on cortisol diurnal dynamic range (peak to nadir spread) as an index of the health of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, with compression of dynamic range being a marker of dysregulation. In particular, we review the evidence for a) diurnal dynamic range compression in people from disadvantaged backgrounds, b) cross-sectional association of cortisol diurnal dynamic range compression with dysregulation in other systems' resting states, and c) cross-sectional association of cortisol diurnal dynamic range compression with lower scores on cognitive testing. Then, we present new data from the Study of Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) on longitudinal associations of cortisol dynamic range compression with subsequent cognitive decline and all-cause mortality. Briefly, each standard deviation decrement in cortisol diurnal dynamic range is associated with adjusted mortality hazard ratio of 1.35 (95% confidence interval: 1.19, 1.54). Among those who scored at median or lower in executive functioning at baseline and survive, each standard deviation decrement in cortisol dynamic range is associated with 1% greater decline in executive functioning over a decade (95% confidence interval: 0.4%, 2.0%). We conclude that including measures of system dynamics like diurnal dynamic range in the next generation of allostatic load measurement will likely advance understanding of the cumulative physiological burden of chronic stress and life experiences, and improve the prediction of future health consequences.
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Early Life Stress Alters Expression of Glucocorticoid Stress Response Genes and Trophic Factor Transcripts in the Rodent Basal Ganglia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105333. [PMID: 35628144 PMCID: PMC9141219 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Early life stress shapes the developing brain and increases risk for psychotic disorders. Yet, it is not fully understood how early life stress impacts brain regions in dopaminergic pathways whose dysfunction can contribute to psychosis. Therefore, we investigated gene expression following early life stress in adult brain regions containing dopamine neuron cell bodies (substantia nigra, ventral tegmental area (VTA)) and terminals (dorsal/ventral striatum). Sprague-Dawley rats (14F, 10M) were separated from their mothers from postnatal days (PND) 2-14 for 3 h/day to induce stress, while control rats (12F, 10M) were separated for 15 min/day over the same period. In adulthood (PND98), brain regions were dissected, RNA was isolated and five glucocorticoid signalling-related and six brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) mRNAs were assayed by qPCR in four brain regions. In the VTA, levels of glucocorticoid signalling-related transcripts differed in maternally separated rodents compared to controls, with the Fkbp5 transcript significantly lower and Ptges3 transcript significantly higher in stressed offspring. In the VTA and substantia nigra, maternally separated rodents had significantly higher Bdnf IIA and III mRNA levels than controls. By contrast, in the ventral striatum, maternally separated rodents had significantly lower expression of Bdnf I, IIA, IIC, IV and VI transcripts. Sex differences in Nr3c1, Bag1 and Fkbp5 expression in the VTA and substantia nigra were also detected. Our results suggest that early life stress has long-lasting impacts on brain regions involved in dopamine neurotransmission, changing the trophic environment and potentially altering responsiveness to subsequent stressful events in a sex-specific pattern.
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Adverse childhood experiences and late-life diurnal HPA axis activity: Associations of different childhood adversity types and interaction with timing in a sample of older East Prussian World War II refugees. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 139:105717. [PMID: 35313255 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with unfavorable health outcomes throughout the life up to old age. Mechanisms through which ACEs impact later life health are still not entirely clear. There is growing evidence for the idea that alterations in the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis might cause the effects of ACEs on later health consequences. Only few studies have investigated associations between ACEs and diurnal HPA axis functioning in older adults. Therefore, we investigated the impact of type and timing of ACEs linked to flight of war on diurnal HPA axis activity in a sample of East Prussian World War II refugees aged 74-91 years. We calculated a dichotomous variable according to the (minimum) age at trauma: early ACE (eACE; 0-5 years) and late ACE (lACE; 6-17 years). Multiple linear regression analysis using different ACEs linked to flight of war (war-related trauma, individual experience of violence, neglect) as well as age at trauma and the interactions of ACEs and age at trauma as predictors and three cortisol outcomes (AUCG (area under the curve with respect to the ground), decline (morning to night) and CAR (cortisol awakening response)) was performed. For AUCG, we found a negative association of individual experience of violence only in lACE participants. For decline, a positive association with neglect was observed for the whole study sample. The overall model for CAR was not statistically significant. Our findings support the hypothesis that type as well as timing of ACEs might influence diurnal HPA axis functioning into old age. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the lifelong influence of ACEs.
