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Holthuijsen DDB, van Roekel EH, Bours MJL, Ueland PM, Breukink SO, Janssen-Heijnen MLG, Keulen ETP, Brezina S, Gigic B, Peoples AR, Ulrich CM, Ulvik A, Weijenberg MP, Eussen SJPM. Longitudinal associations of plasma kynurenines and ratios with fatigue and quality of life in colorectal cancer survivors up to 12 months post-treatment. Int J Cancer 2024. [PMID: 38783597 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34992] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Fatigue is prevalent in colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors, impacting their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Inflammation-induced activation of the kynurenine pathway may play a role in cancer-related fatigue and HRQoL, but evidence is scarce. Therefore, we aimed to investigate longitudinal associations of plasma tryptophan, kynurenines, and ratios with fatigue and HRQoL in CRC survivors up to 12 months post-treatment. Repeated measurements at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months post-treatment were performed in 249 stage I-III CRC survivors. Plasma tryptophan and eight kynurenines were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS). Fatigue and HRQoL outcomes were evaluated using validated questionnaires. Confounder-adjusted linear mixed models were conducted to analyze longitudinal associations, with false discovery rate (FDR) correction. Higher tryptophan (Trp), kynurenic acid (KA), and xanthurenic acid (XA) concentrations, as well as a higher kynurenic acid-to-quinolinic acid ratio (KA/QA), were associated with less fatigue and better functioning, while a higher kynurenine-to-tryptophan ratio (KTR) and 3-hydroxykynurenine ratio (HKr) were associated with more fatigue and worse functioning. Finally, higher KA and XA concentrations and a higher KA/QA ratio were associated with a higher overall HRQoL summary score, while a higher HKr was associated with a lower overall HRQoL summary score. In conclusion, we observed that tryptophan and several kynurenines were longitudinally associated with fatigue and HRQoL in CRC survivors up to 12 months post-treatment. Future research is needed to validate our findings and explore the potential of the kynurenine pathway as intervention target for reducing fatigue and enhancing HRQoL after CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniëlle D B Holthuijsen
- Department of Epidemiology, CARIM Cardiovascular Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, GROW Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Eline H van Roekel
- Department of Epidemiology, GROW Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn J L Bours
- Department of Epidemiology, GROW Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Stéphanie O Breukink
- Department of Epidemiology, GROW Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- NUTRIM Research Institute of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Maryska L G Janssen-Heijnen
- Department of Epidemiology, GROW Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, VieCuri Medical Centre, Venlo, The Netherlands
| | - Eric T P Keulen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Zuyderland Medical Centre Sittard-Geleen, Geleen, The Netherlands
| | - Stefanie Brezina
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Biljana Gigic
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Cornelia M Ulrich
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | | | - Matty P Weijenberg
- Department of Epidemiology, GROW Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Simone J P M Eussen
- Department of Epidemiology, CARIM Cardiovascular Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Holthuijsen DDB, van Roekel EH, Bours MJL, Ueland PM, Breukink SO, Janssen-Heijnen MLG, Keulen ETP, Gigic B, Gsur A, Meyer K, Ose J, Ulvik A, Weijenberg MP, Eussen SJPM. Longitudinal associations of plasma kynurenines and ratios with anxiety and depression scores in colorectal cancer survivors up to 12 months post-treatment. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 163:106981. [PMID: 38335827 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.106981] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors often experience neuropsychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression. Mounting evidence suggests a role for the kynurenine pathway in these symptoms due to potential neuroprotective and neurotoxic roles of involved metabolites. However, evidence remains inconclusive and insufficient in cancer survivors. Thus, we aimed to explore longitudinal associations of plasma tryptophan, kynurenines, and their established ratios with anxiety and depression in CRC survivors up to 12 months post-treatment. METHODS In 249 stage I-III CRC survivors, blood samples were collected at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months post-treatment to analyze plasma concentrations of tryptophan and kynurenines using liquid-chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS). At the same timepoints, anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Confounder-adjusted linear mixed models were used to analyze longitudinal associations. Sensitivity analyses with false discovery rate (FDR) correction were conducted to adjust for multiple testing. RESULTS Higher plasma tryptophan concentrations were associated with lower depression scores (β as change in depression score per 1 SD increase in the ln-transformed kynurenine concentration: -0.31; 95%CI: -0.56,-0.05), and higher plasma 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid