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Darling AM, Young BE, Skow RJ, Dominguez CM, Saunders EFH, Fadel PJ, Greaney JL. Sympathetic and blood pressure reactivity in young adults with major depressive disorder. J Affect Disord 2024; 361:322-332. [PMID: 38897296 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.06.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sympathetic and blood pressure (BP) hyper-reactivity to stress may contribute to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD); however, whether this is evident in young adults with MDD without comorbid disease remains unclear. We hypothesized that acute stress-induced increases in muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and BP would be exaggerated in young adults with MDD compared to healthy non-depressed young adults (HA) and that, in adults with MDD, greater symptom severity would be positively related to MSNA and BP reactivity. METHODS In 28 HA (17 female) and 39 young adults with MDD of mild-to-moderate severity (unmedicated; 31 female), MSNA (microneurography) and beat-to-beat BP (finger photoplethysmography) were measured at rest and during the cold pressor test (CPT) and Stroop color word test (SCWT). RESULTS There were no group differences in resting MSNA (p = 0.24). Neither MSNA nor BP reactivity to either the CPT [MSNA: ∆24 ± 10 HA vs. ∆21 ± 11 bursts/min MDD, p = 0.67; mean arterial pressure (MAP): ∆22 ± 7 HA vs. ∆21 ± 10 mmHg MDD, p = 0.46)] or the SCWT (MSNA: ∆-4 ± 6 HA vs. ∆-5 ± 8 bursts/min MDD, p = 0.99; MAP: ∆7 ± 8 HA vs ∆9 ± 5 mmHg MDD; p = 0.82) were different between groups. In adults with MDD, symptom severity predicted MAP reactivity to the CPT (β = 0.78, SE = 0.26, p = 0.006), but not MSNA (p = 0.42). LIMITATIONS The mild-to-moderate symptom severity reflects only part of the MDD spectrum. CONCLUSIONS Neither sympathetic nor BP stress reactivity are exaggerated in young adults with MDD; however, greater symptom severity may amplify BP reactivity to stress, thereby increasing CVD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Darling
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States of America
| | - Benjamin E Young
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States of America; Department of Applied Clinical Research, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States of America
| | - Rachel J Skow
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States of America
| | - Cynthia M Dominguez
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Arlington, United States of America
| | - Erika F H Saunders
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States of America
| | - Paul J Fadel
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States of America
| | - Jody L Greaney
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States of America; Department of Health Behavior and Nutrition Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States of America.
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Tahmin CI, Tahsin CT, Wattero R, Ahmed Z, Corbin C, Carter JR, Park J, Racette SB, Sullivan SS, Herr MD, Fonkoue IT. Blunted brachial blood flow velocity response to acute mental stress in PTSD females. Physiol Rep 2024; 12:e16137. [PMID: 38969625 PMCID: PMC11226346 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.16137] [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: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Compared with males, females are twice as likely to develop PTSD after trauma exposure, and cardiovascular reactivity to stress is a known risk factor for CVD. We aimed to examine hemodynamic responses to acute mental stress in trauma-exposed females with and without a clinical diagnosis of PTSD. We hypothesized that females with PTSD would have higher heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and lower blood flow velocity (BFV) responsiveness compared with controls. We enrolled 21 females with PTSD and 21 trauma-exposed controls. We continuously measured HR using a three-lead electrocardiogram, BP using finger plethysmography, and brachial BFV using Doppler ultrasound. All variables were recorded during 10 min of supine rest, 5 min of mental arithmetic, and 5 min of recovery. Females with PTSD were older, and had higher BMI and higher resting diastolic BP. Accordingly, age, BMI, and diastolic BP were covariates for all repeated measures analyses. Females with PTSD had a blunted brachial BFV response to mental stress (time × group, p = 0.005) compared with controls, suggesting greater vasoconstriction. HR and BP responses were comparable. In conclusion, our results suggest early impairment of vascular function in premenopausal females with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chowdhury Ibtida Tahmin
- Division of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Department of Family Medicine and Community HealthUniversity of Minnesota Medical SchoolMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Chowdhury Tasnova Tahsin
- Division of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Department of Family Medicine and Community HealthUniversity of Minnesota Medical SchoolMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Redeat Wattero
- Division of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Department of Family Medicine and Community HealthUniversity of Minnesota Medical SchoolMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Zynab Ahmed
- Division of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Department of Family Medicine and Community HealthUniversity of Minnesota Medical SchoolMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Chasity Corbin
- Division of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Department of Family Medicine and Community HealthUniversity of Minnesota Medical SchoolMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Jason R. Carter
- Robbins College of Health and Human SciencesBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
| | - Jeanie Park
- Division of Renal Medicine, Department of MedicineEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Research Service Line, Atlanta VA Health Care SystemDecaturGeorgiaUSA
| | - Susan B. Racette
- College of Health SolutionsArizona State UniversityPhoenixArizonaUSA
| | - Samaah S. Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, School of Public HealthThe University of Texas Health Science Center‐HoustonHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Michael D. Herr
- Penn State Hershey Medical Center and Penn State College of MedicinePenn State UniversityState CollegePennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Ida T. Fonkoue
- Division of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Department of Family Medicine and Community HealthUniversity of Minnesota Medical SchoolMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