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Ortiz R, Joseph JJ, Branas CC, MacDonald JM, Nguemeni Tiako MJ, Oyekanmi K, South EC. Advancing health equity through integrated biology and population health research: A community-based sample cortisol feasibility and exploratory study. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2022; 11:100145. [PMID: 35757172 PMCID: PMC9228000 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2022.100145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Community-based research inclusive of self-assessment and objective environmental metrics can be enhanced by the collection of biomarker data in unity toward assessing the health impacts of the totality of environmental stress driven by structural racism. Cortisol dynamic range (CDR), a measure of chronic stress burden, may underpin place-based connections to health, but a gap remains in elucidating community-based CDR methodology. Purpose To 1) assess the feasibility of cortisol collection and CDR measurement in a community-based study with home-based, participant-directed specimen collection, and 2) explore the association between CDR and other individual and environmental measures in a sample of predominantly Black participants. Methods: In this cross-sectional, observational study in predominantly Black urban neighborhoods, participants (n = 73) completed health assessments and in-home, self-collected salivary cortisol. For feasibility, CDR (peak-nadir) was compared to cortisol awakening response (CAR) slope over time. Comparisons of CDR quartile by person and place variables were explored (ANOVA). Results The cohort (77% Black, 39.7% <$15 k/year income, high perceived stress) completed 98.6% of cortisol collection timepoints. CDR was calculated in all participants without interruptions to sleep-wake cycle as seen with CAR collection. Participants in the lowest quartile of CDR were the oldest (p = 0.03) with lowest reported mental health (p = 0.048) with no associations seen for CAR. Conclusion Participant-collected 10.13039/501100011622CDR is more feasible than cortisol measures dependent on slopes over time in a community-based, predominately Black cohort with exploratory findings supporting relevance to outcomes of interest to future work. Future community-based studies should integrate CDR with environment and psychosocial measures. Biological and social metrics can enhance community studies of structural racism. Cortisol dynamic range (CDR) may reflect the burden of chronic stress in a community. In-home, participant-collected salivary cortisol is feasible with in-field guidance. CDR may be more feasible in community-based study than measures dependent on time. Greatest CDR is seen with youngest age and best self-reported mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Ortiz
- Departments of Pediatrics and Population Health, New York University, Grossman School of Medicine, 180 Madison Ave, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Institute for Excellence in Health Equity, New York University Langone Health, New York, Grossman School of Medicine, 180 Madison Ave, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- National Clinician Scholars Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 1300 Blockley Hall, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Corresponding author. Departments of Pediatrics and Population Health, New York University, Grossman School of Medicine, 180 Madison Ave, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Joshua J. Joseph
- The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, 579 McCampbell Hall, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Charlie C. Branas
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, Rm 1508, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - John M. MacDonald
- Department of Criminology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, 558 McNeil Building, Locus Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | | | - Kehinde Oyekanmi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Urban Health Lab, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Eugenia C. South
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Urban Health Lab, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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Scott MG, Smiley PA, Ahn A, Lazarus MF, Borelli JL, Doan SN. A mother's touch: Preschool-aged children are regulated by positive maternal touch. Dev Psychobiol 2022; 64:e22243. [PMID: 35191531 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22243] [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: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Positive maternal touch plays an important role in the development of children's physiological regulation and cognitive development in infancy, as well as the development of sociality in early childhood. However, few studies have looked beyond infancy to consider the possible continuing impact of positive maternal touch on child stress reactivity during early childhood. A diverse community sample of mothers (N = 114, Mage = 33.52 years, SD = 5.33) and their preschool-aged children (Mage = 41.68 months, SD = 4.67; 49.1% female) participated in the study. Basic demographics were reported by mothers. We coded maternal touch behaviors during an emotionally charged laboratory conversation task and assessed children's physiological reactivity to stressful laboratory tasks with salivary cortisol. Results reveal a significant negative association between positive maternal touch and child salivary cortisol reactivity. In addition, family income, adjusted for family size, and child sex were significantly associated with child cortisol stress reactivity. Findings are discussed in terms of persistent downregulating effects of positive maternal touch on child stress reactivity, as well as possible links of stress reactivity with family income, a proxy for economic stress, and child sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirenna G Scott
- Department of Psychological Science, Pomona College, Claremont, California, USA
| | - Patricia A Smiley
- Department of Psychological Science, Pomona College, Claremont, California, USA
| | - Ashley Ahn
- Department of Psychological Science, Claremont McKenna College, Claremont, California, USA
| | - Molly F Lazarus
- Department of Psychology, Scripps College, Claremont, California, USA
| | - Jessica L Borelli
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Stacey N Doan
