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May AK, Smeeth D, McEwen F, Moghames P, Karam E, Rieder MJ, Elzagallaai AA, van Uum S, Pluess M. Hair hormone data from Syrian refugee children: Perspectives from a two-year longitudinal study. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2024; 18:100231. [PMID: 38645423 PMCID: PMC11026725 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2024.100231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
For numerous issues of convenience and acceptability, hair hormone data have been increasingly incorporated in the field of war trauma and forced displacement, allowing retrospective examination of several biological metrics thought to covary with refugees' mental health. As a relatively new research method, however, there remain several complexities and uncertainties surrounding the use of hair hormones, from initial hair sampling to final statistical analysis, many of which are underappreciated in the extant literature, and restrict the potential utility of hair hormones. To promote awareness, we provide a narrative overview of our experiences collecting and analyzing hair hormone data in a large cohort of Syrian refugee children (n = 1594), across two sampling waves spaced 12 months apart. We highlight both the challenges faced, and the promising results obtained thus far, and draw comparisons to other prominent studies in this field. Recommendations are provided to future researchers, with emphasis on longitudinal study designs, thorough collection and reporting of hair-related variables, and careful adherence to current laboratory guidelines and practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew K. May
- Department of Psychological Sciences, School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Demelza Smeeth
- Biological and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Fiona McEwen
- Biological and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Department of War Studies, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Elie Karam
- Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, Balamand University, St Georges Hospital University Medical Center, Institute for Development, Research, Advocacy and Applied Care (IDRAAC), Lebanon
| | - Michael J. Rieder
- Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Abdelbaset A. Elzagallaai
- Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Stan van Uum
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Pluess
- Department of Psychological Sciences, School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
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Lima Oliveira M, Biggers A, Oddo VM, Naylor KB, Chen Z, Hamm A, Pezley L, Peñalver Bernabé B, Gabel K, Sharp LK, Tussing-Humphreys LM. Design of a Remote Time-Restricted Eating and Mindfulness Intervention to Reduce Risk Factors Associated with Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Development among Young Adults. Nutrients 2024; 16:504. [PMID: 38398828 PMCID: PMC10893350 DOI: 10.3390/nu16040504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) is defined as a diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) in individuals younger than 50 years of age. While overall CRC rates in the United States (US) decreased between 2001 and 2018, EOCRC rates have increased. This research project aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of Time-Restricted Eating (TRE), Mindfulness, or TRE combined with Mindfulness among young to middle-aged adults at risk of EOCRC. Forty-eight participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: TRE, Mindfulness, TRE and Mindfulness, or Control. Data on feasibility, adherence, and acceptability will be collected. Measures assessed at baseline and post-intervention will include body weight, body composition, dietary intake, physical activity, sleep behavior, circulating biomarkers, hair cortisol, and the gut microbiome. The effects of the intervention on the following will be examined: (1) acceptability and feasibility; (2) body weight, body composition, and adherence to TRE; (3) circulating metabolic, inflammation, and oxidative stress biomarkers; (4) intestinal inflammation; and (5) the gut microbiome. TRE, combined with Mindfulness, holds promise for stress reduction and weight management among individuals at risk of EOCRC. The results of this pilot study will inform the design and development of larger trials aimed at preventing risk factors associated with EOCRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoela Lima Oliveira
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (V.M.O.); (A.H.); (K.G.)
- University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (K.B.N.)
| | - Alana Biggers
- College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Vanessa M. Oddo
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (V.M.O.); (A.H.); (K.G.)
| | - Keith B. Naylor
- University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (K.B.N.)
- College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Zhengjia Chen
- University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (K.B.N.)
| | - Alyshia Hamm
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (V.M.O.); (A.H.); (K.G.)
| | - Lacey Pezley
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (V.M.O.); (A.H.); (K.G.)
| | | | - Kelsey Gabel
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (V.M.O.); (A.H.); (K.G.)
| | - Lisa K. Sharp
- University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (K.B.N.)
- Institute for Health Research and Policy, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Lisa Marie Tussing-Humphreys
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (V.M.O.); (A.H.); (K.G.)
- University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (K.B.N.)
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3
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Ruiz MO, Rovnaghi CR, Tembulkar S, Qin F, Truong L, Shen S, Anand KJS. Linear hair growth rates in preschool children. Pediatr Res 2024; 95:359-366. [PMID: 37667034 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02791-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human scalp hair is a validated bio-substrate for monitoring various exposures in childhood including contextual stressors, environmental toxins, prescription or non-prescription drugs. Linear hair growth rates (HGR) are required to accurately interpret hair biomarker concentrations. METHODS We measured HGR in a prospective cohort of preschool children (N = 266) aged 9-72 months and assessed demographic factors, anthropometrics, and hair protein content (HPC). We examined HGR differences by age, sex, race, height, hair pigment, and season, and used univariable and multivariable linear regression models to identify HGR-related factors. RESULTS Infants below 1 year (288 ± 61 μm/day) had slower HGR than children aged 2-5 years (p = 0.0073). Dark-haired children (352 ± 52 μm/day) had higher HGR than light-haired children (325 ± 50 μm/day; p = 0.0019). Asian subjects had the highest HGR overall (p = 0.016). Younger children had higher HPC (p = 0.0014) and their HPC-adjusted HGRs were slower than older children (p = 0.0073). Age, height, hair pigmentation, and HPC were related to HGR in multivariable regression models. CONCLUSIONS We identified age, height, hair pigment, and hair protein concentration as significant determinants of linear HGRs. These findings help explain the known hair biomarker differences between children and adults and aid accurate interpretation of hair biomarker results in preschool children. IMPACT Discovery of hair biomarkers in the past few decades has transformed scientific disciplines like toxicology, pharmacology, epidemiology, forensics, healthcare, and developmental psychology. Identifying determinants of hair growth in children is essential for accurate interpretation of hair biomarker results in pediatric clinical studies. Childhood hair growth rates define the time-periods of biomarker incorporation into growing hair, essential for interpreting the biomarkers associated with environmental exposures and the mind-brain-body connectome. Our study describes age-, sex-, and height-based distributions of linear hair growth rates and provides determinants of linear hair growth rates in a large population of children. Age, height, hair pigmentation, and hair protein content are determinants of hair growth rates and should be accounted for in child hair biomarkers studies. Our findings on hair protein content and linear hair growth rates may provide physiological explanations for differences in hair growth rates and biomarkers in preschool children as compared to adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica O Ruiz
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Stanford Child Wellness Lab, Maternal & Child Health Research Institute, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Brown University School of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital & Hasbro Children's Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Cynthia R Rovnaghi
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Child Wellness Lab, Maternal & Child Health Research Institute, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sahil Tembulkar
- Stanford Child Wellness Lab, Maternal & Child Health Research Institute, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - FeiFei Qin
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Leni Truong
- Stanford Child Wellness Lab, Maternal & Child Health Research Institute, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sa Shen
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kanwaljeet J S Anand
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Child Wellness Lab, Maternal & Child Health Research Institute, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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4
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Quade L, Králík M, Bencúrová P, Dunn EC. Cortisol in deciduous tooth tissues: A potential metric for assessing stress exposure in archaeological and living populations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PALEOPATHOLOGY 2023; 43:1-6. [PMID: 37639895 PMCID: PMC10840740 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis that is regularly assessed in modern human and non-human populations in saliva, blood, and hair as a measure of stress exposure and stress reactivity. While recent research has detected cortisol concentrations in modern and archaeological permanent dental tissues, the present study assessed human primary (deciduous) teeth for cortisol concentrations. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-one dentine and enamel samples from nine modern and 10 archaeological deciduous teeth were analyzed for cortisol concentrations via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS Detectable concentrations of cortisol were identified in 15 (of 32) dentine and 8 (of 19) enamel samples coming from modern and archaeological deciduous teeth. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first known analysis of cortisol from deciduous dental tissues, demonstrating the potential to identify measurable concentrations. SIGNIFICANCE The ability to analyze deciduous teeth is integral to developing dental cortisol methods with multiple potential future applications, including research on the biological embedding of stress in the skeleton. This study marks a key step in a larger research program to study stress in primary dentition from living and archaeological populations. LIMITATIONS Multiple samples generated cortisol values that were not detectable with ELISA. Minimum quantities of tissue may be required to generate detectable levels of cortisol. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH Future research should include larger sample sizes and consideration of intrinsic biological and extrinsic preservation factors on dental cortisol. Further method validation and alternative methods for assessing dental cortisol are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Quade
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 267/2, Brno 61137, Czech Republic.
