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Siegel MP, Conklin SM. Acute intake of B. longum probiotic does not reduce stress, anxiety, or depression in young adults: A pilot study. Brain Behav Immun Health 2020; 2:100029. [PMID: 34589825 PMCID: PMC8474537 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2019.100029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The gut microbiome communicates bidirectionally with the brain, linking the gut to psychological phenomena such as stress, depression, and anxiety. Probiotics, or ingestible supplements containing billions of mutualistic bacteria, have demonstrated the mechanistic potential to influence mood; however, few studies have experimentally examined the acute effects of these compounds on individuals not recruited for psychopathology or gut dysfunction. The present study hypothesized reductions in stress, anxiety and depression symptoms following an acute, one week dosing period of B. longum intake. Methods The efficacy of a one-week period of orally administered B. longum was tested utilizing a double-blind experimental design. Participants were randomly assigned to either placebo or probiotic capsules under double blinded conditions and completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale (CES-D), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI Y2 form) to assess for differences before and after one-week intervention. Results No significant reduction in symptoms between groups over the one-week period was found. Conclusions These findings suggest that 7-days of B. longum does not reduce stress, depressive symptoms, or anxiety in generally healthy young adults. Microbiota can act via the gut-brain axis (GBA) to influence psychological variables such as stress, depression and anxiety. B. longum specifically has been found to reduce stress in humans. Probiotics, which contain various microbiota strain(s), are used to improve overall health. One week of B. longum did not significantly reduce stress, depression or anxiety in young adults. There is a great need for future research to continue to search for time and dose effects on probiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Siegel
- Neuroscience Program and Psychology Department, Allegheny College, USA.,Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, USA
| | - Sarah M Conklin
- Neuroscience Program and Psychology Department, Allegheny College, USA
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Conklin SM, Wallace MD. Pyramidal parent training using behavioral skills training: Training caregivers in the use of a differential reinforcement procedure. Behavioral Interventions 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/bin.1668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Conklin
- Special Education and CounselingCalifornia State University Los Angeles California
| | - Michele D. Wallace
- Special Education and CounselingCalifornia State University Los Angeles California
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Möller CM, Olsa EJA, Ginty AT, Rapelje AL, Tindall CL, Holesh LA, Petersen KL, Conklin SM. Influence of Acute Multispecies and Multistrain Probiotic Supplementation on Cardiovascular Function and Reactivity to Psychological Stress in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Psychosom Med 2017; 79:914-919. [PMID: 28498275 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000000489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The potential influence of probiotic supplementation on cardiovascular health and stress responsivity remains largely unexplored. Some evidence suggests the possibility that probiotics may influence blood pressure. A separate body of research suggests that exaggerated cardiovascular reactions to acute psychological stress in the laboratory predict cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The current investigation explored the effect of acute probiotic use on (1) resting cardiovascular measures in healthy young adults and (2) cardiovascular and psychological reactions to an acute psychological stressor in the laboratory. METHOD Participants (N = 105, M [SD] age = 20.17 [1.26], 84.8% white) completed a 2-week, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial of a multispecies and multistrain probiotic. Exclusion criteria included previous probiotic use, diagnosed gastrointestinal disorder, and/or current antibiotic use. At visits 1 and 2, participants completed the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test, a widely used psychological stress task. Participants were randomly assigned to a probiotic blend or matched placebo. RESULTS Compared with placebo, 2-week probiotic supplementation did not affect resting measures of cardiovascular function, cardiovascular responses during or recovery from stress, or psychological reactions to acute psychological stress. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to expectations, short-term use of a probiotic supplement in healthy participants did not influence measures of cardiovascular function or responsivity to psychological stress. Future research is needed to determine species- and strain-specific effects of probiotics in healthy participants with various degrees of stress responsiveness, as well as in diseased populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara M Möller
- From the Neuroscience Program (Möller, Olsa, Tindall, Holesh, Conklin), Psychology Department (Möller, Olsa, Rapelje, Tindall, Holesh, Conklin), Allegheny College, Meadville, Pennsylvania; School of Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation Sciences (Möller), University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience (Ginty), Baylor University, Waco, Texas; and Department of Psychology and Sociology (Petersen), College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, Minnesota
