1
|
McAlister KL, Zink J, Huh J, Yang CH, Dunton GF, Dieli-Conwright CM, Page KA, Belcher BR. Perceived stress and associations between physical activity, sedentary time, and interstitial glucose in healthy adolescents. Physiol Behav 2024; 283:114617. [PMID: 38889810 PMCID: PMC11246823 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Less moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), more sedentary time (ST), and higher perceived stress are related to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) occurrence, but observational evidence addressing the interaction of these factors is lacking in youth. This pilot study investigated momentary stress as a moderator in the acute associations of MVPA and ST with subsequent glucose in healthy adolescents. METHODS Participants (N=15, Mage=13.1±1.0 years, 10 girls, 5 with overweight/obesity) simultaneously wore a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), thigh-mounted accelerometer, and reported momentary stress via random ecological momentary assessments (EMA; Time T) for 7-14 days. MVPA and ST (min) were calculated for 60- and 120-minute time windows before each EMA prompt (Time T-1). Mean CGM-measured interstitial glucose (mg/dL) was calculated after each prompt (Mmin=120.0±25.4; Time T+1). Multilevel models assessed whether within-subject MVPA and ST (Time T-1) predicted mean glucose (Time T+1), with momentary stress as a moderator (Time T). RESULTS There were 513 time-matched EMA reports of stress, accelerometer, and CGM data. Momentary stress moderated the effects of MVPA 60 (β=-0.22, p=.001) and 120 min (β=-0.08, p=.02) before the prompt on subsequent glucose levels. When youth spent more time in MVPA than their average and when momentary stress was higher than their average, subsequent glucose was lower. Stress did not moderate associations of ST with glucose (p>.05). CONCLUSIONS Higher momentary stress may interact with higher MVPA to lower subsequent glucose in youth. Accelerometers, EMA, and CGMs can be integrated in future studies to further understand these associations in free-living environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey L McAlister
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Jennifer Zink
- Health Behaviors Research Branch, Behavioral Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Jimi Huh
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chih-Hsiang Yang
- Department of Exercise Science/TecHealth, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Genevieve F Dunton
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Psychology, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christina M Dieli-Conwright
- Department of Medical Oncology, Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kathleen A Page
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Britni R Belcher
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Law KC, O'Connell KL, Jacobson SV, Baer MM, Baker PM, Tull MT. Influences of sleep, cortisol reactivity, and risk/reward-based decision-making on suicide. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2024; 85:101975. [PMID: 38870548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2024.101975] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Poor sleep quality is a known contributor to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This study examines whether sleep quality modulates the effect of an individual's stress response and risk/reward-based decision making on suicide risk. METHODS Participants were 160 adults at a residential substance use treatment facility with lifetime exposure to trauma who completed a clinician-administered measure of suicide risk, the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), and a self-report measure of sleep. Cortisol reactivity (i.e., changes in cortisol before and after a personalized trauma script) was used to measure stress response. We used quantile regression to examine the effects of sleep, cortisol, and risk/reward decision-making on suicide risk. RESULTS We found poor sleep quality to be increasingly salient in individuals at greater risk for suicide than those at lower risk for suicide. Furthermore, individuals with moderate to moderate-high levels of suicide risk seem to have greater cortisol reactivity. In the low-moderate quantile, we found suicide risk to be associated with both high stress reactivity and low-risk, high-reward decision-making, as well as low stress reactivity and high-risk/low-reward decision-making. LIMITATIONS These findings should be interpreted considering several methodological constraints, such as the use of a pre-determined sample and instruments not tailored for our hypotheses, the MINI 'Suicide' Module's limited differentiation between suicidal ideation and behavior, and variably timed cortisol sampling. CONCLUSIONS Despite these limitations, the findings from this study support the use of evidence-based interventions focused on improving sleep quality and managing emotional reactivity to decrease suicide risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keyne C Law
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | | | - Samantha V Jacobson
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Margaret M Baer
- Department of Psychology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Phillip M Baker
- Department of Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Matthew T Tull
- Department of Psychology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA; Lyra Health Inc., Burlingame, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ryznar R, LaPorta A, Cooper S, Maher N, Clodfelder C, Edwards J, Towne F, Gubler KD. A distinct immune cytokine profile is associated with morning cortisol and repeated stress. Am J Disaster Med 2024; 19:33-43. [PMID: 38597645 DOI: 10.5055/ajdm.0468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate possible immune cytokine trends throughout a week-long surgical simulation mass-casualty training session in order to determine the effects of stress inoculation on the immune system. METHODS Thirty-seven military medical students participated in a hyper-realistic surgical simulation training event conducted at Strategic Operations site in San Diego, California. Salivary samples were collected every morning of the stress training exercise for 4 consecutive days. Cortisol, along with a panel of 42 immune cytokines, was measured using multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays from Eve Technologies. The determined concentrations were averaged and plotted on a scatter plot, and then points were fit to a second-order polynomial trendline of best fit to measure. RESULTS The cytokines epidermal growth factor, growth-related oncogene-α, interleukin (IL)-1α, and platelet-derived growth factor-AA followed a noted pattern of cortisol decrease throughout the week. In addition, cytokines IL-27, granulocyte colony stimulating factor, IL-10, and IL-13 demonstrated a late peak, followed by a return to baseline at the conclusion of training. Finally, the cytokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 displayed a decline throughout the week followed by an increase on the last day of stress training. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, these results help to identify important biomarkers that may help to improve long-term stress adaptation and prevent post-traumatic stress disorder following exposure to repeated stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ryznar
- Molecular Biology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Parker, Colorado. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9695-712X
| | - Anthony LaPorta
- Military Medicine Program; Professor, Clinical Surgery, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Parker, Colorado
| | - Spencer Cooper
- Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Parker, Colorado
| | - Nicholas Maher
- Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Parker, Colorado
| | | | - Jeffrey Edwards
- Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Parker, Colorado
| | - Francina Towne
- Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences Program; Associate Professor of Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Parker, Colorado
| | - K Dean Gubler
- Surgery and Military Medicine; Director, Military Medicine Program, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Parker, Colorado
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Weber S, Bühler J, Messmer F, Bruckmaier R, Aybek S. Cortisol in functional neurological disorders: State, trait and prognostic biomarkers. J Psychosom Res 2024; 179:111615. [PMID: 38387237 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111615] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Biological stress dysregulation, such as a flattened cortisol awakening response (CAR), has been identified in functional neurological disorder (FND). This longitudinal study aimed to explore whether CAR alterations in FND serve as state or trait biomarkers, assessing temporal changes in cortisol and clinical outcomes to test its prognostic value. METHODS Salivary cortisol was measured in 53 patients with mixed FND at two visits separated by eight months (M0 and M8). CAR was calculated based on five consecutive samples, each taken with 15-min time intervals, collected upon awakening, whereas cortisol amplitude (CAmp) was calculated as the difference between the morning peak and the afternoon trough. Clinical outcome was assessed with the Functional Movement Disorder Rating Scale (S-FMDRS), Clinical global impression (CGI) scores for severity (CGI-S) and improvement (CGI-I) and the short-form health survey (SF-36). RESULTS No differences in CAR levels were found between M0 and M8 regardless of clinical outcome (remained flattened). However, a good clinical outcome was associated with an earlier peak in the CAR (p = .013, odds ratio: 1.78; 95%-confidence interval: 0.095-1.13). A higher CAmp at M0 predicted a better outcome at M8 (β = 1.14, 95%-confidence interval:0.15-2.13, p = .03). CONCLUSION A flattened CAR might represent a trait marker for FND, when an earlier peak in the CAR may serve as a state biomarker. The CAmp demonstrates predictive power for clinical outcome, potentially representing a prognostic biomarker for FND. Further replication and follow-up studies are essential to confirm this suggested role of cortisol as a multifaceted biomarker of FND.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Weber
- Department of Neurology, Psychosomatic Medicine Unit, Inselspital Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; University of Zurich, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Janine Bühler
- Department of Neurology, Psychosomatic Medicine Unit, Inselspital Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Messmer
- Department of Neurology, Psychosomatic Medicine Unit, Inselspital Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rupert Bruckmaier
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Selma Aybek
- Department of Neurology, Psychosomatic Medicine Unit, Inselspital Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
García-González D, Romero-Elías M, Álvarez-Bustos A, Rosado-García S, Sánchez-López AJ, Cantos B, Maximiano C, Méndez M, Méndez-Otero M, Cebolla H, García-Foncillas J, Ruiz-Casado A. Cancer-Related Fatigue and Circulating Biomarkers in Breast Cancer Survivors. Biol Res Nurs 2024; 26:270-278. [PMID: 37947791 DOI: 10.1177/10998004231215777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is the most common and disruptive symptom experienced by cancer survivors and because of its frequency and severity is especially worrisome in breast cancer survivors (BCS). Despite a great deal of research, the mechanisms underlying CRF have not been determined. The present study aims to describe associations between CRF in BCS and different blood biomarkers. METHODS A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted. A set of biomarkers assessing inflammation were measured in BCS: C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF); HPA axis dysfunction (cortisol), autonomic dysfunction (noradrenaline); oxidative stress (8-OH deoxyguanosine); insulin resistance markers (insulin, IGF-I, IGFBP3) and sexual hormones (estrogens, progesterone, testosterone). RESULTS NLR (p = .00) and cortisol (p = .02) were positive and negatively associated with CRF, respectively. The rest of the blood markers were not associated with CRF. CONCLUSION Our results increase the evidence on pathophysiological mechanisms driving CRF in BCS. However, longitudinal studies are needed to explore the role of these factors as potential causal mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - María Romero-Elías
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Puerta de Hierro-Segovia de Arana, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Álvarez-Bustos
- Biomedical Research Center Network for Frailty and Healthy Ageing (CIBERFES), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Rosado-García
- Biobank, Puerta de Hierro-Segovia de Arana Health Research Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Blanca Cantos
- Department of Medical Oncology, IDIPHISA, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Constanza Maximiano
- Department of Medical Oncology, IDIPHISA, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miriam Méndez
- Department of Medical Oncology, IDIPHISA, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Méndez-Otero
- Department of Medical Oncology, IDIPHISA, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jesús García-Foncillas
- School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-UAM, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, UAM, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Ruiz-Casado
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Puerta de Hierro-Segovia de Arana, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, IDIPHISA, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
DuBois LZ, Puckett JA, Jolly D, Powers S, Walker T, Hope DA, Mocarski R, Huit TZ, Lash BR, Holt N, Ralston A, Miles M, Capannola A, Tipton C, Eick G, Juster RP. Gender minority stress and diurnal cortisol profiles among transgender and gender diverse people in the United States. Horm Behav 2024; 159:105473. [PMID: 38190769 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105473] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The field of behavioral neuroendocrinology has only begun to explore the lived experiences of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people exposed to stigma. In light of escalating attacks and legislation targeting TGD people in the United States, it is crucial to examine the physiological pathways through which gender minority stressors become embodied, impact health, and contribute to health inequities. The Trans Resilience and Health Study included baseline data collection from fall 2019 to spring 2020 from a sample of 124 TGD people, reflecting a diversity of gender identities (e.g., trans masculine, trans feminine, and nonbinary) and ages (range = 19-70 years old; M = 34.10), living in Michigan, Nebraska, Oregon, and Tennessee. These analyses examine experiences of gender-related enacted stigma in association with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis functioning. Among those experiencing the highest levels of enacted stigma, findings show a blunted cortisol awakening response and sluggish daily decline that resulted in elevated concentrations at bedtime compared to those experiencing less enacted stigma. These results of flattened diurnal activity are consistent with an emergent literature on discrimination as a social determinant of potential stress pathophysiology. In contrast, community connectedness was associated with a larger, more dynamic cortisol awakening response. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating gender-minority stress and resilience measures when studying HPA-axis functioning among TGD people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Zachary DuBois
- Department of Anthropology, 1218 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, United States.