concentrations with lower anxiety scores (-0.26; -0.52,-0.01). A higher 3-hydroxykynurenine ratio (HKr; the ratio of 3-hydroxykynurenine to the sum of kynurenic acid, xanthurenic acid, anthranilic acid, and 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid) was associated with higher depression scores (0.34; 0.04,0.63) and higher total anxiety and depression scores (0.53; 0.02,1.04). Overall associations appeared to be mainly driven by inter-individual associations, which were statistically significant for tryptophan with depression (-0.60; -1.12,-0.09), xanthurenic acid with total anxiety and depression (-1.04; -1.99,-0.10), anxiety (-0.51; -1.01,-0.01), and depression (-0.56; -1.08,-0.05), and kynurenic-acid-to-quinolinic-acid ratio with depression (-0.47; -0.93,-0.01). In sensitivity analyses, associations did not remain statistically significant after FDR adjustment. CONCLUSION We observed that plasma concentrations of tryptophan, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, xanthurenic acid, 3-hydroxykynurenine ratio, and kynurenic-acid-to-quinolinic-acid ratio tended to be longitudinally associated with anxiety and depression in CRC survivors up to 12 months post-treatment. Future studies are warranted to further elucidate the association of plasma kynurenines with anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniëlle D B Holthuijsen
- Department of Epidemiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Eline H van Roekel
- Department of Epidemiology, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn J L Bours
- Department of Epidemiology, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Stéphanie O Breukink
- Department of Surgery, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Maryska L G Janssen-Heijnen
- Department of Epidemiology, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Epidemiology, VieCuri Medical Centre, Venlo, the Netherlands
| | - Eric T P Keulen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Zuyderland Medical Centre Sittard-Geleen, Geleen, the Netherlands
| | - Biljana Gigic
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andrea Gsur
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Jennifer Ose
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Matty P Weijenberg
- Department of Epidemiology, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Simone J P M Eussen
- Department of Epidemiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, CAPHRI School for Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Bai J, Eldridge R, Houser M, Martin M, Powell C, Sutton KS, Noh HI, Wu Y, Olson T, Konstantinidis KT, Bruner DW. Multi-omics analysis of the gut microbiome and metabolites associated with the psychoneurological symptom cluster in children with cancer receiving chemotherapy. J Transl Med 2024; 22:256. [PMID: 38461265 PMCID: PMC10924342 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05066-1] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with cancer receiving chemotherapy commonly report a cluster of psychoneurological symptoms (PNS), including pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and cognitive dysfunction. The role of the gut microbiome and its functional metabolites in PNS is rarely studied among children with cancer. This study investigated the associations between the gut microbiome-metabolome pathways and PNS in children with cancer across chemotherapy as compared to healthy children. METHODS A case-control study was conducted. Cancer cases were recruited from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and healthy controls were recruited via flyers. Participants reported PNS using the Pediatric Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System. Data for cases were collected pre-cycle two chemotherapy (T0) and post-chemotherapy (T1), whereas data for healthy controls were collected once. Gut microbiome and its metabolites were measured using fecal specimens. Gut microbiome profiling was performed using 16S rRNA V4 sequencing, and metabolome was performed using an untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry approach. A multi-omics network integration program analyzed microbiome-metabolome pathways of PNS. RESULTS Cases (n = 21) and controls (n = 14) had mean ages of 13.2 and 13.1 years. For cases at T0, PNS were significantly associated with microbial genera (e.g., Ruminococcus, Megasphaera, and Prevotella), which were linked with carnitine shuttle (p = 0.0003), fatty acid metabolism (p = 0.001) and activation (p = 0.001), and tryptophan metabolism (p = 0.008). Megasphaera, clustered with aspartate and asparagine metabolism (p = 0.034), carnitine shuttle (p = 0.002), and tryptophan (p = 0.019), was associated with PNS for cases at T1. Gut bacteria with potential probiotic functions, along with fatty acid metabolism, tryptophan, and carnitine shuttle, were more clustered in cancer cases than the control network and this linkage with PNS needs further studies. CONCLUSIONS Using multi-omics approaches, this study indicated specific microbiome-metabolome pathways linked with PNS in children with cancer across chemotherapy. Due to limitations such as antibiotic use in cancer cases, these findings need to be further confirmed in a larger cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbing Bai
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, 1520 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Ronald Eldridge
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, 1520 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Madelyn Houser
