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Schwacke LH, Thomas L, Wells RS, Rowles TK, Bossart GD, Townsend F, Mazzoil M, Allen JB, Balmer BC, Barleycorn AA, Barratclough A, Burt L, De Guise S, Fauquier D, Gomez FM, Kellar NM, Schwacke JH, Speakman TR, Stolen ED, Quigley BM, Zolman ES, Smith CR. An expert-based system to predict population survival rate from health data. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024; 38:e14073. [PMID: 36751981 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Timely detection and understanding of causes for population decline are essential for effective wildlife management and conservation. Assessing trends in population size has been the standard approach, but we propose that monitoring population health could prove more effective. We collated data from 7 bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) populations in the southeastern United States to develop a method for estimating survival probability based on a suite of health measures identified by experts as indices for inflammatory, metabolic, pulmonary, and neuroendocrine systems. We used logistic regression to implement the veterinary expert system for outcome prediction (VESOP) within a Bayesian analysis framework. We fitted parameters with records from 5 of the sites that had a robust network of responders to marine mammal strandings and frequent photographic identification surveys that documented definitive survival outcomes. We also conducted capture-mark-recapture (CMR) analyses of photographic identification data to obtain separate estimates of population survival rates for comparison with VESOP survival estimates. The VESOP analyses showed that multiple measures of health, particularly markers of inflammation, were predictive of 1- and 2-year individual survival. The highest mortality risk 1 year following health assessment related to low alkaline phosphatase (odds ratio [OR] = 10.2 [95% CI: 3.41-26.8]), whereas 2-year mortality was most influenced by elevated globulin (OR = 9.60 [95% CI: 3.88-22.4]); both are markers of inflammation. The VESOP model predicted population-level survival rates that correlated with estimated survival rates from CMR analyses for the same populations (1-year Pearson's r = 0.99, p = 1.52 × 10-5 ; 2-year r = 0.94, p = 0.001). Although our proposed approach will not detect acute mortality threats that are largely independent of animal health, such as harmful algal blooms, it can be used to detect chronic health conditions that increase mortality risk. Random sampling of the population is important and advancement in remote sampling methods could facilitate more random selection of subjects, obtainment of larger sample sizes, and extension of the approach to other wildlife species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori H Schwacke
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Len Thomas
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, University of St Andrews, The Observatory, St Andrews, UK
| | - Randall S Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, Florida, USA
| | - Teresa K Rowles
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Forrest Townsend
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Marilyn Mazzoil
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Vero Beach, Florida, USA
| | - Jason B Allen
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, Florida, USA
| | - Brian C Balmer
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Aaron A Barleycorn
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, Florida, USA
| | | | - Louise Burt
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, University of St Andrews, The Observatory, St Andrews, UK
| | - Sylvain De Guise
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Deborah Fauquier
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Forrest M Gomez
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Nicholas M Kellar
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - John H Schwacke
- Scientific Research Corporation, North Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Todd R Speakman
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Eric D Stolen
- Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Brian M Quigley
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Eric S Zolman
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Cynthia R Smith
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, USA
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Igboanugo S, Mielke J. The allostatic load model: a framework to understand the cumulative multi-system impact of work-related psychosocial stress exposure among firefighters. Health Psychol Behav Med 2023; 11:2255026. [PMID: 37711429 PMCID: PMC10498803 DOI: 10.1080/21642850.2023.2255026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Firefighting is recognised as a profession where health and well-being can be affected by a variety of occupational factors, such as physical, thermal, and chemical stressors. Along with the risks intuitively associated with the fire service, however, psychosocial stress has begun to attract attention as another variable deserving of consideration. Indeed, long-term exposure to work-related psychosocial stress has been linked with poor health outcomes in many workers; however, despite this association, very little has been done to examine how such stressors become biologically embedded in firefighters. To help facilitate research into how psychosocial stress can affect health-related outcomes in the fire service, we propose a framework centered on the notion of allostatic load. First, we reviewed the occupational characteristics that may generate psychosocial stress within firefighters before introducing allostatic load (that is, dysregulation across various physiological systems caused by the need to manage ongoing stressors). Next, we provided a summary of how allostatic load can be measured and touched on the framework's utility for studying the cumulative effects of work-related stress on firefighter health. After this, factors that may influence the steps leading from stress exposure to health outcomes were discussed; in particular, we commented upon how research in this area should consider specific non-modifiable (age, sex, and ethnicity) and modifiable (psychosocial resources and behavioural habits) factors. Finally, we presented methodological barriers and opportunities that may arise when using the allostatic load framework with this professional group. By introducing the framework, we hope to provide a tool that may be used by those interested in stress-health research in firefighters to build the evidence needed to inform primary prevention measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somkene Igboanugo