| | - Miroslav Králík
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 267/2, Brno 61137, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Bencúrová
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Žerotínovo nám. 617/9, Brno 60177, Czech Republic
| | - Erin C Dunn
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA 02114, United States
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5
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Vacaru SV, Parenteau AM, Yi S, Silvers JA, Hostinar CE, de Weerth C. Adolescents' hair cortisol concentrations during COVID-19: Evidence from two longitudinal studies in the Netherlands and the United States. Dev Psychobiol 2023; 65:e22438. [PMID: 38010307 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prolonged stress exposure is associated with alterations in cortisol output. The COVID-19 pandemic represented a stressor for many, including children. However, a high-quality caregiving environment may protect against psychological problems and possibly against elevations in cortisol. We examined adolescents' physiological stress responses to the pandemic and the role of attachment in two longitudinal samples from the Netherlands and the United States (https://aspredicted.org/HHY_8MK). METHODS Cortisol was assessed from hair samples before and during the pandemic, while attachment was self-reported prepandemic. Study 1 included a Dutch sample (N = 158; examined at ages 10 and later at 14 years old), whereas Study 2 included a US sample (N = 153; examined at ages 9-11 and again 2 years later) and an age-matched prepandemic sample (N = 29, 10-13 years old). Repeated-measures analyses of variance examined changes in cortisol from prepandemic to during the pandemic and the effect of attachment in each sample separately. RESULTS After accounting for age, both studies revealed nonsignificant changes in hair cortisol and a nonsignificant effect of attachment. A significant effect of sex emerged in Study 1, with Dutch girls showing a significant cortisol increase during the pandemic, which was not explained by puberty. CONCLUSION These findings suggest differential associations of the pandemic with hair cortisol increases by sex and country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania V Vacaru
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies & Amsterdam Public Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anna M Parenteau
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Sydney Yi
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Jennifer A Silvers
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Camelia E Hostinar
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Carolina de Weerth
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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6
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Gump BB, Hruska B, Heffernan K, Brann LS, Voss M, Labrie-Cleary C, Cheng H, MacKenzie JA, Woolf-King S, Maisto S, Bendinskas K. Race, cortisol, and subclinical cardiovascular disease in 9- to 11-year-old children. Health Psychol 2023; 42:657-667. [PMID: 37410422 PMCID: PMC10601363 DOI: 10.1037/hea0001300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-Hispanic Black Americans have a greater risk for certain subtypes of cardiovascular disease (CVD; e.g., stroke and heart failure) relative to non-Hispanic White Americans. Moreover, Black relative to White adults consistently show elevated cortisol, a CVD risk. The impact of race, environmental stress, and cortisol on subclinical CVD has yet to be fully researched in children. METHOD We assessed diurnal salivary cortisol slopes and hair cortisol in a sample of 9- to 11-year-old children (N = 271; 54% female) with roughly half self-identifying as either Black (57%) or White (43%). Two subclinical CVD indicators were assessed: carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT). We assessed numerous environmental stress indicators. RESULTS After adjusting for covariates, we found that Black children had significantly flatter diurnal cortisol slopes, higher hair cortisol, and thicker IMT than White children. Significant pathways were found: race → salivary cortisol slope → cfPWV (effect = -0.059, 95% CI [-0.116, -0.002]) and race → hair cortisol → cIMT (effect = -0.008, [-0.016, -0.002]). Black children also experienced significantly more environmental stress than White children; however, only income inequality served as a significant indirect pathway from race to salivary cortisol (effect = 0.029, [0.003, 0.060]). CONCLUSIONS Relative to White children, Black children had significantly greater hair cortisol and flatter diurnal slopes which, in turn, were associated with greater subclinical CVD. As suggested by a significant indirect pathway, income inequality might partially explain the race-cortisol association. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooks B. Gump
- Department of Public Health, Syracuse University, United States
| | - Bryce Hruska
- Department of Public Health, Syracuse University, United States
| | - Kevin Heffernan
- Department of Exercise Science, Syracuse University, United States
| | - Lynn S. Brann
- Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, Syracuse University, United States
| | - Margaret Voss
- Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, Syracuse University, United States
| | | | - Hanna Cheng
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York College at Oswego, United States
| | - James A. MacKenzie
- Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York College at Oswego, United States
| | | | - Stephen Maisto
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, United States
| | - Kestutis Bendinskas
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York College at Oswego, United States
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Li Y, Jia W, Yan N, Hua Y, Han T, Yang J, Ma L, Ma L. Associations between chronic stress and hair cortisol in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2023; 329:438-447. [PMID: 36868386 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.02.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This review systematically examined the associations between chronic stress and hair cortisol concentration (HCC) in children, and the potential modification effects of type, measurement period and scales of chronic stress, child age and sex, hair length and HCC measurement method, characteristics of study site, and congruence between time periods measured for chronic stress and HCC. METHODS Pubmed, Wed of Science, and APA PsycINFO were systematically searched for articles examining the association between chronic stress and HCC. RESULTS Thirteen studies from five countries with 1,455 participants were included in the systematic review and nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed that chronic stress was associated with HCC (pooled-r = 0.09, 95 % CI: 0.03, 0.16). Stratified analyses revealed that type, measurement time and scales of chronic stress, hair length and measurement method of HCC, and the congruence between time periods measured for chronic stress and HCC modified such correlations. The positive correlations between chronic stress and HCC were significant for studies measuring chronic stress as stressful life events, assessing chronic stress within the past six months, extracting HCC from 1 cm, 3 cm, or 6 cm of hair, measuring HCC by LC-MS/MS, or having congruence between time periods measured for chronic stress and HCC. The potential modifying effects of sex and country developmental status could not be concluded due to the limited number of studies included. CONCLUSIONS Chronic stress was positively correlated with HCC, varying by characteristics and measurements of chronic stress and HCC. HCC could be a biomarker for chronic stress among children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wanru Jia
- Department of Disease Prevention and Control, Xi 'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Na Yan
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China; Key Laboratory for Disease Prevention and Control and Health Promotion of Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yiming Hua
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tuo Han
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Juan Yang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Lu Ma
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China; Key Laboratory for Disease Prevention and Control and Health Promotion of Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Le Ma
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China; Key Laboratory for Disease Prevention and Control and Health Promotion of Shaanxi Province, China.
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8
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Vega-Beyhart A, Araujo-Castro M, Hanzu FA, Casals G. Cortisol: Analytical and clinical determinants. Adv Clin Chem 2023; 113:235-271. [PMID: 36858647 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cortisol, the main human glucocorticoid, is synthesized from cholesterol in the adrenal cortex and predominantly metabolized by the liver. Interpretation of quantitative results from the analysis of serum, urine and saliva is complicated by variation in circadian rhythm, response to stress as well as the presence of protein-bound and free forms. Interestingly, cortisol is the only hormone routinely measured in serum, urine, and saliva. Preanalytical and analytical challenges arise in each matrix and are further compounded by the use of various stimulation and suppression tests commonly employed in clinical practice. Although not yet included in clinical guidelines, measurement of cortisol in hair may be of interest in specific situations. Immunoassays are the most widely used methods in clinical laboratories to measure cortisol, but they are susceptible to interference from synthetic and endogenous steroids, generally producing a variable overestimation of true cortisol results, especially in urine. Analysis by mass spectrometry provides higher specificity and allows simultaneous measurement of multiple steroids including synthetic steroids, thus reducing diagnostic uncertainty. An integrated review of cortisol in various disease states is also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Vega-Beyhart
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Araujo-Castro
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Ramón y Cajal (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Felicia A Hanzu
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gregori Casals
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Service of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain; Department of Fundamental Care and Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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9
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Status does not predict stress among Hadza hunter-gatherer men. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1327. [PMID: 36693868 PMCID: PMC9873806 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28119-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years there has been much research regarding the extent to which social status is related to long-term indices of health. The majority of studies looking at the interplay between social status and health have been conducted in industrialized societies. However, it has been argued that most of human evolution took place in small, mobile and egalitarian hunter-gatherer groups where individuals exhibited very little variation in terms of material wealth or possessions. In this study, we looked at the extent to which two domains of social status, hunting reputation (being perceived as a good hunter) and popularity (being perceived as a friend), are related to physiological stress levels among Hadza men, hunter-gatherers living in Northern Tanzania. The results of our study show that neither hunting reputation nor popularity is associated with stress levels. Overall, our data suggest that, in at least some traditional small-scale societies exhibiting an egalitarian social model, such as the Hadza, the variation in social status measures based on both popularity and hunting reputation does not translate into one of the commonly used indices of wellbeing.