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, 1520 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Melissa Martin
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christie Powell
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kathryn S Sutton
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hye In Noh
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, 1520 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Yuhua Wu
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, 1520 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Thomas Olson
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Deborah W Bruner
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, 1520 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Holthuijsen DDB, van Roekel EH, Bours MJL, Ueland PM, Breukink SO, Janssen-Heijnen MLG, Keulen ETP, Gsur A, Kok DE, Ulvik A, Weijenberg MP, Eussen SJPM. Longitudinal associations of macronutrient and micronutrient intake with plasma kynurenines in colorectal cancer survivors up to 12 months posttreatment. Am J Clin Nutr 2023; 118:865-880. [PMID: 37923499 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tryptophan-kynurenine pathway is increasingly recognized to play a role in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after cancer. Because tryptophan is an essential amino acid, and vitamins and minerals act as enzymatic cofactors in the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway, a link between diet and kynurenines is plausible. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal associations of macronutrient and micronutrient intake with metabolites of the kynurenine pathway in colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors up to 12 mo posttreatment. METHODS In a prospective cohort of stage I-III CRC survivors (n = 247), repeated measurements were performed at 6 wk, 6 mo, and 12 mo posttreatment. Macronutrient and micronutrient intake was measured by 7-d dietary records. Plasma concentrations of tryptophan and kynurenines were analyzed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS). Longitudinal associations were analyzed using linear mixed models adjusted for sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors. RESULTS After adjustment for multiple testing, higher total protein intake was positively associated with kynurenic acid (KA) (β as standard deviation [SD] change in KA concentration per 1 SD increase in total protein intake: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.20), xanthurenic acid (XA) (standardized β: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.33), 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (HAA) (standardized β: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.27) concentrations, and the kynurenic acid-to-quinolinic acid ratio (KA/QA) (standardized β: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.02,0.22). In contrast, higher total carbohydrate intake was associated with lower XA concentrations (standardized β: -0.18; 95% CI: -0.30, -0.07), a lower KA/QA (standardized β: -0.23; 95% CI: -0.34, -0.13), and a higher kynurenine-to-tryptophan ratio (KTR) (standardized β: 0.20; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.30). Higher fiber intake was associated with a higher KA/QA (standardized β: 0.11; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.21) and a lower KTR (standardized β: -0.12; 95% CI: -0.20, -0.03). Higher total fat intake was also associated with higher tryptophan (Trp) concentrations (standardized β: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.30) and a lower KTR (standardized β: -0.13; 95% CI: -0.22, -0.03). For micronutrients, positive associations were observed for zinc with XA (standardized β: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.21) and 3-hydroxykynurenine (HK) (standardized β: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.20) concentrations and for magnesium with KA/QA (standardized β: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.36). CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that intake of several macronutrients and micronutrients is associated with some metabolites of the kynurenine pathway in CRC survivors up to 12 mo posttreatment. These results may be relevant for enhancing HRQoL after cancer through potential diet-induced changes in kynurenines. Further studies are necessary to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniëlle D B Holthuijsen
- Department of Epidemiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Eline H van Roekel
- Department of Epidemiology, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn J L Bours
- Department of Epidemiology, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Stéphanie O Breukink
- Department of Surgery, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Maryska L G Janssen-Heijnen
- Department of Epidemiology, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Clinical Epidemiology, VieCuri Medical Centre, Venlo, The Netherlands
| | - Eric T P Keulen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Zuyderland Medical Centre Sittard-Geleen, Geleen, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Gsur
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dieuwertje E Kok
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Matty P Weijenberg
- Department of Epidemiology, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Simone J P M Eussen
