1
|
Connor A, Deschamps A, Busque L, Tardif JC, Bourgoin V, Dubé MP, Busseuil D, D'Antono B. Childhood Maltreatment and Leukocyte Telomere Length: Cardiac Vagal Activity Influences the Relation in Older Adults. Psychosom Med 2024; 86:146-156. [PMID: 38345296 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Childhood maltreatment is associated with shorter leukocyte telomere length (LTL). However, the influence of cardiac vagal control on this relation is unknown. We examined whether cardiac vagal control at rest and in response to stress moderates or cross-sectionally mediates the relationship between childhood maltreatment and LTL. METHODS Participants were 1179 men and women (aged 65 [7.2] years) suffering from coronary artery disease or non-cardiovascular chronic disease. They completed a childhood maltreatment questionnaire and underwent a stress protocol while electrocardiogram was monitored. High-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) measures were obtained at rest, during stress, and after stress in absolute and normalized units (nu). LTL was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Mediation and moderation analyses were performed. RESULT HF-HRV and HF-HRV in normalized units (HFnu) measures did not mediate the childhood maltreatment-LTL relation. However, baseline HFnu ( p = .027) and HFnu reactivity ( p = .051) moderated the relation. Specifically, maltreatment was associated with significantly lower LTL among those with baseline HFnu at ( b = -0.059, p = .003) or below the mean ( b = -0.103, p < .001), but not among those with higher baseline HFnu. It was also associated with significantly lower LTL among participants who showed either blunted ( b = -0.058, p = .004) or increased HFnu ( b = -0.099, p = .001) responses to stress but not in those with large decreases in HFnu. CONCLUSIONS Childhood maltreatment was associated with lower LTL in those who showed a distinct cardiac vagal profile at baseline and in response to stress. The mechanisms and implications remain to be determined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Connor
- From the Research Centre, Montreal Heart Institute (Connor, Tardif, Dubé, Busseuil, D'Antono); Psychology Department, Université de Montréal (Connor, D'Antono); Department of Anesthesiology (Deschamps), Montreal Heart Institute; and Research Center, Hematology Division (Bourgoin), Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, and Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal (Tardif, Dubé), Montreal, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ridgway WB, Picano JJ, Morgan CA, Roland RR, Rabinowitz YG. Unmasking Verbal Defensiveness: The Role of Psychological Threat in Sentence Completion Tests. J Pers Assess 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38489487 DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2024.2326941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Shedding light on the validity of sentence completion test (SCT) verbal defensiveness as an index of defensive behavior, the current two-part study examined the relationship between psychological threat and verbal defensiveness among military security and mission-critical team candidates using SCTs. Our study showed that as the threatening nature of SCT stems increased, defensive responses also increased, substantiating the link between psychological threat and defensive behavior. In addition, expert ratings of stem content revealed moderately strong relationships with defensive responses across two different SCTs, irrespective of their structural characteristics. In contrast to previous studies using total verbal defensiveness scores, we examined specific defensive response types and their associations with stem threat ratings, finding that omissions, denial, and comments about the test were linked to stem threat levels. Lastly, our study extends the application of the SCT verbal defensiveness index beyond specialized personnel selection, finding no significant differences in verbal defensiveness based on gender or military status. Overall, these findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of defensive behavior and its contextual variations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - James J Picano
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Robert R Roland
- Independent Operational Psychologist, Pebble Beach, California
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Connor A, Starnino L, Busque L, Tardif JC, Bourgoin V, Dubé MP, Busseuil D, D'Antono B. Childhood maltreatment and leukocyte telomere length in men and women with chronic illness: an evaluation of moderating and mediating influences. Psychol Med 2023; 53:6242-6252. [PMID: 36943406 PMCID: PMC10522448 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291722003543] [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: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood maltreatment can result in lifelong psychological and physical sequelae, including coronary artery disease (CAD). Mechanisms leading to increased risk of illness may involve emotional dysregulation and shortened leukocyte telomere length (LTL). METHODS To evaluate whether (1) childhood maltreatment is associated with shorter LTL among older adults with CAD or other chronic illnesses; (2) sex and/or CAD status influence these results; and (3) symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress moderate or mediate the association between childhood maltreatment and LTL, men and women (N = 1247; aged 65 ± 7.2 years) with and without CAD completed validated questionnaires on childhood maltreatment, symptoms of depression, anxiety, and perceived stress. LTL was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Analyses included bivariate correlations, hierarchical regressions, and moderation/mediation analyses, controlling for sociodemographic and lifestyle variables. RESULTS Childhood maltreatment was associated with significantly shorter LTL (r = -0.059, p = 0.038, b = -0.016, p = 0.005). This relation was not moderated by depression, anxiety, nor perceived stress, though there was mitigated evidence for absence of a maltreatment-LTL relation in men with CAD. Stress perception (but not anxiety or depression) partially mediated the relation between childhood maltreatment and LTL [Indirect effect, b = -0.0041, s.e. = 0.002, 95% CI (-0.0085 to -0.0002)]. CONCLUSIONS Childhood maltreatment was associated with accelerated biological aging independently of patient characteristics. Emotional dysregulation resulting in chronic stress may contribute to this process. Whether stress management or other interventions may help prevent or slow premature aging in those who have suffered maltreatment requires study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Connor