- Department of Psychological Science, Claremont McKenna College, Claremont, California, USA
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10
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Imami L, Jiang Y, Murdock KW, Zilioli S. Links Between Socioeconomic Status, Daily Depressive Affect, Diurnal Cortisol Patterns, and All-Cause Mortality. Psychosom Med 2022; 84:29-39. [PMID: 34419996 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Socioeconomic status (SES) remains a robust risk factor for mortality. Various theoretical models postulate that lower SES is associated with higher negative affect, which then initiates a cascade of physiological disturbances that contribute to illness and early mortality. However, few studies have explicitly investigated the interplay between psychological and biological factors in determining SES disparities in mortality. This study examined the role of daily negative affect and cortisol secretion in explaining the SES-mortality link in a large sample of US adults. METHODS Using data from the Midlife in the United States study (n = 1735, mean [standard deviation] age = 56.40 [12.10] years, 56.4% female), we tested longitudinal associations between SES, daily negative affect, daily cortisol levels, and all-cause mortality 13 years later. Daily negative affect was classified into three clusters reflecting depressive affect, anxiety, and anger. RESULTS Higher SES was linked to a lower risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio = 0.94, 95% confidence interval = 0.90 to 0.97). Furthermore, there was a sequential link between higher SES and lower mortality through lower daily depressive affect and a steeper ("healthier") diurnal cortisol slope (indirect effect = -0.0007, 95% confidence interval = -0.0014 to -0.0002). Daily anxiety and anger were not associated with cortisol levels or mortality (p values > .05). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that daily negative emotional experiences and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning may constitute important psychological and physiological pathways underlying the link between SES and all-cause mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ledina Imami
- From the Department of Psychology (Imami), Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; Department of Psychology (Jiang, Zilioli), Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan; Department of Biobehavioral Health (Murdock), The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania; and Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences (Zilioli), Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
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11
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Donofry SD, Stillman CM, Hanson JL, Sheridan M, Sun S, Loucks EB, Erickson KI. Promoting brain health through physical activity among adults exposed to early life adversity: Potential mechanisms and theoretical framework. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:688-703. [PMID: 34624365 PMCID: PMC8642290 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.09.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences such as abuse, neglect, and poverty, profoundly alter neurobehavioral development in a manner that negatively impacts health across the lifespan. Adults who have been exposed to such adversities exhibit premature and more severe age-related declines in brain health. Unfortunately, it remains unclear whether the negative effects of early life adversity (ELA) on brain health can be remediated through intervention in adulthood. Physical activity may represent a low-cost behavioral approach to address the long-term consequences of ELA on brain health. However, there has been limited research examining the impact of physical activity on brain health among adults with a history of ELA. Accordingly, the purpose of this review is to (1) review the influence of ELA on brain health in adulthood and (2) highlight evidence for the role of neurotrophic factors, hypothalamic-adrenal-pituitary axis regulation, inflammatory processes, and epigenetic modifications in mediating the effects of both ELA and physical activity on brain health outcomes in adulthood. We then propose a theoretical framework to guide future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon D Donofry
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Psychiatric and Behavioral Health Institute, Allegheny Health Network Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
| | - Chelsea M Stillman
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jamie L Hanson
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Learning Research and Development Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Margaret Sheridan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Shufang Sun
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States; Mindfulness Center, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Eric B Loucks
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States; Mindfulness Center, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Kirk I Erickson
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Murdoch University, College of Science, Health, Engineering, and Education, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; PROFITH "PROmoting FITness and Health Through Physical Activity" Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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12