- Department of Epidemiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, CAPHRI School for Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Kim HJ, Moon JH, Chung SW, Abraham I. The role of cytokines and Indolamine-2.3 dioxygenase in experiencing a psycho-neurological symptom cluster in hematological cancer patients: IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-4, IL-6, TNF-alpha, kynurenine, and tryptophan. J Psychosom Res 2023; 173:111455. [PMID: 37586292 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111455] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined (a) whether there are a subgroup of cancer patients experiencing the selected psycho-neurological symptoms as a cluster (depression, cognitive impairment, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and pain); (b) whether demographic and clinical characteristics and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, TNF-alpha) are associated with subgroup membership; and (c) whether the activity of indolamine-2.3 dioxygenase(IDO) is associated with pro-inflammatory cytokine activity and psycho-neurological symptom cluster experience. METHODS This was a prospective cohort study where 149 hematologic patients were recruited from a university hospital and 65 healthy volunteers provided control data. Latent profile analyses were conducted to identify subgroups at two time points: the last day of chemotherapy and 1 week after chemotherapy completion. Influencing factors of subgroup membership were examined by logistic regression. RESULTS A substantial number of patients (33%, 34% at each time point) experienced the selected psycho-neurological symptoms as a cluster. Older age and elevated IL-1α and IL-6 were associated with experiencing the psycho-neurological symptom cluster. IDO activity was higher in the patients experiencing psycho-neurological symptom cluster; and was positively associated with IL-6. Symptom severity, IL-1α, IL-6, and IDO activity were all significantly higher in cancer patients than in the healthy controls. The findings were preserved across time points. CONCLUSIONS The activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and their cross-talk with IDO may be a common biological mechanism, underlying a psycho-neurological symptom cluster experience. The novel approaches for symptom assessment and management can be developed by assessing multiple psycho-neurological symptoms as a cluster and by targeting their common biological pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Ju Kim
- College of Nursing, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Joon Ho Moon
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Deagu, South Korea
| | - Su Wol Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, University of Ulsan, Ulsan, South Korea
| | - Ivo Abraham
- Center for Health Outcomes and PharmacoEconomic Research and Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Mols F, Schoormans D, Netea-Maier R, Husson O, Beijer S, Van Deun K, Zandee W, Kars M, Wouters van Poppel PCM, Simsek S, van Battum P, Kisters JMH, de Boer JP, Massolt E, van Leeuwaarde R, Oranje W, Roerink S, Vermeulen M, van de Poll-Franse L. Determinants and mediating mechanisms of quality of life and disease-specific symptoms among thyroid cancer patients: the design of the WaTCh study. Thyroid Res 2023; 16:23. [PMID: 37424010 DOI: 10.1186/s13044-023-00165-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thyroid cancer (TC) patients are understudied but appear to be at risk for poor physical and psychosocial outcomes. Knowledge of the course and determinants of these deteriorated outcomes is lacking. Furthermore, little is known about mediating biological mechanisms. OBJECTIVES The WaTCh-study aims to; 1. Examine the course of physical and psychosocial outcomes. 2. Examine the association of demographic, environmental, clinical, physiological, and personality characteristics to those outcomes. In other words, who is at risk? 3. Reveal the association of mediating biological mechanisms (inflammation, kynurenine pathway) with poor physical and psychological outcomes. In other words, why is a person at risk? DESIGN AND METHODS Newly diagnosed TC patients from 13 Dutch hospitals will be invited. Data collection will take place before treatment, and at 6, 12 and 24 months after diagnosis. Sociodemographic and clinical information is available from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Patients fill-out validated questionnaires at each time-point to assess quality of life, TC-specific symptoms, physical activity, anxiety, depression, health care use, and employment. Patients are asked to donate blood three times to assess inflammation and kynurenine pathway. Optionally, at each occasion, patients can use a weighing scale with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) system to assess body composition; can register food intake using an online food diary; and can wear an activity tracker to assess physical activity and sleep duration/quality. Representative Dutch normative data on the studied physical and psychosocial outcomes is already available. IMPACT WaTCh will reveal the course of physical and psychosocial outcomes among TC patients over time and answers the question who is at risk for poor outcomes, and why. This knowledge can be used to provide personalized information, to improve screening, to develop and provide tailored treatment strategies and supportive care, to optimize outcomes, and ultimately increase the number of TC survivors that live in good health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floortje Mols
- CoRPS - Center of Research On Psychological Disorders and Somatic Diseases, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands.