| | - Jae A Puckett
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, 316 Physics Road, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States.
| | - Dee Jolly
- Department of Anthropology, 1218 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, United States.
| | - Sally Powers
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, 135 Hicks Way, Amherst, MA 01003, United States.
| | - Tian Walker
- Department of Anthropology, 1218 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, United States.
| | - Debra A Hope
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 238 Burnette Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588, United States; Office of Graduate Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, United States.
| | - Richard Mocarski
- Office of Research, San José State University, One Washington Square, San José, CA, United States.
| | - T Zachary Huit
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 238 Burnette Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588, United States
| | - Brenna R Lash
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 238 Burnette Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588, United States
| | - Natalie Holt
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 238 Burnette Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588, United States
| | - Allura Ralston
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 238 Burnette Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588, United States
| | - Makinna Miles
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, 160 SW 26th St, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - A Capannola
- Department of Child & Family Studies, The University of Tennessee at Knoxville, 1215 W. Cumberland Ave., Knoxville, TN 37996, United States.
| | - Clove Tipton
- Department of Sociology, The University of Tennessee at Knoxville, 901 McClung Tower, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States.
| | - Geeta Eick
- Department of Anthropology, 1218 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, United States
| | - Robert-Paul Juster
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331 Hochelaga, FS-145-12, Montreal, Quebec H1N 3V2, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mazaheri S, Zendehdel M, Haghparast A. Restraint stress potentiates sensitivity to the antinociceptive effect of morphine through orexin receptors in the ventral tegmental area. Neuropeptides 2023; 101:102353. [PMID: 37385145 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2023.102353] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Orexin signaling in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) plays a critical role in stress and addictive behaviors. On the other hand, exposure to stress potentiates behavioral sensitization to drugs of abuse such as morphine. This study aimed to elucidate the role of orexin receptors within the VTA in restraint stress (RS)-induced morphine sensitization. Adult male albino Wistar rats underwent stereotaxic surgery, and two stainless steel guide cannulae were bilaterally implanted into the VTA. Different doses of SB334867 or TCS OX2 29 as orexin-1 (OX1) and orexin-2 (OX2) receptor antagonists were microinjected into the VTA five min before exposure to RS, respectively. A duration of three hours was considered for applying the RS, and 10 min after RS exposure, animals received a subcutaneous injection of an ineffective dose of morphine (1 mg/kg) for three consecutive days followed by a five-day drug/stress-free period. On the ninth day, the tail-flick test evaluated the sensitivity to the antinociceptive effects of morphine. The results demonstrated that the sole application of RS or morphine (1 mg/kg) could not induce morphine sensitization; however, concurrent application of RS and morphine could induce morphine sensitization. Besides, intra-VTA administration of OX1 R or OX2 R antagonists before paired administration of morphine and RS blocked morphine sensitization. The role of OX1 R and OX2 R in the induction of stress-induced morphine sensitization was almost identical. This study provides new insight into the role of orexin signaling in the VTA in the potentiation of morphine sensitization induced by RS and morphine co-administration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Mazaheri
- Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Zendehdel
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Haghparast
- Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; School of Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Basic Sciences, Iranian Academy of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Karunyam BV, Abdul Karim AK, Naina Mohamed I, Ugusman A, Mohamed WMY, Faizal AM, Abu MA, Kumar J. Infertility and cortisol: a systematic review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1147306. [PMID: 37455908 PMCID: PMC10344356 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1147306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Stress and infertility form a complex relationship. In line with this, various stress-related biological markers have been investigated in infertility. Methods This systematic review was performed using PRISMA guidelines (i) to report whether cortisol is highly present in infertile patients compared to fertile control; (ii) to report whether there is any significant difference in the cortisol level in infertile subjects that conceive and those that didn't at the end of assisted reproduction treatments. Original articles involving human (male and female) as subjects were extracted from four electronic databases, including the list of references from the published papers. Sixteen original full-length articles involving male (4), female (11), and both genders (1) were included. Results Findings from studies that compared the cortisol level between infertile and fertile subjects indicate that (i) Male: three studies reported elevated cortisol level in infertile patients and one found no significant difference; (ii) Female: four studies reported increased cortisol level in infertile subjects and three studies found no significant difference. Findings from studies that measured the cortisol level from infertile patients that conceived and those that didn't indicate that (i) Male: one study reported no significant difference; (ii) Female: one study reported elevated cortisol in infertile patients that conceived, whereas two studies reported increased cortisol in infertile patients that was unable to conceive. Five studies found no significant difference between the groups. Discussion In the present review we only included the cortisol value that was measured prior to stimulation or IVF treatment or during natural or spontaneous cycles, despite this, there are still variations in the sampling period, assessment techniques and patients' characteristics. Hence, at present, we are still unable to conclude that cortisol is significantly elevated in infertile patients. We warrant future studies to standardize the time of biological sample collection and other limitations that were addressed in the review to negate the unwanted influencing factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bheena Vyshali Karunyam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Abdul Kadir Abdul Karim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Isa Naina Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Azizah Ugusman
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wael M. Y. Mohamed
- Basic Medical Science Department, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt
| | - Ahmad Mohd Faizal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Azrai Abu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jaya Kumar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chubar V, Vaessen T, Noortgate WVD, Lutin E, Bosmans G, Bekaert B, Van Leeuwen K, Calders F, Weyn S, Bijttebier P, Goossens L, Claes S. Mild daily stress, in interaction with NR3C1 DNA methylation levels, is linked to alterations in the HPA axis and ANS response to acute stress in early adolescents. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 150:106045. [PMID: 36796155 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Daily Hassles (DH) or daily stress - is a mild type of stressor with unique contributions to psychological distress. Yet, most prior studies that investigate the effects of stressful life experiences focus on childhood trauma or on early life stress and little is known about the effects of DH on epigenetic changes in stress system related genes and on the physiological response to social stressors. METHODS In the present study, conducted among 101 early adolescents (mean age = 11.61; SD = 0.64), we investigated whether Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) (namely heart rate and heart rate variability) and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis functioning (measured as cortisol stress reactivity and recovery) are associated with DNA methylation (DNAm) in the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1), the level of DH and their interaction. To assess the stress system functioning the TSST protocol was used. RESULTS Our findings show that higher NR3C1 DNAm in interaction with higher levels of daily hassles, is associated with blunted HPA axis reactivity to psychosocial stress. In addition, higher levels of DH are associated with extended HPA axis stress recovery. In addition, participants with higher NR3C1 DNAm had lower ANS adaptability to stress, specifically lower parasympathetic withdrawal; for heart rate variability this effect was strongest for participants with higher level of DH. CONCLUSIONS The observation that interaction effects between NR3C1 DNAm levels and daily stress on the functioning of the stress-systems, are already detectable in young adolescents, highlights the importance of early interventions, not only in the case of trauma, but also daily stress. This might help to prevent stress-induced mental and physical disorders later in life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Chubar
- Mind-Body Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Thomas Vaessen
- Mind-Body Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Center for Contextual Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wim Van den Noortgate
- Methodology of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences & itec, an imec research group at KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Erika Lutin
- ESAT Electrical Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; imec-Belgium, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Guy Bosmans
- Department of Clinical Psychology, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bram Bekaert
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics and Molecular Archaeology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Imaging & Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karla Van Leeuwen
- Parenting and Special Education Research Unit, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Filip Calders
- Parenting and Special Education Research Unit, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sofie Weyn
- School Psychology and Development in Context, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patricia Bijttebier
- School Psychology and Development in Context, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luc Goossens
- School Psychology and Child and Adolescent Development Research Unit, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stephan Claes
- Mind-Body Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; University Psychiatric Center KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang S, Zhang C, Sun M, Zhang D, Luo Y, Liang K, Xu T, Pan X, Zheng R, Shangguan F, Wang J. Effectiveness of mindfulness training on pregnancy stress and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in women in China: A multicenter randomized controlled trial. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1073494. [PMID: 36935954 PMCID: PMC10018028 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1073494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In the past two decades, mindfulness-based intervention programs have gradually become popular.Many studies have confirmed that these programs can effectively alleviate prenatal stress and negative emotion.The mindfulness-based stress-buffering hypothesis suggests that mindfulness training can induce changes in the levels of the cortisol secreted by the HPA axis, thereby reducing stress susceptibility. However, to date, only a few high-quality evidence-based medical studies have analyzed the effect of the mindfulness-based intervention in a maternal population.Thus, this study investigated the effects of a mindfulness-based psychosomatic intervention on pregnancy stress and the HYPERLINK "javascript:;" hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis of pregnant Chinese women. Methods Women experiencing first-time pregnancy (n = 117) were randomly allocated to the intervention group or parallel active control group, and data were collected at baseline and post-intervention periods. The participants completed questionnaires regarding mindfulness and pregnancy stress. Saliva samples was collected at the time of waking up, and 30, 45, and 60 min after waking up for analyzing the salivary cortisol levels. We analyzed differences between the two groups and changes within the same group before and after the intervention. Results and discussion A total of 95 participants completed the trial. Compared with the parallel active control group, the intervention group exhibited lower levels of stress after the intervention (P = 0.047). For HPA-axis-related indicators after the intervention, Delta value (P = 0.01) and AUCM value (P = 0.031) of the intervention group were significantly higher than that of the control group. Mindfulness-based interventions effectively reduced the level of pregnancy stress and adjusted the HPA axis function in pregnant women in China. Clinical Trial Registration https://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR 2000033149.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shulei Wang
- National Center for Women and Children’s Health, China CDC, Beijing, China
- Yantai Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Fengtai Mental Health Center, Beijing, China
- School of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Mengyun Sun
- National Center for Women and Children’s Health, China CDC, Beijing, China
| | - Daming Zhang
- Shanxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Ying Luo
- Shandong Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Kairu Liang
- Sichuan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tao Xu
- National Center for Women and Children’s Health, China CDC, Beijing, China
| | - XiaoPing Pan
- National Center for Women and Children’s Health, China CDC, Beijing, China
| | - Ruimin Zheng
- National Center for Women and Children’s Health, China CDC, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Ruimin Zheng,
| | - Fangfang Shangguan
- School of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
- Fangfang Shangguan,
| | - Jia Wang
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Jia Wang,
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hu W, Zhao X, Liu Y, Ren Y, Wei Z, Tang Z, Tian Y, Sun Y, Yang J. Reward sensitivity modulates the brain reward pathway in stress resilience via the inherent neuroendocrine system. Neurobiol Stress 2022; 20:100485. [PMID: 36132434 PMCID: PMC9483565 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In the previous 10 years, researchers have suggested a critical role for the brain reward system in stress resilience. However, no study has provided an empirical link between activity in the mesostriatal reward regions during stress and the recovery of cortisol stress response. Moreover, although reward sensitivity as a trait has been demonstrated to promote stress resilience, it remains unclear whether it modulates the brain reward system in stress resilience and how this effect is achieved by the inherent neuroendocrine system. To investigate these uncertainties, 70 young adults were recruited to participate in a ScanSTRESS task, and their brain imaging data and saliva samples (for cortisol assay) were collected during the task. In addition, we assessed reward sensitivity, cortisol awakening response, and intrinsic functional connectivity of the brain in all the participants. We found that left putamen activation during stress exposure positively predicted cortisol recovery. In addition, reward sensitivity was positively linked with activation of the left putamen, and this relationship was serially mediated by the cortisol awakening response and right hippocampus-left inferior frontal gyrus intrinsic connectivity. These findings suggest that reward sensitivity modulates reward pathways in stress resilience through the interplay of the diurnal stress response system and network of the hippocampus-prefrontal circuitry. Summarily, the current study built a model to highlight the dynamic and multifaceted interaction between pertinent allostatic factors in the reward-resilience pathway and uncovered new insight into the resilience function of the mesostriatal reward system during stress. Cortisol recovery can be predicted by activation of the left putamen in stress. Activation of the left putamen was positively linked with reward sensitivity. This relationship was serially mediated by the cortisol awakening response and right hippocampus-left inferior frontal gyrus intrinsic coupling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiyu Hu
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.,Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Xiaolin Zhao
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.,Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yadong Liu
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.,Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yipeng Ren
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.,Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Zhenni Wei
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.,Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Zihan Tang
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.,Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yun Tian
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.,Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yadong Sun
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Juan Yang
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.,Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Demakakos P, Steptoe A. Adverse childhood experiences and diurnal cortisol patterns in older people in England. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 142:105798. [PMID: 35576878 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) are associated with HPA axis dysregulation at younger ages, but there is scarcity of evidence for this association at older ages. To add to our knowledge of the lifetime impact of ACE on HPA axis function, we examined whether ACE were associated with diurnal cortisol patterns in a national sample of 587 participants (356 women) aged 55-79 years from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). We conducted descriptive analyses and estimated sex-specific robust regression models of the associations between the 8-item summary ACE score and four measurements of salivary cortisol over a 24-h cycle (upon waking, 30 min later, at 7 pm, and at bedtime) as well as the cortisol awakening response (CAR) and the diurnal cortisol slope. Our models were adjusted for age, then for childhood socioeconomic position and finally for adult socioeconomic position. In men, we found significant differences that were independent of covariates, with more ACE being associated with lower salivary cortisol levels on waking, a greater CAR, and a flatter diurnal cortisol slope. In women, we observed a graded association between ACE and increased 7 pm salivary cortisol levels. Our findings indicate that childhood adversity is related to HPA axis in older people, especially men. The chronological distance (on average >50 years) between ACE and salivary cortisol levels suggests the existence of a lifelong association between childhood adversity and HPA axis and neuroendocrine function. Notwithstanding sex differences, based on our findings we suggest that HPA axis dysregulation could be a pathway that mediates the association between ACE and chronic disease later in life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panayotes Demakakos
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 6BT, UK,.
