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Rahal D, Bower JE, Fuligni AJ, Chiang JJ. Associations between emotion reactivity to daily interpersonal stress and acute social-evaluative stress during late adolescence. Stress Health 2024; 40:e3307. [PMID: 37694913 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Emotion reactivity refers to the intensity of changes in positive and negative emotion following a stimulus, typically studied with respect to daily stressors (e.g., arguments, demands) or laboratory stressors, including the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Yet, it is unclear whether emotion reactivity to daily and to laboratory stressors are related. The present study examined whether greater emotion reactivity to daily stressors (i.e., arguments, demands) is associated with greater reactivity to the TSST. Late adolescents (N = 82; Mage = 18.35, SD = 0.51, range 17-19; 56.1% female; 65.9% Latine, 34.2% European American) reported whether they experienced arguments and demands with friends, family, and individuals at school and their negative and positive emotion nightly for 15 days. They also completed the TSST, a validated paradigm for eliciting social-evaluative threat, and reported their emotion at baseline and immediately post-TSST. Multilevel models examined whether daily and laboratory emotion reactivity were related by testing whether the daily associations between arguments and demands with emotion differed by emotion reactivity to the TSST. Individuals with greater positive emotion reactivity (i.e., greater reductions in positive emotion) and greater negative emotion reactivity to the TSST showed greater positive emotion reactivity to daily demands. Emotion reactivity to the TSST was not significantly related to emotion reactivity to arguments. Findings provide preliminary evidence that emotion reactivity to the TSST relates to some aspects of daily emotion reactivity, with relations differing depending on type of daily stressor and valence of emotion. Results contextualise the implications of emotion reactivity to the TSST for daily stress processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Rahal
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Julienne E Bower
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Andrew J Fuligni
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jessica J Chiang
- Department of Psychology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Assessing the efficacy of a structured stress management program in reducing stress and climacteric symptoms in peri- and postmenopausal women. Arch Womens Ment Health 2021; 24:727-735. [PMID: 33754212 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-021-01106-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured education program on lifestyle habits, which is also incorporating teaching on deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided visualization, in the control of various components of the climacteric symptomatology in peri- and postmenopausal women. Sixty-one women aged 40-65 years with varying climacteric and stress symptoms were included in this study. Women were randomly assigned to the intervention group (31) or the control group (30). The intervention group followed an 8-week stress management program. The following parameters were assessed at baseline and at the end of the 8-week follow-up period in both groups: climacteric symptoms (Green Climacteric Scale (GCS)), sleep quality (Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)), mood status (Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale), and health-related control (health locus of control (HLC)). A mixed-model ANOVA showed significant time × group × GCS interaction (within subjects: F = 23.830, p value<0.001; between subjects: F = 39.078, p value<0.001). With regard to HLC, there was a non-significant between subjects but a significant within-subjects effect (HLC × group × time, F = 3.848, p value = 0.024). Regarding DASS scores, there was a significant between-subjects' effect (F = 10.258, p value = 0.003) but a non-significant within-subjects' effect. With regard to PSQI, the analysis showed significant within-subjects' effects (PSQI × group × time: F = 4.691, p value = 0.003) and non-significant between-subjects' effects (F = 0.022, p = 0.883). Finally, regarding RSS, there was a significant within-subjects' (RSS × group × time, F = 4.183, p value = 0.029) but non-significant between-subjects' effect (F = 1.582, p value = 0.213). Stress management may offer an alternative approach to the management of climacteric symptoms.
