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Nicolaides NC, Kanaka-Gantenbein C, Pervanidou P. Developmental Neuroendocrinology of Early-Life Stress: Impact on Child Development and Behavior. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:461-474. [PMID: 37563814 PMCID: PMC10845081 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230810162344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Our internal balance, or homeostasis, is threatened or perceived as threatened by stressful stimuli, the stressors. The stress system is a highly conserved system that adjusts homeostasis to the resting state. Through the concurrent activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the locus coeruleus/norepinephrine-autonomic nervous systems, the stress system provides the appropriate physical and behavioral responses, collectively termed as "stress response", to restore homeostasis. If the stress response is prolonged, excessive or even inadequate, several acute or chronic stress-related pathologic conditions may develop in childhood, adolescence and adult life. On the other hand, earlylife exposure to stressors has been recognized as a major contributing factor underlying the pathogenesis of non-communicable disorders, including neurodevelopmental disorders. Accumulating evidence suggests that early-life stress has been associated with an increased risk for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder in the offspring, although findings are still controversial. Nevertheless, at the molecular level, early-life stressors alter the chemical structure of cytosines located in the regulatory regions of genes, mostly through the addition of methyl groups. These epigenetic modifications result in the suppression of gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. In addition to DNA methylation, several lines of evidence support the role of non-coding RNAs in the evolving field of epigenetics. In this review article, we present the anatomical and functional components of the stress system, discuss the proper, in terms of quality and quantity, stress response, and provide an update on the impact of early-life stress on child development and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas C. Nicolaides
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, ‘Aghia Sophia’ Children's Hospital, Athens, 11527, Greece
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, 11527, Greece
- School of Medicine, University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christina Kanaka-Gantenbein
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, ‘Aghia Sophia’ Children's Hospital, Athens, 11527, Greece
| | - Panagiota Pervanidou
- Unit of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aghia Sophia” Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Curtiss J, Griffiths P, Stephenson KG, Puthoff TD, Ahlsson F, Bapat R, Lendrum-Gatten B, Lindamood K, Lumbaca L, Mehling M, Peck LH, Stonestreet BS, Susey K, Susi M, Zhang H, Lynch S. The Optimal State Scoring Tool: guidance for interdisciplinary care of infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia and its relation to linear growth. J Perinatol 2023; 43:1301-1307. [PMID: 37185366 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-023-01680-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (sBPD) have complex medical courses. We developed the clinician-rated Optimal State Scoring Tool (OSST) that measures factors relevant to clinical improvement of sBPD and investigated preliminary validity using linear growth outcome and OSST scores in sBPD patients. METHODS Tool development process and pilot findings are provided for 13 patients evaluated longitudinally. OSST scores, length measurements, and steroid dependency values were obtained. Changes in OSST scores and lengths were examined using linear mixed-effect models. RESULTS OSST scores were significantly correlated with linear growth (95% CI 0.36, 0.57). The steroid-dependent group showed significantly slower rate of linear growth (95% CI 0.74, 1.05) and slower rate of increase in OSST scores (95% CI 0.99, 2.13) compared to the non-steroid-dependent group, with the OSST showing the largest effect size. CONCLUSION Pilot data reflect promising evidence for OSST construct validity in monitoring clinical outcomes in sBPD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Curtiss
- Department of Clinical Nutrition & Lactation, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Pamela Griffiths
- Department of Neonatology, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Kevin G Stephenson
- Department of Psychology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Teresa D Puthoff
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Fredrik Ahlsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Roopali Bapat
- Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | | | - Leah Lumbaca
- Department of Neonatal Therapy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Margaret Mehling
- Department of Psychology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lauren H Peck
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Barbara S Stonestreet
- Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kelly Susey
- Department of Neonatal Therapy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Molly Susi
- Department of Neonatal Therapy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Huayan Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Susan Lynch
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina System, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Nicolaides NC, Chrousos GP. Glucocorticoid Signaling Pathway: From Bench to Bedside. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11030. [PMID: 37446208 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids were named by Hans Hugo Bruno Selye, the modern father of stress concepts, for their important role in glucose metabolism [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas C Nicolaides