- Research Centre, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Canada
- Psychology Department, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Louisia Starnino
- Research Centre, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Canada
- Psychology Department, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Lambert Busque
- Hematology Division, Research Center, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont; Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jean-Claude Tardif
- Research Centre, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Vincent Bourgoin
- Hematology Division, Research Center, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont; Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Marie-Pierre Dubé
- Research Centre, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - David Busseuil
- Research Centre, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Canada
| | - Bianca D'Antono
- Research Centre, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Canada
- Psychology Department, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rafiq M, Liaquat A, Javed A, Ullah Shah S, Hussain R, Akram Z, Jawad Khan M. Association of leukocyte telomere attrition in coronary artery disease in Pakistani population: A case-control study with Metanalysis. Clin Chim Acta 2023:117416. [PMID: 37276942 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Rafiq
- Department of Biochemistry, Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa Tameer-E-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan 45550; Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan 45550.
| | - Afrose Liaquat
- Department of Biochemistry, Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa Tameer-E-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan 45550
| | - Arham Javed
- Department of Biochemistry, Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa Tameer-E-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan 45550; Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan 45550.
| | - Saeed Ullah Shah
- Department of Cardiology, Shifa International Hospital, Shifa Tameer-E-Millat University, Islamabad Pakistan 45550.
| | - Rashid Hussain
- Department of Biosciences, Shifa Tameer-E-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan 45550.
| | - Zaineb Akram
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Punjab 46000, Pakistan.
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sagris M, Theofilis P, Antonopoulos AS, Tsioufis K, Tousoulis D. Telomere Length: A Cardiovascular Biomarker and a Novel Therapeutic Target. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416010. [PMID: 36555658 PMCID: PMC9781338 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a multifactorial disease with a high prevalence, particularly in developing countries. Currently, the investigation of telomeres as a potential tool for the early detection of the atherosclerotic disease seems to be a promising method. Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences located at the extremities of chromosomes that maintain genetic stability. Telomere length (TL) has been associated with several human disorders and diseases while its attrition rate varies significantly in the population. The rate of TL shortening ranges between 20 and 50 bp and is affected by factors such as the end-replication phenomenon, oxidative stress, and other DNA-damaging agents. In this review, we delve not only into the pathophysiology of TL shortening but also into its association with cardiovascular disease and the progression of atherosclerosis. We also provide current and future treatment options based on TL and telomerase function, trying to highlight the importance of these cutting-edge developments and their clinical relevance.
Collapse
|
6
|
A Y, Shi S, Sun S, Jing Y, Li Z, Zhang X, Li X, Wu F. Telomerase activity, relative telomere length, and longevity in alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.). PeerJ 2022. [DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Medicago sativa L. ‘Qingshui’ is a valuable rhizomatous forage germplasm resource. We previously crossed Qingshui with the high-yielding Medicago sativa L. ‘WL168’ and obtained novel rhizomatous hybrid strains (RSA-01, RSA-02, and RSA-03). Telomere dynamics are more accurate predictors of survival and mortality than chronological age. Based on telomere analyses, we aimed to identify alfalfa varieties with increased stamina and longevity for the establishment of artificial grazing grasslands.
Methods
In this study, we performed longitudinal analysis of telomerase activity and relative telomere length in five alfalfa varieties (Qingshui, WL168, RSA-01, RSA-02, and RSA-03) at the age of 1 year and 5 years to examine the relationship among telomerase activity, rate of change in relative telomere length, and longevity. We further aimed to evaluate the longevity of the examined varieties. Telomerase activity and relative telomere length were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively.