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Ahmed Z, Tahmin CI, Tahsin CT, Michopoulos V, Mohamed A, Wattero R, Albott S, Cullen KR, Lowe DA, Osborn J, Fonkoue IT. Higher arterial stiffness and blunted vagal control of the heart in young women with compared to without a clinical diagnosis of PTSD. Clin Auton Res 2024; 34:165-175. [PMID: 38324188 PMCID: PMC10947824 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-024-01014-7] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Young women are typically thought to be protected from cardiovascular disease (CVD) before menopause. However, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases CVD risk in women by up to threefold. Data in predominantly male cohorts point to physiological mechanisms such as vascular and autonomic derangements as contributing to increased CVD risk. The purpose of the study reported here was to determine whether young women diagnosed with PTSD, compared to those without, present with arterial stiffness and impaired autonomic control of the heart. METHODS A total of 73 healthy young women, ranging in age from 18 to 40 years, with a history of trauma exposure were included in this study, 32 with and 41 without a clinical PTSD diagnosis. We measured resting pulse wave velocity (PWV), central hemodynamics, augmentation pressure and augmentation index (AI) via pulse wave analysis using applanation tonometry. Heart rate variability was also assessed via peripheral arterial tone. RESULTS In comparison to controls, women with PTSD showed higher central arterial pressure (mean ± standard deviation: systolic blood pressure 104 ± 8 vs. 97 ± 8 mmHg, p < 0.001; diastolic blood pressure 72 ± 7 vs. 67 ± 7 mmHg, p = 0.003), PWV (6 ± 0.3 vs. 5 ± 0.6 m/s, p < 0.001) and AI (22 ± 13 vs. 15 ± 12%, p = 0.007) but lower standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN; 44 ± 17 vs. 54 ± 18 ms, p = 0.005) and root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats (RMSSD; 37 ± 17 vs. 51 ± 22 ms, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION PTSD in young women is associated with higher brachial and central pressures, increased arterial stiffness and blunted parasympathetic control of the heart. These findings illustrate potential mechanisms underlying high risk for CVD in young women with PTSD, suggesting possible treatment targets for this at-risk group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zynab Ahmed
- Divisions of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware St. SE (MMC 388), Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Chowdhury Ibtida Tahmin
- Divisions of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware St. SE (MMC 388), Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Chowdhury Tasnova Tahsin
- Divisions of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware St. SE (MMC 388), Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Vasiliki Michopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Azhaar Mohamed
- Divisions of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware St. SE (MMC 388), Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Redeat Wattero
- Divisions of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware St. SE (MMC 388), Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Sophia Albott
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Mental Health Service Line, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Kathryn R Cullen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Dawn A Lowe
- Divisions of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware St. SE (MMC 388), Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - John Osborn
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ida T Fonkoue
- Divisions of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware St. SE (MMC 388), Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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D'Souza AW, Yoo JK, Bhai S, Sarma S, Anderson EH, Levine BD, Fu Q. Attenuated peripheral oxygen extraction and greater cardiac output in women with posttraumatic stress disorder during exercise. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2024; 136:141-150. [PMID: 38031720 PMCID: PMC11219012 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00161.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, especially in women. Evidence indicates that men with PTSD exhibit lower maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o2max) relative to controls; however, whether V̇o2max is blunted in women with PTSD remains unknown. Furthermore, it is unclear what determinants (i.e., central and/or peripheral) of V̇o2max are impacted by PTSD. Therefore, we evaluated the central (i.e., cardiac output; Q̇c) and peripheral (i.e., arteriovenous oxygen difference) determinants of V̇o2max in women with PTSD; hypothesizing that V̇o2max would be lower in women with PTSD compared with women without PTSD (controls), primarily due to smaller increases in stroke volume (SV), and therefore Q̇c. Oxygen uptake (V̇o2), heart rate (HR), Q̇c, SV, and arteriovenous oxygen difference were measured in women with PTSD (n = 14; mean [SD]: 43 [11] yr,) and controls (n = 17; 45 [11] yr) at rest, and during an incremental maximal treadmill exercise test, and the Q̇c/V̇o2 slope was calculated. V̇o2max was not different between women with and without PTSD (24.3 [5.6] vs. 26.4 [5.0] mL/kg/min; P = 0.265). However, women with PTSD had higher Q̇c [P = 0.002; primarily due to greater SV (P = 0.069), not HR (P = 0.285)], and lower arteriovenous oxygen difference (P = 0.002) throughout exercise compared with controls. Furthermore, the Q̇c/V̇o2 slope was steeper in women with PTSD relative to controls (6.6 [1.4] vs. 5.7 [1.0] AU; P = 0.033). Following maximal exercise, women with PTSD exhibited slower HR recovery than controls (P = 0.046). Thus, despite attenuated peripheral oxygen extraction, V̇o2max is not reduced in women with PTSD, likely due to larger increases in Q̇c.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The current study indicates that V̇o2max is not different between women with and without PTSD; however, women with PTSD exhibit blunted peripheral extraction of oxygen, thus requiring an increase in Q̇c to meet metabolic demand during exercise. Furthermore, following exercise, women with PTSD demonstrate impaired autonomic cardiovascular control relative to sedentary controls. We interpret these data to indicate that women with PTSD demonstrate aberrant cardiovascular responses during and immediately following fatiguing exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W D'Souza
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Dallas, Texas, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States
| | - Jeung-Ki Yoo
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Dallas, Texas, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States
| | - Salman Bhai
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Dallas, Texas, United States
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States
| | - Satyam Sarma
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Dallas, Texas, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States
| | - Elizabeth H Anderson
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States
- Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, Texas, United States
| | - Benjamin D Levine
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Dallas, Texas, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States
| | - Qi Fu
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Dallas, Texas, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States
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Dong T, Jaber W. Addressing the Heart-Mind Connection. JACC. ADVANCES 2024; 3:100745. [PMID: 38939817 PMCID: PMC11198237 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2023.100745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Dong
- Section of Cardiovascular Imaging, Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Wael Jaber