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 1683, Cyprus
| | - George P Chrousos
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece
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Kazakou P, Nicolaides NC, Chrousos GP. Basic Concepts and Hormonal Regulators of the Stress System. Horm Res Paediatr 2023; 96:8-16. [PMID: 35272295 DOI: 10.1159/000523975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human organisms have to cope with a large number of external or internal stressful stimuli that threaten - or are perceived as threatening - their internal dynamic balance or homeostasis. To face these disturbing forces, or stressors, organisms have developed a complex neuroendocrine system, the stress system, which consists of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the locus caeruleus/norepinephrine-autonomic nervous system. SUMMARY Upon exposure to stressors beyond a certain threshold, the activation of the stress system leads to a series of physiological and behavioral adaptations that help achieve homeostasis and increase the chances of survival. When, however, the stress response to stressors is inadequate, excessive, or prolonged, the resultant maladaptation may lead to the development of several stress-related pathologic conditions. Adverse environmental events, especially during critical periods of life, such as prenatal life, childhood, and puberty/adolescence, in combination with the underlying genetic background, may leave deep, long-term epigenetic imprints in the human expressed genome. KEY MESSAGES In this review, we describe the components of the stress system and its functional interactions with other homeostatic systems of the organism; we present the hormonal regulators of the stress response, and we discuss the development of stress-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Kazakou
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.,Endocrine Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nicolas C Nicolaides
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.,Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.,University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.,Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - George P Chrousos
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.,Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.,University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Nicolaides NC. The Human Glucocorticoid Receptor Beta: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Implications. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6691806. [PMID: 36059139 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids play a fundamental role in a plethora of cellular processes and physiologic functions through binding on a ubiquitously expressed receptor, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which functions as a ligand-activated transcription factor influencing the transcription rate of numerous genes in a positive or negative fashion. For many years, we believed that the pleiotropic actions of glucocorticoids were mediated by a single GR protein expressed by the NR3C1 gene. Nowadays, we know that the NR3C1 gene encodes 2 main receptor isoforms, the GRα and the GRβ, through alternative splicing of the last exons. Furthermore, the alternative initiation of GR mRNA translation generates 8 distinct GRα and possibly 8 different GRβ receptor isoforms. The tremendous progress of cellular, molecular, and structural biology in association with the data explosion provided by bioinformatics have enabled a deeper understanding of the role of GRβ in cellular homeostasis. In this review article, I will provide an update on the cellular properties and functions of hGRβ and summarize the current knowledge about the evolving role of the beta isoform of glucocorticoid receptor in endocrine physiology, pathophysiology, and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas C Nicolaides
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 'Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, Athens 11527, Greece
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens 11527, Greece
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
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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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Comparison of Hospital Consultation and Summer Camp Lifestyle Intervention Programs for Sustained Body Weight Loss in Overweight/Obese Greek Children. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9010086. [PMID: 35053711 PMCID: PMC8774901 DOI: 10.3390/children9010086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Two lifestyle intervention programs of a health initiative named "Evrostia" were conducted at (a) an outpatient obesity clinic of a children's hospital and (b) summer camp (SC), respectively. Thirty overweight/obese children were randomly selected to participate in each intervention arm to assess the efficacy of the SC intervention and its possible superiority over usual hospital consultation (HC) practice. There was a statistically significant decrease in body weight (BW), and body mass index (BMI) in both programs. A higher duration of reduced BW was observed in the SC compared to HC intervention. Regarding the nutritional behavior, there was a significant increase in the consumption of breakfast, fruit and vegetables, and a reduction in the consumption of beverages and sweets in the SC group. A significant increase in the hours of weekly physical activity was also observed in children of the SC program. The comparison between the two lifestyle intervention programs showed that the SC program improved nutritional behaviors and physical activity and promoted longer preservation of BW loss than that of the HC program. Thus, the holistic and experiential approach of the SC program was more successful in the treatment of overweight and obesity in children than a conventional HC program.