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Abstract
Low consumption of the omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenonic acids, is linked to delayed brain development and, in late life, increased risk for Alzheimer's disease. The current review focuses on cognitive functioning during midlife and summarizes available scientific evidence relevant to the hypothesis that adequate dietary consumption of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids is necessary for optimal cognitive performance. Taken together, the findings suggest that raising the currently low consumption among healthy adults may improve some aspects of cognitive performance. Nonetheless, evidence from randomized clinical trials is comparatively sparse and leaves unclear: (a) whether such effects are clinically significant, (b) whether effects of eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA differ, (c) which dimensions of cognitive function are affected, (d) the dose-response relationships, or (e) the time course of the response. Clarification of these issues through both laboratory and clinical investigations is a priority given the broad implications for public health, as well as for military personnel and other positions of high performance demand and responsibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew F Muldoon
- Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Old Engineering Hall, Room 506, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260
| | - Christopher M Ryan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3500 Fifth Avenue, Suite 106, Pittsburg, PA 15213
| | - Jeffrey K Yao
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System and Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 7180 Highland Drive, Building 13, Room 131, Pittsburg, PA 15206
| | - Sarah M Conklin
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Allegheny College, 520 North Main Street, Meadville, PA 16335
| | - Stephen B Manuck
- Behavioral Physiology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Sennott Square, 3rd Floor, 210 South Bouquet Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15260
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Ginty AT, Masters NA, Nelson EB, Kaye KT, Conklin SM. Cardiovascular reactions to psychological stress and abuse history: the role of occurrence, frequency, and type of abuse. Anxiety Stress Coping 2016; 30:155-162. [PMID: 27425575 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2016.1210791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Extreme cardiovascular reactions to psychological stress have been associated with traumatic life experiences. Previous studies have focused on the occurrence or frequency of abuse rather than type of abuse. We examined how occurrence, frequency, and the type of abuse history are related to cardiovascular reactivity (CVR) to acute psychological stress. DESIGN The study consisted of between group and continuous analyses to examine the association between occurrence, type, and frequency of abuse with cardiovascular reactions to acute psychological stress. METHODS Data from 64 participants were collected. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were measured at baseline and during a standard mental arithmetic stress task. RESULTS Individuals who experienced abuse showed diminished CVR to acute psychological stress; this was driven specifically by the history of sexual abuse. Frequency of abuse did not relate to stress reactions. CONCLUSIONS These findings accord with previous work suggesting a relationship between traumatic life experience and hypoarousal in physiological reactivity and extend previous findings by suggesting the relationship may be driven by sexual abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie T Ginty
- a Department of Psychiatry , University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh , PA , USA
| | - Nicole A Masters
- b Neuroscience Program , Allegheny College , Meadville , PA , USA
| | - Eliza B Nelson
- c Schools of Medicine & Psychology and Neuroscience , University of St Andrews , St Andrews , UK
| | - Karen T Kaye
- d Department of Psychology , Brandeis University , Waltham , MA , USA
| | - Sarah M Conklin
- b Neuroscience Program , Allegheny College , Meadville , PA , USA.,e Department of Psychology , Allegheny College , Meadville , PA , USA.,f Global Health Studies Program , Allegheny College , Meadville , PA , USA
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Brindle RC, Ginty AT, Conklin SM. Is the association between depression and blunted cardiovascular stress reactions mediated by perceptions of stress? Int J Psychophysiol 2013; 90:66-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2013.