| | - Andrew Steptoe
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Giglberger M, Peter HL, Kraus E, Kreuzpointner L, Zänkert S, Henze GI, Bärtl C, Konzok J, Kirsch P, Rietschel M, Kudielka BM, Wüst S. Daily life stress and the cortisol awakening response over a 13-months stress period - Findings from the LawSTRESS project. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 141:105771. [PMID: 35489313 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The LawSTRESS project is a controlled prospective-longitudinal study on psychological, endocrine, central nervous and genetic predictors of responses to long-lasting academic stress in a homogenous cohort. In this first project report, we focused on the association between daily life stress and the cortisol awakening response (CAR). The CAR, a distinct cortisol rise in the first 30-45 min after morning awakening, is a well-established marker of cortisol regulation in psychoneuroendocrinology. Law students from Bavarian universities (total n = 452) have been studied over a 13-months period at six sampling points starting 12 months prior exam. The stress group (SG) consisted of students experiencing a long-lasting and significant stress period, namely the preparation for the first state examination for law students. Law students assigned to the control group (CG) were studied over an equally long period without particular and sustained stress exposure. To investigate stress related alterations in the CAR, we examined a subsample of the LawSTRESS project consisting of 204 students with 97 participants from the SG (69.1% female, mean age = 22.84 ± 1.82) and 107 from the CG (78.5% female, mean age = 20.95 ± 1.93). At each sampling point, saliva samples for cortisol assessment were collected immediately upon awakening and 30 as well as 45 min later. Perceived stress in daily life was measured by repeated ambulatory assessments (about 100 queries over six sampling points). The time course of perceived stress levels in the two groups differed significantly, with the SG showing an increase in perceived stress until the exam and a decrease thereafter. Stress levels in the CG were relatively stable. The CAR was not significantly different between groups at baseline. However, a blunted CAR in the SG compared to the baseline measure and to the CG developed over the measurement timepoints and reached significance during the exam. Remarkably, this effect was neither associated with the increase in perceived stress nor with anxiety and depression symptoms, test anxiety and chronic stress at baseline. The present study successfully assessed multidimensional stress trajectories over 13 months and it documented the significant burden, law students preparing for the first state examination are exposed to. This period was related to a blunted CAR with presumed physiological consequences (e.g., on energy metabolism and immune function). Mean psychological stress levels as well as the CAR returned to baseline levels after the exam, suggesting a fast recovery in the majority of the participants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Giglberger
- Department of Psychology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hannah L Peter
- Department of Psychology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Kraus
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Sport Science, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Sandra Zänkert
- Department of Psychology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Christoph Bärtl
- Department of Psychology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Julian Konzok
- Department of Psychology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Peter Kirsch
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcella Rietschel
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Wüst
- Department of Psychology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ma L, Liu X, Yan N, Gan Y, Wu Y, Li Y, Chu M, Chiu DT, Ma L. Associations Between Different Cortisol Measures and Adiposity in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Nutr 2022; 9:879256. [PMID: 35811977 PMCID: PMC9260431 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.879256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined associations between hair, salivary, serum, and urinary cortisol concentration with adiposity-related indicators in children, and explored their potential effects modification by age, sex, cortisol measurement method, and country developmental context. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase for studies examining at least one of the four aforementioned cortisol with objectively measured adiposity-related outcomes in children. Meta-analyses of cross-sectional studies revealed that hair cortisol concentration was associated with fat mass index (FMI)-standard deviation score (SDS)/FMI z-score (pooled-β = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.08) and BMI/BMI z-score (pooled-β = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.25), and these associations were significant among children aged ≤ 12 years (pooled-β = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.26) and >12 years (pooled-β = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.22), children from developed countries (pooled β = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.21) and developing countries (pooled-β = 0.193, 95% CI: 0.188, 0.198), and in studies extracting cortisol via LC-MS/MS (pooled-β = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.29) but not ELISA (pooled-β = 0.08, 95% CI: −0.06, 0.22). Meta-analyses of both cohort and cross-sectional studies revealed non-significant associations of morning salivary cortisol concentration and total daily cortisol output with BMI/BMI z-score. Serum cortisol concentration was not associated with BMI or waist circumference. Meta-analysis of urinary cortisol concentration and adiposity was hindered by insufficient data. These findings further corroborate understanding of chronic stress’ physiological contribution to increased pediatric obesity risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Ma
- School of Public Health, Global Health Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, China
| | - Xi Liu
- School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Na Yan
- School of Public Health, Global Health Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, China
| | - Yiqun Gan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi’an, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, Xi’an, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Meng Chu
- School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, China
| | - Dorothy T. Chiu
- Community Health Sciences Division, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Dorothy T. Chiu,
| | - Le Ma
- School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, China
- Le Ma,
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Fernández-Serrano AB, Moya-Faz FJ, Giner Alegría CA, Fernández Rodríguez JC. Negative correlation between IL-1β, IL-12 and TNF-γ, and cortisol levels in patients with panic disorder. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2624. [PMID: 35588458 PMCID: PMC9226804 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic exposure to stress is a major risk factor in anxiety disorders (ADs) and can be accompanied by an altered microbiome-gut-brain axis and a compromised immune system. In recent years, the study of inflammatory processes in AD has gained special attention. Continued stress causes the reactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the alteration of the intestinal microbiota and the consequent release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, affecting the sensitivity to stress and the similar behavior of anxiety. METHOD The aim of the present study was to evaluate the interrelationships between measures of proinflammatory cytokines and cortisol in patients with panic disorder (PD). RESULTS The main results of the correlation analysis revealed that the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor gamma were negatively correlated with cortisol scores (area under the curve with respect to the ground). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the inflammatory response is associated with the reactivity of the HPA axis in patients with PD and may influence the maintenance of anxiety behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Francisco José Moya-Faz
- Chair of Psychogeriatrics, Department of Health Sciences, Universidad Católica de Murcia UCAM, Murcia, Spain
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Fernández-Serrano AB, Moya-Faz FJ, Giner Alegría CA, Fernández Rodríguez JC, Soriano Guilabert JF, del Toro Mellado M. Effects of hydrogen water and psychological treatment in a sample of women with panic disorder: a randomized and controlled clinical trial. Health Psychol Res 2022; 10:35468. [DOI: 10.52965/001c.35468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Research suggests that inflammation is an important mediator in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders. In addition, women are more likely to develop an anxiety and depression disorder, in comorbidity with a wide spectrum of diseases related to the immune system. In recent years, hydrogen-rich water has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy to prevent and intervene in stress-related disorders, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study aims to analyze the effects of psychological treatment and a hydrogen-rich drink on the severity of anxiety and depression, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, the cortisol awakening response, and general health state in a sample of women with panic disorder. This is a completely randomized, placebo-controlled study. The treatment group simultaneously received psychological treatment and 1.5 L of hydrogenated water for three months, compared to the control group that received psychological treatment and placebo. The results show that the treatment group was not significantly better than the control group. But there was a further reduction in measured pro-inflammatory cytokine scores, improving body pain and physical health. When between-group treatment effects were removed, psychological treatment significantly decreased measured variables, including cytokines and cortisol. The results support the presence of a maladaptive inflammatory process in women with panic disorder.