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Nicolaides NC, Charmandari E. Primary Generalized Glucocorticoid Resistance and Hypersensitivity Syndromes: A 2021 Update. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910839. [PMID: 34639183 PMCID: PMC8509180 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are the final products of the neuroendocrine hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and play an important role in the stress response to re-establish homeostasis when it is threatened, or perceived as threatened. These steroid hormones have pleiotropic actions through binding to their cognate receptor, the human glucocorticoid receptor, which functions as a ligand-bound transcription factor inducing or repressing the expression of a large number of target genes. To achieve homeostasis, glucocorticoid signaling should have an optimal effect on all tissues. Indeed, any inappropriate glucocorticoid effect in terms of quantity or quality has been associated with pathologic conditions, which are characterized by short-term or long-lasting detrimental effects. Two such conditions, the primary generalized glucocorticoid resistance and hypersensitivity syndromes, are discussed in this review article. Undoubtedly, the tremendous progress of structural, molecular, and cellular biology, in association with the continued progress of biotechnology, has led to a better and more in-depth understanding of these rare endocrinologic conditions, as well as more effective therapeutic management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas C. Nicolaides
- First Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece;
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
- Correspondence:
| | - Evangelia Charmandari
- First Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece;
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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White GE, Caterini JE, McCann V, Rendall K, Nathan PC, Rhind SG, Jones H, Wells GD. The Psychoneuroimmunology of Stress Regulation in Pediatric Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4684. [PMID: 34572911 PMCID: PMC8468382 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress is a ubiquitous experience that can be adaptive or maladaptive. Physiological stress regulation, or allostasis, can be disrupted at any point along the regulatory pathway resulting in adverse effects for the individual. Children with cancer exhibit significant changes to these pathways in line with stress dysregulation and long-term effects similar to those observed in other early-life stress populations, which are thought to be, in part, a result of cytotoxic cancer treatments. Children with cancer may have disruption to several steps in the stress-regulatory pathway including cognitive-affective function, neurological disruption to stress regulatory brain regions, altered adrenal and endocrine function, and disrupted tissue integrity, as well as lower engagement in positive coping behaviours such as physical activity and pro-social habits. To date, there has been minimal study of stress reactivity patterns in childhood illness populations. Nor has the role of stress regulation in long-term health and function been elucidated. We conclude that consideration of stress regulation in childhood cancer may be crucial in understanding and treating the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian E. White
- Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada; (G.E.W.); (J.E.C.); (K.R.)
| | - Jessica E. Caterini
- Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada; (G.E.W.); (J.E.C.); (K.R.)
| | - Victoria McCann
- School of Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada;
| | - Kate Rendall
- Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada; (G.E.W.); (J.E.C.); (K.R.)
| | - Paul C. Nathan
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada; (P.C.N.); (H.J.)
| | - Shawn G. Rhind
- Defence Research and Development Canada, Toronto Research Centre, Toronto, ON M3K 2C9, Canada;
- Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 2W6, Canada
| | - Heather Jones
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada; (P.C.N.); (H.J.)
| | - Greg D. Wells
- Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada; (G.E.W.); (J.E.C.); (K.R.)