- Section of Cardiovascular Imaging, Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Fonkoue IT, Tahsin CT, Jones TN, King KN, Tahmin CI, Jeong J, Dixon D, DaCosta DR, Park J. Sex differences in Black Veterans with PTSD: women versus men have higher sympathetic activity, inflammation, and blunted cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity. Clin Auton Res 2023; 33:757-766. [PMID: 37898568 PMCID: PMC11256876 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-023-00995-1] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with greater risk of incident hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Inflammation and autonomic derangements are suggested as contributing mechanisms. Women and Black adults have higher CVD risk associated with stress; however, whether there is a sex difference in autonomic and inflammatory mechanisms among Black individuals with PTSD is not known. We hypothesized that Black women with PTSD have higher inflammation, sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity and impaired baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). METHODS In 42 Black Veterans with PTSD (Women, N = 18 and Men, N = 24), we measured inflammatory biomarkers, continuous blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) at rest and during arterial BRS testing via the modified Oxford technique. RESULTS Groups were matched for age and body mass index (BMI). Resting BP was similar between groups, but HR was higher (76 ± 12 vs. 68 ± 9 beats/min, p = 0.021) in women compared to men. Although women had lower PTSD symptoms severity (57 ± 17 vs. 68 ± 12 a.u.), resting MSNA (27 ± 13 vs. 16 ± 5 bursts/min, p = 0.003) was higher in women compared to men, respectively. Likewise, cardiovagal BRS was blunted (p = 0.002) in women (7.6 ± 4.3 ms/mmHg) compared to men (15.5 ± 8.4 ms/mmHg) while sympathetic BRS was not different between groups (p = 0.381). Black women also had higher (p = 0.020) plasma levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2). CONCLUSION Black women with PTSD have higher resting HR and MSNA, greater impairment of cardiovagal BRS and possibly higher inflammation. These findings suggest a higher burden of autonomic and inflammatory derangements in Black women compared to Black men with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida T Fonkoue
- Physical Therapy Division, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Rehabilitation Science Division, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Chowdhury Tasnova Tahsin
- Rehabilitation Science Division, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Toure N Jones
- Division of Renal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, 101 Woodruff Circle, WMB 3300, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Research Service Line, Atlanta VA Healthcare System, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Keyona N King
- Division of Renal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, 101 Woodruff Circle, WMB 3300, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Research Service Line, Atlanta VA Healthcare System, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Chowdhury Ibtida Tahmin
- Rehabilitation Science Division, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jinhee Jeong
- Division of Renal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, 101 Woodruff Circle, WMB 3300, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Research Service Line, Atlanta VA Healthcare System, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Deirdre Dixon
- Division of Renal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, 101 Woodruff Circle, WMB 3300, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Research Service Line, Atlanta VA Healthcare System, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Dana R DaCosta
- Division of Renal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, 101 Woodruff Circle, WMB 3300, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Research Service Line, Atlanta VA Healthcare System, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Jeanie Park
- Division of Renal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, 101 Woodruff Circle, WMB 3300, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
- Research Service Line, Atlanta VA Healthcare System, Decatur, GA, USA.
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Tahsin CT, Michopoulos V, Powers A, Park J, Ahmed Z, Cullen K, Jenkins NDM, Keller-Ross M, Fonkoue IT. Sleep efficiency and PTSD symptom severity predict microvascular endothelial function and arterial stiffness in young, trauma-exposed women. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 325:H739-H750. [PMID: 37505472 PMCID: PMC10642999 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00169.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is linked to sleep disturbances and significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Furthermore, vascular dysfunction and sleep are independently associated with CVD. Uncovering the link between PTSD symptom severity, sleep disturbances, and vascular function could shine a light on mechanisms of CVD risk in trauma-exposed young women. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the individual and combined effects of sleep efficiency and PTSD symptom severity on vascular function. We recruited 60 otherwise healthy women [age, 26 ± 7 yr and body mass index (BMI), 27.7 ± 6.5 kg/m2] who had been exposed to trauma. We objectively quantified sleep efficiency (SE) using actigraphy, microvascular endothelial function via Framingham reactive hyperemia index (fRHI), and arterial stiffness via pulse-wave velocity (PWV). PTSD symptom severity was assessed using the PTSD checklist for fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) (PCL5). PWV was correlated with age (r = 0.490, P < 0.001) and BMI (r = 0.484, P < 0.001). In addition, fRHI was positively correlated with SE (r = 0.409, P = 0.001) and negatively correlated with PTSD symptoms (r = -0.382, P = 0.002). To explore the predictive value of SE and PTSD symptoms on PWV and fRHI, we conducted two multivariate linear regression models. The model predicting PWV was significant (R2 = 0.584, P < 0.001) with age, BMI, blood pressure, and SE emerging as predictors. Likewise, the model predicting fRHI was significant (R2 = 0.360, P < 0.001) with both PTSD symptoms and SE as significant predictors. Our results suggest that although PTSD symptoms mainly impact microvascular endothelial function, sleep efficiency is additionally associated with arterial stiffness in young trauma-exposed women, after controlling for age and BMI.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to investigate the individual and combined impacts of objective sleep and PTSD symptoms severity on arterial stiffness and microvascular endothelial function in young premenopausal women. We report that in young trauma-exposed women, although low sleep efficiency is associated with overall vascular function (i.e., microvascular endothelial function and arterial stiffness), the severity of PTSD symptoms is specifically associated with microvascular endothelial function, after accounting for age and body mass index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chowdhury Tasnova Tahsin
- Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
- Division of Rehabilitation Science, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
| | - Vasiliki Michopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Abigail Powers
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Jeanie Park
- Division of Renal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Research Service Line, Atlanta Veterans Affairs Healthcare Systems, Decatur, Georgia, United States