Collapse
|
17
|
Early AS, Smith EL, Neupert SD. Age, education, and political involvement differences in daily election-related stress. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-10. [PMID: 35669213 PMCID: PMC9145111 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-02979-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Stress in daily life is rather common, but elections can present unique challenges. Evaluating the impact of individual characteristics, behaviors, and political beliefs on stress processes is imperative to understanding how elections influence psychological well-being. Exploring how these individual and behavioral characteristics interacted to predict exposure to election-related stressors, we hypothesized that age, education, and past socio-political involvement would be associated with exposure to election-related stressors. In the 2018 U.S. Midterm Election Stress Coping and Prevention Every Day (ESCAPED) study, 140 participants in the United States and territories aged 19-86 were recruited through Amazon's Mechanical Turk for a 30-day daily diary study. Collectively, participants completed a total of 1196 reports between October 15, 2018 and November 13, 2018. The midterm election was November 6, 2018. Each day, participants reported on past political participation, election stress anticipation, and exposure to election-related stressors. Confirming our hypothesis, on days when people were more politically active and on days when stress anticipation increased, exposure to election-related stressors increased. Age differences in exposure depended on political activity in the last 24 h, with older adults exhibiting a steeper increase in exposure following political activity, especially if they were highly educated. However, higher education was protective against election-related stressors among younger adults even with increases in political activity. Individuals' experiences, characteristics, and daily decisions influence the likelihood of exposure to election-related stressors. Additionally, for younger adults, education may function as a protective factor when they engage in political activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra S. Early
- Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, Box 7650, 27695-7650 Raleigh, NC USA
| | - Emily L. Smith
- Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, Box 7650, 27695-7650 Raleigh, NC USA
| | - Shevaun D. Neupert
- Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, Box 7650, 27695-7650 Raleigh, NC USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Koudela-Hamila S, Smyth J, Santangelo P, Ebner-Priemer U. Examination stress in academic students: a multimodal, real-time, real-life investigation of reported stress, social contact, blood pressure, and cortisol. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2022; 70:1047-1058. [PMID: 32669059 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1784906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ObjectiveAcademic examinations are a frequent and significant source of student stress, but multimodal, psychophysiological studies are still missing. Participants & methods: Psychological and physiological variables were assessed on 154 undergraduate students in daily life using e-diaries resp. blood pressure devices at the beginning of the semester, and again before an examination. Results: Multilevel analysis revealed lower calmness, more negative valence, higher task-related stress, higher demands, lower perceived control, lower frequency of social contact, and a higher desire to be alone during the examination period (all p values < .0001), as well as lower ambulatory systolic blood pressure (p = .004), heightened cortisol at awakening (p = .021), and a smaller increase in cortisol (p = .012). Conclusions: Our study revealed empirical evidence that examination periods are not only associated with indicators of dysphoria, stress, and social withdrawal but also by altered physiological processes, which might reflect anticipatory stress and withdrawal effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Koudela-Hamila
- Department of Applied Psychology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Joshua Smyth
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - Philip Santangelo
- Department of Applied Psychology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Ulrich Ebner-Priemer
- Department of Applied Psychology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Koudela-Hamila S, Santangelo PS, Ebner-Priemer UW, Schlotz W. Under Which Circumstances Does Academic Workload Lead to Stress? J PSYCHOPHYSIOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1027/0269-8803/a000293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. Academic stress is associated with a wide range of adverse outcomes, including detrimental effects on mental health, achievement, and well-being. Numerous studies have shown an association between the cortisol awakening response (CAR) and various health and risk factors. Some studies revealed a protective function of the CAR as a stress buffer preventing the stress system from overshooting. We investigated the moderating effect of the CAR on the within-subject association between academic workload and academic stress in participants’ daily lives using ambulatory assessment. We assessed 77 undergraduate university participants for 2 days at the beginning of the semester and approximately 3 months later, individually starting one week before an exam. Participants provided academic stress and academic workload ratings hourly during their waking time using smartphone-based e-diaries and salivary cortisol samples at awakening as well as 30, 45, and 60 min later on two consecutive days during each of the assessment waves. Average within-subject associations between academic workload and academic stress were analyzed using multilevel models. Interactions with indicators of the cortisol awakening response (CAR) were included to test moderating effects of the CAR on the workload-stress associations. There was a significant positive within-subject association between academic workload and academic stress. Significant cross-level interactions showed a moderating effect of the CAR on this association. The results point out the importance of the CAR in the regulation of the workload-stress associations in academic life and underscore the relevance of investigating the influence of specific stressor-dependent reciprocal effects of the CAR on learning and experienced stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Koudela-Hamila
- Department of Applied Psychology, Karlsruher Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Philip S. Santangelo
- Department of Applied Psychology, Karlsruher Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Ulrich W. Ebner-Priemer
- Department of Applied Psychology, Karlsruher Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Wolff Schlotz
- Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Schumacher S, Engel S, Niemeyer H, Küster A, Burchert S, Skoluda N, Rau H, Nater UM, Willmund GD, Knaevelsrud C. Salivary Cortisol and Alpha-Amylase in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Their Potential Role in the Evaluation of Cognitive Behavioral Treatment Outcomes. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:78-89. [PMID: 34022094 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in HPA-axis and autonomic nervous system activity have been associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) development and maintenance and are potentially associated with trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) outcomes. We examined the role of salivary cortisol (sCort) and alpha-amylase (sAA) in PTSD and TF-CBT outcomes in German Armed Forces service members (N = 100). Participants categorized as PTSD patients (n = 39), previously deployed healthy controls (n = 33), and nondeployed healthy controls (n = 28) provided diurnal profiles of sCort and sAA; PTSD patients provided samples before, immediately after, and 3 months after an internet-based TF-CBT intervention. No group differences emerged regarding total daily sCort and sAA output or daily slopes, ps = .224-.897, fs = 0.05-0.24. Participants with PTSD demonstrated a significantly attenuated sCort awakening response compared to deployed, p = .021, d = 0.59, but not nondeployed controls, p = .918, d = 0.08. Moreover, a significantly steeper sAA awakening response emerged in PTSD patients, p = .034, d = 0.67, and deployed controls, p = .014, d = 0.80, compared to nondeployed controls. From pretreatment to posttreatment (n = 21) and posttreatment to follow-up (n = 14), stable sCort, ps = .282-.628, fs = 0.34-0.49, and sAA concentrations, ps = .068-.758, fs = 0.24-1.13 paralleled a nonsignificant treatment effect. Both PTSD and trauma exposure were associated with alterations in awakening responses, but further investigation is needed to determine whether the observed correspondence remains when PTSD symptoms significantly decline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Schumacher
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Health, HMU Health and Medical University Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Sinha Engel
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Helen Niemeyer
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annika Küster
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Burchert
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nadine Skoluda
- Department of Clinical Psychology of Adulthood, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heinrich Rau
- Psychotrauma Centre, German Armed Forces Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Urs M Nater
- Department of Clinical Psychology of Adulthood, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Christine Knaevelsrud
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Den Ouden L, Suo C, Albertella L, Greenwood LM, Lee RSC, Fontenelle LF, Parkes L, Tiego J, Chamberlain SR, Richardson K, Segrave R, Yücel M. Transdiagnostic phenotypes of compulsive behavior and associations with psychological, cognitive, and neurobiological affective processing. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:10. [PMID: 35013101 PMCID: PMC8748429 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01773-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Compulsivity is a poorly understood transdiagnostic construct thought to underlie multiple disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, addictions, and binge eating. Our current understanding of the causes of compulsive behavior remains primarily based on investigations into specific diagnostic categories or findings relying on one or two laboratory measures to explain complex phenotypic variance. This proof-of-concept study drew on a heterogeneous sample of community-based individuals (N = 45; 18-45 years; 25 female) exhibiting compulsive behavioral patterns in alcohol use, eating, cleaning, checking, or symmetry. Data-driven statistical modeling of multidimensional markers was utilized to identify homogeneous subtypes that were independent of traditional clinical phenomenology. Markers were based on well-defined measures of affective processing and included psychological assessment of compulsivity, behavioral avoidance, and stress, neurocognitive assessment of reward vs. punishment learning, and biological assessment of the cortisol awakening response. The neurobiological validity of the subtypes was assessed using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Statistical modeling identified three stable, distinct subtypes of compulsivity and affective processing, which we labeled "Compulsive Non-Avoidant", "Compulsive Reactive" and "Compulsive Stressed". They differed meaningfully on validation measures of mood, intolerance of uncertainty, and urgency. Most importantly, subtypes captured neurobiological variance on amygdala-based resting-state functional connectivity, suggesting they were valid representations of underlying neurobiology and highlighting the relevance of emotion-related brain networks in compulsive behavior. Although independent larger samples are needed to confirm the stability of subtypes, these data offer an integrated understanding of how different systems may interact in compulsive behavior and provide new considerations for guiding tailored intervention decisions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Den Ouden
- BrainPark, The Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.
| | - Chao Suo
- BrainPark, The Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Lucy Albertella
- BrainPark, The Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Lisa-Marie Greenwood
- BrainPark, The Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Research School of Psychology, ANU College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Rico S C Lee
- BrainPark, The Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Leonardo F Fontenelle
- BrainPark, The Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education and Anxiety, Obsessive, Compulsive Research Program, Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Linden Parkes
- BrainPark, The Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering & Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jeggan Tiego
- Neural Systems and Behaviour Lab, The Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Samuel R Chamberlain
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Karyn Richardson
- BrainPark, The Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Rebecca Segrave
- BrainPark, The Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Murat Yücel
- BrainPark, The Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Huo M, Han SH, Kim K, Choi J. Functional Limitations, Volunteering, and Diurnal Cortisol Patterns in Older Adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 76:1893-1903. [PMID: 32692814 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbaa104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Older adults often experience functional limitations that affect their everyday lives, but many of them continue to make positive contributions to society and benefit from these contributions themselves. We examine (a) whether older adults' functional limitations are associated with diurnal cortisol patterns and (b) whether these associations vary on volunteering days versus nonvolunteering days. METHODS Participants were adults aged older than 60 years (N = 435) from the National Study of Daily Experiences, part of the Midlife in the United States Study. They completed an initial interview on functional limitations and background characteristics, indicated volunteering activities in daily interviews, and also provided salivary samples across 4 days. RESULTS Multilevel models showed that older adults with greater functional limitations exhibited dysregulated cortisol awakening responses and diurnal cortisol slopes throughout the rest of the day, compared to older adults with lower limitations. Yet, we also observed a significant moderating effect of volunteering on these associations. DISCUSSION This study advances our understanding of functional limitations and cortisol stress responses, revealing the benefits of volunteering to older adults who experience these limitations. Rather than treating these older adults solely as care recipients, interventions should offer them opportunities to help others.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Huo
- Department of Human Ecology, University of California, Davis
| | - Sae Hwang Han
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Kyungmin Kim
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston
| | - Jean Choi
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Grupe DW, Stoller JL, Alonso C, McGehee C, Smith C, Mumford JA, Rosenkranz MA, Davidson RJ. The Impact of Mindfulness Training on Police Officer Stress, Mental Health, and Salivary Cortisol Levels. Front Psychol 2021; 12:720753. [PMID: 34539521 PMCID: PMC8448191 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.720753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Unaddressed occupational stress and trauma contribute to elevated rates of mental illness and suicide in policing, and to violent and aggressive behavior that disproportionately impacts communities of color. Emerging evidence suggests mindfulness training with police may reduce stress and aggression and improve mental health, but there is limited evidence for changes in biological outcomes or the lasting benefits of mindfulness training. We conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 114 police officers from three Midwestern U.S. law enforcement agencies. We assessed stress-related physical and mental health symptoms, blood-based inflammatory markers, and hair and salivary cortisol. Participants were then randomized to an 8-week mindfulness intervention or waitlist control (WLC), and the same assessments were repeated post-intervention and at 3-month follow-up. Relative to waitlist control, the mindfulness group had greater improvements in psychological distress, mental health symptoms, and sleep quality post-training, gains that were maintained at 3-month follow-up. Intervention participants also had a significantly lower cortisol awakening response (CAR) at 3-month follow-up relative to waitlist control. Contrary to hypotheses, there were no intervention effects on hair cortisol, diurnal cortisol slope, or inflammatory markers. In summary, an 8-week mindfulness intervention for police officers led to self-reported improvements in distress, mental health, and sleep, and a lower CAR. These benefits persisted (or emerged) at 3-month follow-up, suggesting that this training may buffer against the long-term consequences of chronic stress. Future research should assess the persistence of these benefits over a longer period while expanding the scope of outcomes to consider the broader community of mindfulness training for police. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov#NCT03488875.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Grupe
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jonah L Stoller
- Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
| | | | - Chad McGehee
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Department of Athletics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Chris Smith
- Academy for Mindfulness, Glendale, WI, United States
| | - Jeanette A Mumford
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Melissa A Rosenkranz
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Richard J Davidson
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Deer LK, Shields GS, Alen NV, Hostinar CE. Curvilinear associations between family income in early childhood and the cortisol awakening response in adolescence. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 129:105237. [PMID: 34004490 PMCID: PMC9286487 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Previous evidence on cortisol output and socioeconomic status (SES) has been mixed, with studies finding that lower SES can be associated with higher or lower cortisol output, and null associations have also been reported. We hypothesized that these inconsistencies may be due to an underlying curvilinear, inverted-U pattern of association, such that low income is related to increased likelihood of both low and high cortisol output. We tested these curvilinear links among family income and cortisol indices in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (N = 803). Maternal reports of family income when the study children were 33 and 47 months of age were averaged to estimate early-childhood family income. Three cortisol indices were derived from samples collected in adolescence (15.5 years of age): the cortisol awakening response (CAR), area under the curve (AUC) cortisol, and the diurnal cortisol slope. As hypothesized, the CAR exhibited a curvilinear, inverted-U relation with childhood income, with low childhood income being associated with both the lowest and the highest CARs. These findings suggest that discrepancies in prior findings on low SES and the CAR may be due to curvilinear patterns of association. However, childhood income was not significantly associated with adolescent cortisol diurnal slope or AUC. Future work should clarify the factors that might predispose to high versus low CAR given equivalent low SES in childhood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- LillyBelle K Deer
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, CA, United States; Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, United States.