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Brief Report: Above and Beyond Safety: Psychosocial and Biobehavioral Impact of Autism-Assistance Dogs on Autistic Children and their Families. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:468-483. [PMID: 34984639 PMCID: PMC8726517 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05410-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Autism-Assistance Dogs (AADs) are highly-skilled service animals trained primarily to ensure the safety of an autistic child by preventing elopement and mitigating 'meltdowns'. Although anecdotal accounts and case-studies have indicated that AADs confer benefits above and beyond safety, empirical support anchored in validated clinical, behavioral, and physiological measures is lacking. To address this gap, we studied children and their families before and after receiving a well-trained AAD using a within-subject, repeated-measures design. Notably, this study is the first to assess change in a biomarker for chronic stress in both autistic children and their parents. Final analyses included pre-/post-AAD data from 11 triads (parent/handler-dog-child) demonstrating significantly positive psychosocial and biobehavioral effects of AADs.
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11
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Fedurek P, Lacroix L, Aktipis A, Cronk L, Makambi J, Mabulla I, Lehmann J, Berbesque JC. Relationship between proximity and physiological stress levels in hunter-gatherers: The Hadza. Horm Behav 2023; 147:105294. [PMID: 36521419 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In recent years there has been a great deal of documentation on how social relationships are related to various aspects of human wellbeing. However, until recently most studies investigating the effects of social relationships on wellbeing have applied social network measures to reported social contacts. Recent advances in the application of bio-loggers in biological studies have now made it possible to quantify social relationships based on in-person, rather than self-reported, social interactions. We used GPS-derived in-camp and out-of-camp proximity data to analyse how in-person proximity is related to Hair Cortisol Concentration (HCC) among Hadza hunter-gatherers. Time spent in close proximity to other camp members was associated with higher HCC, especially in women. In contrast, individuals who spent more time in close out-of-camp proximity to their best friend experienced lower HCC. Our study suggests that physiological costs related to group living might be mitigated by in-person interactions with close friends. We also find that the location (i.e., in-camp vs out-of-camp) of proximity to others and self-perceived friends is associated with HCC among the Hadza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Fedurek
- Anthropology Programme, University of Roehampton, London, UK; Department of Anthropology, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Laurent Lacroix
- Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Roehampton, London, UK
| | - Athena Aktipis
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Lee Cronk
- Department of Anthropology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Jerryson Makambi
- Mount Meru Tour Guide and International Language School, Arusha, Tanzania
| | | | - Julia Lehmann
- Anthropology Programme, University of Roehampton, London, UK
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12
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Lang L, Gerlach J, Plank AC, Purbojo A, Cesnjevar RA, Kratz O, Moll GH, Eichler A. Becoming a Teenager after Early Surgical Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) Repair: Longitudinal Biopsychological Data on Mental Health and Maternal Involvement. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11237242. [PMID: 36498814 PMCID: PMC9738920 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11237242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Beside somatic strains of congenital heart diseases (CHD), affected children often show developmental impairments in the long term. Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common congenital heart defect and early surgical repair is associated with positive somatic outcomes. However, psychological adjustment is of lifelong relevance. We investigated 24 children with a surgically-corrected isolated VSD and their mothers from primary school (6-9 years) to adolescence (10-14 years) and compared them to controls. Both times, mothers reported child internalizing/externalizing problems, mothers and children rated child quality of life, and children performed neurodevelopmental tests. Adolescents also rated internalizing/externalizing problems themselves, and their hair cortisol levels were analyzed. Maternal anxiety and proactive parenting behavior were considered as moderators. Results revealed no group differences in child neurodevelopment (language, cognition), externalizing problems, and cortisol levels at any time. In reports from mothers, internalizing problems (depression, anxiety) were elevated in children with a VSD at both times-when mothers reported anxiety symptoms themselves. In adolescent reports, VSD patients' quality of life was increased and internalizing problems were decreased-proactive parenting behavior went along with decreased symptoms in VSD-affected adolescents and with increased symptoms in controls. The findings pronounce the crucial role of parenting behavior and the influence of maternal anxieties on child mental health after surgical VSD repair and might highlight the need for parent-centered interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jennifer Gerlach
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anne-Christine Plank
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ariawan Purbojo
- Department of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Robert A. Cesnjevar
- Department of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery, Pediatric Heart Center, University Children’s Hospital Zürich, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Kratz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gunther H. Moll
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anna Eichler
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Correspondence:
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13
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Ghassemi Nejad J, Ghaffari MH, Ataallahi M, Jo JH, Lee HG. Stress Concepts and Applications in Various Matrices with a Focus on Hair Cortisol and Analytical Methods. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12223096. [PMID: 36428324 PMCID: PMC9686725 DOI: 10.3390/ani12223096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
When studying stress in animals, it is important to understand the types of stress and their classification, and how to assess the stress levels in different animal species using different matrices accurately and precisely. The classification of stress types helps to distinguish between good stress (eustress) and bad stress (distress). Hence, first, it is crucial to assess the animal's level of stress in a non-intrusive manner and second to identify the type of stress that is best suited to its environment. Third, it is also important to analyze the obtained samples using a suitable method to increase the validity of stress hormone measurements. Therefore, in this review, we aim to: (1) explain the classification of stress, (2) discuss the wide range of body matrices (e.g., saliva, milk, hair, urine, feces, sweat, fins, etc.) that can be used as samples to evaluate stress levels, as well as their comparisons and limitations, and present the reliable matrices for measuring stress hormones with special emphasis on hair, (3) compare the analytical methods for measuring stress hormones after sample preparation. Despite some literature that does not include hair as a reliable matrix for evaluating stress levels, hair is one of the matrices for measuring long-term stress hormone accumulations. This review discusses some factors that influence the level of stress hormones in the hair. By understanding these issues, the scientific community will not only be able to improve the understanding of stress and biomarker evaluation but also suggest how to deal with the consequences of stress in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohammad Ataallahi
- College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Jang-Hoon Jo
- Department of Animal Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Hong-Gu Lee
- Department of Animal Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-450-0523
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Kitani RA, Letsou K, Kokka I, Kanaka-Gantenbein C, Bacopoulou F. Difference in Hair Cortisol Concentrations between Obese and Non-Obese Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9050715. [PMID: 35626892 PMCID: PMC9139968 DOI: 10.3390/children9050715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Childhood obesity has been linked to physical and psychological comorbidities that can be carried into adulthood. A bidirectional link between body weight and the stress system appears to exist, as cortisol may affect the regulation of appetite, while adiposity can affect cortisol secretion. Among the biological tissues used to evaluate cortisol concentrations, scalp hair can provide retrospective measures. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the difference in hair cortisol concentrations between obese and non-obese minors ≤ 19 years of age. Children and adolescents with genetic, somatic or psychiatric comorbidities were excluded. The work was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, using prespecified search terms in the Pubmed database. The initial search yielded 56 studies, while the last step of the screening procedure concluded in 9 observational studies. Among them, the results could be characterized as inconclusive. Five of them demonstrated significantly higher hair cortisol concentrations in obese children and adolescents than normal weight subjects. On the contrary, the remaining four found no statistically significant differences in hair cortisol concentrations between obese and non-obese subjects. Different methodologies applied, and confounding factors could explain the inconsistency in the findings. Further research is needed to provide more solid results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Anna Kitani
- Postgraduate Course on the Science of Stress and Health Promotion, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 4 Soranou Ephessiou St., 11527 Athens, Greece; (R.A.K.); (K.L.); (I.K.); (C.K.-G.)
| | - Konstantina Letsou
- Postgraduate Course on the Science of Stress and Health Promotion, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 4 Soranou Ephessiou St., 11527 Athens, Greece; (R.A.K.); (K.L.); (I.K.); (C.K.-G.)
| | - Ioulia Kokka
- Postgraduate Course on the Science of Stress and Health Promotion, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 4 Soranou Ephessiou St., 11527 Athens, Greece; (R.A.K.); (K.L.); (I.K.); (C.K.-G.)
- Outpatient Specialty Clinic for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Behavioral Therapy, First Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Kanaka-Gantenbein
- Postgraduate Course on the Science of Stress and Health Promotion, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 4 Soranou Ephessiou St., 11527 Athens, Greece; (R.A.K.); (K.L.); (I.K.); (C.K.-G.)
- First Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children’s Hospital, Thivon & Papadiamantopoulou St., 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Flora Bacopoulou
- Postgraduate Course on the Science of Stress and Health Promotion, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 4 Soranou Ephessiou St., 11527 Athens, Greece; (R.A.K.); (K.L.); (I.K.); (C.K.-G.)