| | - Zynab Ahmed
- Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
- Division of Rehabilitation Science, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
| | - Kathryn Cullen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
| | - Nathaniel D M Jenkins
- Department of Health and Human Physiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Manda Keller-Ross
- Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
- Division of Rehabilitation Science, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
| | - Ida T Fonkoue
- Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
- Division of Rehabilitation Science, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
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D'Souza AW, Takeda R, Manabe K, Hissen SL, Washio T, Coombs GB, Sanchez B, Fu Q, Shoemaker JK. The interactive effects of age and sex on the neuro-cardiovascular responses during fatiguing rhythmic handgrip exercise. J Physiol 2023; 601:2877-2898. [PMID: 37083007 DOI: 10.1113/jp284517] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of age on exercise pressor responses is equivocal, likely because of sex-specific neuro-cardiovascular changes with age. However, assessments of the interactive effects of age and sex on muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) responses to exercise are lacking. We tested the hypothesis that older females would exhibit exaggerated increases in blood pressure (BP) and MSNA discharge patterns during handgrip exercise compared with similarly aged males and young adults. Twenty-five young (25 (2) years; mean (SD)) males (YM; n = 12) and females (YF; n = 13) and 23 older (71 (5) years) males (OM; n = 11) and females (OF; n = 12) underwent assessments of BP, total peripheral resistance (TPR; Modelflow) and MSNA action potential (AP) discharge patterns (microneurography) during incremental rhythmic handgrip exercise and post-exercise circulatory occlusion (PECO). OM demonstrated larger ∆BP and ∆TPR from baseline than YM (both P < 0.001) despite smaller increases in ∆APs/burst (OM: 0.4 (3) vs. YM: 5 (3) spikes/burst, P < 0.001) and ∆AP clusters/burst (OM: 0.1 (1) vs. YM: 1.8 (1) clusters/burst, P < 0.001) during exercise. Testosterone was lower in OM than YM (P < 0.001) and was inversely related to ∆BP but positively related to ∆AP clusters/burst in males (both P = 0.03). Conversely, YF and OF demonstrated similar ∆BP and ∆AP discharge during exercise (range: P = 0.75-0.96). Age and sex did not impact haemodynamics or AP discharge during PECO (range: P = 0.08-0.94). Altogether, age-related changes in neuro-cardiovascular reactivity exist in males but not females during fatiguing exercise and seem to be related to testosterone. This sex-specific impact of age underscores the importance of considering biological sex when assessing age-related changes in neuro-cardiovascular control during exercise. KEY POINTS: Older males have the largest increase in blood pressure despite having the smallest increases in sympathetic vasomotor outflow during rhythmic handgrip exercise. Young males demonstrate greater increases in sympathetic action potential (AP) discharge compared with young females during rhythmic handgrip exercise. Older adults (regardless of sex) demonstrate smaller increases in muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) burst amplitude and total AP clusters compared with young adults during exercise, as well as smaller increases in integrated MSNA burst frequency, incidence and total MSNA activity during post-exercise circulatory occlusion (i.e. independent effect of age). Males, but not females (regardless of age), reflexively modify AP conduction velocity during exercise. Our results indicate that age and sex independently and interactively impact the neural and cardiovascular homeostatic adjustments to fatiguing small muscle mass exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W D'Souza
- Neurovascular research laboratory, School of Kinesiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ryosuke Takeda
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Kazumasa Manabe
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Sarah L Hissen
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Takuro Washio
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Geoff B Coombs
- Neurovascular research laboratory, School of Kinesiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Belinda Sanchez
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Qi Fu
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - J Kevin Shoemaker
- Neurovascular research laboratory, School of Kinesiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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9
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Bigalke JA, Durocher JJ, Greenlund IM, Keller-Ross M, Carter JR. Blood pressure and muscle sympathetic nerve activity are associated with trait anxiety in humans. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 324:H494-H503. [PMID: 36800506 PMCID: PMC10259854 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00026.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Chronic anxiety is prevalent and associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Prior studies that have reported a relationship between muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and anxiety have focused on participants with anxiety disorders and/or metabolic syndrome. The present study leverages a large cohort of healthy adults devoid of cardiometabolic disorders to examine the hypothesis that trait anxiety severity is positively associated with resting MSNA and blood pressure. Resting blood pressure (BP) (sphygmomanometer and finger plethysmography), MSNA (microneurography), and heart rate (HR; electrocardiogram) were collected in 88 healthy participants (52 males, 36 females, 25 ± 1 yr, 25 ± 1 kg/m2). Multiple linear regression was performed to assess the independent relationship between trait anxiety, MSNA, resting BP, and HR while controlling for age and sex. Trait anxiety was significantly correlated with systolic arterial pressure (SAP; r = 0.251, P = 0.018), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP; r = 0.291, P = 0.006), mean arterial pressure (MAP; r = 0.328, P = 0.002), MSNA burst frequency (BF; r = 0.237, P = 0.026), and MSNA burst incidence (BI; r = 0.225, P = 0.035). When controlling for the effects of age and sex, trait anxiety was independently associated with SAP (β = 0.206, P = 0.028), DAP (β = 0.317, P = 0.002), MAP (β = 0.325, P = 0.001), MSNA BF (β = 0.227, P = 0.030), and MSNA BI (β = 0.214, P = 0.038). Trait anxiety is associated with increased blood pressure and MSNA, demonstrating an important relationship between anxiety and autonomic blood pressure regulation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Anxiety is associated with development of cardiovascular disease. Although the sympathetic nervous system is a likely mediator of this relationship, populations with chronic anxiety have shown little, if any, alteration in resting levels of directly recorded muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA). The present study is the first to reveal an independent relationship between trait anxiety, resting blood pressure, and MSNA in a large cohort of healthy males and females devoid of cardiometabolic comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy A Bigalke
- Department of Health and Human Development, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States