| | - Grant S Shields
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Nicholas V Alen
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, CA, United States; Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Camelia E Hostinar
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, CA, United States; Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Evidence of anticipatory immune and hormonal responses to predation risk in an echinoderm. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10691. [PMID: 34021182 PMCID: PMC8139958 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89805-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent efforts have been devoted to the link between responses to non-physical stressors and immune states in animals, mostly using human and other vertebrate models. Despite evolutionary relevance, comparatively limited work on the appraisal of predation risk and aspects of cognitive ecology and ecoimmunology has been carried out in non-chordate animals. The present study explored the capacity of holothuroid echinoderms to display an immune response to both reactive and anticipatory predatory stressors. Experimental trials and a mix of behavioural, cellular and hormonal markers were used, with a focus on coelomocytes (analogues of mammalian leukocytes), which are the main components of the echinoderm innate immunity. Findings suggest that holothuroids can not only appraise threatening cues (i.e. scent of a predator or alarm signals from injured conspecifics) but prepare themselves immunologically, presumably to cope more efficiently with potential future injuries. The responses share features with recently defined central emotional states and wane after prolonged stress in a manner akin to habituation, which are traits that have rarely been shown in non-vertebrates, and never in echinoderms. Because echinoderms sit alongside chordates in the deuterostome clade, such findings offer unique insights into the adaptive value and evolution of stress responses in animals.
Collapse
|
26
|
Naya CH, Zink J, Huh J, Dunton GF, Belcher BR. Examining the same-day relationship between morning cortisol after awakening, perceived stress in the morning, and physical activity in youth. Stress 2021; 24:338-347. [PMID: 32840163 PMCID: PMC7904965 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2020.1804852] [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] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Most children in the United States currently do not meet physical activity (PA) guidelines, and perceived stress is a known barrier against PA. However, most studies have solely focused on the between-subject (BS) association of stress and PA, whereas the within-subject (WS) relationship remains under-studied in children. This limits our understanding of day-level psychosocial factors that influence children's PA engagement. This study assessed the same-day associations of the Morning Cortisol after Awakening (MCA) and morning perceived stress with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in children using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) methodologies. The analytic sample consisted of 143 children from Los Angeles in the Mothers and Their Children's Health (MATCH) study. Children collected four saliva samples and wore accelerometers to assess MVPA minutes across four days (two weekdays and two weekend days) during each data collection wave. On weekend days, they also answered a mobile phone EMA survey on perceived stress within 1 h of awakening. Data from four assessment waves, each approximately six months apart, were combined and analyzed cross-sectionally. Multilevel modeling, which adjusts for the nested data structure, was used to test the same-day associations of MCA and weekend morning perceived stress with MVPA. On weekend days when morning perceived stress was higher than usual, participants engaged in more MVPA on the same day (β = 0.79, SE = 0.32, p = 0.02), but no association was found between MCA and MVPA. These findings elucidate same-day factors that predict MVPA in children and inform future WS studies on stress and PA.HighlightIt is unknown how stress influences children's daily activity levels. We tested if two types of stress (self-reported and saliva-measured) are related to children's daily activity. We found that self-reported stress is associated with physical activity, but saliva-measured stress is not.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine H. Naya
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Jennifer Zink
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Jimi Huh
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Genevieve F. Dunton
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, SGM 501, 3620 S. McClintock Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Britni R. Belcher
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Gallea JI, Medrano LA, Morera LP. Work-Related Mental Health Issues in Graduate Student Population. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:593562. [PMID: 33867910 PMCID: PMC8049290 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.593562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The scientific and educational community is becoming increasingly aware of the impact of current academic working conditions on graduate students' mental health and how this is affecting scientific progress and ultimately society as a whole. Our study aimed to shed light on the work-related mental health issues affecting graduate students, providing a comprehensive research work including psychological and biological assessment. Our findings showed that a sizeable number of graduate student present anxiety, depression, or high burnout and that the time spent in academia plays an important role. The graduate student population displayed a specific work-related mental health issues profile with an altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and low levels of work engagement. Finally, graduate students were equally stressed, with less work engagement, and more anxious and depressed than general workers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Ignacio Gallea
- Instituto de Organizaciones Saludables, Universidad Siglo 21, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Leonardo Adrián Medrano
- Instituto de Organizaciones Saludables, Universidad Siglo 21, Córdoba, Argentina
- Vicerrectoria de Investigación, Pontifica Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic
| | - Luis Pedro Morera
- Instituto de Organizaciones Saludables, Universidad Siglo 21, Córdoba, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Yagihashi M, Kano M, Muratsubaki T, Morishita J, Kono K, Tanaka Y, Kanazawa M, Fukudo S. Concordant pattern of the HPA axis response to visceral stimulation and CRH administration. Neurosci Res 2021; 168:32-40. [PMID: 33785411 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The physiological and psychological mechanisms explaining the individual variability in the stress response are poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that hypothalamic-pituitary- adrenal (HPA) axis responses to colorectal stimulation affect HPA axis reactivity to corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), the visceral pain threshold, and perceived stress. We examined 31 healthy volunteers and 27 individuals with irritable bowel syndrome. According to the ACTH response to colorectal stimulation, the participants were classified into three groups: flattened, decreased, and increased. We found significant differences in the abdominal pain threshold, discomfort threshold, and sensitivity to anxiety among the groups. There were significant differences in the ACTH change and peak level after CRH administration among the groups. The area under the curve of the cortisol response to CRH was significantly different among the groups. The increased group showed a higher basal ACTH level, earlier peak level in the CRH administration test, and higher stress rating during the experiment. The increased group had an exaggerated psychological and physiological stress response, whereas the decreased group had a higher anticipatory endocrine response, stress, and sensitivity to anxiety. Further studies are needed to determine factors including gut microbiota on the individual difference in HPA response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mao Yagihashi
- Advanced Graduate Program for Future Medicine and Health Care, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan; Department of Behavioral Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Michiko Kano
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan; Deparment of Psychosomatic Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan.
| | - Tomohiko Muratsubaki
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan; Deparment of Psychosomatic Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan.
| | - Joe Morishita
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Keishi Kono
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Yukari Tanaka
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Motoyori Kanazawa
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan; Deparment of Psychosomatic Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan.
| | - Shin Fukudo
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan; Deparment of Psychosomatic Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Faurholt-Jepsen M, Frøkjær VG, Nasser A, Jørgensen NR, Kessing LV, Vinberg M. Associations between the cortisol awakening response and patient-evaluated stress and mood instability in patients with bipolar disorder: an exploratory study. Int J Bipolar Disord 2021; 9:8. [PMID: 33644824 PMCID: PMC7917033 DOI: 10.1186/s40345-020-00214-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) measured as the transient increase in cortisol levels following morning awakening appears to be a distinct feature of the HPA axis. Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) experience daily stress, mood instability (MI) and studies have shown disrupted HPA-axis dynamics. AIMS to evaluate (1) patient-evaluated stress against the CAR, (2) associations between the CAR and mood symptoms, and (3) the effect of smartphone-based treatment on the CAR. METHODS Patients with BD (n = 67) were randomized to the use of daily smartphone-based monitoring (the intervention group) or to the control group for six months. Clinically rated symptoms according to the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 17-items (HDRS), the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), patient-evaluated perceived stress using Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and salivary awakening cortisol samples used for measuring the CAR were collected at baseline, after three and six months. In the intervention group, smartphone-based data on stress and MI were rated daily during the entire study period. RESULTS Smartphone-based patient-evaluated stress (B: 134.14, 95% CI: 1.35; 266.92, p = 0.048) and MI (B: 430.23, 95% CI: 52.41; 808.04, p = 0.026) mapped onto increased CAR. No statistically significant associations between the CAR and patient-evaluated PSS or the HDRS and the YMRS, respectively were found. There was no statistically significant effect of smartphone-based treatment on the CAR. CONCLUSION Our data, of preliminary character, found smartphone-based patient-evaluations of stress and mood instability as read outs that reflect CAR dynamics. Smartphone-supported clinical care did not in itself appear to disturb CAR dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Faurholt-Jepsen
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Center (CADIC), Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, Rigshospitalet, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Vibe Gedsø Frøkjær
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Center (CADIC), Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, Rigshospitalet, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Arafat Nasser
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Niklas Rye Jørgensen
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Vedel Kessing
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Center (CADIC), Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, Rigshospitalet, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maj Vinberg
- Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Center (CADIC), Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, Rigshospitalet, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Psychiatric Research Unit, Psychiatric Centre North Zealand, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Hillerød, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Raymond C, Marin MF, Wolosianski V, Journault AA, Longpré C, Leclaire S, Cernik R, Juster RP, Lupien SJ. Early childhood adversity and HPA axis activity in adulthood:The importance of considering minimal age at exposure. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 124:105042. [PMID: 33249330 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.105042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Early adversity (EA) modulates stress hormone secretion in mixed directions. The Accumulation Model suggests that the number of EA predicts patterns of cortisol dysregulations, while the Life Cycle Model of Stress highlights the importance of considering the timing at which EA began, given that brain regions sensitive to stress hormones follow distinct developmental trajectories. We aimed to test these two models in 85 healthy men and women, aged 21-40 years old who reported having been exposed to EA during childhood. Participants were grouped based on the number of EA events to which they were exposed during their lifespan (Accumulation Model) and the age of first exposure to EA (Life Cycle Model). Diurnal and stress-induced reactive cortisol secretion were measured in all participants. Results showed that although the number of EA was not associated with patterns of basal or reactive cortisol secretion, adults first exposed to EA between the ages of 3 and 7 - an important time window for amygdala development - showed greater cortisol awakening response and lower cortisol reactivity relative to those first exposed to EA before 3 or after 7. These results provide support for the Life Cycle Model of Stress and highlight the importance of considering minimal age at exposure to EA when assessing the effects of early adversity on patterns of cortisol secretion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Raymond
- Center for Studies on Human Stress, Institut Universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Research Center, CIUSSS Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
| | - Marie-France Marin
- Center for Studies on Human Stress, Institut Universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Research Center, CIUSSS Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Victoria Wolosianski
- Center for Studies on Human Stress, Institut Universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Research Center, CIUSSS Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Audrey-Ann Journault
- Center for Studies on Human Stress, Institut Universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Research Center, CIUSSS Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Charlotte Longpré
- Center for Studies on Human Stress, Institut Universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Research Center, CIUSSS Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sarah Leclaire
- Center for Studies on Human Stress, Institut Universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Research Center, CIUSSS Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Rebecca Cernik
- Center for Studies on Human Stress, Institut Universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Research Center, CIUSSS Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Robert-Paul Juster