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Kong J, Liu Y, Goldberg J, Almeida DM. Adverse childhood experiences amplify the longitudinal associations of adult daily stress and health. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 122:105337. [PMID: 34562850 PMCID: PMC8612968 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The long-term negative impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) is now well-recognized; however, little research has explored the link between ACEs and daily stress processes in adulthood. The current study aimed to examine the effect of ACEs in the association between daily stressor exposure and daily negative affect, and whether such associations would predict long-term health and well-being. METHODS Using data from the National Study of Daily Experiences 2 (NSDE 2) and the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) studies, multilevel moderated mediation analyses were conducted to account for daily measurements nested within individuals. We tested whether the indirect effect of daily stressor exposure on prospective chronic health conditions and prospective depressive symptoms through daily negative affect would differ by adults' levels of ACEs. RESULTS We found significant positive associations between daily stressor exposure and daily negative affect at both the within- and between-person levels. Between-person daily negative affect was, in turn, associated with more chronic health conditions and higher depressive symptoms ten years later. This indirect effect was stronger for adults with high ACEs compared to those with low ACEs. CONCLUSIONS The current study demonstrated that a history of ACEs may exacerbate the negative health effects of daily stress processes over time. Programs focusing on coping with daily stressors and resilience may benefit adults with ACEs and promote their health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jooyoung Kong
- Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work, University of Wisconsin, 1350 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, United States of America.
| | - Yin Liu
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Utah State University, 2905 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322, United States of America
| | - Jaime Goldberg
- Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work, University of Wisconsin, 1350 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, United States of America
| | - David M Almeida
- Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States of America
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13
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Cossu G, Agus M, Atzori L, Aviles Gonzales CI, Minerba L, Ferreli C, Puxeddu R, Orrù G, Scano A, Romano F, Pintus E, Penna MP, Carta MG. Principal Component Analysis of the Social and Behavioral Rhythms Scale in elderly. J Public Health Res 2021; 11. [PMID: 34619859 PMCID: PMC8859713 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Changes in social and behavioral rhythms (SBR) in elderly are related to health status. Nevertheless, there is no data on factor analysis of the Brief Social Rhythm Scale (BSRS) an internationally well-known tool in this field. The aim was to analyze, in elderly, the factorial structure of the Italian version of BSRS. DESIGN AND METHODS Principal Component Analysis of the BSRS carried out in elderly living at home. RESULTS Sample of 141 participants (83 Females, 58,9%), aged 72.3±4.8. All the items of the questionnaire were related and could compose a single factor, explaining 56% of variance. A solution adopting two factors, the first (including items 1,2,3,4,9,10), the second (including items 5,6,7,8), covered cumulatively 78.8% of the variance. CONCLUSION The study confirms that the BSRS is consistent with the idea for which it was built and can be useful for the study of regularity of SBR in old adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Cossu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | - Mirian Agus
- Department of Pedagogy, Psychology, Philosophy, University of Cagliari.
| | - Laura Atzori
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | | | - Luigi Minerba
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | - Caterina Ferreli
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | | | - Germano Orrù
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari.
| | | | | | - Elisa Pintus
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
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14
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The relationship of childhood adversity with diurnal cortisol patterns and C-reactive protein at 60-64 years of age in the 1946 National Survey of Health and Development. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 132:105362. [PMID: 34333319 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early life adversity is increasingly prevalent and associated with greater morbidity and mortality. It is hypothesised that the link between psychosocial early life adversity and poor health in adulthood is due to abnormal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning (often measured as cortisol patterning) and inflammation (often measured via c-reactive protein (CRP)). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between early life psychosocial adversity and cortisol patterning and CRP at 60-64 years of age. METHODS The MRC National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD) was used. The analytic "cortisol sample" included 843 individuals and the "CRP sample" included 1150 individuals. Data on adversity experienced between ages 0-15 years were utilised to compose a cumulative childhood psychosocial early life adversity (ELA) score (0, 1, 2, 3+). CRP and salivary cortisol (waking, 30 min after waking, and evening) were collected at 60-64 years. Associations between the psychosocial ELA score and cortisol outcomes (cortisol awakening response (CAR), diurnal slope (DS), and evening and morning cortisol) were assessed using general linear regression. Tobit regression was used to assess the association between psychosocial ELA score and CRP. Adjustments were made for age at follow-up, sex, childhood maternal education, childhood paternal social class, childhood housing tenure, and birth weight. After testing for sex by ELA score interactions, analyses were repeated stratified by sex for the CRP sample. RESULTS In fully adjusted models, individuals who experienced the highest level of childhood psychosocial adversity (3+) had a 24.63 (-41.49, -7.76) % lower waking cortisol and a 7.30 (1.49, 13.12) % lower decline in cortisol across the day compared to those with a psychosocial ELA score of zero. In females, the highest level of childhood psychosocial adversity, compared to the lowest, was associated with 32.61 (2.98, 62.25) % higher CRP at 60-64 years, which attenuated to 20.38% (-9.38, 50.14) upon adjustment for measures of early life socioeconomic position. Conversely, the association between childhood psychosocial adversity and CRP in males was null. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that high-levels of psychosocial adversity in childhood might result in a lower morning cortisol and flatter DS in mid-to-late-adulthood. The finding that adversity was related to higher CRP in females but not males requires replication and further investigation.