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Dounya Schoormans
- CoRPS - Center of Research On Psychological Disorders and Somatic Diseases, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - Romana Netea-Maier
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Olga Husson
- Department of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra Beijer
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC), Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Katrijn Van Deun
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter Zandee
- Department of Endocrinology, Groningen University, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marleen Kars
- Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC), Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Suat Simsek
- Noordwest Ziekenhuisgroep, Alkmaar, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Jan Paul de Boer
- Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elske Massolt
- Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rachel van Leeuwaarde
- Department of Endocrine Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Lonneke van de Poll-Franse
- CoRPS - Center of Research On Psychological Disorders and Somatic Diseases, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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7
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Atabayeva A, Sarsenbayeva G, Maukayeva S, Anartaeva M, Khismetova Z, Tsigengagel O. Health-Related Quality of Life and Treatment Satisfaction of Patients with Blood Cancer in Kazakhstan: A Cross-Sectional Study. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2023; 24:2397-2403. [PMID: 37505772 PMCID: PMC10676497 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2023.24.7.2397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood cancer is the most prevalent health problem associated with poorer health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Associations between HRQoL and its determinants including physical, emotional, and functional domains are insufficiently investigated among blood cancer patients of Kazakhstan. We aimed to assess HRQoL and treatment satisfaction of blood cancer patients in Kazakhstan. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study, conducted from November 2022 to December 2022, which enrolled all adult blood cancer patients registered at the healthcare facilities of Semey. This study involved 87 respondents. A questionnaire of the authors' design and the SF-36 questionnaire were used to obtain the data, which was validated. RESULTS Out of 87 patients, 47 (54,0%) were males whose mean age was 35,72 ± 1,64 years and 40 (46,0%) were females with the mean age of 45,83 ± 1,57 years. None of the patients were very satisfied with their current clinical management and status monitoring and the overall rate of patient dissatisfied or somewhat dissatisfied was 48.9%. The two questions of "How long have you been seen by a hematologist?" (p=0,019) and "How do you evaluate the organization of medical care in the field of hematology?" (p=0,000) were predictors of patient satisfaction in multiple linear regression analysis. There was a significant difference in the individual SF-36 dimensions and overall QOL scored in different age group participants. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the study found that the five determinates affect QOL revealed significant differences between individual age groups and identified key determinants of patient dissatisfaction. Also, it is the first attempt to understand the experience of blood cancer patients in the healthcare system in Kazakhstan, and the results may contribute to a discussion between healthcare professionals and patients on initiatives that need to be taken to improve the quality of healthcare services provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliya Atabayeva
- Department of Public Health, Semey Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan.
| | - Gulzat Sarsenbayeva
- Department of Social Health Insurance and Public Health, South Kazakhstan Medical Academy, Shymkent, Kazakhstan.
| | - Saule Maukayeva
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Dermatovenerology and Immunology, Semey Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan.
| | - Maria Anartaeva
- Department of Social Health Insurance and Public Health, South Kazakhstan Medical Academy, Shymkent, Kazakhstan.
| | - Zaituna Khismetova
- Department of Public Health, Semey Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan.
| | - Oxana Tsigengagel
- Department of Development of Scientific Research Activity, Kh. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University, Atyrau, Kazakhstan.