- Center for Studies on Human Stress, Institut Universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Research Center, CIUSSS Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sonia J Lupien
- Center for Studies on Human Stress, Institut Universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Research Center, CIUSSS Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Wadji DL, Gaillard C, Ketcha Wanda GJM, Wicky C, Morina N, Martin-Soelch C. HPA-axis activity and the moderating effect of self-esteem in the context of intimate partner violence in Cameroon. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2021; 12:1930897. [PMID: 34290846 PMCID: PMC8279150 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1930897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The experience of intimate partner violence (IPV) is stressful. One objective way to monitor it is to assess victims' stress response by measuring the concentration of their salivary cortisol, the major stress hormone released by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. OBJECTIVE We investigated how the IPV experienced by women in Cameroon affects their stress levels and those of their children. METHOD We recruited 50 mother-child dyads exposed to IPV and a control group of 25 mother-child dyads. All mothers completed questionnaires, including the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale to assess IPV, the Sense of Coherence Scale, and the Self-Esteem Scale, to assess their psychological resources. Mothers were asked to collect 3 saliva samples from themselves and 3 from their children on a single weekday: immediately after waking up, 30 minutes after waking up, and 45 minutes after waking up. The total cortisol secretion over the first hour after awakening was determined by calculating the area under the curve with respect to the ground (AUCg). RESULTS Mothers exposed to IPV exhibited higher total post-awakening cortisol concentrations compared with those in the control group. However, no significant difference was found between exposed and non-exposed children. In addition, higher IPV, specifically injuries, was significantly and positively associated with greater AUCg among mothers exhibiting lower self-esteem. When self-esteem was high, however, no significant effect of IPV on AUCg was observed. CONCLUSIONS Of particular clinical significance is that self-esteem can modulate the stress levels of women exposed to IPV, a valuable insight into the development of effective psychosocial interventions to support IPV victims in sub-Saharan Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dany Laure Wadji
- I-Reach Lab, Unit of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Claudie Gaillard
- Section on Neurobiology of Fear and Anxiety, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Chantal Wicky
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Naser Morina
- Department of Consultant-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chantal Martin-Soelch
- I-Reach Lab, Unit of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Mickle AM, Garvan C, Service C, Pop R, Marks J, Wu S, Edberg JC, Staud R, Fillingim RB, Bartley EJ, Sibille KT. Relationships Between Pain, Life Stress, Sociodemographics, and Cortisol: Contributions of Pain Intensity and Financial Satisfaction. CHRONIC STRESS 2020; 4:2470547020975758. [PMID: 33403312 PMCID: PMC7745543 DOI: 10.1177/2470547020975758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective The relationship between psychosocial stress and chronic pain is bidirectional. An improved understanding regarding the relationships among chronic pain, life stress, and ethnicity/race will inform identification of factors contributing to health disparities in chronic pain and improve health outcomes. This study aims to assess relationships between measures of clinical pain, life stress, sociodemographics, and salivary cortisol levels. Methods A cross-sectional analysis involving data from 105 non-Hispanic White (NHW) and non-Hispanic Black (NHB) participants aged 45–85 years old with or at risk for knee osteoarthritis. Data included sociodemographics, clinical pain, psychosocial stress, and salivary cortisol across five time points over an approximate 12-hour period. Non-parametric correlation analysis, sociodemographic group comparisons, and regression analyses were performed. Results Clinical pain and psychosocial stress were associated with salivary cortisol levels, particularly morning waking and the evening to morning awakening slope. With the inclusion of recognized explanatory variables, the Graded Chronic Pain Scale characteristic pain intensity and financial satisfaction were identified as the primary pain and psychosocial measures associated with cortisol levels. Sociodemographic group differences were indicated such that NHB participants reported higher pain-related disability, higher levels of discrimination, lower financial and material satisfaction, and showed higher evening salivary cortisol levels compared to NHW participants. In combined pain and psychosocial stress analyses, greater financial satisfaction, lower pain intensity, and lower depression were associated with higher morning waking saliva cortisol levels while greater financial satisfaction was the only variable associated with greater evening to morning awakening slope. Conclusion Our findings show relationships among clinical pain, psychosocial stress, sociodemographic factors, and salivary cortisol levels. Importantly, with inclusion of recognized explanatory variables, financial satisfaction remained the primary factor accounting for differences in morning waking cortisol and evening to morning awakening cortisol slope in an ethnic/racially diverse group of middle aged and older adults with or at risk for knee osteoarthritis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Mickle
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Department of Community of Dentistry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Cynthia Garvan
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Chelsea Service
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ralisa Pop
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - John Marks
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Stanley Wu
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jeffrey C Edberg
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Roland Staud
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Roger B Fillingim
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Emily J Bartley
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Department of Community of Dentistry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kimberly T Sibille
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Department of Aging & Geriatric Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Lai JCL, Leung MOY, Lee DYH, Lam YW, Berning K. Biomarking Trait Resilience With Salivary Cortisol in Chinese Undergraduates. Front Psychol 2020; 11:536510. [PMID: 33192778 PMCID: PMC7649282 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.536510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the relationship between trait resilience and salivary cortisol in a group of Chinese undergraduates. The Chinese versions of the Brief Resilience Scale and a measure of optimism, the revised Life Orientation Test were administered to 49 Chinese undergraduates who provided self-collected saliva samples six times per day (immediately after waking; 0.5, 3, 6, and 12 h thereafter; and at bedtime) over 3 consecutive weekdays. The cortisol data were aggregated across the 3 days to examine the association between resilience and components of the diurnal rhythm of cortisol using multiple regression. The results showed that higher resilience was associated with a stronger cortisol response to awakening and a steeper diurnal decline in cortisol from waking to bedtime. Resilience was positively associated with cortisol output over the course of the day but this relationship was not significant (p = 0.065). This pattern of diurnal rhythm is consistent with that typically observed in better adjusted individuals. Generated by an intensive protocol with compliance objectively monitored, these findings clearly indicate the important role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis in health and adjustment and contribute to the growing literature on resilience and cortisol in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julian C L Lai
- Psychophysiology Laboratory, Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Monique O Y Leung
- Psychophysiology Laboratory, Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Daryl Y H Lee
- Psychophysiology Laboratory, Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Yun Wah Lam
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Karsten Berning
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Dembińska E, Rutkowski K, Sobański J, Mielimąka M, Citkowska-Kisielewska A, Klasa K, Konietzka M. Abnormal cortisol awakening responses in patients with neurotic and personality disorders admitted for psychotherapy in day hospital. J Psychiatr Res 2020; 130:207-214. [PMID: 32836009 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) has been associated with various psychiatric conditions. The most interesting parameter of the HPA axis function is cortisol awakening response (CAR). Few data exist about the CAR in anxiety or personality disorders and findings are often contradictory showing blunted or increased CAR compared with control groups. The goal of this study was to determine whether patients with neurotic and personality disorders show a specific CAR pattern. The study population comprised 130 patients, mainly females (71.5%), with the primary diagnosis of a neurotic disorder or personality disorder according to ICD-10 admitted for psychotherapy in a day hospital. Pre-treatment cortisol levels were measured in three saliva samples collected in one day. The Symptom Checklist "O" and MMPI-2 were used to assess the pre-treatment levels of patients' symptoms and personality traits. The study revealed a high percentage of CAR non-responders (cortisol increase of less than 2.5 nmol/l) in the study group (43.1%), particularly in females. 49% of them were CAR non-responders compared with 28% in males and 25% in the general population, respectively. CAR non-responders did not differ from the remainder in clinical characteristics. Four different CAR patterns were found in the study group: negative (26.9%), blunted (26.1%), normal (25.4%) and elevated (21.6%) as well as a particular type was not related to clinical characteristics of the patients. The study suggests that abnormal CAR types are observed in patients with neurotic and personality disorders and further research into the mechanism of the findings is required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Dembińska
- Department of Psychotherapy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Lenartowicza 14, 31-138, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Rutkowski
- Department of Psychotherapy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Lenartowicza 14, 31-138, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jerzy Sobański
- Department of Psychotherapy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Lenartowicza 14, 31-138, Krakow, Poland
| | - Michał Mielimąka
- Department of Psychotherapy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Lenartowicza 14, 31-138, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Citkowska-Kisielewska
- Department of Psychotherapy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Lenartowicza 14, 31-138, Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Klasa
- Department of Psychotherapy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Lenartowicza 14, 31-138, Krakow, Poland
| | - Maria Konietzka
- Department of Psychotherapy, University Hospital in Krakow, Lenartowicza 14, 31-138, Krakow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Attachment impacts cortisol awakening response in chronically depressed individuals. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 120:104778. [PMID: 32585509 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early life experiences shape individual attachment, creating a template for regulating emotions in interpersonal situations, likely to persist across the lifespan. Research has shown that individual attachment creates vulnerability for depression, and also impacts the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. Still, the relationship between attachment and the HPA axis in depressed individuals is unclear. Cortisol awakening response (CAR) has been recently investigated as a possibly useful physiological marker related to attachment insecurity and depression risk. However, research exploring the relationship between the CAR and attachment in individuals with chronic depression in either the presence or the absence of comorbid anxiety is lacking. The purpose of the current study was to fill this gap, by comparing the CAR in individuals with chronic depression with/without comorbid anxieties and controls. In addition, we also wanted to explore the relationship between attachment and the CAR in this group and to explore their predictive role for later depression severity. METHODS Individuals experiencing a current depressive episode at least six months in length (cMDD; n = 63) and healthy controls (HC; n = 57) were enrolled in the study (total n = 120). Participants completed a structured clinical diagnostic interview (SCID-I) as well as measures of depression severity (Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression) and attachment dimensions (Experiences in Close Relationships scale; ECR) at baseline. In addition, participants provided salivary samples at four time points (i.e. 0 (S1), 30, 45 and 60 min) following awakening on two consecutive days. S1 cortisol, the area under the curve with respect to ground (AUCg) and increase (AUCi) were calculated based on the average values across both days. The HC and cMDD groups were compared on all measures. The CAR for individuals with cMDD alone (n = 14) and individuals with cMDD with two or more comorbid anxiety disorders (cMDD ≥ 2Anx; n = 30) were also compared. A subset of participants (n = 59) agreed to return for follow up one year later. Participants returning for follow up repeated the BDI-II and ECR. No salivary samples were collected at follow-up. RESULTS The cMDD group had significantly lower S1 cortisol and AUCg compared to the HC group (both p ≤ 0.02). cMDD and cMDD ≥ 2Anx groups did not differ in their CAR. Regression analyses revealed that depression severity and the attachment interaction term was associated with lower S1 and AUCg cortisol (p < 0.01). Greater attachment avoidance was positively associated with S1 cortisol (p = 0.02), while mean awakening time on sample days was negatively associated with S1 cortisol. We also found a significant interaction between the attachment dimensions such that at low levels of attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance had a positive relationship with S1 cortisol and AUCg. The opposite relationship existed when attachment anxiety was high. Higher baseline BDI-II score and higher baseline attachment anxiety were predictive of higher scores on the BDI-II one-year later (both p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The current findings bring evidence that depression severity is associated with blunting of the CAR irrespective of the comorbid status with anxiety disorders. In addition, attachment avoidance may protect against the CAR blunting in individuals with low attachment anxiety. However, individuals with high attachment anxiety and avoidance might have additional CAR blunting. Attachment anxiety might be a good predictor of future depression severity.