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Papadopoulou A, Mermiri DZT, Gritzelas G, Tsouridi O, Dimara E, Yapijakis C, Chrousos GP. Increased Incidence of Stress-related Tic Habit Cough in Children During the Recent Greek Financial Crisis. In Vivo 2021; 35:1811-1820. [PMID: 33910867 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.12442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Tic habit cough (THC) is not easily recognized and requires a high index of suspicion. Since there is evidence for stress-related etiology, the study presents our experience during the eight-year period of the recent Greek financial crisis. PATIENTS AND METHODS This is a descriptive prospective cross-sectional clinical study using a consistent approach to diagnosis, possible triggers and treatment options. RESULTS Fifty-one children (26 girls, age 9.5±3.1y) from a total of 3,793 new referrals for chronic cough fulfilled the criteria of THC (1.34%). Incidence rates per 1,000 person-years were 1.34 (95%CI=0.34-5.40), 3.91 (95%CI=1.86-8.19), 4.03 (95%CI=2.01-8.06) and 14.60 (95%CI=10.43-20.44) for every two years. Poisson analysis showed an increased trend during the four time periods with an incidence rate ratio equal to 2.21 (95%CI=1.58-3.09, p<0.001). THC was mainly attributed to learning difficulties, as well as stress-related impact of peer or family bullying, family financial problems and child anxiety disorders. CONCLUSION The incidence of THC is associated with the negative aspects of stressors during a period of financial crisis. The potential underlining psycho-physiological mechanisms are discussed as well as the fact that prompt diagnosis may result in successful interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athina Papadopoulou
- Allergology and Pulmunology Unit, Penteli's Children Hospital, Athens, Greece;
| | | | | | | | - Eleni Dimara
- Allergology and Pulmunology Unit, Penteli's Children Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Yapijakis
- Unit of Orofacial Genetics, 1 Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - George P Chrousos
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health & Precision Medicine, and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Pariente G, Walfisch A, Wainstock T, Landau D, Sergienko R, Sheiner E. Prenatal exposure to isolated amniotic fluid disorders and the risk for long-term endocrine morbidity of the offspring. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2020; 302:873-878. [PMID: 32602001 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-020-05674-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amniotic fluid abnormalities may be associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, some of which are endocrine related. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether in utero exposure to amniotic fluid abnormalities is associated with long-term endocrine morbidity in the offspring. STUDY DESIGN In this cohort study, the incidence of long-term endocrine disorders was compared between singletons exposed and non-exposed to oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios. RESULTS During the study period, 195 943 newborns were included in the study, of them 2.0% (n = 4072) and 2.9% (n = 5684) were exposed to oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios, respectively. Long-term endocrine morbidity was higher among children exposed to isolated amniotic fluid disorders, as was also noted in the Kaplan-Meier survival curve (log-rank test p < 0.001). Abnormal amniotic fluid volume was found to be independently associated with long-term endocrine morbidity of the offspring according to a Cox regression model controlled for clinically related confounders. CONCLUSION In utero exposure to isolated amniotic fluid abnormalities is independently associated with long-term endocrine morbidity in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gali Pariente
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 151, 84101, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Asnat Walfisch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 151, 84101, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Tamar Wainstock
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Services Evaluation, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Daniella Landau
- Department of Pediatrics, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ruslan Sergienko
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Services Evaluation, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Eyal Sheiner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 151, 84101, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
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Association between Salivary Alpha-Amylase and Executive Functioning in Healthy Children. SPANISH JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2019; 22:E24. [DOI: 10.1017/sjp.2019.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
AbstractThe main aim of this study was to confirm the relationship between executive performance and salivary alpha-amylase (SAA) activity in a sample of 64 healthy children (39 boys), and compare it to the association of SAA output and salivary flow rate (SFR). Executive functioning was assessed via fluency, trail-making, rings and inhibition tasks from the Batería de Evaluación Neuropsicológica de la Función Ejecutiva en Niños [Battery of Neuropsychological Assessment for Executive Function in Children] (ENFEN), merged into an ENFEN total score. SAA activity, output, and SFR were measured at baseline, one minute before, and one minute after the end of a neuropsychological testing session. Our results confirmed a direct, linear and significant association between SAA activity and executive functioning, r(64) = .351, p < .05, and extended it to SAA output, r(64) =.431, p < .05. The mean level of SAA output was the best predictor of executive functioning (β = .431, p < .05) and explained 18.2 % of the variance in ENFEN total score. In sum, and compared to SAA activity, measuring SAA output may be a more precise and indirect marker to assess executive functioning in children.