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Ng DQ, Chan D, Acharya MM, Grill JD, Chan A. Research Attitude and Interest among Cancer Survivors with or without Cognitive Impairment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3409. [PMID: 37444519 PMCID: PMC10340755 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133409] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We examined the research attitudes and willingness to participate in clinical research among cancer survivors with varying degrees of cognitive function. METHODS This is a secondary analysis of data collected through the University of California Irvine Consent-to-Contact registry. Cancer survivors completed the Cognitive Function Instrument (CFI), the Research Attitudes Questionnaire (RAQ), and willingness to participate (WTP) in certain research procedures. Perceived cognitive impairment (CI) was defined as the worst 20% CFI scores. RESULTS Here, 265 CI and 909 cognitively non-impaired (CNI) participants' data were analyzed. Mean age and sex distribution were similar, with fewer non-Hispanic Whites and education years among CI participants. More CI participants self-reported past diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, stroke, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and alcohol abuse (all p < 0.05). CI participants were significantly more interested in studies investigating approved medications (92% vs. 87%, p = 0.030), lumbar puncture (47% vs. 38%, p = 0.027), and autopsy (78% vs. 69%, p = 0.022). After removing survivors with co-existing neuropsychiatric conditions, interest in autopsy studies remained statistically higher among CI (79% vs. 69%, p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS Participants with cancer and CI are open to research procedures and interventions that are traditionally less utilized, which may facilitate the discovery of the pathogenesis and interventions for cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding Quan Ng
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Daniella Chan
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Munjal M. Acharya
- School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Joshua D. Grill
- School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Alexandre Chan
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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Li H, Lockwood MB, Schlaeger JM, Liu T, Danciu OC, Doorenbos AZ. Tryptophan and Kynurenine Pathway Metabolites and Psychoneurological Symptoms Among Breast Cancer Survivors. Pain Manag Nurs 2023; 24:52-59. [PMID: 36229337 PMCID: PMC9925397 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2022.09.002] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among breast cancer survivors, pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance are common psychoneurological symptoms that cluster together. Inflammation-induced activation of the tryptophan-kynurenine metabolomic pathway may play an important role in these symptoms. AIMS This study investigated the relationship between the metabolites involved in the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway and psychoneurological symptoms among breast cancer survivors. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Participants were recruited at the oncology clinic at the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System. PARTICIPANTS/SUBJECTS 79 breast cancer survivors after major cancer treatment. METHODS We assessed psychoneurological symptoms with the PROMIS-29 and collected metabolites from fasting blood among breast cancer survivors after major cancer treatment, then analyzed four major metabolites involved in the tryptophankynurenine pathway (tryptophan, kynurenine, kynurenic acid, and quinolinic acid). Latent profile analysis identified subgroups based on the five psychoneurological symptoms. Mann-Whitney U tests and multivariable logistic regression compared targeted metabolites between subgroups. RESULTS We identified two distinct symptom subgroups (low, 81%; high, 19%). Compared with participants in the low symptom subgroup, patients in the high symptom subgroup had higher BMI (p = .024) and were currently using antidepressants (p = .008). Using multivariable analysis, lower tryptophan levels (p = .019) and higher kynurenine/tryptophan ratio (p = .028) were associated with increased risk of being in the high symptom subgroup after adjusting for BMI and antidepressant status. CONCLUSION The tryptophan-kynurenine pathway and impaired tryptophan availability may contribute to the development of psychoneurological symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjin Li
- Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
| | - Mark B Lockwood
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Judith M Schlaeger
- Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Tingting Liu
- College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
| | - Oana C Danciu
- College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ardith Z Doorenbos
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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10