Collapse
|
36
|
Abstract
The cumulative science linking stress to negative health outcomes is vast. Stress can affect health directly, through autonomic and neuroendocrine responses, but also indirectly, through changes in health behaviors. In this review, we present a brief overview of (a) why we should be interested in stress in the context of health; (b) the stress response and allostatic load; (c) some of the key biological mechanisms through which stress impacts health, such as by influencing hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation and cortisol dynamics, the autonomic nervous system, and gene expression; and (d) evidence of the clinical relevance of stress, exemplified through the risk of infectious diseases. The studies reviewed in this article confirm that stress has an impact on multiple biological systems. Future work ought to consider further the importance of early-life adversity and continue to explore how different biological systems interact in the context of stress and health processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daryl B O'Connor
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom;
| | - Julian F Thayer
- Department of Psychological Science, School of Social Ecology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, USA;
| | - Kavita Vedhara
- Division of Primary Care, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom;
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Ryu GW, Yang YS, Choi M. Evaluating real-time momentary stress and affect in police officers using a smartphone application. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1154. [PMID: 32703175 PMCID: PMC7376902 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09225-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Police officers work under stressful conditions, and the resulting occupational stress may impact their health and well-being through changes in positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA). It is therefore important to assess officers’ stress, PA, and NA while it is experienced. This study evaluates police officers’ momentary stress and affect in real-world settings using an ecological momentary assessment, and examines the within-person (W) and between-person (B) factors that influence momentary affect. Methods Eighty-nine police officers were recruited in South Korea. Participants completed questionnaires about their momentary stress and affect using a smartphone application. The associations between momentary stress, momentary contextual environment, momentary PA, and momentary NA were examined using mixed modeling. Results Social overload (W: -.37), work discontent (W: −.45, B: −.73), social tension (W: −.79, B: −.67), and pressure to perform (W: −.29, B: −.49) were significantly associated with lower PA. Work overload (B: .33) and social isolation(W: .48, B: .31) were significantly associated with higher PA. Being with family (W: .71, B: .91) and friends (W: 1.89, B: 2.45) were significantly associated with higher PA. Being at home or other places away from the work place were significantly associated with higher PA (W: 1.01) and when patrolling or investigating were associated with lower PA (B: − 1.13). Lack of social recognition (W: 1.74, B: 2.33), work discontent (W: 1.59, B: 1.88), social tension (W: 1.74, B: 2.92), and pressure to perform (W: .78, B: 1.92) were significantly associated with higher NA. Being with colleagues (W: − 1.43), family (W: -1.38, B: − 2.66) and friends (W: -1.78, B: − 2.45) were associated with lower NA. Conclusions Momentary within-person and between-person stress factors and contextual factors influenced police officers’ momentary affect. These factors should be considered when developing interventions to mitigate stress and improve affect in police officers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gi Wook Ryu
- Yonsei University College of Nursing, Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sook Yang
- Yonsei University College of Nursing, Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Mona Choi
- Yonsei University College of Nursing, Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Yang YS, Ryu GW, Park CG, Yeom I, Shim KW, Choi M. Mood and Stress Evaluation of Adult Patients With Moyamoya Disease in Korea: Ecological Momentary Assessment Method Using a Mobile Phone App. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e17034. [PMID: 32449687 PMCID: PMC7281123 DOI: 10.2196/17034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a known progressive obstructive cerebrovascular disorder. Monitoring and managing mood and stress are critical for patients with MMD, as they affect clinical outcomes. The ecological momentary assessment (EMA) method is a longitudinal study design by which multiple variable assessments can be performed over time to detect momentary fluctuations and changes in psychological dimensions such as mood and stress over time. Objective This study aimed to identify predicting factors associated with momentary mood and stress at both the within-person and between-person levels and to examine individual fluctuation of mood over time in the short term using an EMA method combined with a mobile phone app. Methods Participants aged older than 18 years were recruited from a tertiary hospital in Seoul, Korea, between July 2018 and January 2019. The PsyMate scale for negative affect (NA) and positive affect (PA) and the Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress Scale were uploaded on patient mobile phones. Using a mobile app, data were collected four times a day for 7 days. Pearson correlations and mixed modeling were used to predict relationships between repeatedly measured variables at both the between-person and within-person levels. Results The mean age of the 93 participants was 40.59 (SD 10.06) years, 66 (71%) were female, and 71 (76%) were married. Participants provided 1929 responses out of a possible 2604 responses (1929/2604, 74.08%). The mean momentary NA and PA values were 2.15 (SD 1.12) and 4.70 (SD 1.31) out of 7, respectively. The momentary stress value was 2.03 (SD 0.98) out of 5. Momentary NA, PA, and stress were correlated (P<.001) and varied over time in relation to momentary variables. Common momentary variables associated with momentary mood and stress at both the within-person (level 1) and between-person (level 2) levels were identified. Momentary NA increased when being alone and being at the hospital at both levels, whereas momentary PA increased when eating or drinking, resting, being at a café, restaurant or a public place but decreased when being alone at both levels. Momentary stress increased when being at the office, at a public place, or as the time of the day went by but decreased when resting or during the weekend. Different factors affecting mood and stress at different levels were identified. Fluctuations in individual momentary mood over time at the within-person level were captured. Conclusions The EMA method using a mobile phone app demonstrated its ability to capture changes in mood and stress in various environmental contexts in patients with MMD. The results could provide baseline information for developing interventions to manage negative mood and stress of patients with MMD based on the identified predictors affecting mood and stress at two different levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Sook Yang
- Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Nursing, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Wook Ryu
- Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Nursing, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Gi Park
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Insun Yeom
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu Won Shim
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mona Choi
- Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Nursing, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Morera LP, Gallea JI, Trógolo MA, Guido ME, Medrano LA. From Work Well-Being to Burnout: A Hypothetical Phase Model. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:360. [PMID: 32425748 PMCID: PMC7212378 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Upon exposure to chronic stressors, how do individuals move from being in a healthy state to a burnout? Strikingly in literature, this has prevailed a categorical view rather than a dimensional one, thus the underlying process that explains the transition from one state to another remains unclear. The aims of the present study are (a) to examine intermediate states between work engagement and burnout using cluster analysis and (b) to examine cortisol differences across these states. Two-hundred and eighty-one Argentine workers completed self-report measures of work engagement and burnout. Salivary cortisol was measured at three time-points: immediately after awakening and 30 and 40min thereafter. Results showed four different states based on the scores in cynicism, exhaustion, vigor, and dedication: engaged, strained, cynical, and burned-out. Cortisol levels were found to be moderate in the engaged state, increased in the strained and cynical states, and decreased in the burned-out state. The increase/decrease in cortisol across the four stages reconciles apparent contradictory findings regarding hypercortisolism and hypocortisolism, and suggests that they may represent different phases in the transition from engagement to burnout. A phase model from engagement to burnout is proposed and future research aimed at evaluating this model is suggested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L P Morera
- Instituto de Organizaciones Saludables, Universidad Siglo 21, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - J I Gallea
- Instituto de Organizaciones Saludables, Universidad Siglo 21, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - M A Trógolo
- Instituto de Organizaciones Saludables, Universidad Siglo 21, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - M E Guido
- Departamento de Biología Química, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - L A Medrano
- Instituto de Organizaciones Saludables, Universidad Siglo 21, Córdoba, Argentina.,Pontifica Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, Vicerrectoría de Investigación, Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Wettstein A, Kühne F, Tschacher W, La Marca R. Ambulatory Assessment of Psychological and Physiological Stress on Workdays and Free Days Among Teachers. A Preliminary Study. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:112. [PMID: 32116537 PMCID: PMC7033968 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Teachers are affected by high levels of job stress, leading to one of the highest rates of burnout. The purpose of our pilot study was to investigate the diurnal course of teachers’ psychological and physiological stress responses [cortisol levels, alpha-amylase, heart rate (HR), and heart rate variability (HRV)]. Another aim of the project was to test the applicability of ambulatory assessment methods in daily teaching situations. Methods In a non-clinical sample of eight primary school teachers (mean age = 43, SD = 15.22, 6 females) in Switzerland, continuous biopsychological data on two workdays and a free day were assessed. The teachers’ HRs and HRV were measured continuously using an ambulatory ECG. Additionally, eight saliva samples were collected from the teachers repeatedly throughout the day to determine the diurnal course of salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase (sAA). Perceived stress and anger ratings were assessed simultaneously. Results As hypothesized, the teachers’ morning cortisol levels, perceived stress, and anger levels were significantly higher, and their overall HRV was significantly lower on workdays than on a free day. Conversely, sAA levels and HRs showed no significant differences between working and free days. Salivary markers exhibited the expected diurnal course, with decreasing cortisol and increasing sAA levels over the course of the day, while self-rated stress reached the maximum at midday during working days. Conclusion The results of the present explorative study show that physiological and psychological parameters differ within working and free days for teachers. A comparison between working and free days resulted in differences in morning cortisol levels, HRV as well as stress and anger levels. The ambulatory assessment method was found to be applicable in daily teaching situations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Wettstein
- Department of Research and Development, University of Teacher Education Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabienne Kühne
- Department of Research and Development, University of Teacher Education Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Tschacher
- University Hospital of Psychiatry Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Roberto La Marca
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Study of temporal variability of salivary cortisol and cortisone by LC-MS/MS using a new atmospheric pressure ionization source. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19313. [PMID: 31848390 PMCID: PMC6917784 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55571-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a growing interest concerning the relevance of salivary cortisone levels in stress-related research. However, studies investigating morning patterns and day-to-day variability of cortisone versus cortisol levels are lacking. Cortisol and cortisone analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS) has been widely used for routine laboratory measurements in the last years. The aim of this study was to develop an ultra-performance LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous quantification of salivary cortisol and cortisone levels for assessing the temporal variability of these hormones. Saliva samples were collected from 18 healthy volunteers at 0, 15, and 30 min after awakening on each day for 1 week and analysed with the newly developed method. We used a novel atmospheric pressure ionization source, which resulted in high sensitivity and specificity for both cortisol and cortisone as well as higher peak values and signal-to-noise ratio as compared with the electrospray ionization source. Cortisone showed similar morning patterns as cortisol: a 25% and 49% increase in levels at 15 and 30 min after awakening, respectively. Most cortisone indices showed somewhat lower day-to-day variability and were less affected by state-related covariates. We recommend further exploration of the potential of salivary cortisone as a biomarker in stress-related research.