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2012] [Revised: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Muldoon MF, Erickson KI, Goodpaster BH, Jakicic JM, Conklin SM, Sekikawa A, Yao JK, Manuck SB. Concurrent physical activity modifies the association between n3 long-chain fatty acids and cardiometabolic risk in midlife adults. J Nutr 2013; 143:1414-20. [PMID: 23884386 PMCID: PMC3743273 DOI: 10.3945/jn.113.174078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Greater consumption of n3 (ω3) polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can reduce risk for cardiovascular disease events, yet their effects on metabolic risk factors and diabetes remain unclear. This cross-sectional study used a community volunteer sample to test whether the associations between n3 fatty acids and cardiometabolic risk vary as a function of physical activity. Participants were 344 generally healthy adults, 30-54 y of age, not taking fish oil supplements or confounding medications. Serum phospholipid EPA and DHA were used together (EPA+DHA) as a biomarker of n3 fatty acid exposure. Cardiometabolic risk was calculated as a continuous measure based on standardized distributions of blood pressure, waist circumference, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and a simple count of risk factors. Insulin resistance was estimated from the homeostatic model assessment. Physical activity was found to predict cardiometabolic risk (P ≤ 0.02) and insulin resistance (P ≤ 0.02) and to moderate the association between EPA+DHA and both cardiometabolic risk (P-interaction ≤ 0.02) and insulin resistance (P-interaction ≤ 0.02). Specifically, higher EPA+DHA was associated with lower cardiometabolic risk and insulin resistance in persons engaged in regular physical activity but not in relatively inactive individuals. These findings were noted in several components of cardiometabolic risk, in men and women separately, and in models adjusted for overall diet quality. In midlife adults, habitual physical activity may be necessary to unmask the salutary effects of n3 fatty acids on cardiometabolic risk and insulin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew F. Muldoon
- Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA,To whom correspondence should be addressed: E-mail:
| | - Kirk I. Erickson
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Bret H. Goodpaster
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - John M. Jakicic
- Department of Health and Physical Activity, School of Education, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Sarah M. Conklin
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Allegheny College, Meadville, PA
| | - Akira Sekikawa
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep restriction and poor sleep quality is linked with cardiovascular morbidity. PURPOSE The present study aimed to explore the influence of daytime sleep supplementation on cardiovascular reactivity. METHOD Participants (N = 85) were generally healthy young adults and were randomized to a 60-min polysomnographically-monitored sleep condition or to a no-sleep condition. Participants then completed a standard three-phase mental stress reactivity task. RESULTS Significantly lower mean arterial pressure means were found in the recovery phase of the stress reactivity task among participants that accrued more than 45 min of daytime sleep. CONCLUSION These findings suggest daytime sleep may offer cardiovascular benefit in the form of greater cardiovascular recovery from psychological stress. Further research should assess daytime sleep characteristics (time of day, length, and architecture) on cardiovascular response, in an effort to better understand its role as a possible recuperative agent against suboptimal nocturnal sleep patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C Brindle
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Allegheny College, Meadville, PA 16335, USA
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Harbaugh MP, Manuck SB, Jennings JR, Conklin SM, Yao JK, Muldoon MF. Long-chain, n-3 fatty acids and physical activity--independent and interactive associations with cardiac autonomic control. Int J Cardiol 2012; 167:2102-7. [PMID: 22704872 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2012.05.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2011] [Revised: 04/16/2012] [Accepted: 05/27/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Intake of the marine-based, n-3 fatty acids and engagement in physical activity are inversely related to cardiac morbidity and mortality. Among putative mechanisms, both n-3 fatty acids and physical activity may act through modulation of autonomic control of the cardiovascular system. This investigation examined the independent and interactive associations of n-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic and docosahexanenoic acid; EPA, DHA) and physical activity with heart rate variability (HRV). METHODS Subjects were 259 healthy 30-54 year-old adults. Serum phospholipid fatty acid composition was employed as a biomarker of dietary n-3 fatty acid exposure. Physical activity based on the Paffenbarger questionnaire was coded as < or ≥ 2000 kcal/week. Standard time-domain (standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals and root-mean squared of successive differences; SDNN, RMSSD) and frequency domain (high frequency and low frequency power) measures of HRV were derived from resting electrocardiographic recordings. RESULTS In linear regression models with covariate adjustment for age, gender and race, greater n-3 fatty acid exposure was associated with greater SDNN and RMSSD, and high physical activity was associated with greater RMSSD. n-3 fatty acid exposure also predicted variation in SDNN, RMSSD, and high-frequency power in interaction with physical activity. Specifically, n-3 fatty acid exposure covaried positively with these three HRV indices only among participants expending 2000 kcal per week or more in physical activity. These latter findings were noted for DHA but not EPA. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the cardiovascular benefits of n-3 fatty acid consumption may be mediated, in part, by effects on cardiac autonomic control and may be dependent upon concomitant habitual exercise.