- Department of Psychology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States
- Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, United States
| | - John J Durocher
- Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences and Integrative Physiology and Health Sciences Center, Purdue University Northwest, Hammond, Indiana, United States
| | - Ian M Greenlund
- Department of Psychology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States
- Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, United States
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Manda Keller-Ross
- Division of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
| | - Jason R Carter
- Department of Health and Human Development, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States
- Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, United States
- Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, United States
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10
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Akins JD, Okada Y, Hendrix JM, Vongpatanasin W, Fu Q. Greater resting muscle sympathetic nerve activity reduces cold pressor autonomic reactivity in older women, but not older men. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2023; 324:R656-R665. [PMID: 36971420 PMCID: PMC10110704 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00231.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Previous work demonstrates augmented muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) responses to the cold pressor test (CPT) in older women. Given its interindividual variability, however, the influence of baseline MSNA on CPT reactivity in older adults remains unknown. Sixty volunteers (60-83y; 30 women) completed testing where MSNA (microneurography), blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR) were recorded during baseline and a 2-min CPT (~4°C). Participant data were terciled by baseline MSNA (n=10/group); comparisons were made between the high baseline men (HM) and women (HW), and low baseline men (LM) and women (LW). By design, HM and HW, vs. LM and LW, had greater baseline MSNA burst frequency (37±5 and 38±3 vs. 9±4 and 15±5 bursts/min) and burst incidence (59±14 and 60±8 vs. 16±10 and 23±7 bursts/100hbs; both P<0.001). However, baseline BP and HR were not different between the groups (all P>0.05). During the CPT, there were no differences in the increase in BP and HR (all P>0.05). Conversely, ΔMSNA burst frequency was lower in HW vs. LW (8±9 vs. 22±12 bursts/min; P=0.012) yet was similar in HM vs. LM (17±12 vs. 19±10 bursts/min, P=0.994). Further, ΔMSNA burst incidence was lower in HW vs. LW (9±13 vs. 28±16 bursts/100hbs; P=0.020), with no differences between HM vs. LM (21±17 vs. 31±17 bursts/100hbs; P=0.455). Our findings suggest that heightened baseline activity in older women attenuates the typical CPT-mediated increase in MSNA without changing cardiovascular reactivity. While the underlying mechanisms remain unknown, altered sympathetic recruitment or neurovascular transduction may contribute to these disparate responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Akins
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Dallas, TX, United States
- The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Yoshiyuki Okada
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Dallas, TX, United States
- The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Joseph M Hendrix
- The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | | | - Qi Fu
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Dallas, TX, United States
- The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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11
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Dempster KS, Wade TJ, MacNeil AJ, O'Leary DD. Adverse childhood experiences are associated with altered cardiovascular reactivity to head-up tilt in young adults. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2023; 324:R425-R434. [PMID: 36693169 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00148.2022] [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: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with greater prevalence of cardiovascular disease and altered acute stress reactivity. The current study investigated the effect of ACEs on hemodynamic and autonomic responses to orthostatic stress imposed by 60° head-up tilt (HUT) in young adults. Two-hundred twenty-six healthy young adults (age = 22.6 ± 1.5 yr; n = 116 females) without cardiovascular disease participated and had complete data. Participants underwent supine blood pressure (BP), R-R interval (RRI), cardiac output (CO), total peripheral resistance (TPR), and cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity (cvBRS) testing followed by a transition to 60° HUT where measures were reassessed. Childhood adversity exposures were assessed based on categorical exposure and nonexposure to childhood household dysfunction and maltreatment, and <4 and ≥4 types of ACEs. Significantly greater increases in SBP (P < 0.05), DBP, MAP, and TPR (P < 0.01; all) following 60° HUT were observed in individuals with ≥4 compared with those with <4 types of ACEs. Attenuated decreases in RRI and cvBRS were observed in those with ≥4 types of ACEs (P < 0.05). Experiencing ≥4 types of ACEs was associated with augmented BP and TPR reactivity and a blunted decrease in cvBRS in response to 60° HUT in young adults. Results suggest that a reduced vagal response to orthostatic stress is present in those who have experienced ≥4 types of ACEs that may promote autonomic dysfunction. Future research examining the sympathetic and vagal baroreflex branches is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie S Dempster
- Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada.,Brock-Niagara Centre for Health and Well-Being, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Terrane J Wade
- Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada.,Brock-Niagara Centre for Health and Well-Being, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adam J MacNeil
- Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Deborah D O'Leary
- Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada.,Brock-Niagara Centre for Health and Well-Being, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
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12
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Bu Y, Kurniawan JF, Prince J, Nguyen AKL, Ho B, Sit NLJ, Pham T, Wu VM, Tjhia B, Shin AJ, Wu TC, Tu XM, Rao R, Coleman TP, Lerman I. A flexible adhesive surface electrode array capable of cervical electroneurography during a sequential autonomic stress challenge. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19467. [PMID: 36376365 PMCID: PMC9663551 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21817-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study introduces a flexible, adhesive-integrated electrode array that was developed to enable non-invasive monitoring of cervical nerve activity. The device uses silver-silver chloride as the electrode material of choice and combines it with an electrode array consisting of a customized biopotential data acquisition unit and integrated graphical user interface (GUI) for visualization of real-time monitoring. Preliminary testing demonstrated this electrode design can achieve a high signal to noise ratio during cervical neural recordings. To demonstrate the capability of the surface electrodes to detect changes in cervical neuronal activity, the cold-pressor test (CPT) and a timed respiratory challenge were employed as stressors to the autonomic nervous system. This sensor system recording, a new technique, was termed Cervical Electroneurography (CEN). By applying a custom spike sorting algorithm to the electrode measurements, neural activity was classified in two ways: (1) pre-to-post CPT, and (2) during a timed respiratory challenge. Unique to this work: (1) rostral to caudal channel position-specific (cephalad to caudal) firing patterns and (2) cross challenge biotype-specific change in average CEN firing, were observed with both CPT and the timed respiratory challenge. Future work is planned to develop an ambulatory CEN recording device that could provide immediate notification of autonomic nervous system activity changes that might indicate autonomic dysregulation in healthy subjects and clinical disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Bu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Jonas F Kurniawan