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Longitudinal Associations of Adherence to the Dietary World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) and Dutch Healthy Diet (DHD) Recommendations with Plasma Kynurenines in Colorectal Cancer Survivors after Treatment. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14235151. [PMID: 36501181 PMCID: PMC9738623 DOI: 10.3390/nu14235151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The tryptophan-kynurenine pathway has been linked to cancer aetiology and survivorship, and diet potentially affects metabolites of this pathway, but evidence to date is scarce. Among 247 stage I-III CRC survivors, repeated measurements were performed at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year post-treatment. Adherence to the World Cancer Research Fund/ American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF) and Dutch Healthy Diet (DHD) recommendations was operationalized using seven-day dietary records. Plasma kynurenines of nine metabolites were analysed. Longitudinal associations of adherence to these dietary patterns and plasma kynurenines were analysed using confounder-adjusted linear mixed-models. In general, higher adherence to the dietary WCRF/AICR and DHD recommendations was associated with lower concentrations of kynurenines with pro-oxidative, pro-inflammatory, and neurotoxic properties (3-hydroxykynurenine (HK) and quinolinic acid (QA)), and higher concentrations of kynurenines with anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties (kynurenic acid (KA) and picolinic acid (Pic)), but associations were weak and not statistically significant. Statistically significant positive associations between individual recommendations and kynurenines were observed for: nuts with kynurenic-acid-to-quinolinic-acid ratio (KA/QA); alcohol with KA/QA, KA, and xanthurenic acid (XA); red meat with XA; and cheese with XA. Statistically significant inverse associations were observed for: nuts with kynurenine-to-tryptophan ratio (KTR) and hydroxykynurenine ratio; alcohol with KTR; red meat with 3-hydroxyanthranilic-to-3-hydroxykynurenine ratio; ultra-processed foods with XA and KA/QA; and sweetened beverages with KA/QA. Our findings suggest that CRC survivors might benefit from adhering to the dietary WCRF and DHD recommendations in the first year after treatment, as higher adherence to these dietary patterns is generally, but weakly associated with more favourable concentrations of kynurenines and their ratios. These results need to be validated in other studies.
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11
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Bai J, Withycombe J, Eldridge RC. Metabolic Pathways Associated With Psychoneurological Symptoms in Children With Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy. Biol Res Nurs 2022; 24:281-293. [PMID: 35285272 PMCID: PMC9343884 DOI: 10.1177/10998004211069619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Children with cancer undergoing chemotherapy experience a cluster of psychoneurological symptoms (PNS), including pain, fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Metabolomics is promising to differentiate metabolic pathways associated with the PNS cluster. OBJECTIVES Identify metabolic pathways associated with the PNS cluster in children with cancer before and after chemotherapy. METHODS Pain, fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Pediatric PROMIS scales. T-scores were computed and divided dichotomously by a cutoff point of 50; the PNS cluster was a sum of the four symptoms ranging from 0 (all T-scores <50) to 4 (all T-scores ≥50). Serum metabolites were processed using liquid chromatography mass-spectrometry untargeted metabolomics approach. Linear regression models examined metabolites associated with the PNS cluster. Metabolic pathway enrichment analysis was performed. RESULTS Participant demographics (n = 40) were 55% female, 60% white, 62.5% aged 13-19 years, and 62.5% diagnoses of Hodgkin's lymphoma and B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia. Among 9276 unique metabolic features, 454 were associated with pain, 281 with fatigue, 596 with anxiety, 551 with depressive symptoms, and 300 with the PNS cluster across one chemotherapy cycle. Fatty acids pathways were associated with pain: de novo fatty acid biosynthesis (p < .001), fatty acid metabolism (p = .001), fatty acid activation (p = .004), and omega-3 fatty acid metabolism (p = .009). Tryptophan amino acid pathway was associated with fatigue (p < .001), anxiety (p = .015), and the PNS cluster (p = .037). Carnitine shuttle was associated with the PNS cluster (p = .015). CONCLUSION Fatty acids and amino acids pathways were associated with PNS in children undergoing chemotherapy. These findings require further investigation in a larger sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbing Bai
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Ronald C. Eldridge