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
- Patient Education and Engagement, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - John Mielke
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
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Béland K, Lair S, Guay M, Juette T, Bédard C, Black SR, Marcoux M, Watt CA, Hussey NE, Desmarchelier M. VALIDATION OF ENZYME-LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY TECHNIQUES TO MEASURE SERUM DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE (DHEA) AND DHEA-S IN NARWHALS ( MONODON MONOCEROS). J Zoo Wildl Med 2023; 54:119-130. [PMID: 36971636 DOI: 10.1638/2022-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Narwhals (Monodon monoceros) are increasingly exposed to anthropogenic disturbances that may increase their stress levels with unknown consequences for the overall population dynamics. The validation and measurement of chronic stress biomarkers could contribute toward improved understanding and conservation efforts for this species. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated metabolite DHEA-S are collectively referred to as DHEA(S). Serum DHEA(S) concentrations combined in ratios with cortisol [cortisol/DHEA(S)] have been shown to be promising indicators of chronic stress in humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. During field tagging in 2017 and 2018 in Baffin Bay, Nunavut, Canada, 14 wild narwhals were sampled at the beginning and end of the capture-tagging procedures. Serum DHEA(S) were measured with commercially available competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) developed for humans. A partial validation of the ELISA assays was performed by the determination of the intra-assay coefficient of variation, confirmation of the DHEA(S) dilutional linearity, and the calculation of the percentage of recovery. Mean values (nanograms per milliliter ± standard error of the mean) of narwhal serum cortisol, DHEA(S), and cortisol/DHEA(S) ratios, at the beginning and at the end of handling, respectively, are reported (cortisol = 30.74 ± 4.87 and 41.83 ± 4.83; DHEA = 1.01 ± 0.52 and 0.99 ± 0.50; DHEA-S = 8.72 ± 1.68 and 7.70 ± 1.02; cortisol/DHEA = 75.43 ± 24.35 and 84.41 ± 11.76, and cortisol/DHEA-S = 4.16 ± 1.07 and 6.14 ± 1.00). Serum cortisol and cortisol/DHEA-S were statistically higher at the end of the capture (P= 0.024 and P= 0.035, respectively). Moreover, serum cortisol at the end of handling was positively correlated to total body length (P = 0.042) and tended to be higher in males (P = 0.086). These assays proved easy to perform, rapid, and suitable for measuring serum DHEA(S) of narwhals and that calculated cortisol/DHEA(S) are potential biomarkers for chronic stress in narwhals and possibly other cetaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Béland
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St. Hyacinthe, QC J2S 7C6, Canada
| | - Stéphane Lair
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St. Hyacinthe, QC J2S 7C6, Canada
| | - Mario Guay
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St. Hyacinthe, QC J2S 7C6, Canada
| | - Tristan Juette
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St. Hyacinthe, QC J2S 7C6, Canada
| | - Christian Bédard
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St. Hyacinthe, QC J2S 7C6, Canada
| | - Sandra R Black
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Marianne Marcoux
- Freshwater Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada
| | - Cortney A Watt
- Freshwater Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada
| | - Nigel E Hussey
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Marion Desmarchelier
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St. Hyacinthe, QC J2S 7C6, Canada,
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Edes AN, Brown JL, Edwards KL. Evaluating individual biomarkers for predicting health risks in zoo-housed chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and bonobos (Pan paniscus). Am J Primatol 2023; 85:e23457. [PMID: 36537335 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Although biomarkers are often used for predicting morbidity and mortality in humans, similar data are lacking in our closest relatives. This study analyzed 16 biomarkers in zoo-housed chimpanzees and bonobos from serum samples collected during both routine and nonroutine veterinary immobilizations. Generalized linear and generalized linear mixed models were used to determine the efficacy of each biomarker to predict all-cause morbidity, defined as the presence of at least one chronic condition, or cardiac disease as a subset of all-cause morbidity. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine associations between biomarkers and mortality risk from any cause. Analyses were conducted using two data sets for each species, one with all values retained (chimpanzees: n = 148; bonobos: n = 33) and the other from samples collected during routine immobilizations only (chimpanzees: n = 95; bonobos: n = 23). Consistent results across both data sets in chimpanzees included associations of higher cortisol with all-cause morbidity risk, lower creatinine with cardiac disease risk, and higher creatinine with mortality risk, and in bonobos were increased cardiac disease risk with higher cortisol and lower dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, fructosamine, and triglycerides. However, there were some inconsistencies between data sets, such as tumor necrosis factor-α predicting mortality risk positively in chimpanzees when all values were retained, but negatively for routine values only. Despite the close evolutionary relationships between chimpanzees and bonobos, the only result observed in both species was a negative association between albumin and mortality risk in the all values retained data sets. Thus, data suggest some biomarkers may be useful predictors of future health outcomes, although a better understanding of both individual and species variation in biomarkers and their contribution to health risks is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley N Edes
- Department of Reproductive and Behavioral Sciences, Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.,Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, Virginia, USA
| | - Janine L Brown