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Early maternal perceived stress and children's BMI: longitudinal impact and influencing factors. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:1211. [PMID: 30376822 PMCID: PMC6208039 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-6110-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal perceived stress has been discussed to contribute to the development of childhood overweight. Our aim was to investigate the longitudinal relationship of early maternal perceived stress and BMI z-scores in preschool children (≤ five years). METHODS A longitudinal analysis was conducted in 498 mother-child pairs of the German prospective birth cohort LINA with information on maternal perceived stress during pregnancy, one and two years after birth. BMI z-scores were based on annual measurements of children's weight/height and calculated based on WHO reference data. General estimation equations were applied to evaluate the impact of maternal stress on children's longitudinal BMI z-scores. Potential stressors contributing to the perceived stress of the mother were assessed by linear regression models. Using mediation analyses we evaluated the relationship between stressors, maternal perceived stress, and children's BMI z-score development. RESULTS Postnatal maternal stress during the first year after birth had a positive longitudinal relationship with children's BMI z-scores up to the age of five years. Gender-stratified analyses revealed that only girls showed this positive association while boy's BMI z-scores were unaffected by maternal stress. We identified three neighborhood strains and two socio-demographic factors, which contributed to the maternal perceived stress level. Stressors themselves did not directly affect girl's BMI z-scores but rather mediated their effect through the perceived stress level. CONCLUSIONS While different stressors contribute to maternal stress, the perceived stress level - rather than the stressors themselves - is strongly positively associated with BMI z-score development in girls.
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Sobolewski M, Conrad K, Marvin E, Allen JL, Cory-Slechta DA. Endocrine active metals, prenatal stress and enhanced neurobehavioral disruption. Horm Behav 2018; 101:36-49. [PMID: 29355495 PMCID: PMC5970043 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Metals, including lead (Pb), methylmercury (MeHg) and arsenic (As), are long-known developmental neurotoxicants. More recently, environmental context has been recognized to modulate metals toxicity, including nutritional state and stress exposure. Modulation of metal toxicity by stress exposure can occur through shared targeting of endocrine systems, such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA). Our previous rodent research has identified that prenatal stress (PS) modulates neurotoxicity of two endocrine active metals (EAMs), Pb and MeHg, by altering HPA and CNS systems disrupting behavior. Here, we review this research and further test the hypothesis that prenatal stress modulates metals neurotoxicity by expanding to test the effect of developmental As ± PS exposure. Serum corticosterone and behavior was assessed in offspring of dams exposed to As ± PS. PS increased female offspring serum corticosterone at birth, while developmental As exposure decreased adult serum corticosterone in both sexes. As + PS induced reductions in locomotor activity in females and reduced response rates on a Fixed Interval schedule of reinforcement in males, with the latter suggesting unique learning deficits only in the combined exposure. As-exposed males showed increased time in the open arms of an elevated plus maze and decreased novel object recognition whereas females did not. These data further confirm the hypothesis that combined exposure to chemical (EAMs) and non-chemical (PS) stressors results in enhanced neurobehavioral toxicity. Given that humans are exposed to multiple environmental risk factors that alter endocrine function in development, such models are critical for risk assessment and public health protection, particularly for children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Sobolewski
- Dept. of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, United States. marissa:
| | - Katherine Conrad
- Dept. of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Elena Marvin
- Dept. of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Joshua L Allen
- Dept. of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Deborah A Cory-Slechta
- Dept. of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, United States
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Zhang M, Lu G, Meng F, Li S, Li X, Gong X. Identification of HLA-A2-restricted immunogenic peptides derived from Vitamin D-Binding Protein. Cell Immunol 2018; 328:18-23. [PMID: 29549963 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
T-cell-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells leads to Type 1 diabetes (TID). Vitamin D-Binding Protein (VDBP) has been identified as an autoantigen and T cell reactivity against VDBP increases in the development of T1D. Autoreactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) recognize β-cell-derived peptides in the context of major histocompatibility complex class I molecules. However, little is known about the VDBP-derived immunogenic peptides that are presented in the context of human HLA molecules. Here, we predicted and identified VDBP derived immunogenic peptides that were presented in association with human HLA-A2 molecule. The VDBP derived peptides binding to HLA-A∗0201 were predicted by using a computer-assisted algorithm. The candidate peptides were synthesized, then affinity between peptides and HLA-A∗0201 were analyzed. In addition, the CTL activity of the peptides was detected by cytotoxicity assay and ELISPOT assay in vitro. Furthermore, HLA-A∗0201-transgenic mice were immunized with peptides to induce the CTL activity in vivo. The results demonstrated that peptides of VDBP containing residues 211-219 and 235-243 had high affinity with HLA-A∗0201. In addition, these peptides elicited potent CTL responses in vitro, and induced T1D in vivo. Therefore, this experiment identified immunogenic HLA-A∗0201-restricted epitopes derived from VDBP, and provided pathogenesis theory of T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi 276000, China
| | - Guangmin Lu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Third People's Hospital of Linyi, Linyi 276023, China
| | - Fanqing Meng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Third People's Hospital of Linyi, Linyi 276023, China
| | - Shufa Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Third People's Hospital of Linyi, Linyi 276023, China.