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Kalantar-Zadeh K, Lockwood MB, Rhee CM, Tantisattamo E, Andreoli S, Balducci A, Laffin P, Harris T, Knight R, Kumaraswami L, Liakopoulos V, Lui SF, Kumar S, Ng M, Saadi G, Ulasi I, Tong A, Li PKT. Patient-centred approaches for the management of unpleasant symptoms in kidney disease. Nat Rev Nephrol 2022; 18:185-198. [PMID: 34980890 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-021-00518-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) frequently experience unpleasant symptoms. These can be gastrointestinal (constipation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea), psychological (anxiety and sadness), neurological (lightheadedness, headache and numbness), cardiopulmonary (shortness of breath and oedema), dermatological (pruritus and dry skin), painful (muscle cramps, chest pain and abdominal pain) or involve sexual dysfunction, sleep disorders and fatigue. These symptoms often occur in clusters, with one of them as the lead symptom and others as secondary symptoms. Uraemic toxins (also called uremic toxins) are often considered to be the main cause of CKD-associated symptom burden, but treatment of uraemia by dialysis often fails to resolve them and can engender additional symptoms. Indeed, symptoms can be exacerbated by comorbid conditions, pharmacotherapies, lifestyle and dietary regimens, kidney replacement therapy and ageing. Patients with kidney disease, including those who depend on dialysis or transplantation, should feel actively supported in their symptom management through the identification and targeting of unpleasant symptoms via a tailored palliative care approach. Such an approach may help minimize the burden and consequences of kidney disease, and lead to improved patient outcomes including health-related quality of life and better life participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamyar Kalantar-Zadeh
- The International Federation of Kidney Foundation - World Kidney Alliance (IFKF-WKA), Mexico City, Mexico. .,Division of Nephrology and Hypertension and Kidney Transplantation, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
| | - Mark B Lockwood
- Department of Behavioral Health Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Nursing, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Connie M Rhee
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension and Kidney Transplantation, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Ekamol Tantisattamo
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension and Kidney Transplantation, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Sharon Andreoli
- James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | | | - Tess Harris
- Polycystic Kidney Disease Charity, London, UK
| | | | | | - Vassilios Liakopoulos
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, 1st Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Siu-Fai Lui
- The International Federation of Kidney Foundation - World Kidney Alliance (IFKF-WKA), Mexico City, Mexico.,Hong Kong Kidney Foundation, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Maggie Ng
- The International Federation of Kidney Foundation - World Kidney Alliance (IFKF-WKA), Mexico City, Mexico.,Hong Kong Kidney Foundation, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gamal Saadi
- Nephrology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ifeoma Ulasi
- Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Allison Tong
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Philip Kam-Tao Li
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Carol & Richard Yu PD Research Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Perez-Tejada J, Labaka A, Vegas O, Larraioz A, Pescador A, Arregi A. Anxiety and depression after breast cancer: The predictive role of monoamine levels. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2021; 52:101953. [PMID: 33813184 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2021.101953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite the fact that the prevalence of anxiety and depression in breast cancer survivors is higher than in the general female population, the psychobiological substrate of this phenomenon has yet to be elucidated. We aimed to examine the predictive role of peripheral dopamine (DA), noradrenaline (NA), serotonin (5-HT) and kynurenine (KYN) in anxiety and depression among breast cancer survivors. METHOD We evaluated 107 women using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and monoamine levels were analyzed via high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS High KYN levels predicted both disorders, while low NA and DA predicted anxiety and depressive symptoms, respectively. A negative conditional effect of 5-HT was found for anxiety and depression among younger women only, while being both middle-aged and younger influenced the negative conditional effect of DA on depression. CONCLUSION Monoamine variations may render breast cancer survivors more vulnerable to anxiety and depression, with young women being especially vulnerable to the detrimental effect of low DA and 5-HT. Assessing subclinical psychobiological markers allows mental health nurses to identify vulnerable survivors prior to the onset of anxiety and depression, and to adjust nursing interventions accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Perez-Tejada
- Oncologic Center (Onkologikoa), 121 Begiristain, 20014, San Sebastian, Spain.
| | - Ainitze Labaka
- Department of Nursing II, University of the Basque Country, 105 Begiristain, 20014, San Sebastian, Spain.
| | - Oscar Vegas
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and Their Development, University of the Basque Country, 70 Tolosa Av., 20018, San Sebastian, Spain.
| | - Aitziber Larraioz
- Oncologic Center (Onkologikoa), 121 Begiristain, 20014, San Sebastian, Spain.
| | - Ane Pescador
- Oncologic Center (Onkologikoa), 121 Begiristain, 20014, San Sebastian, Spain.
| | - Amaia Arregi
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and Their Development, University of the Basque Country, 70 Tolosa Av., 20018, San Sebastian, Spain.
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