Adiponectin, leptin, cortisol, neuropeptide Y and profile of mood states in athletes participating in an ultramarathon during winter: An observational study

Psychological aspects of the longest, solo, unsupported one-way polar ski expedition in Antarctica by a female adventurer

INTRODUCTION

Antarctic expeditions present exceptional physiological and mental challenges. Research data are lacking on psychological aspects of such endeavours. The aim of our study is to provide data on changes in mood, well-being, personality traits and personal experiences during an Antarctica crossing.

METHODS

This is a study of a 33-year-old female British Army officer (height 175 cm; weight 75 kg; body mass index 24.49 kg/m2; VO2max 49 mL/kg/min) who completed the longest, solo, unsupported, one-way polar ski expedition. The expedition started at Hercules Inlet and finished at Ross Ice Shelf, lasting 70 days and 16 hours covering 1484.53 km, with temperatures estimating from -12°C to -50°C and wind speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. The adventurer pulled all equipment and nutrition in a pulk (sled), weighing approximately 120 kg. Five psychometric questionnaires were completed pre post and during the expedition, including the International Personality Item Pool - Neuroticism, Extraversion and Openness-60, Brief Assessment of Mood, Positive and Negative Affective Schedule, Profile of Mood States, Wellness questionnaire, as well as an unstructured open questionnaire.

RESULTS

Mood generally deteriorated, particularly positive affective mood. Scores for fatigue and muscle soreness increased, with a reduction in sleep times. Personality traits of openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness remained stable throughout the expedition, with some reduction in extraversion and an increase in neuroticism. Personal accounts give a unique insight into the increasing demands on the mental and physical impact of the expedition.

CONCLUSIONS

Meticulous preparation and planning may have led to a successful expedition, including physical preparation, prior on-field experience, and psychological preparedness and resiliance. Some of these strategies may be applicable to a range of settings, including future Antarctic expeditions, expeditions in extreme environments, or missions within a military context.

COVID-19, Anxiety, and Body Mass Index Increase Leptin Levels: a Cross-sectional Multicentric Study

Although many efforts have been made to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of COVID-19, critical gaps remain to be explored. This study aimed to investigate potential alterations in adipokine levels (specifically adiponectin, leptin, and resistin) among individuals with COVID-19. Within this population, we further assessed the association between these markers with both, body mass index (BMI) and psychiatric symptoms. This cross-sectional study included an age- and sex-matched sample of adults with COVID-19 (cases) and without COVID-19 (controls). We evaluated the severity of psychiatric symptoms, BMI, and adipokines. Individuals with COVID-19 presented greater BMI, stress levels, and leptin levels when compared to controls. Leptin levels were greater in individuals with moderate/severe COVID-19 as compared to individuals with COVID-19 who were asymptomatic or having mild symptoms. Leptin levels were positively correlated with BMI, severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms, and stress levels in the total sample. Leptin levels were also positively correlated with BMI, severity of anxiety symptoms, and stress levels in controls. In cases, there was a positive correlation between adiponectin and the severity of depressive symptoms and stress levels and leptin/resistin with BMI. A linear regression model revealed that BMI, severity of anxiety symptoms, and the diagnosis of COVID-19 are independently associated with increased leptin levels. Thus, leptin levels seem to be impacted by the COVID-19 infection, anxiety, and BMI.