- Center for Adolescent Medicine and UNESCO Chair in Adolescent Health Care, First Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Thivon & Papadiamantopoulou St., 11527 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence:
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15
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Gustafsson HC, Young AS, Stamos G, Wilken S, Brito NH, Thomason ME, Graham A, Nigg JT, Sullivan EL. Innovative methods for remote assessment of neurobehavioral development. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2021; 52:101015. [PMID: 34601346 PMCID: PMC8483646 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2021.101015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, research institutions across the globe have modified their operations in ways that have limited or eliminated the amount of permissible in-person research interaction. In order to prevent the loss of important developmentally-timed data during the pandemic, researchers have quickly pivoted and developed innovative methods for remote assessment of research participants. In this manuscript, we describe methods developed for remote assessment of a parent child cohort with a focus on examining the perinatal environment, behavioral and biological indicators of child neurobehavioral development, parent-child interaction, as well as parent and child mental and physical health. We include recommendations relevant to adapting in-laboratory assessments for remote data collection and conclude with a description of the successful dissemination of the methods to eight research sites across the United States, each of whom are involved in Phase 1 of the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study. These remote methods were born out of pandemic-related necessity; however, they have much wider applicability and may offer advantages over in-laboratory neurodevelopmental assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna C Gustafsson
- Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Anna S Young
- Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Gayle Stamos
- Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Sydney Wilken
- Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Natalie H Brito
- New York University, 426 Greene Street, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | | | - Alice Graham
- Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Joel T Nigg
- Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Elinor L Sullivan
- Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA; Oregon National Primate Research Center, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA.
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16
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Torrecilla P, Barrantes-Vidal N. Examining the Relationship Between Hair Cortisol With Stress-Related and Transdiagnostic Subclinical Measures. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:746155. [PMID: 34858226 PMCID: PMC8631911 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.746155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) provide a retrospective examination of long-term cortisol production as a measure of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning, one of the major neural systems implicated in mediating the effects of stress on mental illness. However, evidence about the relationship between HCC with stressors and symptoms is scattered. In the present study, we aimed to examine the association between HCC and a wide range of stress-related and transdiagnostic subclinical measures in a sample of non-clinical young adults with a wide distribution of schizotypy. Methods: A total sample of 132 non-clinical young adults recruited at college and technical schools oversampled for schizotypy scores were assessed on distal and proximal stressful experiences, appraisals of stress, traits and symptoms of the affective, psychosis and dissociation spectrums, as well as stress-buffering measures, and provided 3 cm-hair samples. Results: No significant associations were found between HCC and any of the stress-related and subclinical measures. Only suspiciousness and disorganization showed a trend for a positive association with HCC but the magnitude was small. Conclusions: The present findings support previous studies indicating an overall lack of concordance between a broad range of stress-related and (sub)clinical phenotypic measures with hair cortisol. This study examined for the first time the relationship of HCC with the non-clinical expression of the psychosis spectrum, that is, schizotypy, which complements previous studies on clinical high risk and established psychosis and offers a promising strategy for studying possible HPA dysfunctions characterizing the subclinical psychosis continuum without the confounds associated to clinical psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Torrecilla
- Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Facultat de Psicologia, Edifici B, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Neus Barrantes-Vidal
- Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Facultat de Psicologia, Edifici B, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Salut Mental, Sant Pere Claver—Fundació Sanitària, Barcelona, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
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17
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Schmid-Zalaudek K, Fredriksen PM, Fabiani E, Fredriksen MV, Brix B, Rössler A, Jantscher A, Goswami N. Children's hair cortisol and hair testosterone concentrations in response to environmental changes: from summer holidays to school. Stress 2021; 24:998-1007. [PMID: 34842033 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2021.1985107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated hair cortisol concentrations in children have been linked to several stress-related conditions, including school-related demands. However, little is known about changes in hair testosterone in children. The present study investigated changes in hair cortisol and hair testosterone concentrations in the time course of four months - from summer holidays until mid of autumn of the following school year - in 60, 10-12-year-old (11.31 ± 0.63) school children (29 girls). Children's mental health was assessed by the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) and related to hair cortisol and hair testosterone levels. Body mass index, waist-to-height ratio, and parental education were evaluated as potential confounders. In girls, the expected increase of hair cortisol concentrations was observed during school as compared to summer holidays, partly accounted for by peer- and emotional problems and the increase of HTC. In boys, hair cortisol and testosterone concentrations were significantly higher. Hair cortisol increased only slightly, while hair testosterone decreased significantly during school. The findings suggest a reciprocal influence of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, differentially affecting girls' and boys' hormone production in response to environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Schmid-Zalaudek
- Physiology Division, Otto Loewi Research Center for Vascular Biology, Immunology and Inflammation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Ester Fabiani
- Alma Mater Europaea, Maribor, Slovenia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Bianca Brix
- Physiology Division, Otto Loewi Research Center for Vascular Biology, Immunology and Inflammation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Rössler
- Physiology Division, Otto Loewi Research Center for Vascular Biology, Immunology and Inflammation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Jantscher
- Physiology Division, Otto Loewi Research Center for Vascular Biology, Immunology and Inflammation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Nandu Goswami
- Physiology Division, Otto Loewi Research Center for Vascular Biology, Immunology and Inflammation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Alma Mater Europaea, Maribor, Slovenia
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18
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Determination of cortisol in hair using UHPLC-MS/MS: application to patients admitted for ethanol dependence treatment. Bioanalysis 2021; 13:1559-1568. [PMID: 34636657 DOI: 10.4155/bio-2021-0170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Cortisol hair levels can be used to evaluate chronic stress status. In this context, an improved UHPLC-MS/MS assay for the determination of cortisol in hair was developed and validated. Materials & methods: Hair was extracted with methanol for 4 h at 25°C. Chromatographic run time was 5.5 min. The assay was linear in the range of 1-250 pg mg-1. Precision was 3.6-12.2% and accuracy 97.1-103.8%. The method was applied in hair from 19 volunteers admitted at a rehabilitation clinic, with ethanol consumption classified using ethyl glucuronide hair levels. Conclusion: Abstinent/chronic moderate ethanol consumers had significantly lower cortisol hair levels than chronic excessive consumers. This is the first study evaluating cortisol hair levels in ethanol abuse patients using an objective marker for ethanol consumption.
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Muentner L, Kapoor A, Weymouth L, Poehlmann-Tynan J. Getting under the skin: Physiological stress and witnessing paternal arrest in young children with incarcerated fathers. Dev Psychobiol 2021; 63:1568-1582. [PMID: 33634487 PMCID: PMC8530104 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
U.S. jails see nearly 11 million annual admissions, rates that disproportionately affect men of color-more than half of whom are fathers. An estimated 7% of U.S. children experience the incarceration of a parent, increasing their risk for poor developmental and health outcomes. Although stress processes are often suggested as an underlying mechanism linking paternal incarceration to child well-being, few studies have examined such links. To study how witnessing a father's arrest prior to incarceration in jail relates to children's stress processes, we collected data on 123 individuals from 41 families with young children whose father was in jail, including collecting hair from 41 children, and analyzed their cumulative stress hormones, cortisol, and cortisone. Results indicate that children had higher cumulative stress hormone concentrations when they witnessed their father's arrest. Moreover, there was evidence of a blunted stress reaction in children who witnessed the arrest and who also had high levels of ongoing behavioral stress symptoms, similar to findings in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder studies. Long-term exposure to stress can have deleterious effects on children's brain development, further increasing risk for developmental psychopathology. Findings have implications for criminal justice approaches that safeguard children during parental arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Muentner
- School of Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Amita Kapoor
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Lindsay Weymouth
- Population Health Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Determination of cortisol in hair using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: a short review. Bioanalysis 2021; 13:1145-1155. [PMID: 34187201 DOI: 10.4155/bio-2021-0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortisol is considered a particularly relevant biomarker in the context of stress evaluation. This study aims to review of the available literature on the determination of cortisol in hair using LC-MS/MS. Currently, there is no standardized procedure for the measurement of cortisol concentrations in hair, and different sample preparation, chromatographic separation and mass spectrometric detection conditions were described. Simple methanolic extraction, reversed-phase separation and MRM detection in negative ion mode are the most common employed analytical approaches. Reported assays presented acceptable sensitivity for clinical purposes. The increasing use of mass spectrometry in clinical laboratories may contribute to the establishment of LC-MS/MS as the method of choice for the determination of cortisol concentrations in hair.