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Dutheil F, de Saint Vincent S, Pereira B, Schmidt J, Moustafa F, Charkhabi M, Bouillon-Minois JB, Clinchamps M. DHEA as a Biomarker of Stress: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:688367. [PMID: 34295276 PMCID: PMC8290065 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.688367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Psychosocial stress is a significant public health problem inducing consequences for quality of life. Results about the use of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) as a biomarker of acute stress are conflicting. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to demonstrate that DHEA levels could be a biomarker of stress. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and ScienceDirect databases were searched on March 19, 2021 using the keywords "acute stress" AND "DHEA" OR "Dehydroepiandrosterone." Articles needed to describe our primary outcome, i.e., induction of acute stress and at least two measures of DHEA. Results: We included 14 studies, with a total of 631 participants, in our meta-analysis. The DHEA levels increased overtime after acute stress [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.56, 95%CI = 1.13-1.99]. Stratification by time showed a main peak at the end of stress (SMD = 2.43, 95%CI = 1.59-3.27), followed by a progressive decrease (coefficient = -0.11, 95%CI = -0.19 to -0.17, p = 0.020). There was no significant change 1 h after the end of acute stress. Metaregressions showed an impact of mental stress (SMD = 2.04, 95%CI = 1.43-2.65), sex (SMD = 0.02, 95%CI = 0.00-0.04), age (SMD = -0.12, 95%CI = -0.2 to -0.05), and obesity (SMD = 0.31, 95%CI = -0.00 to 0.63). There was no difference whatever the type of fluid (blood or saliva) and the measurement technique used. Conclusions: DHEA is a biomarker of acute stress, with a short-term increase (1 h). DHEA increases following acute mental stress, whatever the type and duration of mental stress. Women, young people, and obese individuals had a higher response. Blood and saliva measures were comparable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Dutheil
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Wittyfit, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Sarah de Saint Vincent
- Université Clermont Auvergne, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Bruno Pereira
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clinical Research and Innovation Direction, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jeannot Schmidt
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Emergency Department, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Farès Moustafa
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Emergency Department, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Morteza Charkhabi
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Bouillon-Minois
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Emergency Department, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Maëlys Clinchamps
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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A systematic review of the Trier Social Stress Test methodology: Issues in promoting study comparison and replicable research. Neurobiol Stress 2020; 13:100235. [PMID: 33344691 PMCID: PMC7739033 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its development in 1993, the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) has been used widely as a psychosocial stress paradigm to activate the sympathetic nervous system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) stress systems, stimulating physiological functions (e.g. heart rate) and cortisol secretion. Several methodological variations introduced over the years have led the scientific community to question replication between studies. In this systematic review, we used the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) to synthesize procedure-related data available about the TSST protocol to highlight commonalities and differences across studies. We noted significant discrepancies across studies in how researchers applied the TSST protocol. In particular, we highlight variations in testing procedures (e.g., number of judges, initial number in the arithmetic task, time of the collected saliva samples for cortisol) and discuss possible misinterpretation in comparing findings from studies failing to control for variables or using a modified version from the original protocol. Further, we recommend that researchers use a standardized background questionnaire when using the TSST to identify factors that may influence physiological measurements in tandem with a summary of this review as a protocol guide. More systematic implementation and detailed reporting of TSST methodology will promote study replication, optimize comparison of findings, and foster an informed understanding of factors affecting responses to social stressors in healthy people and those with pathological conditions.
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Albert K, Ledet T, Taylor W, Newhouse P. Estradiol administration differentially affects the response to experimental psychosocial stress in post-menopausal women with or without a history of major depression. J Affect Disord 2020; 261:204-210. [PMID: 31634680 PMCID: PMC6897370 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.09.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The effects of estradiol on the brain regions involved in the response to stress and emotional processes may be particularly important in women who have alterations in these systems that make them vulnerable to Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This study examined whether the effect of estradiol administration on the subjective distress and mood response to a laboratory-based psychosocial stress task differs in women with and without a history of MDD. METHODS: Participants were 65 euthymic postmenopausal women, with and without a history of MDD. They received either 3 months of open-label oral estradiol or did not receive estradiol. After 3 months, participants completed the Montreal Stress Imaging Task (MIST) and subjective distress and mood ratings. RESULTS: The effect of estradiol on subjective distress following the MIST differed based on MDD history. In women without a history of MDD, estradiol administration was associated with greater subjective distress than no estradiol. However, in women with a history of MDD, estradiol administration was associated with less subjective distress compared to no estradiol. LIMITATIONS: This study included open-label administration of estradiol and participants were not blinded to administration. Interpretation of result should include consideration of the relatively small group sizes and that results may not generalize to currently depressed individuals. CONCLUSIONS: In euthymic women with a history of MDD, estradiol may benefit the affective response to psychosocial stress while having comparatively little benefit in women with no MDD history. Further work should explore whether estradiol administration reduces the risk of depression recurrence in post-menopausal women with past MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Albert
- The Center for Cognitive Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN United States.