Collapse
|
42
|
Yang YS, Ryu GW, Choi M. Factors Associated with Daily Completion Rates in a Smartphone-Based Ecological Momentary Assessment Study. Healthc Inform Res 2019; 25:332-337. [PMID: 31777677 PMCID: PMC6859272 DOI: 10.4258/hir.2019.25.4.332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) methods are known to have validity for capturing momentary changes in variables over time. However, data quality relies on the completion rates, which are influenced by both participants' characteristics and study designs. This study applied an EMA method using a mobile application to assess momentary moods and stress levels in patients with Moyamoya disease to examine variables associated with EMA completion rates. Methods Adults with Moyamoya disease were recruited from a tertiary hospital in Seoul. Patients with cognitive impairment were excluded. The EMA survey was loaded as a mobile application onto the participants' personal smartphones. Notifications were sent at semi-random intervals four times a day for seven consecutive days. Daily completion rates were calculated as the percentage of completed responses per day; overall completion rates were calculated as the proportion of completed responses per total of the 28 scheduled measures in the study and assessed through a descriptive analysis, t-test, ANOVA, and regression analysis, with mixed modeling to identify the point at which the daily completion rate significantly decreased. Results A total of 98 participants responded (mean age, 41.00 ± 10.30 years; 69.4% female; 75.5% married). The overall completion rate was 70.66%, with no gender or age differences found. The daily completion rate decreased significantly after day 5 (p = 0.029). Conclusions Obtaining a good completion rate is essential for quality data in EMA methods. Strategic approaches to a study design should be established to encourage participants throughout a study to improve completion rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Sook Yang
- Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gi Wook Ryu
- Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mona Choi
- Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Neupert SD, Neubauer AB, Scott SB, Hyun J, Sliwinski MJ. Back to the Future: Examining Age Differences in Processes Before Stressor Exposure. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2019; 74:1-6. [PMID: 29982835 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gby074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andreas B Neubauer
- Education and Human Development, German Institute for International Educational Research (DIPF), Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Center for Research on Individual Development and Adaptive Education of Children at Risk (IDeA), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stacey B Scott
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, New York
| | - Jinshil Hyun
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies and Center for Healthy Aging, Pennsylvania State University, University Park
| | - Martin J Sliwinski
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies and Center for Healthy Aging, Pennsylvania State University, University Park
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Farina EK, Thompson LA, Knapik JJ, Pasiakos SM, McClung JP, Lieberman HR. Physical performance, demographic, psychological, and physiological predictors of success in the U.S. Army Special Forces Assessment and Selection course. Physiol Behav 2019; 210:112647. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.112647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
45
|
Jackson JG. The Cortisol Awakening Response: A Feasibility Study Investigating the Use of the Area Under the Curve With Respect to Increase as an Effective Objective Measure of Tinnitus Distress. Am J Audiol 2019; 28:583-596. [PMID: 31318575 DOI: 10.1044/2019_aja-18-0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Tinnitus is a chronic medical condition that can result in distress, concentration difficulties, and clinical depression. An effective, objective measure of tinnitus distress does not currently exist. Endocrinal studies into the condition have been few, with those investigating the cortisol awakening response limited in scope. It was hypothesized that distressed individuals with tinnitus would awaken and be unable to effectively prepare for the day ahead due to a blunted cortisol response. Method Twenty individuals with varying tinnitus distress were compared with a control group (n = 10) in a pilot study, which measured salivary cortisol concentrations on awakening. Multiple exclusion variables were applied. Results In line with previous studies, total cortisol volume (as measured by area under the curve) was not found to be significantly different in the most distressed individuals with tinnitus, F(2, 26) = 0.254, p = .777ns. However, a separate measure of changing cortisol levels-the area under the curve with respect to increase (or AUCi)-was found to be significantly less robust in those individuals reporting the most severe tinnitus distress, F(2, 26) = 7.671, p = .002. This indicates that fewer resources would be available to cope with the demands of the day ahead. Additionally, the AUCi correlated negatively with tinnitus distress later the same day. Conclusions Relationships between proposed objective and self-reported components of self-reported tinnitus distress are considered, with some aspects of tinnitus distress more closely related to physiological mechanisms than others. It is suggested that, with further research, the cortisol awakening response (AUCi) may be put forward as a credible objective biomarker of tinnitus distress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James George Jackson
- Psychology, Sociology and Criminology Group, School of Social and Health Sciences, Leeds Trinity University, Horsforth, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Mehrsafar AH, Strahler J, Gazerani P, Khabiri M, Sánchez JCJ, Moosakhani A, Zadeh AM. The effects of mindfulness training on competition-induced anxiety and salivary stress markers in elite Wushu athletes: A pilot study. Physiol Behav 2019; 210:112655. [PMID: 31437476 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.112655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Due to the impact of stress and related psychophysiological responses on competitive performance, psychological interventions that reduce stress and may thus increase athletic performance need to be evaluated. In this pilot study, the effects of a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) on competitive anxiety, self-confidence and mindfulness, and autonomic and endocrine stress responses to a competition in elite athletes were explored. METHODS Twenty-six male elite Wushu athletes (N = 26) were randomly assigned to either MBI (8 weeks) or a wait-list control group. Both groups participated in three competitions at baseline, immediately post intervention, and at a 2-month follow-up. Athletes completed the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 prior to the competitions. Saliva, from which the stress markers cortisol (sCort) and alpha-amylase (sAA) were determined, was collected prior to and after competitions as well as after awakening and in the evening of competition days. RESULTS Repeated measures ANOVAs showed that the MBI group, but not the wait-list control group, demonstrated an increase in self-confidence and mindfulness and a decrease in competitive anxiety from baseline to post intervention (all p < .001, all ɳp2 > 0.39). The MBI group exhibited lower sCort daily levels (p = .001, ɳp2 = 0.332) and lower sCort (p = .013, ɳp2 = 0.121) and sAA responses (p = .022, ɳp2 = 0.119) to the competition after the intervention. Daily sAA was unaffected by the intervention (p = .742, ɳp2 = 0.011). These changes remained stable up to the 2-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The present pilot study suggested that mindfulness-based intervention might be associated with a diminished physiological and psychological stress responses to competition. Whether this in turn translates to change in performance needs to be examined in future studies with larger samples. Moreover, different sport activities need to be considered before findings can be generalized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Hossien Mehrsafar
- Department of Sport Psychology, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Jana Strahler
- Department of Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and Sport Science, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Parisa Gazerani
- Department of Health Science and Technology, School of Medicine and Health, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
| | - Mohammad Khabiri
- Department of Sport Psychology, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - José Carlos Jaenes Sánchez
- Department of Social Anthropology, Basic Psychology and Health, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain.
| | - Alireza Moosakhani
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ali Moghadam Zadeh
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Tomorrow's gonna suck: Today's stress anticipation predicts tomorrow's post-awakening cortisol increase. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 106:38-46. [PMID: 30953931 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The cortisol awakening response (a rapid rise in cortisol concentration shortly after awakening) is hypothesized to prepare the organism to cope with upcoming demands, suggesting a key role for anticipatory stress in its regulation. Yet, no thorough test of this hypothesis incorporating temporal dynamics of the underlying processes has been conducted so far. To address this gap in the literature, the present study investigated the effects of anticipated stress for the next day (assessed in the evening) on an estimate of the cortisol awakening response (assessed in the following morning). In an ambulatory assessment paradigm, 42 participants (69% female; mean age = 22.8, range = 18-30 years) completed 5 consecutive days of assessments in their daily lives, collecting saliva samples at awakening and 30 min later. Using hierarchical linear modeling, associations with anticipatory stress were examined separately on the within- and between-person level. In line with our expectations, anticipatory stress predicted the post-awakening cortisol increase on the within-person level, implying an elevated cortisol rise on days for which more stress than usual had been anticipated. In contrast, on the between-person level higher average anticipatory stress did not predict an increased cortisol rise. Taken together, the findings confirm a key role of anticipatory stress in the regulation of the cortisol awakening response on the within-person level.
Collapse
|
48
|
Kircanski K, Sisk LM, Ho TC, Humphreys KL, King LS, Colich NL, Ordaz SJ, Gotlib IH. Early life stress, cortisol, frontolimbic connectivity, and depressive symptoms during puberty. Dev Psychopathol 2019; 31:1011-1022. [PMID: 31064568 PMCID: PMC6688476 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579419000555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Early life stress (ELS) is a risk factor for the development of depression in adolescence; the mediating neurobiological mechanisms, however, are unknown. In this study, we examined in early pubertal youth the associations among ELS, cortisol stress responsivity, and white matter microstructure of the uncinate fasciculus and the fornix, two key frontolimbic tracts; we also tested whether and how these variables predicted depressive symptoms in later puberty. A total of 208 participants (117 females; M age = 11.37 years; M Tanner stage = 2.03) provided data across two or more assessment modalities: ELS; salivary cortisol levels during a psychosocial stress task; diffusion magnetic resonance imaging; and depressive symptoms. In early puberty there were significant associations between higher ELS and decreased cortisol production, and between decreased cortisol production and increased fractional anisotropy in the uncinate fasciculus. Further, increased fractional anisotropy in the uncinate fasciculus predicted higher depressive symptoms in later puberty, above and beyond earlier symptoms. In post hoc analyses, we found that sex moderated several additional associations. We discuss these findings within a broader conceptual model linking ELS, emotion dysregulation, and depression across the transition through puberty, and contend that brain circuits implicated in the control of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function should be a focus of continued research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Kircanski
- Emotion and Development Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lucinda M. Sisk
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Tiffany C. Ho
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kathryn L. Humphreys
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Lucy S. King
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Natalie L. Colich
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sarah J. Ordaz
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ian H. Gotlib
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Schlotz W. Investigating associations between momentary stress and cortisol in daily life: What have we learned so far? Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 105:105-116. [PMID: 30503527 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.11.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Since cortisol measurement in saliva has been established, it has been used as an indicator of stress-related hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis activity. Concurrent development of methodological frameworks such as ambulatory assessment, ecological momentary assessment, and experience sampling have provided opportunities to combine both approaches in daily life research. The current review provides a summary of basic methodological principles and recommendations, as well as abstracts of findings of studies investigating momentary associations between stress and cortisol in daily life with an emphasis on within-subject associations (i.e. average covariance in repeated momentary assessments of stress and cortisol, and individual-specific deviations from the average covariance). Methodological challenges related to stress measurement, sampling principles, and appropriate statistical modeling are discussed, followed by a description of the historical development of studies on within-subject associations between momentary daily life stress and cortisol. The review concludes with a discussion of controversial methodological characteristics of these studies regarding operationalizations of stress, compliance, timing and frequency of stress and cortisol sampling, and reporting of effect sizes. Future research in this area would benefit from automated cortisol assessment, broadening of the scope of stress response measures, use of advanced statistical models that better account for dynamics in the stress process in daily life, and attempts to replicate findings. While previous studies of momentary stress and concurrent cortisol assessments have reliably confirmed some fundamental predictions from stress theory in daily life, future studies should aim at providing progress by testing innovative research questions and utilizing new technological developments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wolff Schlotz
- Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute of Psychology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Hannant P, Cassidy S, Renshaw D, Joyce A. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised-designed GABA tea study in children diagnosed with autism spectrum conditions: a feasibility study clinical trial registration: ISRCTN 72571312. Nutr Neurosci 2019; 24:45-61. [PMID: 31060476 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2019.1588486] [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] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The research has shown an association with sensorimotor integration and symptomology of Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC). Specific areas of the brain that are involved in sensorimotor integration, such as the cerebellum and basal ganglia, are pathologically different in individuals with ASC in comparison to typically developing (TD) peers. These brain regions contain GABAergic inhibitory neurons that release an inhibitory neurotransmitter, γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA). Brain GABA levels are decreased in ASC. This study explored the effect of introducing a non-invasive GABA substitute, in the form of GABA Oolong tea, on sensorimotor skills, ASC profiles, anxieties and sleep of children with ASC. Methods: Nine children took part: (5 male, 4 female). Each child participated in three tea conditions: high GABA, high L-Theanine (a compound that increases GABA), placebo with low GABA. A double-blind, repeated measures design was employed. Measures were taken after each tea condition. Sensory and ASC profiles were scored using parental questionnaires. Motor skills were assessed using a gold standard coordination assessment. Sleep was monitored using an actiwatch and anxiety measured through cortisol assays. Subjective views were sought from parents on 'best' tea. Results: The results showed significant improvement in manual dexterity and some large individual improvements in balance, sensory responsivity, DSM-5 criteria and cortisol levels with GABA tea. Improvements were also seen in the L-Theanine condition although they were more sporadic. Conclusions: These results suggest that sensorimotor abilities, anxiety levels and DSM-5 symptomology of children with ASC can benefit from the administration of GABA in the form of Oolong tea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Penelope Hannant
- Centre for Innovative Research Across the Life Course, Coventry University, Coventry, UK.,School of Education, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sarah Cassidy
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Derek Renshaw
- Centre for Applied Biological & Exercise Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - Anna Joyce
- Centre for Innovative Research Across the Life Course, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| |
Collapse
|