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, Virginia, USA
| | - Katie L Edwards
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, Virginia, USA.,Conservation Science and Policy, North of England Zoological Society, Chester Zoo, Upton by Chester, UK
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Immunoglobulin A and Physiologic Correlates of Well-Being in Asian Elephants. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jzbg3040050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoological institutions aim to continually improve the lives of the animals under their stewardship. To this end, bull elephants are now increasingly maintained in all-male groups to mimic social conditions observed in the wild. While cortisol is the most frequently used “stress” biomarker, secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) as a measure of health and positive affect, and the social hormone, oxytocin, are increasingly viewed as additional markers of welfare. The introduction of a pair of bull elephants to an existing group of three bull elephants at Denver Zoo presented an opportunity to assess sIgA, oxytocin and cortisol in response to the socialization process. In this study, sIgA varied greatly between individuals and did not correlate with cortisol but did correlate with salivary oxytocin. sIgA and oxytocin concentrations differed the most between social and solo situations during the introduction period compared to before bulls were introduced, and after a stable group had been formed. In contrast to findings in some species, sIgA and oxytocin were higher when housed alone than socially. Nonetheless, these results suggest that sIgA and oxytocin may be involved in social engagement and establishment of new social dynamics, and thus provide more insight into overall welfare states.
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6
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Seeley KE, Proudfoot KL, Edes AN. The application of allostasis and allostatic load in animal species: A scoping review. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273838. [PMID: 36040981 PMCID: PMC9426905 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Principles of allostasis and allostatic load have been widely applied in human research to assess the impacts of chronic stress on physiological dysregulation. Over the last few decades, researchers have also applied these concepts to non-human animals. However, there is a lack of uniformity in how the concept of allostasis is described and assessed in animals. The objectives of this review were to: 1) describe the extent to which the concepts of allostasis and allostatic load are applied theoretically to animals, with a focus on which taxa and species are represented; 2) identify when direct assessments of allostasis or allostatic load are made, which species and contexts are represented, what biomarkers are used, and if an allostatic load index was constructed; and 3) detect gaps in the literature and identify areas for future research. A search was conducted using CABI, PubMed, Agricola, and BIOSIS databases, in addition to a complementary hand-search of 14 peer-reviewed journals. Search results were screened, and articles that included non-human animals, as well as the terms “allostasis” or “allostatic” in the full text, were included. A total of 572 articles met the inclusion criteria (108 reviews and 464 peer-reviewed original research). Species were represented across all taxa. A subset of 63 publications made direct assessments of allostatic load. Glucocorticoids were the most commonly used biomarker, and were the only biomarker measured in 25 publications. Only six of 63 publications (9.5%) constructed an allostatic load index, which is the preferred methodology in human research. Although concepts of allostasis and allostatic load are being applied broadly across animal species, most publications use single biomarkers that are more likely indicative of short-term rather than chronic stress. Researchers are encouraged to adopt methodologies used in human research, including the construction of species-specific allostatic load indexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E. Seeley
- Department of Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Kathryn L. Proudfoot
- Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - Ashley N. Edes
- Department of Reproductive and Behavioral Sciences, Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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7
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Concomitant use of relative telomere length, biological health score and physical/social statuses in the biological aging evaluation of mustard-chemical veterans. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 109:108785. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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8
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Sandifer PA, Juster RP, Seeman TE, Lichtveld MY, Singer BH. Allostatic load in the context of disasters. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 140:105725. [PMID: 35306472 PMCID: PMC8919761 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Environmental disasters, pandemics, and other major traumatic events such as the Covid-19 pandemic or war contribute to psychosocial stress which manifests in a wide range of mental and physical consequences. The increasing frequency and severity of such events suggest that the adverse effects of toxic stress are likely to become more widespread and pervasive in the future. The allostatic load (AL) model has important elements that lend themselves well for identifying adverse health effects of disasters. Here we examine several articulations of AL from the standpoint of using AL to gauge short- and long-term health effects of disasters and to provide predictive capacity that would enable mitigation or prevention of some disaster-related health consequences. We developed a transdisciplinary framework combining indices of psychosocial AL and physiological AL to produce a robust estimate of overall AL in people affected by disasters and other traumatic events. In conclusion, we urge researchers to consider the potential of using AL as a component in a proposed disaster-oriented human health observing system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Sandifer
- Center for Coastal Environmental and Human Health, School of Sciences and Mathematics, College of Charleston, 66 George Street, Charleston, SC 29424, USA.