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21
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Eckstein ML, Moser O, Rössler A, Moertl MG, Jantscher A, Papousek I, Wagner J, Schmid-Zalaudek K, Sourij H, Treiber G, Lackner HK. Differences in Hemodynamic, Hormonal and Heart Rate Variability Parameters in Complication-Free Pregnancies Compared to Individuals with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Preeclampsia: An Observational Retrospective Analysis. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11070626. [PMID: 34209500 PMCID: PMC8306108 DOI: 10.3390/life11070626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate differences in hemodynamic, hormonal and heart rate variability parameters in women following complication-free pregnancies (healthy), preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) after giving childbirth. Data of 60 women (healthy: n = 29, age 32.7 ± 4.5 years, BMI 24.2 ± 4.3 kg/m2; preeclampsia: n = 16, age 35.3 ± 4.4 years, 28.5 ± 6.4 kg/m2; GDM, n = 15, age 32.3 ± 6.0 years, BMI 26.4 ± 6.2 kg/m2) were included. Two visits were conducted 16 and 48 weeks after giving childbirth. Hair samples were taken for analysis of cortisol and testosterone. ECG and blood pressure were recorded at each visit. Data were analyzed via RM-ANOVA and post-hoc testing (p ≤ 0.05). Heart rate increased from visit 1 to visit 2, whereas SDNN decreased (both p = 0.03). RMSSD showed an increased trend for groups (p = 0.06). Testosterone in the GDM group was significantly higher compared to the other groups (p = 0.002). Cortisol levels were significantly higher following post-hoc testing GDM was different compared to healthy individuals (p = 0.02). Hemodynamic changes from week 16 to week 48 did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). No differences between individuals with preeclampsia and healthy individuals were found for all hemodynamic parameters (p > 0.05). The study showed higher levels of chronic stress indicators in GDM measured via heart rate variability and cortisol compared to women with a history of preeclampsia and healthy women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max L. Eckstein
- Department of Sport Science, Division of Exercise Physiology and Metabolism, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany;
| | - Othmar Moser
- Department of Sport Science, Division of Exercise Physiology and Metabolism, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)921-55-3465
| | - Andreas Rössler
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Physiology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (A.R.); (A.J.); (J.W.); (K.S.-Z.); (H.K.L.)
| | - Manfred G. Moertl
- Clinical Center Klagenfurt, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 9020 Klagenfurt, Austria;
| | - Andreas Jantscher
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Physiology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (A.R.); (A.J.); (J.W.); (K.S.-Z.); (H.K.L.)
| | - Ilona Papousek
- Department of Psychology, Biological Psychology Unit, University of Graz, 9020 Graz, Austria;
| | - Johann Wagner
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Physiology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (A.R.); (A.J.); (J.W.); (K.S.-Z.); (H.K.L.)
| | - Karin Schmid-Zalaudek
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Physiology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (A.R.); (A.J.); (J.W.); (K.S.-Z.); (H.K.L.)
| | - Harald Sourij
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Interdisciplinary Metabolic Medicine Trials Unit, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 2, 8036 Graz, Austria; (H.S.); (G.T.)
| | - Gerlies Treiber
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Interdisciplinary Metabolic Medicine Trials Unit, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 2, 8036 Graz, Austria; (H.S.); (G.T.)
| | - Helmut K. Lackner
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Physiology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (A.R.); (A.J.); (J.W.); (K.S.-Z.); (H.K.L.)
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22
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Chloroform-based liquid-liquid extraction and LC-MS/MS quantification of endocannabinoids, cortisol and progesterone in human hair. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2021; 201:114103. [PMID: 33957361 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2021.114103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the role of endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) in disease is of increasing importance. However, tools to investigate endocannabinoid levels in humans are limited. In the current study, we report a simplified sample preparation method for quantifying endocannabinoids and steroid hormones in hair using liquid-liquid extraction combined with ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The fully validated method is at least R2 = 0.99 linear between 5 and 1,000 pg/mg for each analyte and the detection limits are at or below 0.50 pg/mg for cortisol, progesterone, oleoylethanolamide, and arachidonoyl ethanolamide, and 2.65 pg/mg for 2-arachidonoyl glycerol. Sequential extraction of hair samples revealed that multiple extractions may be required for quantitative recovery of steroids. However endogenous cannabinoids were efficiently recovered using a single sample extraction. The method was applied to a psychosocial stress study where participants provided samples of both hair and saliva. Endogenous hair arachidonoyl ethanolamide levels were negatively associated with resting, but not stressed, salivary cortisol levels in healthy participants. This simplified method enables the detailed study of hormonal and endocannabinoids in human hair with high sensitivity.
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23
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Hair cortisol concentrations in mental disorders: A systematic review. Physiol Behav 2021; 229:113244. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.113244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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El Mlili N, Ahabrach H, Cauli O. Hair Cortisol Concentration as a Biomarker of Sleep Quality and Related Disorders. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11020081. [PMID: 33499247 PMCID: PMC7911396 DOI: 10.3390/life11020081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortisol is the end product of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and its production is increased mainly in stressful situations or in chronic disorders accompanied by stress enhancement. Altered cortisol concentrations have been reported in a number of neuropsychiatric diseases and sleep disorders. Cortisol concentrations have been measured using several methods, and in several matrixes, such as blood, saliva, and urine. However, lately, hair cortisol, for several reasons, has emerged as a promising biomarker of long-term retrospective HPA activation. Several experimental approaches for cortisol measurement with the corresponding concentration reference ranges and a summary of findings from scientific literature on this field are presented. There is evidence of a close relationship between HPA functional alteration and the development of neuropsychiatric disorders. Sleep disorders are the most common manifestation in several neuropsychiatric conditions, and have also been associated to cortisol alterations in both adults and children. Many studies indicate that hair cortisol constitutes a valuable tool for further contributing to existing data on salivary, plasma, or urinary cortisol concentrations in patients with sleep disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisrin El Mlili
- Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques (ISPITS), 93000 Tetouan, Morocco; (N.E.M.); (H.A.)
- Department of Biology and Health, Faculty of Sciences, University Abdelmalek Essâadi, 93000 Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Hanan Ahabrach
- Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques (ISPITS), 93000 Tetouan, Morocco; (N.E.M.); (H.A.)
- Department of Biology and Health, Faculty of Sciences, University Abdelmalek Essâadi, 93000 Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Omar Cauli
- Department of Nursing, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Frailty and Cognitive Impairment Group (FROG), University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Chair of Healthy, Active and Participatory Aging, Valencia City Council, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Rovnaghi CR, Rigdon J, Roué JM, Ruiz MO, Carrion VG, Anand KJS. Longitudinal Trajectories of Hair Cortisol: Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Dysfunction in Early Childhood. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:740343. [PMID: 34708011 PMCID: PMC8544285 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.740343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine if longitudinal trajectories of hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) measured at two or three yearly time points can identify 1-3 year old children at risk for altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis function due to early life stress (ELS). HCC was measured (N = 575) in 265 children using a validated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hair was sampled in Clinic Visits (CV) centered at years 1, 2, and 3 (n = 45); 1 and 2 (n = 98); 1 and 3 (n = 27); 2 and 3 (n = 95). Log-transformed HCC values were partitioned using latent class mixed models (LCMM) to minimize the Bayesian Information Criterion. Multivariable linear mixed effects models for ln-HCC as a function of fixed effects for age in months and random effects for participants (to account for repeated measures) were generated to identify the factors associated with class membership. Children in Class 1 (n = 69; 9% Black) evidenced declining ln-HCC across early childhood, whereas Class 2 members (n = 196; 43% Black) showed mixed trajectories. LCMM with only Class 2 members revealed Class 2A (n = 17, 82% Black) with sustained high ln-HCC and Class 2B (n = 179, 40% Blacks) with mixed ln-HCC profiles. Another LCMM limited to only Class 2B members revealed Class 2B1 (n = 65, 57% Black) with declining ln-HCC values (at higher ranges than Class 1), and Class 2B2 (n = 113, 30% Black) with sustained high ln-HCC values. Class 1 may represent hair cortisol trajectories associated with adaptive HPA-axis profiles, whereas 2A, 2B1, and 2B2 may represent allostatic load with dysregulated profiles of HPA-axis function in response to varying exposures to ELS. Sequential longitudinal hair cortisol measurements revealed the allostatic load associated with ELS and the potential for developing maladaptive or dysregulated HPA-axis function in early childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia R Rovnaghi
- Pain/Stress Neurobiology Lab, Maternal and Child Health Research Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Joseph Rigdon
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Jean-Michel Roué
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Brest, Brest, France.,Laboratory LIEN, University of Brest, Brest, France.,Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Monica O Ruiz
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Victor G Carrion
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Kanwaljeet J S Anand
- Pain/Stress Neurobiology Lab, Maternal and Child Health Research Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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Ataallahi M, Nejad JG, Song JI, Kim JS, Park KH. Effects of feather processing methods on quantity of extracted corticosterone in broiler chickens. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2020; 62:884-892. [PMID: 33987568 PMCID: PMC7721574 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2020.62.6.884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Corticosterone is known as a biological stress index in many species including
birds. Feather corticosterone concentration (FCC) has increasingly been used as
a measure for chronic stress status in broiler chickens. As sample preparation
is the first step of analytical process, different techniques of feather matrix
disruption need to be validated for obtaining better result in analysing
corticosterone extraction. The current study was a validation of pulverizing the
feather by bead beater (BB) and surgical scissors (SS) processing prior to
corticosterone extraction in feather of broiler chickens. The type of feather
processing prior to the hormone extraction may alter the final output. Thereby,