Results
We observed significant differences in telomerase activity between plants aged 1 year and those aged 5 years in all varieties except WL168, and the rate of change in telomerase activity does not differ reliably with age. As telomerase activity and relative telomere length are complex phenomena, further studies examining the molecular mechanisms of telomere-related proteins are needed. Relative telomere lengths of Qingshui, WL168, RSA-01, RSA-02, and RSA-03 in plants aged 5 years were higher than those aged 1 year by 11.41, 11.24, 9.21, 10.23, and 11.41, respectively. Relative telomere length of alfalfa tended to increase with age. Accordingly, alfalfa varieties can be classified according to rate of change in relative telomere length as long-lived (Qingshui, WL168, and RSA-03), medium-lived (RSA-02) and short-lived (RSA-01). The differences in relative telomere length distances of Qingshui, WL168, RSA-01, RSA-02, and RSA-03 between plants aged 1 and 5 years were 10.40, 13.02, 12.22, 11.22, and 13.25, respectively. The largest difference in relative telomere length was found between Qingshui and RSA-02 at 2.20. Our findings demonstrated that relative telomere length in alfalfa is influenced by genetic variation and age, with age exerting a greater effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun A
- Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shangli Shi
- Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | | | | | - Zili Li
- Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | | | - Xiaolong Li
- Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Fang Wu
- Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Leukocyte Telomere Length as a Molecular Biomarker of Coronary Heart Disease. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13071234. [PMID: 35886017 PMCID: PMC9318544 DOI: 10.3390/genes13071234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. This work is a review of preclinical and clinical studies of the role of telomeres and telomerase in the development and progression of coronary heart disease (CHD). Materials and methods. A search for full-text publications (articles, reviews, meta-analyses, Cochrane reviews, and clinical cases) in English and Russian was carried out in the databases PubMed, Oxford University Press, Scopus, Web of Science, Springer, and E-library electronic library using keywords and their combinations. The search depth is 11 years (2010–2021). Results. The review suggests that the relative leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is associated with the development of socially significant and widespread cardiovascular diseases such as CHD and essential hypertension. At the same time, the interests of researchers are mainly focused on the study of the relative LTL in CHD. Conclusions. Despite the scientific and clinical significance of the analyzed studies of the relative length of human LTL as a biological marker of cardiovascular diseases, their implementation in real clinical practice is difficult due to differences in the design and methodology of the analyzed studies, as well as differences in the samples by gender, age, race, and ethnicity. The authors believe that clinical studies of the role of the relative length of leukocyte telomeres in adult patients with coronary heart disease are the most promising and require large multicenter studies with a unified design and methodology.
Collapse
|
8
|
Aronov DM, Drapkina OM, Bubnova MG. Role of genetic factors (biology of telomeres) in cardiac rehabilitation. КАРДИОВАСКУЛЯРНАЯ ТЕРАПИЯ И ПРОФИЛАКТИКА 2022. [DOI: 10.15829/1728-8800-2022-3272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is one of the effective healthcare types for cardiovascular patients. At the same time, the choice of the most effective CR methods for a particular patient remains a problem. An increasing number of studies are devoted to the application of genetic methods for studying human health. Particular attention is drawn to determining the telomere length. The review purpose was to analyze the literature on various studies on the significance of assessing the chromosome telomeres for characterizing human health and choosing effective CR methods. The article discusses issues related to the relationship between the telomere length and cardiovascular risk factors, dietary pattern, and psychological status of a person. We also assessed the effectiveness of various exercise types at the genetic level. In preparing the review, publications over the past 14 years were searched in the MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, PEDro, eLIBRARY, and Google Scholar databases. The presented facts indicate the need for further study and effective use of one of the genetic factors protecting chromosome telomeres in CR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D. M. Aronov
- National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
| | - O. M. Drapkina
- National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
| | - M. G. Bubnova
- National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Andreeva GF, Gorbunov VM. Hostility, Anger, Psycho-emotional Factors and Cardiovascular Disease. RATIONAL PHARMACOTHERAPY IN CARDIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.20996/1819-6446-2022-04-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The review presents the main aspects of the relationship between psychoemotional factors, hostility, anger and cardiovascular diseases. The first chapter describes the main historical stages in the study of this problem, starting from the Middle Ages and ending with fundamental research of the 19-20 centuries. In the second part, the authors demonstrated that hostility/anger are a risk factor for the CVD development and affect the prognosis and course of CVD (hypertension, ischemic heart disease, various cardiac arrhythmias, etc.). In the third chapter, there were studies that found that high rates of hostility/ anger reduced the effectiveness of cardiovascular therapy. In the fourth part, there are the main correlation mechanisms of negative emotions, hostility/anger and the cardiovascular system, carried out through the relationships with the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal, autonomic nervous system, platelet activation, with the changes in the risk factors characteristics etc. In the final chapter, the authors suggested prospects for further study of the problem, probably associated with the assessment of behavioral interventions, pharmacological or complex effects on the severity of hostility/anger to reduce CVD mortality in individuals with high rates of hostility / anger.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G. F. Andreeva
- National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
| | - V. M. Gorbunov
- National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
| |
Collapse
|