| | - Robert-Paul Juster
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Teresa E Seeman
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Maureen Y Lichtveld
- Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Burton H Singer
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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9
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Sulfur mustard and biological ageing: A multisystem biological health score approach as an extension of the allostatic load in Sardasht chemical veterans. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 101:108375. [PMID: 34810125 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108375] [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: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mustard gas as a chemical weapon has been used in wars and its long-term side effects are substantial in the human body. This study was aimed to apply an extension of allostatic load, known as synthetic biological health score (BHS), including the wear-and-tear of four physiological systems (endocrine, inflammatory, cardiovascular and metabolic systems) and two organs (liver and kidney) to estimate biological aging caused by sulfur mustard (SM) gas poisoning. METHODS The plasma samples were prepared from two following groups of people; 1) 446 individuals exposed to SM gas in 1987. 2) 115 healthy members, at the same range of age and residence, as the non-exposed group. These people were chosen from the same patients' families and have not had any exposure to SM or pulmonary dysfunction. To estimate BHS, 18 blood-derived biomarkers of the mentioned systems and organs were measured and the relative contribution of many social and body parameters across the age groups was explored. RESULTS It was revealed, in BHS calculation, the cardiovascular system had the most effect. Also, in the SM group, BHS was significantly higher than in the control group. This feature has a positive correlation with physical parameter (BMI) and a negative correlation with social parameters (salary and educational levels). CONCLUSION The multisystem BHS could be useful in the evaluation of biological aging due to SM exposure. Social (education, good-paying job) and physical (BMI) parameters could influence BHS and the higher BHS indicates the progress of biological aging due to mustard gas.
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10
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Begall S, Nappe R, Hohrenk L, Schmidt TC, Burda H, Sahm A, Szafranski K, Dammann P, Henning Y. Life expectancy, family constellation and stress in giant mole-rats ( Fukomys mechowii). Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2021; 376:20200207. [PMID: 33678029 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Giant mole-rats (Fukomys mechowii) are remarkably long-lived subterranean rodents (maximum recorded lifespan as reported here greater than 26 years) that live in families with one reproductive pair (breeders) and their non-reproductive offspring (non-breeders). Previous studies have shown that breeders live on average approximately twice as long as non-breeders, a finding contradicting the classic trade-off between reproduction and lifespan. Because recent evidence points to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis as playing an important role in shaping the pace of ageing in mole-rats, we analysed the influence of the social environment of giant mole-rats on intrafamilial aggression levels, indicators of long-term stress, and, ultimately, mortality. Behavioural data indicated that family constellation, especially the presence or the absence of parents, influences agonistic behaviour. As a measure of long-term stress, we established a non-invasive method of extracting and measuring cortisol from hair of giant mole-rats. Interestingly, orphaned non-breeders exhibited significantly lower levels of cortisol and lower mortality rates than did non-breeders living with both parents. Because hypercortisolism is harmful in the long-term, intrafamilial stress could help explain the earlier onset of senescence in non-breeders, resulting in a shorter lifespan. Our findings suggest that the social environment should be considered as a further factor in ageing studies involving group-living animals. This article is part of the theme issue 'Ageing and sociality: why, when and how does sociality change ageing patterns?'