finding a standard method according to laboratory facilities is pivotal. This
study carried out to determine the effects of feather pulverization methods on
the extraction amount of corticosterone in broiler chickens. Feathers were
sampled from four weeks old Ross 308 broiler chickens (n = 12 birds). All
broiler chickens were kept under the same environmental condition and had access
to feed and water. Feather samples were assigned to one of the following
processing methods 1) using a BB for pulverizing and 2) using a SS for chopping
into tiny pieces. Each sample was duplicated into two wells during enzyme
immunoassay (EIA) analysis to improve the accuracy of the obtained data. The
results showed lower standard errors and constant output of FCC by using the BB
method compared with the SS method. Overall comparison of FCC showed a
significantly higher (p < 0.001) amount of the FCC in the BB
compared with the SS. Overall, using the BB method is recommended over the SS
method for feather processing due to the ability to homogenize a large number of
samples simultaneously, ease of use and greater extraction of feather
corticosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ataallahi
- College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Jalil Ghassemi Nejad
- Team of an Educational Program for Specialists in Global Animal Science, Brain Korea 21 Plus Project, Sanghuh College of Life Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea.,Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sanghuh College of Life Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Jun-Ik Song
- Division of Animal Husbandry, Yonam College, Cheonan 31005, Korea
| | - Jin-Soo Kim
- College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Kyu-Hyun Park
- College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
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Xiao L, Zhang X, Chen Z, Li B, Li L. A Timosaponin B-II containing scalp care solution for improvement of scalp hydration, dandruff reduction, and hair loss prevention: A comparative study on healthy volunteers before and after application. J Cosmet Dermatol 2020; 20:819-824. [PMID: 32780920 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.13672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The plant species Anemarrhena asphodeloides has commonly been used for health and therapeutic purposes. Timosaponin B-II, which is present at a high concentration in A asphodeloides, was found to enhance the immune and anti-inflammatory responses of human bodies. AIMS To evaluate benefits of a timosaponin B-II containing scalp care solution on hair loss prevention and scalp healthiness in multiple physiological and biological profiles. METHODS Prior the study, 90 subjects applied scalp care solution base without timosaponin B-II for two weeks followed by application of the scalp care solution containing 0.5% timosaponin B-II for 28 days. The subject's hair follicle hydrocortisone level, hair fall number, hair luster level, dandruff level, sensation score, hydration level, lipid level, redness as well as the pH level of scalps were quantitatively assessed every 7 days. RESULTS Multiple parameters on hair and scalp conditions were promoted by application of the timosaponin B-II containing scalp care solution. Compared to baseline values, significant improvements in hair luster, scalp hydration, hair fall number, and scalp redness level could be observed. CONCLUSION Timosaponin B-II promotes multiple physiological factors on hair and scalps. The scalp care solution containing A asphodeloides extracts may benefit the scalp healthiness and hair loss prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xiao
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.,Infinitus (China) Co., Hong Kong, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyi Chen
- Sericultural & Agri-Food Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Functional Foods, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Agricultural Products Processing, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bing Li
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin Li
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.,School of Chemical Engineering and Energy Technology, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, China
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Ling J, Kao TSA, Robbins LB. Body mass index, waist circumference and body fat are positively correlated with hair cortisol in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Obes Rev 2020; 21:e13050. [PMID: 32543094 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The current body of research lacks a meta-analysis of the relationship between hair cortisol concentration (HCC) and anthropometry in children. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to examine this relationship and explore possible moderators between HCC and body mass index (BMI/BMI z-score). Eleven databases were searched: CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, PsycEXTRA, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Social Sciences Full Text, Sociological Abstracts and Web of Sciences. Random-effects models and exploratory moderator analyses with mixed-effects models were performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. The meta-analysis showed small positive correlations between HCC and BMI (r = 0.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.02, 0.14, n = 18, p = .009), BMI z-score (r = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.16, n = 12, p = .003), waist circumference (r = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.17, n = 10, p = .001) and body fat including fat mass index (r = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.11, n = 3, p = .005). The relationship between HCC and BMI/BMI z-score was significantly moderated by children's sex. Results from this meta-analysis provide initial objective support for a small positive relationship between HCC and anthropometric factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiying Ling
- College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Tsui-Sui Annie Kao
- College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Lorraine B Robbins
- College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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Anand KJS, Rovnaghi CR, Rigdon J, Qin F, Tembulkar S, Murphy LE, Barr DA, Gotlib IH, Tylavsky FA. Demographic and psychosocial factors associated with hair cortisol concentrations in preschool children. Pediatr Res 2020; 87:1119-1127. [PMID: 31791042 PMCID: PMC7196501 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-019-0691-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early life stress has enduring effects on physical and mental health. Hair cortisol concentrations (HCCs) reflect exposures to contextual stressors in early life, but are understudied in preschool children. METHODS Hair samples from children (N = 693) during clinic visits (CVs) scheduled at 1-4 years (CV1-CV4) were measured using validated assay methods for HCC. RESULTS HCCs were highest at CV1 and decreased at CV2-CV4, with no sex differences. Black children had higher HCC than White/other children; these differences persisted even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors. Bivariable analyses showed significant effects on HCC for Black race, with specific demographic and psychosocial factors at different ages. Multivariable analyses showed that higher HCC at CV1 were associated with Black race and male sex; at CV2 with Black race, lower maternal self-esteem, socioeconomic adversity, and the child's risk for developmental delay; at CV3 with Black race; at CV4 with maternal depression and the child's prior HCC values. CONCLUSIONS HCCs were higher in Black children than White/other races; differences were related to maternal factors, socioeconomic adversity, and the child's risk for developmental delay. Public health measures to reduce disparities between Blacks and other races must also consider the long-term effects of chronic stress in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanwaljeet J. S. Anand
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine;,Pain/Stress Neurobiology Lab, Maternal & Child Health Research Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Cynthia R. Rovnaghi
- Pain/Stress Neurobiology Lab, Maternal & Child Health Research Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Joseph Rigdon
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA (currently at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC)
| | - FeiFei Qin
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA (currently at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC)
| | - Sahil Tembulkar
- Pain/Stress Neurobiology Lab, Maternal & Child Health Research Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Laura E. Murphy
- Department of Psychiatry, Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Donald A. Barr
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Ian H. Gotlib
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University School of Humanities & Sciences, Stanford, CA
| | - Frances A. Tylavsky
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Hair cortisol is a measure of chronic or repeated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation in response to physical or psychological stressors. Hair cortisol has been successfully used as a measure of chronic stress in adults and children; however, its use as a valid measure in preterm infants has been limited by challenges in measuring cortisol in the low mass samples collectable from these infants. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this report is to present a novel protocol for the measurement of hair cortisol in very low mass hair samples. METHODS Small changes were made to previously published protocols. After washing and pulverizing the hair samples, a double methanol cortisol extraction was performed. Samples were spiked with a known quantity of cortisol and analyzed in duplicate using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Hair cortisol was detectable in samples weighing between 0.4 and 10.9 mg. The mean cortisol level was 23.74 pg/mg hair (SD = 26.38). DISCUSSION With small changes to previously published laboratory protocols, cortisol is quantifiable in low mass hair samples from preterm infants. This technical advance is an important step toward quantifying the stress experiences of hospitalized preterm infants.
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Does hair cortisol really reflect perceived stress? Findings from low-income mother-preschooler dyads. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 111:104478. [PMID: 31704637 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) has emerged as an objective biological measure of stress in humans, but findings on the relationships between perceived stress and HCC and between mothers' HCC and children's HCC are inconsistent. To advance the understanding of HCC and its relationship with perceived stress, this study aimed to examine the relationships among mothers' HCC, perceived stress, distress, coping, and preschoolers' HCC in a low-income population. A correlational study was conducted with 35 Head Start mother-preschooler dyads. Mothers' mean HCC was 6.97 pg/mg, and preschoolers' mean HCC was 32.02 pg/mg. The receiver operating characteristic analysis identified an optimal HCC cutoff of 4.1 pg/mg based on the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale to divide mothers into low and high HCC groups. Mothers' perceived stress was negatively related to their HCC (ρ = -0.49, p = 0.005). While there were no statistically significant relationships between mothers' HCC and their perceived distress or coping in the low HCC group, mothers' HCC in the high HCC group was positively related to their perceived coping (ρ = 0.53, p = 0.036). Mothers' HCC was positively correlated with preschoolers' HCC (ρ = 0.39, p = 0.030). In the high HCC group, mothers' perceived stress and distress had very small correlations with preschoolers' HCC. In contrast, in the low HCC group, mothers' perceived stress and distress had very large correlations with preschoolers' HCC (ρ = 0.83, p < 0.001; ρ = 0.74, p = 0.001, respectively). The findings suggest mothers' coping ability plays a significant buffering role in modifying the influence of mothers' perceived stress on preschoolers' stress; however, considering the limited sample size, this conclusion warrants further investigation. This study provides an important foundation for studying HCC in low-income mothers and their preschoolers.