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Jacob Prince
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Andrew K L Nguyen
- Department of Physics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Brandon Ho
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Nathan L J Sit
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Timothy Pham
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Vincent M Wu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Boris Tjhia
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Andrew J Shin
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Tsung-Chin Wu
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Xin M Tu
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Ramesh Rao
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Todd P Coleman
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Imanuel Lerman
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
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13
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Cook GA, Sabino-Carvalho JL. A gripping topic: using integrated signal and individual action potential muscle sympathetic nerve analysis to understand mechanisms of blood pressure regulation during exercise in women with PTSD. Clin Auton Res 2022; 32:99-101. [PMID: 35298726 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-022-00862-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Glen A Cook
- Department of Neurology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jeann L Sabino-Carvalho
- NeuroV̇ASQ̇ - Integrative Physiology Laboratory, Faculty of Physical Education, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
- Estácio University Center of Brasilia, Brasília, Brazil.
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14
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Kulas B, Klassen S, Moir ME, Shoemaker JK. Interactive effects of apneic and baroreflex stress on neural coding strategies in human muscle sympathetic nerve activity. J Neurophysiol 2022; 127:1086-1097. [PMID: 35294276 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00395.2021] [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: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The sympathetic nervous system exhibits patterns of action potential (AP) discharge in human muscle sympathetic nerve activity that suggest coding strategies express reflex specificity. This study explored the interactive effects of baroreceptor unloading using lower body negative pressure (LBNP) and volitional end-expiratory apnea (APN) on sympathetic postganglionic neuronal discharge patterns inferred from the firing patterns of differently sized sympathetic AP clusters. Seven individuals were studied using multi-unit microneurography (fibular) and a continuous wavelet approach to quantify AP discharge probability, recruitment, and latency during APN performed under ambient conditions, -10 and -40 mmHg LBNP. Compared to the ambient condition, LBNP increased AP discharge rate at -10 and -40 mmHg and recruited larger previously-silent sympathetic neurons at -40 mmHg. Compared to spontaneous breathing, APN increased AP discharge when performed during the ambient condition (∆351±132 AP/min), -10 mmHg (∆423±184 AP/min), and -40 mmHg (∆355±278 AP/min; main effect APN: P<0.01; LBNP-by-APN interaction: P=0.55). APN recruited larger previously-silent AP clusters during the ambient condition (∆4±3; P<0.02) and -10 mmHg (∆4±3; P<0.01), but not -40 mmHg (∆0±2; P=0.53; LBNP-by-APN: P<0.01). LBNP did not affect AP latency. However, APN reduced AP latency similarly during all conditions (ambient pressure: ∆-0.04±0.04s, -10 mmHg: ∆-0.03±0.03s, -40 mmHg: ∆-0.03±0.04s; main effect APN: P<0.01; LBNP-by-APN: P=0.48). These data indicate that apneic and baroreflex mechanisms appear to additively modify the axonal discharge rate of previously active sympathetic postganglionic neurons and interact to affect recruitment of previously-silent sympathetic neurons. Reductions in AP latency due to apneic stress were not impacted by baroreflex unloading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartek Kulas
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen Klassen
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - M Erin Moir
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - J Kevin Shoemaker
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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15
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Impaired sympathetic neural recruitment during exercise pressor reflex activation in women with post-traumatic stress disorder. Clin Auton Res 2022; 32:115-129. [PMID: 35226233 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-022-00858-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) increases during isometric exercise via increased firing of low-threshold action potentials (AP), recruitment of larger, higher-threshold APs, and synaptic delay modifications. Recent work found that women with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) demonstrate exaggerated early-onset MSNA responses to exercise; however, it is unclear how PTSD affects AP recruitment patterns during fatiguing exercise. We hypothesized that women with PTSD (n = 11, 43 [11] [SD] years) would exhibit exaggerated sympathetic neural recruitment compared to women without PTSD (controls; n = 13, 40 [8] years). MSNA and AP discharge patterns (via microneurography and a continuous wavelet transform) were measured during 1 min of baseline, isometric handgrip exercise (IHG) to fatigue, 2 min of post-exercise circulatory occlusion (PECO), and 3 min of recovery. Women with PTSD were unable to increase AP content per burst compared to controls throughout IHG and PECO (main effect of group: P = 0.026). Furthermore, relative to controls, women with PTSD recruited fewer AP clusters per burst during the first (controls: ∆1.3 [1.2] vs. PTSD: ∆-0.2 [0.8]; P = 0.016) and second minute (controls: ∆1.2 [1.1] vs. PTSD: ∆-0.1 [0.8]; P = 0.022) of PECO, and fewer subpopulations of larger, previously silent axons during the first (controls: ∆5 [4] vs. PTSD: ∆1 [2]; P = 0.020) and second minute (controls: ∆4 [2] vs. PTSD: ∆1 [2]; P = 0.021) of PECO. Conversely, PTSD did not modify the AP cluster size-latency relationship during baseline, the end of IHG, or PECO (all P = 0.658-0.745). Collectively, these data indicate that women with PTSD demonstrate inherent impairments in the fundamental neural coding patterns elicited by the sympathetic nervous system during IHG and exercise pressor reflex activation.