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15
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Crespo-Sanmiguel I, Zapater-Fajarí M, Pulopulos MM, Hidalgo V, Salvador A. Loneliness Mediates the Relationship Between Early Life Stress and Perceived Stress but not Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Functioning. Front Psychol 2021; 12:647265. [PMID: 34539480 PMCID: PMC8446206 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.647265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many authors have proposed that early life stress (ELS) provokes a dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and contributes negatively to the management of stress in adulthood. However, these associations have not always been observed, making it necessary to include new factors that could explain the different results found. In this regard, people with ELS experiences report less social support during adulthood, suggesting that loneliness could be a mediating factor. Thus, our aims were to investigate whether ELS was related to both perceived stress and diurnal HPA axis activity, and whether loneliness mediates these relationships, in a community sample (N=187, 18-55years old). Fourteen cortisol samples were collected on two non-consecutive days to obtain the overall diurnal cortisol, diurnal cortisol slope, and bedtime levels. Additionally, ELS was assessed with the Risky Families Questionnaire (RFQ) and the Recalled Childhood and Adolescence Perceived Stress (ReCAPS) measure. Results revealed that ELS was associated with perceived stress, but not HPA axis functioning, and loneliness mediated the relationship between ELS and perceived stress, but not between ELS and HPA axis functioning. Similar results were found for both ELS questionnaires, suggesting that the ReCAPS is an adequate tool. These results highlight the importance of loneliness in understanding the long-term effects of ELS, and they indicate different effects of ELS on subjective and physiological stress indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Crespo-Sanmiguel
- Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychobiology-IDOCAL, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mariola Zapater-Fajarí
- Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychobiology-IDOCAL, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Matias M Pulopulos
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Area of Psychobiology, IIS Aragón, University of Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain
| | - Vanesa Hidalgo
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Area of Psychobiology, IIS Aragón, University of Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain
| | - Alicia Salvador
- Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychobiology-IDOCAL, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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16
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Abstract
Research documents the pernicious effects of daily stressors on well-being, but often ignored in these studies are people reporting no stressors. The current study compared adults who reported no daily stressors with adults who reported at least one stressor across 8 consecutive days on measures of well-being. Of the 2,804 respondents (age range = 25-75 years, M = 53.46) from the Midlife in the United State Survey daily diary study, 10% reported experiencing no stressors across 8 days. Those reporting no stressors were generally older, male, unmarried, and were less likely to work, provide or receive emotional support, or experience positive daily events. They reported greater daily affective well-being and fewer chronic health conditions but had lower levels of cognitive functioning. Findings suggest that daily stressors may serve as a proxy to engagement in social activities, where a lower level of engagement is related to better physical and emotional well-being but lower levels of cognitive functioning. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan T Charles
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine
| | - Jacqueline Mogle
- Kurt Lewin Center for Theoretical Psychology, University of Zurich
| | - Hye Won Chai
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University
| | - David M Almeida
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University
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17
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Girard-Buttoz C, Tkaczynski PJ, Samuni L, Fedurek P, Gomes C, Löhrich T, Manin V, Preis A, Valé PF, Deschner T, Wittig RM, Crockford C. Early maternal loss leads to short- but not long-term effects on diurnal cortisol slopes in wild chimpanzees. eLife 2021; 10:e64134. [PMID: 34133269 PMCID: PMC8208813 DOI: 10.7554/elife.64134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological embedding model (BEM) suggests that fitness costs of maternal loss arise when early-life experience embeds long-term alterations to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity. Alternatively, the adaptive calibration model (ACM) regards physiological changes during ontogeny as short-term adaptations. Both models have been tested in humans but rarely in wild, long-lived animals. We assessed whether, as in humans, maternal loss had short- and long-term impacts on orphan wild chimpanzee urinary cortisol levels and diurnal urinary cortisol slopes, both indicative of HPA axis functioning. Immature chimpanzees recently orphaned and/or orphaned early in life had diurnal cortisol slopes reflecting heightened activation of the HPA axis. However, these effects appeared short-term, with no consistent differences between orphan and non-orphan cortisol profiles in mature males, suggesting stronger support for the ACM than the BEM in wild chimpanzees. Compensatory mechanisms, such as adoption, may buffer against certain physiological effects of maternal loss in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Girard-Buttoz