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32
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Ghassemi Nejad J, Park KH, Forghani F, Lee HG, Lee JS, Sung KI. Measuring hair and blood cortisol in sheep and dairy cattle using RIA and ELISA assay: a comparison. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2019.1611335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jalil Ghassemi Nejad
- Team of an Educational Program for Specialists in Global Animal Science, Brain Korea 21 Plus Project, Sanghuh College of Life Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
- College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Hyun Park
- College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Fereidoun Forghani
- Center for Food Safety, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Griffin, GA, USA
| | - Hong-Gu Lee
- Team of an Educational Program for Specialists in Global Animal Science, Brain Korea 21 Plus Project, Sanghuh College of Life Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Sung Lee
- Team of an Educational Program for Specialists in Global Animal Science, Brain Korea 21 Plus Project, Sanghuh College of Life Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
- College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Il. Sung
- College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
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Timmers I, Quaedflieg CWEM, Hsu C, Heathcote LC, Rovnaghi CR, Simons LE. The interaction between stress and chronic pain through the lens of threat learning. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 107:641-655. [PMID: 31622630 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Stress and pain are interleaved at multiple levels - interacting and influencing each other. Both are modulated by psychosocial factors including fears, beliefs, and goals, and are served by overlapping neural substrates. One major contributing factor in the development and maintenance of chronic pain is threat learning, with pain as an emotionally-salient threat - or stressor. Here, we argue that threat learning is a central mechanism and contributor, mediating the relationship between stress and chronic pain. We review the state of the art on (mal)adaptive learning in chronic pain, and on effects of stress and particularly cortisol on learning. We then provide a theoretical integration of how stress may affect chronic pain through its effect on threat learning. Prolonged stress, as may be experienced by patients with chronic pain, and its resulting changes in key brain networks modulating stress responses and threat learning, may further exacerbate these impairing effects on threat learning. We provide testable hypotheses and suggestions for how this integration may guide future research and clinical approaches in chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge Timmers
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 1070 Arastradero Road, Suite 300, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States.
| | - Conny W E M Quaedflieg
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Connie Hsu
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 420 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Lauren C Heathcote
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 1070 Arastradero Road, Suite 300, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
| | - Cynthia R Rovnaghi
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, 770 Welch Road, Suite 435, Stanford, CA 94304, United States
| | - Laura E Simons
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 1070 Arastradero Road, Suite 300, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
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Prado-Gascó V, de la Barrera U, Sancho-Castillo S, de la Rubia-Ortí JE, Montoya-Castilla I. Perceived stress and reference ranges of hair cortisol in healthy adolescents. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214856. [PMID: 30947316 PMCID: PMC6448926 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic stress during adolescence has usually been evaluated through subjective measures, leaving aside objective measures such as hair cortisol concentrations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to provide reference ranges for hair cortisol concentrations by sex and age and to study the relationship between subjective and objective measures of stress and temporal stability. Methods The participants were 170 adolescents aged between 12 and 14 years (mean = 12.78 years; standard deviation = 0.71 years; 52.40% girls) who completed the Perceived Stress Scale 4 and had their hair sampled. Results The results revealed hair cortisol concentrations ranging from 0.07 pg/mg to 9.54 pg/mg. Subjective and objective measures of stress were not related, nor was there intraindividual stability of the hair cortisol concentrations. Girls had higher hair cortisol concentrations, and there were no age differences. Conclusions This research provides cortisol reference values for adolescents that will allow the early detection of chronic stress. Such detection methods make it possible to prevent problems arising from stress because we can act more quickly and the treatments will be more effective. The study suggests that there is no relationship between perceived and objective stress; while perceived stress remained stable, the levels of hair cortisol were increased at 6 months. Despite the interesting findings of the study, there are some limitations: the sample was not obtained through probabilistic sampling, the age range was narrow, and some demographic, anthropomorphic and clinical factors are missing, which make the generalization of results difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Usue de la Barrera
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatment, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | - Inmaculada Montoya-Castilla
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatment, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- * E-mail:
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35
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Enlow MB, Sideridis G, Bollati V, Hoxha M, Hacker MR, Wright RJ. Maternal cortisol output in pregnancy and newborn telomere length: Evidence for sex-specific effects. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 102:225-235. [PMID: 30590340 PMCID: PMC6420355 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.12.222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 12/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Newborn telomere length is a potential biomarker of the effects of maternal-fetal processes on offspring long-term health. A number of maternal psychosocial and environmental factors in pregnancy (e.g., stress, health, socioeconomic status) have been associated with shortened telomere length at birth. The physiological mechanisms responsible for potential effects of maternal factors on newborn telomere length have yet to be identified. Indirect evidence suggests that disruptions in maternal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning in pregnancy may be involved. Studies are needed that test whether maternal HPA axis functioning in pregnancy is associated with newborn telomere length. This study examined whether maternal HPA axis functioning across pregnancy, reflected in hair cortisol collected within one week after delivery, predicted newborn telomere length assessed from leukocyte cord blood collected at birth among 93 sociodemographically diverse mother-infant dyads. We further tested whether associations between maternal hair cortisol and newborn telomere length differed by infant sex, given documented sex differences in prenatal environmental exposure effects on offspring health, patterns of cortisol exposure during gestation, and telomere biology across the lifespan. In a multi-group structural equation modeling analysis that accounted for cortisol exposures across trimesters, maternal cortisol levels in pregnancy were not associated with newborn telomere length in the sample as a whole. However, significant sex differences emerged, with a significant positive association among females and a lack of a significant association among males. In addition, analyses revealed that cortisol levels were higher across trimesters among mothers of male infants than mothers of female infants. The results suggest that functioning of the maternal HPA axis in pregnancy may differ by fetal sex and have sex-specific effects on newborn telomere biology. These findings have implications for understanding the mechanisms by which maternal psychosocial and environmental exposures influence newborn telomere length and for elucidating mechanisms contributing to sex disparities in health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Bosquet Enlow
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, AT-120.3, Mailstop BCH 3199, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Georgios Sideridis
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Institutional Centers for Clinical and Translational Research, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, AT-210.3, Mailstop BCH 3200, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Valentina Bollati
- EPIGET Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, via San Barnaba 8, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Mirjam Hoxha
- EPIGET Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, via San Barnaba 8, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele R. Hacker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, KS3, Boston, MA 02215, USA,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rosalind J. Wright
- Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1198, New York City, NY 10029, USA,Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
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Nejad JG, Ataallahi M, Park KH. Methodological validation of measuring Hanwoo hair cortisol concentration using bead beater and surgical scissors. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2019; 61:41-46. [PMID: 31333860 PMCID: PMC6582914 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2019.61.1.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Different methodologies in hair cortisol extraction may alter the final output.
Thus finding the standard methodology according to a laboratory facilities is
pivotal. This study was carried out to validate the feasibility of two methods
of grinding hair for cortisol extraction in Korean native (Hanwoo) cattle. Hair
from nine cattle including mature cows, heifers, and calves were assigned to one
of the following methods for grinding hair; 1) using bead beater (BB) and 2)
using surgical scissors (SS). Hair samples (> 1 g) were harvested from
forehead of each individual twice (first and second measurement) to validate the
results. To improve the accuracy of the obtained data, each sample was
duplicated into two wells during enzyme immunoassay (EIA) analysis. Overall
comparison of hair cortisol concentration (HCC) showed that the data within the
range (out of the range) of standards provided by the EIA kit were 88.9%
(11.1%) and 66.7% (33.3%) for BB compared with SS,
respectively. In the first measurement, application of BB was tended to show
higher (p = 0.056) amount of HCC compared with SS. In
the second measurement application of BB showed higher (p
= 0.0028) amount of HCC compared with SS. Among the cattle, calves showed
higher HCC using BB compared with SS (p < 0.05).