| | - Xunhua Li
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Third People's Hospital of Linyi, Linyi 276023, China
| | - Xiaoyun Gong
- Department of Public Health, The Third People's Hospital of Linyi, Linyi 276023, China
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Stefanaki C, Pervanidou P, Boschiero D, Chrousos GP. Chronic stress and body composition disorders: implications for health and disease. Hormones (Athens) 2018; 17:33-43. [PMID: 29858868 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-018-0023-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that body composition is key to health and disease. First, fat tissue is a complex, essential, and highly active metabolic and endocrine organ that responds to afferent signals from traditional hormone systems and the central nervous system but also expresses and secretes factors with important endocrine, metabolic, and immune functions. Second, skeletal muscle mass is an important predictor of health in adult life, while severe mass loss has been associated with the frailty of old age. Studies have shown that skeletal muscle is also an important endocrine organ that secretes factors with autocrine, paracrine, or endocrine actions, which have been associated with inflammatory processes. Third, the bone is also a systemic endocrine regulator playing a pivotal role in health and disease. Finally, proper hydration in humans has been neglected as a health factor, especially in adults. Chronic stress and stress hormone hypersecretion alone or associated with distinct disorders, such as anxiety, depression, obesity, metabolic syndrome, autoimmune disorders, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), have been associated with psychological and somatic manifestations, typically, increased fat mass, osteosarcopenia/frailty, cellular dehydration, and chronic systemic inflammation. This review aims to provide new insights into the newly developed concept of stress-related osteosarcopenic obesity and its prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charikleia Stefanaki
- Choremeion Research Laboratory, First Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Thivon and Levadeias streets, Goudi, 11527, Athens, Greece.
- Unit of Translational and Clinical Research in Endocrinology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Panagiota Pervanidou
- Choremeion Research Laboratory, First Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Thivon and Levadeias streets, Goudi, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | | | - George P Chrousos
- Choremeion Research Laboratory, First Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Thivon and Levadeias streets, Goudi, 11527, Athens, Greece
- Unit of Translational and Clinical Research in Endocrinology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Villanueva L, Montoya-Castilla I, Prado-Gascó V. The importance of trait emotional intelligence and feelings in the prediction of perceived and biological stress in adolescents: hierarchical regressions and fsQCA models. Stress 2017; 20:355-362. [PMID: 28595502 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2017.1340451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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
The purpose of this study is to analyze the combined effects of trait emotional intelligence (EI) and feelings on healthy adolescents' stress. Identifying the extent to which adolescent stress varies with trait emotional differences and the feelings of adolescents is of considerable interest in the development of intervention programs for fostering youth well-being. To attain this goal, self-reported questionnaires (perceived stress, trait EI, and positive/negative feelings) and biological measures of stress (hair cortisol concentrations, HCC) were collected from 170 adolescents (12-14 years old). Two different methodologies were conducted, which included hierarchical regression models and a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). The results support trait EI as a protective factor against stress in healthy adolescents and suggest that feelings reinforce this relation. However, the debate continues regarding the possibility of optimal levels of trait EI for effective and adaptive emotional management, particularly in the emotional attention and clarity dimensions and for female adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidón Villanueva
- a Developmental Psychology Department , Universitat Jaume I , Castellón , Spain
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Sher L. Commentary: Adverse Childhood Experiences and Risk for Suicidal Behavior in Male Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Seeking PTSD Treatment. Front Public Health 2017; 5:72. [PMID: 28443276 PMCID: PMC5385349 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2017.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Leo Sher
- James J. Peters Veterans’ Administration Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- *Correspondence: Leo Sher,
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