- Department of Human Behavior, Ecology and Culture, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary AnthropologyLeipzigGermany
- Taï Chimpanzee Project, Centre Suisse de Recherches ScientifiquesAbidjanCôte d'Ivoire
| | - Patrick J Tkaczynski
- Department of Human Behavior, Ecology and Culture, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary AnthropologyLeipzigGermany
- Taï Chimpanzee Project, Centre Suisse de Recherches ScientifiquesAbidjanCôte d'Ivoire
| | - Liran Samuni
- Taï Chimpanzee Project, Centre Suisse de Recherches ScientifiquesAbidjanCôte d'Ivoire
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary AnthropologyLeipzigGermany
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
| | - Pawel Fedurek
- Division of Psychology, University of StirlingStirlingUnited Kingdom
| | - Cristina Gomes
- Tropical Conservation Institute, Florida International UniversityMiamiUnited States
| | - Therese Löhrich
- World Wide Fund for Nature, Dzanga Sangha Protected AreasBanguiCentral African Republic
- Robert Koch Institute, Epidemiology of Highly Pathogenic MicroorganismsBerlinGermany
| | - Virgile Manin
- Department of Human Behavior, Ecology and Culture, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary AnthropologyLeipzigGermany
- Taï Chimpanzee Project, Centre Suisse de Recherches ScientifiquesAbidjanCôte d'Ivoire
| | - Anna Preis
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary AnthropologyLeipzigGermany
| | - Prince F Valé
- Taï Chimpanzee Project, Centre Suisse de Recherches ScientifiquesAbidjanCôte d'Ivoire
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary AnthropologyLeipzigGermany
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'IvoireAbidjanCôte d'Ivoire
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët BoignyAbidjanCôte d'Ivoire
| | - Tobias Deschner
- Interim Group Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary AnthropologyLeipzigGermany
| | - Roman M Wittig
- Department of Human Behavior, Ecology and Culture, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary AnthropologyLeipzigGermany
- Taï Chimpanzee Project, Centre Suisse de Recherches ScientifiquesAbidjanCôte d'Ivoire
| | - Catherine Crockford
- Department of Human Behavior, Ecology and Culture, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary AnthropologyLeipzigGermany
- Taï Chimpanzee Project, Centre Suisse de Recherches ScientifiquesAbidjanCôte d'Ivoire
- Institut des Sciences Cognitives, CNRSLyonFrance
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18
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Zilioli S, Jiang Y. Endocrine and immunomodulatory effects of social isolation and loneliness across adulthood. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 128:105194. [PMID: 33932766 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Experimental and observational evidence agreed on two interconnected biological mechanisms responsible for the links between social isolation/loneliness and health: alterations in the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and compromised functioning of the innate immune system. However, most existing studies did not consider the simultaneous impact of social isolation and loneliness on biological outcomes. Further, they only assessed one biological outcome at a time and did not test any moderation by age, despite empirical and theoretical evidence supporting the plausibility of this hypothesis. To address these gaps in the literature, we tested the associations between two indicators of social isolation (living status and frequency of social contacts) and loneliness and daily cortisol secretion and two markers of systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP] and interleukin-6 [IL-6]) in a sample of adults aged between 25 and 75 years old. Data were drawn from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) Refresher study (N = 314). We found that, above and beyond loneliness, living alone was associated with a flattened diurnal cortisol slope (i.e., reduced changes in cortisol levels during waking hours that are indicative of a dysregulated HPA axis) and higher CRP levels. On the other hand, higher loneliness was associated with higher IL-6 levels, above and beyond our measures of social isolation. Loneliness did not mediate any of the effects of social isolation on either cortisol or CRP, and age did not moderate any of the relationships reported above. Our findings support the idea that social isolation and loneliness have unique and independent endocrine and immune effects despite being linked to each other. Understanding the specific biological pathways through which these aspects of social well-being exert their effects on health across the lifespan has critical consequences for both intervention development and public health policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuele Zilioli
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, USA; Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University, USA.