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Affiliation(s)
- S Begall
- Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - R Nappe
- Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - L Hohrenk
- Instrumental Analytical Chemistry and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - T C Schmidt
- Instrumental Analytical Chemistry and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - H Burda
- Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - A Sahm
- Computational Biology Group, Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - K Szafranski
- Core Facility Bioinformatics, Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - P Dammann
- Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Central Animal Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Y Henning
- Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine (present address), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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11
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Edes AN, Wolfe BA, Crews DE. Testing a method to improve predictions of disease and mortality risk in western lowland gorillas ( gorilla gorilla gorilla) using allostatic load. Stress 2021; 24:76-86. [PMID: 32228119 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2020.1748003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Allostatic load is the wear-and-tear organisms accumulate due to senescence and stress; it is measured by combining biomarkers from multiple somatic systems into allostatic load indices (ALIs). Frequently used in human research, ALIs have shown consistent results across samples despite different biomarkers and methods. However, determining optimal models likely is necessary if ALIs are to be feasible research tools in other species. Herein, we build on prior research in western lowland gorillas to explore one potential method for determining which biomarkers may be best for estimating allostatic load. After narrowing down which biomarkers to include using a combination of forward stepwise regression and independent biomarker associations with project variables, we estimated allostatic load using both the traditional one-tailed quartile method as well as a multi-method approach. There was a significant positive association between allostatic load and triglycerides, but not cholesterol, both of which are commonly used as diagnostic markers of poor health. Using binomial generalized linear models, a one-unit increase in allostatic load was associated with increased risk of all-cause morbidity and mortality, but reduced risk of cardiac disease. Although conclusions were similar, compared to our original ALIs, these new ALIs had weaker effect sizes and poorer relative goodness of fit, suggesting this method for identifying the best possible list of biomarkers to include in an index was not effective. This report continues the development of ALIs as a clinical tool in wildlife while systematically testing one possible method for determining an optimal ALI for a particular species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley N Edes
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, USA
- Department of Anthropology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Barbara A Wolfe
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Douglas E Crews
- Department of Anthropology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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12
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Comizzoli P, Holt WV. Breakthroughs and new horizons in reproductive biology of rare and endangered animal species. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:514-525. [PMID: 30772911 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Because of higher extinction rates due to human and natural factors, more basic and applied research in reproductive biology is required to preserve wild species and design proper strategies leading to sustainable populations. The objective of the review is to highlight recent, inspiring breakthroughs in wildlife reproduction science that will set directions for future research and lead to more successes in conservation biology. Despite new tools and approaches allowing a better and faster understanding of key mechanisms, we still know little about reproduction in endangered species. Recently, the most striking advances have been obtained in nonmammalian species (fish, birds, amphibians, or corals) with the development of alternative solutions to preserve fertility or new information about parental nutritional influence on embryo development. A novel way has also been explored to consider the impact of environmental changes on reproduction-the allostatic load-in a vast array of species (from primates to fish). On the horizon, genomic tools are expected to considerably change the way we study wildlife reproduction and develop a concept of "precision conservation breeding." When basic studies in organismal physiology are conducted in parallel, new approaches using stem cells to create artificial gametes and gonads, innovations in germplasm storage, and more research on reproductive microbiomes will help to make a difference. Lastly, multiple challenges (for instance, poor integration of new tools in conservation programs, limited access to study animals, or few publication options) will have to be addressed if we want reproductive biology to positively impact conservation of biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Comizzoli
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington DC, USA
| | - William V Holt
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Olsson IAS, J Nicol C, Niemi SM, Sandøe P. From Unpleasant to Unbearable-Why and How to Implement an Upper Limit to Pain And Other Forms of Suffering in Research with Animals. ILAR J 2020; 60:404-414. [PMID: 31996924 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilz018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The focus of this paper is the requirement that the use of live animals in experiments and in vivo assays should never be allowed if those uses involve severe suffering. This requirement was first implemented in Danish legislation, was later adopted by the European Union, and has had limited uptake in North America. Animal suffering can arise from exposure to a wide range of different external and internal events that threaten biological or social functions, while the severity of suffering may be influenced by the animals' perceptions of their own situation and the degree of control they are able to exert. Severe suffering is more than an incremental increase in negative state(s) but involves a qualitative shift whereby the normal mechanisms to contain or keep negative states at arm's length no longer function. The result of severe suffering will be a loss of the ability of cope. The idea of putting a cap on severe suffering may be justified from multiple ethical perspectives. In most, if not all, cases it is possible to avoid imposing severe suffering on animals during experiments without giving up the potential benefits of finding new ways to cure, prevent, or alleviate serious human diseases and generate other important knowledge. From this it follows that there is a strong ethical case to favor a regulatory ban on animal experiments involving severe suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Anna S Olsson