Application of BB in hair grinding methodology for Hanwoo cattle may improve
cortisol extraction in comparison to application of SS method, with more
consistency. Thus, it would be the preferable method to use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jalil Ghassemi Nejad
- College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea.,Team of An Educational Program for Specialists in Global Animal Science, Brain Korea 21 Plus Project, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Mohammad Ataallahi
- College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Kyu-Hyun Park
- College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
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Slopen N, Roberts AL, LeWinn KZ, Bush NR, Rovnaghi CR, Tylavsky F, Anand KJS. Maternal experiences of trauma and hair cortisol in early childhood in a prospective cohort. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 98:168-176. [PMID: 30170311 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Maternal trauma can have intergenerational consequences but little is known about whether maternal traumas affect key biological domains associated with mental health in their offspring. The objective of this study was to examine maternal lifetime history of traumatic events through mid-gestation in relation to offspring cortisol production in early childhood. METHODS The sample was comprised of 660 children (49.9% Black, 44.4% White) from a longitudinal study of mother-offspring dyads in Shelby County, Tennessee, followed from mid-gestation to child age 4 years (enrolled 2006-2011). Maternal lifetime history of traumatic life events were assessed mid-gestation using the Traumatic Life Events Questionnaire. Total cortisol output among offspring was measured using hair cortisol concentrations at ages 1 to 4 years. RESULTS Associations of maternal trauma history with child hair cortisol varied by child's age. No association was observed at age 1 or 2. In adjusted regression models, at ages 3 and 4, offspring of mothers in the third (β = 0.99, P < .01), fourth (β=0.72, P < .05), and fifth (β=0.83, P < .01) quintiles of trauma exposure history had elevated (natural log) hair cortisol concentrations, relative to mothers in the lowest quintile (P-trend = 0.003). The associations were not attenuated after adjustment for theorized pathways, including premature birth, maternal postpartum depression, and maternal parenting stress. CONCLUSIONS Maternal lifetime trauma exposures are associated with offspring hair cortisol concentrations. Future research is needed to determine intermediary mechanisms and functional significance of elevated hair cortisol concentration in young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Slopen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MA, United States.
| | - Andrea L Roberts
- Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kaja Z LeWinn
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Nicole R Bush
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Cynthia R Rovnaghi
- Pain/Stress Neurobiology Lab, Child Health Research Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Frances Tylavsky
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Kanwaljeet J S Anand
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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Smith JD, Johnson KA, Whittle S, Allen NB, Simmons JG. Measurement of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone, and testosterone in the hair of children: Preliminary results and promising indications. Dev Psychobiol 2018; 61:962-970. [PMID: 30478964 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hormone analysis is a valuable tool for understanding how physiology and behavior interact. Cortisol in hair has recently been examined as a measure of longer-term hormone output. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between other androgens in hair and anthropometric measures. In a child sample (n = 114, mean age: 8.5 years, 66 females) levels of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone were assayed in the 0-3 cm section proximal to scalp. The 3-6 cm segment within a subsample of female participants (n = 35) was examined and compared. Results showed that testosterone strongly correlated with DHEA, and moderately correlated with cortisol (0-3 cm only). Higher hormone concentrations were present in the 3-6 cm segment. Finally, there was a weak positive association between DHEA and height. The replication of previously identified associations between androgens, particularly testosterone-DHEA, and with developmental measures suggests hair may offer a valid method of hormone measurement for DHEA and testosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse D Smith
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katherine A Johnson
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah Whittle
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Julian G Simmons
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Greff MJE, Levine JM, Abuzgaia AM, Elzagallaai AA, Rieder MJ, van Uum SHM. Hair cortisol analysis: An update on methodological considerations and clinical applications. Clin Biochem 2018; 63:1-9. [PMID: 30261181 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hair cortisol analysis is increasingly being appreciated and applied in both research and medicine, aiding endocrinologists with diagnosis. CONTENT We provide an overview of hair cortisol research in general and an update on methodological considerations including the incorporation of cortisol into hair, hair growth rates, and sampling procedures, mincing vs. grinding of samples during preparation for extraction, various extraction protocols, and quantification techniques. We compare the clinical utility and application of hair cortisol with traditional methods of measurement while acknowledging the limitations of analysis including variations in hair growth parameters. We explore the value of hair cortisol in cases of Cushing syndrome (particularly Cyclical Cushing), Adrenal insufficiency (including Addison's disease), therapy monitoring, cardiovascular disease, stress, and mental illness. SUMMARY Hair cortisol provides a unique objective biomarker for the analysis of endogenous cortisol levels for not only clinical diagnostic purposes but also in research. The use of hair cortisol has great potential for advancing patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J E Greff
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, Canada
| | - Jeffrey M Levine
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, Canada
| | - Awatif M Abuzgaia
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, Canada
| | - Abdelbaset A Elzagallaai
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, Canada
| | - Michael J Rieder
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, Canada; Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, Canada
| | - Stan H M van Uum
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, Canada; Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, Canada.
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Montero-López E, Santos-Ruiz A, González R, Navarrete-Navarrete N, Ortego-Centeno N, Martínez-Augustín O, Rodríguez-Blázquez M, Peralta-Ramírez MI. Analyses of hair and salivary cortisol for evaluating hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation in patients with autoimmune disease. Stress 2017; 20:541-548. [PMID: 28853298 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2017.1369524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although many studies have shown that patients with autoimmune disease present a hypoactive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA), controversial results have been described. Our objective was to study HPA axis activity in women with autoimmune disease compared to healthy women. Therefore, we analyzed salivary cortisol over the course of a day, and hair cortisol concentrations from the three preceding months, from 65 women divided into two groups: healthy women (n = 30), with a mean age of 44.70 ± 11.65 years; and women with autoimmune disease (n = 35), with a mean age of 48.26 ± 9.04 years. The latter group comprises women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome (SS), and systemic sclerosis (SSc). Perceived stress and psychopathological symptomatology were also evaluated. Autoimmune disease group scored higher on the somatization subscale SCL-90-R and lower on the anxiety subscale than the control group. Regarding HPA axis activation, the area under curve for cortisol levels during the day was higher for the autoimmune disease group. In addition, higher cortisol levels in hair were found in the group with autoimmune disease. Our findings show greater short and long-term HPA axis activity in women with autoimmune disease than in healthy women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Montero-López
- a Department of Clinical Psychology , University of Granada , Granada , Spain
| | - Ana Santos-Ruiz
- b Department of Health Psychology, School of Health Sciences , University of Alicante , Alicante , Spain
| | - Raquel González
- c Department of Pharmacology, CIBERehd, School of Pharmacy , University of Granada , Granada , Spain
| | - Nuria Navarrete-Navarrete
- d Systemic Autoimmune Disease Unit, Internal Medicine Service , Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital , Granada , Spain
| | - Norberto Ortego-Centeno
- e Systemic Autoimmune Disease Unit, Internal Medicine Service , San Cecilio Clinical Hospital , Granada , Spain
| | - Olga Martínez-Augustín
- f Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, CIBERehd, School of Pharmacy , University of Granada , Granada , Spain
| | | | - María Isabel Peralta-Ramírez
- a Department of Clinical Psychology , University of Granada , Granada , Spain
- h Mind , Brain and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC) , Granada , Spain
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Bates R, Salsberry P, Ford J. Measuring Stress in Young Children Using Hair Cortisol: The State of the Science. Biol Res Nurs 2017; 19:499-510. [PMID: 28617035 DOI: 10.1177/1099800417711583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Extensive literature suggests that adverse experiences in early childhood may deleteriously impact later health. These effects are thought to be related to the impact of persistent or chronic stress on various biological processes, mediated by dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and ultimately irregularities in cortisol levels. Ameliorating persistent stress in young children requires accurately measuring the chronicity of physiologic stress, which is difficult in young children because of unreliable self-report and the burden and inaccuracy associated with using invasive acute-stress biomeasures. A better way to approximate persistent stress in young children is measuring hair cortisol concentration (HCC), as it only requires one noninvasive collection to measure months of HPA-axis activity or experienced stress. However, few studies measure HCC in young children despite wide use in adult stress research. This article reviews and synthesizes research that uses HCC to approximate persistent stress in healthy children, 12-60 months of age. Reviewed studies indicate that HCC is elevated in young children who are experiencing forms of persistent stress such as low socioeconomic status and maternal distress. Hair cortisol is thus a promising measure of early childhood persistent stress, but due to the limited use of HCC in this population, much research is still needed. Specifically, nurse researchers may need to measure several factors associated with early childhood persistent stress and HCC to identify which children are at risk for stress-related disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randi Bates
- 1 College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Pamela Salsberry
- 2 College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jodi Ford
- 1 College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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The Relation Between Temperament and Accumulated Cortisol Levels Among Toddlers Following Childcare Use. ADONGHAKOEJI 2016. [DOI: 10.5723/kjcs.2016.37.3.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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