| | - Yanping Jiang
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, USA
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19
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Knight EL, Jiang Y, Rodriguez-Stanley J, Almeida DM, Engeland CG, Zilioli S. Perceived stress is linked to heightened biomarkers of inflammation via diurnal cortisol in a national sample of adults. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 93:206-213. [PMID: 33515741 PMCID: PMC8274563 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to and perceptions of stress have been associated with altered systemic inflammation, but the intermediate processes by which stress links to inflammation are not fully understood. Diurnal cortisol slopes were examined as a pathway by which self-reported psychosocial stress is associated with inflammation [i.e., C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), fibrinogen, E-Selectin, and Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1)] in a large sample of adults (the Midlife in the US study; N = 914; 55.9% female; aged 34-84 years). Structural equation modeling indicated that perceived psychological stress was associated with flattened diurnal cortisol slopes and flatter diurnal cortisol slopes were, in turn, associated with heightened inflammation in these cross-sectional analyses (index of indirect pathway, ω = 0.003, 95% CI [0.001, 0.004], ωSTD = 0.027; with covariates, ω = 0.001, [0.0002, 0.002], ωSTD = 0.011). A similar indirect effect was evident for self-reported traumatic life events (ω = 0.007, [0.004, 0.012], ωSTD = 0.030); however, inclusion of covariates (i.e., age, gender, race, ethnicity, body mass index, and other factors associated with physical health) accounted for this finding (ω = 0.001, [-0.001, 0.004], ωSTD = 0.005). These results support an allostatic load model of psychosomatic health, in which cortisol (along with other stress-responsive signaling molecules) is a necessary component for understanding links between stress exposure, perceived stress, and immune functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik L Knight
- Center for Healthy Aging, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, United States; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, United States.
| | - Yanping Jiang
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, United States
| | | | - David M Almeida
- Center for Healthy Aging, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, United States; Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, United States
| | - Christopher G Engeland
- Center for Healthy Aging, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, United States; Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, United States; College of Nursing, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, United States
| | - Samuele Zilioli
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, United States; Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University, United States.