- Laboratory Animal Science Group, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Christine J Nicol
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
| | - Steven M Niemi
- Animal Law and Policy Program, Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Peter Sandøe
- Department of Food and Resource Economics, and Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Atwood MP, Kie JG, Millspaugh JJ, Matocq MD, Bowyer RT. Condition of mule deer during winter: stress and spatial overlap with North American elk. MAMMAL RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-019-00474-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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15
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Edwards KL, Edes AN, Brown JL. Stress, Well-Being and Reproductive Success. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1200:91-162. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-23633-5_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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16
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McCreary JK, Erickson ZT, Paxman E, Kiss D, Montina T, Olson DM, Metz GAS. The rat cumulative allostatic load measure (rCALM): a new translational assessment of the burden of stress. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2019; 5:dvz005. [PMID: 31065381 PMCID: PMC6500369 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvz005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Determinants of lifetime health are complex and emphasize the need for robust predictors of disease risk. Allostatic load (AL) has become a clinical framework to estimate the cumulative biological burden associated with chronic stress. To assist knowledge translation in the developmental origins of health and disease field, clinically valid methods for reliable AL assessment in experimental models are urgently needed. Here, we introduce the rat cumulative allostatic load measure (rCALM), as a new preclinical knowledge translation tool to assess the burden of chronic stress. First, we identified an array of stress-associated physiological markers that are particularly sensitive to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation by ancestral prenatal stress. Second, we determined which of these markers are susceptible to an intervention by environmental enrichment (EE) to mitigate AL. The markers most responsive to stress and EE therapy were assembled to become operationalized in the rCALM. Third, the new rCALM was validated for the ability to indicate future disease risks. The results show that the rCALM estimates the burden of chronic stress and serves as a proxy to estimate stress resilience and vulnerability to disease. Using the rCALM we showed that enrichment therapy can offset the adverse health outcomes linked to a high AL. Thus, the rCALM provides a model for the development of new test strategies that facilitate knowledge translation in preclinical animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Keiko McCreary
- Department of Neuroscience, Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Zachary T Erickson
- Department of Neuroscience, Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Eric Paxman
- Department of Neuroscience, Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Douglas Kiss
- Department of Neuroscience, Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tony Montina
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - David M Olson
- Department of Neuroscience, Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics and Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gerlinde A S Metz
- Department of Neuroscience, Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics and Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Edes AN, Wolfe BA, Crews DE. The first multi-zoo application of an allostatic load index to western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 266:135-149. [PMID: 29746855 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Vertebrate stress responses are highly adaptive biological functions, maximizing survival probability in life-threatening situations. However, experiencing repeated and/or chronic stressors can generate physiological dysregulation and lead to disease. Because stress responses are multi-systemic and involve a wide range of physiological functions, identifying responses to stressors is best accomplished using integrated biomarker models. Allostatic load, defined as the physiological dysregulation that accumulates over the lifespan due to stressful experiences, is one such model. Allostatic load is measured using allostatic load indices, which are composites of biomarkers from multiple somatic systems. Previously, we reported the use of a 7-biomarker allostatic load index (albumin, CRH, cortisol, DHEA-S, glucose, IL-6, TNF-α) in western lowland gorillas housed at a single zoo. Herein, this index is expanded to examine allostatic load responses to lifetime stressors in gorillas from two additional zoos (n = 63) as well as two pooled samples. The index was created using quartile cut-points for each biomarker. Significant associations were observed between multiple predictor variables and allostatic load, including sex, age, number of stressful events (anesthetic events, zoo transfers, agonistic interactions with wounding, pregnancies), and rearing history (mother-reared, nursery-reared, wild-caught). Additionally, allostatic load was associated with indicators of morbidity (creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides), age at death, and mortality risk. These results are consistent with those reported in human allostatic load research, suggesting allostatic load indices have potential as an investigative and clinical tool for gorillas and other great apes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley N Edes
- Department of Anthropology, 174 West 18th Ave., The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States.
| | - Barbara A Wolfe
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, 1920 Coffey Rd., The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Douglas E Crews
- Department of Anthropology, 174 West 18th Ave., The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; College of Public Health, 1841 Neil Ave., Columbus, OH 43210, United States
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