| | - Tierra Ledet
- The Center for Cognitive Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Warren Taylor
- The Center for Cognitive Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN,The Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN
| | - Paul Newhouse
- The Center for Cognitive Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN,The Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN
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Hidalgo V, Almela M, Villada C, van der Meij L, Salvador A. Verbal performance during stress in healthy older people: Influence of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and cortisol reactivity. Biol Psychol 2019; 149:107786. [PMID: 31639406 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2019.107786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The impact of stress on the dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) response in older population is understudied. This study investigated, in healthy older people, whether the DHEA and cortisol responses to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) was related to performance on this task. Both speech (rated by committee and self-rated) and arithmetic (number of mistakes) performance were assessed. Sixty-five participants (55-77 years old) were exposed to the TSST. Increases in negative affect, state anxiety, and cortisol levels could be observed, but there were no significant changes in positive affect or DHEA levels. Interestingly, a larger DHEA response was related to better verbal performance after controlling for the cortisol's reactivity. No relationships were found between hormonal responses and the arithmetic task performance. Our results suggest that, in healthy older people, an increase in DHEA levels in response to acute psychosocial stress may help them to cope with this stressor by increasing verbal performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanesa Hidalgo
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Area of Psychobiology, University of Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain; Aragon Health Research Institute, Zaragoza, Spain; Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, IDOCAL, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Mercedes Almela
- Health Department, Valencian International University (VIU), Valencia, Spain
| | - Carolina Villada
- Laboratory of Psychophysiology, Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Neurobiology, Institute of Neurobiology, UNAM, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Leander van der Meij
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Alicia Salvador
- Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, IDOCAL, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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D'Urzo KA, La Rocque CL, Williams JS, Stuckless TJR, King TJ, Plotnick MD, Gurd BJ, Harkness KL, Pyke KE. The impact of acute mental stress on brachial artery flow-mediated dilation in women diagnosed with depression. Int J Psychophysiol 2018; 135:113-120. [PMID: 30529360 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial function, assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD), may be transiently attenuated in healthy adults following acute mental stress. However, the impact of acute mental stress on endothelial function in the context of clinical depression is unknown. This study examined the impact of acute mental stress on FMD in women with a diagnosis of a depressive disorder. Forty-three otherwise healthy women (33 ± 14 years) participated. Brachial artery diameter and blood velocity were assessed with ultrasound. FMD was assessed immediately prior to and 15 min following the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). The FMD protocol included 5 min of forearm cuff occlusion (pressure = 250 mm Hg), followed by release. Shear stress was estimated by calculating shear rate (SR = brachial artery blood velocity/diameter). Stress reactivity was assessed via changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and salivary cortisol. Results are mean ± SD. A significant stress response was elicited by the TSST [MAP, HR and salivary cortisol increased (p < 0.05)]. Neither the SR stimulus nor FMD response differed pre-versus post-stress (p = 0.124 and p = 0.641, respectively). There was a modest negative correlation between cortisol reactivity and change in FMD from pre- to post-stress (R = -0.392, p = 0.011). To conclude, acute mental stress did not consistently impair endothelial function in women diagnosed with a depressive disorder; however, higher cortisol reactivity may increase the likelihood of post-stress endothelial dysfunction. Further research is required to better understand the factors influencing the relationship between acute mental stress, cortisol and endothelial function in women with depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina A D'Urzo
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, 28 Division Street, Queen's University, Kingston K7L 3N6, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cherie L La Rocque
- Department of Psychology, 62 Arch Street, Queen's University, Kingston K7L 3N6, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer S Williams
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, 28 Division Street, Queen's University, Kingston K7L 3N6, Ontario, Canada
| | - Troy J R Stuckless
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, 28 Division Street, Queen's University, Kingston K7L 3N6, Ontario, Canada
| | - Trevor J King
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, 28 Division Street, Queen's University, Kingston K7L 3N6, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meghan D Plotnick
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, 28 Division Street, Queen's University, Kingston K7L 3N6, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brendon J Gurd
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, 28 Division Street, Queen's University, Kingston K7L 3N6, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kate L Harkness
- Department of Psychology, 62 Arch Street, Queen's University, Kingston K7L 3N6, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kyra E Pyke
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, 28 Division Street, Queen's University, Kingston K7L 3N6, Ontario, Canada.