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20
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Cowell W, Taing L, Askowitz T, Bosquet Enlow M, Hacker MR, Wright RJ. Associations of Maternal Trait Anger Expression and Lifetime Traumatic and Non-traumatic Experiences with Preterm Birth. Matern Child Health J 2020; 25:635-644. [PMID: 33206302 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-020-03026-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Most studies examining psychosocial factors contributing to preterm birth (PTB) have focused on negative life events. Studies examining the influence of negative emotion, in particular maternal anger, remain sparse. We examined associations of maternal trait anger expression and lifetime traumatic and non-traumatic experiences with the risk of PTB. METHODS Mother-newborn pairs were enrolled in the PRogramming of Intergenerational Stress Mechanisms pregnancy cohort based in Boston and New York City. Women completed the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI-2), Life Stressor Checklist-Revised (LSC-R), and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) in pregnancy. We used modified Poisson regression to estimate the relative risk (RR) of PTB (1) in relation to continuous STAXI-2 Anger Expression-In (AX-I) and Anger Expression-Out (AX-O) subscales, (2) in relation to continuous LSC-R scores, and (3) between women who did versus did not experience childhood sexual, emotional, and/or physical abuse in six separate models. We also examined interactions between maternal anger expression and lifetime stress/childhood trauma. RESULTS Younger, single, minority women had higher outward anger expression and inward anger suppression. AX-I and AX-O scores were higher among women who experienced abuse in childhood and who had higher lifetime stress. Maternal lifetime stress, outward anger expression, and inward anger suppression were associated with an increased risk of PTB in separate models; however, stress, trauma and anger did not interact to further increase the risk of PTB. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Higher anger expression and higher lifetime stress experiences were associated with an increased risk of PTB among a racially and ethnically diverse sample of pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney Cowell
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Lilly Taing
- Department of Medical Education, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Talia Askowitz
- Department of Pediatrics, Kravis Children's Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michelle Bosquet Enlow
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michele R Hacker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rosalind J Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Kravis Children's Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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21
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Social bonds do not mediate the relationship between early adversity and adult glucocorticoids in wild baboons. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:20052-20062. [PMID: 32747546 PMCID: PMC7443977 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2004524117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans and other animals, harsh conditions in early life can have profound effects on adult physiology, including the stress response. This relationship may be mediated by a lack of supportive relationships in adulthood. That is, early life adversity may inhibit the formation of supportive social ties, and weak social support is itself often linked to dysregulated stress responses. Here, we use prospective, longitudinal data from wild baboons in Kenya to test the links between early adversity, adult social bonds, and adult fecal glucocorticoid hormone concentrations (a measure of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal [HPA] axis activation and the stress response). Using a causal inference framework, we found that experiencing one or more sources of early adversity led to a 9 to 14% increase in females' glucocorticoid concentrations across adulthood. However, these effects were not mediated by weak social bonds: The direct effects of early adversity on adult glucocorticoid concentrations were 11 times stronger than the effects mediated by social bonds. This pattern occurred, in part, because the effect of social bonds on glucocorticoids was weak compared to the powerful effects of early adversity on glucocorticoid levels in adulthood. Hence, in female baboons, weak social bonds in adulthood are not enough to explain the effects of early adversity on glucocorticoid concentrations. Together, our results support the well-established notions that early adversity and weak social bonds both predict poor adult health. However, the magnitudes of these two effects differ considerably, and they may act independently of one another.
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22
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Carr D. Early-Life Influences on Later Life Well-Being: Innovations and Explorations. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2020; 74:829-831. [PMID: 31111921 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbz054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Carr
- Department of Sociology, Boston University, Massachusetts
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23
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Charles ST, Mogle J, Piazza J, Karlamangla A, Almeida DM. Going the distance: The diurnal range of cortisol and its association with cognitive and physiological functioning. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 112:104516. [PMID: 31805455 PMCID: PMC6948931 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cortisol features prominently in theories describing how chronic stress wears away at physical and cognitive health. The current study examines composite measures of physiological and cognitive functioning in relation to two aspects of daily cortisol: total daily output and change in levels throughout the day. Participants (N = 1001; aged 28-84 years-old) from the Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) study provided 4 daily saliva samples across four consecutive days and underwent a physical exam that provided information about six inter-related physiological systems that were combined into a measure of allostatic load. They also completed a phone-based battery of cognitive tasks, which provided a composite score combining memory, reasoning, and speed of processing performance. Total daily cortisol output was captured using area under the curve with respect to ground (AUCg). Change in cortisol levels was assessed using two methods: slope, calculated through piecewise spline models, and dynamic range, calculated by the difference between the day's highest and lowest log-cortisol levels. Findings indicate that, when examined together, overall cortisol output was not associated with either outcome, but a greater range in cortisol throughout the day was associated with both lower allostatic load and higher cognitive functioning. Results emphasize the importance of dynamic daily processes, assessed either using slopes or dynamic range, to both physiological and cognitive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan T. Charles
- Department of Psychological Science, 4568 Social & Behavioral Sciences Gateway, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-7085 USA
| | - Jacqueline Mogle
- Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, v320D Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | - Jennifer Piazza
- Department of Public Health, KHS 243, California State University, Fullerton Fullerton, CA 92831 USA
| | - Arun Karlamangla
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, 200 UCLA Medical Plaza Suite 365, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - David M. Almeida
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, 403 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA 16802 USA
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