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16
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Bigalke JA, Carter JR. Sympathetic Neural Control in Humans with Anxiety-Related Disorders. Compr Physiol 2021; 12:3085-3117. [PMID: 34964121 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Numerous conceptual models are used to describe the dynamic responsiveness of physiological systems to environmental pressures, originating with Claude Bernard's milieu intérieur and extending to more recent models such as allostasis. The impact of stress and anxiety upon these regulatory processes has both basic science and clinical relevance, extending from the pioneering work of Hans Selye who advanced the concept that stress can significantly impact physiological health and function. Of particular interest within the current article, anxiety is independently associated with cardiovascular risk, yet mechanisms underlying these associations remain equivocal. This link between anxiety and cardiovascular risk is relevant given the high prevalence of anxiety in the general population, as well as its early age of onset. Chronically anxious populations, such as those with anxiety disorders (i.e., generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobias, etc.) offer a human model that interrogates the deleterious effects that chronic stress and allostatic load can have on the nervous system and cardiovascular function. Further, while many of these disorders do not appear to exhibit baseline alterations in sympathetic neural activity, reactivity to mental stress offers insights into applicable, real-world scenarios in which heightened sympathetic reactivity may predispose those individuals to elevated cardiovascular risk. This article also assesses behavioral and lifestyle modifications that have been shown to concurrently improve anxiety symptoms, as well as sympathetic control. Lastly, future directions of research will be discussed, with a focus on better integration of psychological factors within physiological studies examining anxiety and neural cardiovascular health. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:1-33, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy A Bigalke
- Department of Psychology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Jason R Carter
- Department of Psychology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA.,Department of Health and Human Development, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
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17
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Fu Q. Autonomic dysfunction and cardiovascular risk in post-traumatic stress disorder. Auton Neurosci 2021; 237:102923. [PMID: 34844132 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2021.102923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The underlying mechanisms are unclear but impaired autonomic function may contribute. However, research in this field has shown contradictory results and the causal links between PTSD, autonomic dysfunction, and cardiovascular risk remain unknown. This brief review summarizes the current knowledge on alterations in autonomic function and cardiovascular risk in patients with PTSD. LITERATURE SEARCH STRATEGY A PubMed search of the literature was performed using the following keywords: autonomic function, heart rate variability, blood pressure variability, sympathetic activity, baroreflex function, and cardiovascular risk in combination with PTSD. Evidence-based studies conducted between 2000 and 2021 were selected. RESULTS In total 1221 articles were identified and of these, 61 (48 original research papers, 13 review articles) were included in this review. Many, though not all, studies have reported increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system and decreased activity of the parasympathetic nervous system (namely, autonomic imbalance) in PTSD patients. There seems to be enough evidence to suggest impairments in baroreflex function in PTSD, leading to blood pressure dysregulation. It appears that the chronicity of PTSD diagnosis and symptom severity are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease, which may be linked with impaired autonomic function. CONCLUSIONS Increased cardiovascular risk may be associated with autonomic dysfunction in PTSD. Whether autonomic dysfunction can serve as a biomarker for the onset and progression of PTSD remains to be determined. It also needs to determine if autonomic imbalance increases the risk of developing PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Fu
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States of America.