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Kamin HS, Kertes DA. Cortisol and DHEA in development and psychopathology. Horm Behav 2017; 89:69-85. [PMID: 27979632 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Revised: 11/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and cortisol are the most abundant hormones of the human fetal and adult adrenals released as end products of a tightly coordinated endocrine response to stress. Together, they mediate short- and long-term stress responses and enable physiological and behavioral adjustments necessary for maintaining homeostasis. Detrimental effects of chronic or repeated elevations in cortisol on behavioral and emotional health are well documented. Evidence for actions of DHEA that offset or oppose those of cortisol has stimulated interest in examining their levels as a ratio, as an alternate index of adrenocortical activity and the net effects of cortisol. Such research necessitates a thorough understanding of the co-actions of these hormones on physiological functioning and in association with developmental outcomes. This review addresses the state of the science in understanding the role of DHEA, cortisol, and their ratio in typical development and developmental psychopathology. A rationale for studying DHEA and cortisol in concert is supported by physiological data on the coordinated synthesis and release of these hormones in the adrenal and by their opposing physiological actions. We then present evidence that researching cortisol and DHEA necessitates a developmental perspective. Age-related changes in DHEA and cortisol are described from the perinatal period through adolescence, along with observed associations of these hormones with developmental psychopathology. Along the way, we identify several major knowledge gaps in the role of DHEA in modulating cortisol in typical development and developmental psychopathology with implications for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley S Kamin
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Darlene A Kertes
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
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Walker FR, Pfingst K, Carnevali L, Sgoifo A, Nalivaiko E. In the search for integrative biomarker of resilience to psychological stress. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 74:310-320. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Duan H, Wang L, Zhang L, Liu J, Zhang K, Wu J. The Relationship between Cortisol Activity during Cognitive Task and Posttraumatic Stress Symptom Clusters. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0144315. [PMID: 26630485 PMCID: PMC4667843 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The latest development in the dimensional structure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a novel 6-factor model, which builds on the newly released DSM-5. One notable gap in the literature is that little is known about how distinct symptom clusters of PTSD are related to hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity when people perform a relatively less stressful cognitive task. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between cortisol activity when individuals perform cognitive tasks in the laboratory and a contemporary phenotypic model of posttraumatic stress symptomatology in earthquake survivors. Methods Salivary cortisol while performing cognitive tasks was collected and analyzed in 89 adult earthquake survivors. The PTSD Checklist for the DSM-5 (PCL-5) was used to assess the severity of total PTSD as well as six distinct symptom clusters. Regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between the six distinct PTSD symptom clusters and cortisol profiles. Results The results showed that the score of the negative affect symptom cluster, but not anhedonia or other clusters, was positively associated with cortisol levels before and during the cognitive tasks. Conclusion The results showed that higher cortisol levels before and during cognitive tasks might be specifically linked to a distinct symptom cluster of PTSD—negative affect symptomatology. This suggests that a distinction should be made between negative affect and anhedonia symptom clusters, as the 6-factor model proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia Duan
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Wang
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianhui Wu
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
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Lorenz TK, Heiman JR, Demas GE. Sexual activity modulates shifts in TH1/TH2 cytokine profile across the menstrual cycle: an observational study. Fertil Steril 2015; 104:1513-21.e1-4. [PMID: 26385401 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate if sexual activity moderated menstrual cycle-related shifts in cytokines associated with T-helper type 1 (TH1) cells (e.g., interferon [IFN] γ) and T-helper type 2 (TH2) cells (e.g., interleukin [IL] 4). Immune activity shifts across the menstrual cycle, with higher follicular-phase TH1-cell activity but higher luteal-phase TH2-cell activity. Little is known about how social behaviors alter TH1-TH2 ratios, despite evidence that psychosocial factors can influence immunity. Of particular interest is how sexual activity influences immune responses that may support conception, such as the TH1-TH2 balance. DESIGN Participants provided saliva samples at four time points (menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases), which were assayed by means of ELISA. SETTING Academic laboratory. PARTICIPANT(S) Thirty healthy premenopausal women (16 sexually abstinent, 14 sexually active) not taking hormonal or immunoactive medications. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Salivary E2, P, IFN-γ, and IL-4. RESULT(S) Sexually active, but not abstinent, women were significantly more likely to express TH2-like cytokine ratios (IFN-γ < IL-4) in the luteal phase than in other phases. Similarly, sexually active women had significantly higher P, and higher P-E2 ratios, in the luteal phase than did abstinent women. The P-E2 ratio mediated menstrual variations in cytokine ratios in sexually active women. CONCLUSION(S) These results support the hypothesis that shifts in immune response across the menstrual cycle may reflect tradeoffs between reproduction and immunity. These findings point to the need for further research on the interaction between sexual behavior, the menstrual cycle, and immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tierney K Lorenz
- Center for Integrative Study for Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana; Kinsey Institute for Research on Sex, Gender, and Reproduction, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.
| | - Julia R Heiman
- Center for Integrative Study for Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana; Kinsey Institute for Research on Sex, Gender, and Reproduction, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Gregory E Demas
- Center for Integrative Study for Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana; Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
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