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18
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O'Donnell CJ, Schwartz Longacre L, Cohen BE, Fayad ZA, Gillespie CF, Liberzon I, Pathak GA, Polimanti R, Risbrough V, Ursano RJ, Vander Heide RS, Yancy CW, Vaccarino V, Sopko G, Stein MB. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Cardiovascular Disease: State of the Science, Knowledge Gaps, and Research Opportunities. JAMA Cardiol 2021; 6:1207-1216. [PMID: 34259831 DOI: 10.1001/jamacardio.2021.2530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by a persistent maladaptive reaction after exposure to severe psychological trauma. Traumatic events that may precipitate PTSD include violent personal assaults, natural and human-made disasters, and exposure to military combat or warfare. There is a growing body of evidence for associations of PTSD with major risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as hypertension and diabetes, as well as with major CVD outcomes, such as myocardial infarction and heart failure. However, it is unclear whether these associations are causal or confounded. Furthermore, the biological and behavioral mechanisms underlying these associations are poorly understood. Here, the available evidence on the association of PTSD with CVD from population, basic, and genomic research as well as from clinical and translational research are reviewed, seeking to identify major research gaps, barriers, and opportunities in knowledge acquisition and technology as well as research tools to support and accelerate critical research for near-term and longer-term translational research directions. Large-scale, well-designed prospective studies, capturing diverse and high-risk populations, are warranted that include uniform phenotyping of PTSD as well as broad assessment of biological and behavioral risk factors and CVD outcomes. Available evidence from functional brain imaging studies demonstrates that PTSD pathophysiology includes changes in specific anatomical brain regions and circuits, and studies of immune system function in individuals with PTSD suggest its association with enhanced immune inflammatory activity. However, establishment of animal models and human tissue biobanks is also warranted to elucidate the potential causal connection of PTSD-induced brain changes and/or inflammation with CVD pathophysiology. Emerging large-scale genome-wide association studies of PTSD will provide an opportunity to conduct mendelian randomization studies that test hypotheses regarding the presence, magnitude, and direction of causal associations between PTSD and CVD outcomes. By identifying research gaps in epidemiology and genomics, animal, and human translational research, opportunities to better justify and design future interventional trials are highlighted that may test whether treatment of PTSD or underlying neurobiological or immune dysregulation may improve or prevent CVD risk or outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J O'Donnell
- Cardiology Section, Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lisa Schwartz Longacre
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Beth E Cohen
- UCSF Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Zahi A Fayad
- Biomedical Engineering and Medical Institute, Icahn Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York.,Department of Cardiology, Icahn Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | | | - Israel Liberzon
- Department of Psychiatry, Texas A&M University, College Station
| | - Gita A Pathak
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven
| | - Renato Polimanti
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven
| | - Victoria Risbrough
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla.,VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, California
| | - Robert J Ursano
- Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Clyde W Yancy
- Department of Cardiology, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.,Deputy Editor, JAMA Cardiology
| | - Viola Vaccarino
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - George Sopko
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Murray B Stein
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla.,Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla.,VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
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19
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Takeda R, Stickford ASL, Best SA, Yoo JK, Liu YL, Fu Q. Effects of salt intake on sympathetic neural and pressor responses to cold pressor test in premenopausal women with a history of normal pregnancy. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2021; 320:R307-R316. [PMID: 33438516 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00297.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Excessive salt intake is considered a risk factor for the development of hypertension. Additionally, aberrant neurocirculatory responses to a cold stimulus are associated with an increased risk of hypertension. This study aimed to determine whether salt loading versus salt reduction would impact hemodynamic and sympathetic neural responses during the cold pressor test (CPT) in premenopausal women with a history of normal pregnancy. Nine healthy premenopausal women [42 ± 3 (SD) yr] were given a standardized isocaloric high-salt (HS; 250 mEq sodium/day) or low-salt (LS; 50 mEq sodium/day) diet for 1-wk each (∼2 mo apart with the order randomized), while water intake was ad libitum. Laboratory testing was performed following each HS and LS period in the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Subjects were in the supine position and beat-by-beat blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) were continuously measured during 1-min baseline followed by 2-min CPT, and 3-min recovery. BP and HR increased during the CPT (both P < 0.001); the responses were similar between HS and LS. MSNA increased during the CPT, but the increment (Δ) was greater during HS than LS (29 ± 6 vs. 15 ± 4 bursts/min; P < 0.001). The transduction of MSNA for vasoconstriction during the CPT was lower in HS (P < 0.05). Thus, salt loading augments sympathetic neural reactivity to the cold stimulus with similar pressor responses compared with salt reduction, which may be attributed to the blunted neurovascular transduction-a compensatory mechanism for hemodynamic homeostasis in premenopausal women with a history of normal pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Takeda
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Dallas, Texas.,Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Abigail S L Stickford
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Dallas, Texas.,Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Stuart A Best
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Dallas, Texas.,Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Jeung-Ki Yoo
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Dallas, Texas.,Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Yu-Lun Liu
- Department of Population and Data Sciences, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Qi Fu
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Dallas, Texas.,Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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Fonkoue IT, Michopoulos V, Park J. Sex differences in post-traumatic stress disorder risk: autonomic control and inflammation. Clin Auton Res 2020; 30:409-421. [PMID: 33021709 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-020-00729-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIM Over 7 million U.S. adults and about 20% of the military population have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a debilitating condition that is independently linked to a significantly greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Women have twice the probability of developing PTSD after experiencing a traumatic event compared to men. Existing literatures have reported higher inflammation and autonomic dysfunction including impaired baroreflex sensitivity, increased sympathetic reactivity and decreased parasympathetic activity in PTSD. However, most of these findings stem from studies conducted predominantly in males. METHODS We attempt in this narrative review to summarize the mixed literature available on sex differences in autonomic dysfunction and inflammation in PTSD, at rest and in response to stress in PTSD. RESULTS This review reveals that there is a paucity of research exploring autonomic function in females with PTSD. Recent studies have included female participants without probing for sex differences. A small number of studies have been conducted exclusively in women. Available data suggest that sympathetic nervous system output tends to be heightened, while parasympathetic activity and arterial baroreflex sensitivity appear more blunted in females with PTSD. Although few studies have investigated sex differences in inflammation in PTSD, data within females suggest chronic increases in inflammation with PTSD. This autonomic dysregulation and inflammation have also been described in males with PTSD. CONCLUSION In sum, given the inherent biological differences in CVD clinical presentation and characteristics between men and women, human and animal studies aiming at elucidating sex differences in the pathophysiology of PTSD are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida T Fonkoue
- Division of Renal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, 1639 Pierce Drive, WMB 3300, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA. .,Research Service Line, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA.
| | - Vasiliki Michopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jeanie Park
- Division of Renal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, 1639 Pierce Drive, WMB 3300, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.,Research Service Line, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA
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