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Ginty AT, Conklin SM. Preliminary evidence that acute long-chain omega-3 supplementation reduces cardiovascular reactivity to mental stress: a randomized and placebo controlled trial. Biol Psychol 2011; 89:269-72. [PMID: 21967854 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2011.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2011] [Revised: 09/16/2011] [Accepted: 09/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Exaggerated cardiovascular reactivity predicts cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Some evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids improve cardiovascular function. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of an acute low dose of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids on young, healthy individuals. METHODS Participants (n=34) were randomly assigned to either 21-days of omega-3 fatty acids (1.4 g EPA and DHA) or matched placebo. Cardiovascular measurements were obtained in the laboratory during baseline and during a standard mental arithmetic task, where participants were instructed to engage in serial subtractions by 17s from a four-digit number and cardiovascular reactivity to the task was calculated. RESULTS Mean arterial pressure reactivity was significantly reduced by supplementation (F(1,32)=5. 12, p=.03, η(2)=.144) but not by placebo. CONCLUSION Supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids may reduce cardiovascular reactivity to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie T Ginty
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Allegheny College, Meadville, PA 16335, USA.
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Ginty AT, Conklin SM. High perceived stress in relation to life events is associated with blunted cardiac reactivity. Biol Psychol 2011; 86:383-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2011.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2010] [Revised: 12/04/2010] [Accepted: 01/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Muldoon MF, Ryan CM, Sheu L, Yao JK, Conklin SM, Manuck SB. Serum phospholipid docosahexaenonic acid is associated with cognitive functioning during middle adulthood. J Nutr 2010; 140:848-53. [PMID: 20181791 PMCID: PMC2838625 DOI: 10.3945/jn.109.119578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Existing evidence links greater dietary intake of fish and (n-3) PUFA to better early brain development and lowered risk of cognitive disorders in late life. The mechanisms for these associations remain unclear and may be related to specific (n-3) fatty acids and may concern cognitive function generally rather than only early brain development and age-related cognitive dysfunction. In this investigation, we tested potential associations between (n-3) fatty acids in serum phospholipids and major dimensions of cognitive functioning in mid-life adults. Participants were 280 community volunteers between 35 and 54 y of age, free of major neuropsychiatric disorders, and not taking fish oil supplements. Dietary biomarkers were alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenonic acid (DHA) in serum phospholipids measured using GC. Five major dimensions of cognitive functioning were assessed with a 75-min battery of neuropsychological tests. In covariate adjusted regression models, higher DHA (mol %) was related to better performance on tests of nonverbal reasoning and mental flexibility, working memory, and vocabulary (P <or= 0.05). These associations were generally linear. Associations between DHA and nonverbal reasoning and working memory persisted with additional adjustment for participant education and vocabulary scores (P <or= 0.05). Neither EPA nor ALA was notably related to any of the 5 tested dimensions of cognitive performance. Among the 3 key (n-3) PUFA, only DHA is associated with major aspects of cognitive performance in nonpatient adults <55 y old. These findings suggest that DHA is related to brain health throughout the lifespan and may have implications for clinical trials of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew F. Muldoon
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology,; Department of Psychiatry,; VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, School of Medicine, and; Behavioral Physiology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Allegheny College, Meadville, PA 16335,To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
| | - Christopher M. Ryan
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology,; Department of Psychiatry,; VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, School of Medicine, and; Behavioral Physiology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Allegheny College, Meadville, PA 16335
| | - Lei Sheu
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology,; Department of Psychiatry,; VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, School of Medicine, and; Behavioral Physiology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Allegheny College, Meadville, PA 16335
| | - Jeffrey K. Yao
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology,; Department of Psychiatry,; VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, School of Medicine, and; Behavioral Physiology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Allegheny College, Meadville, PA 16335
| | - Sarah M. Conklin
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology,; Department of Psychiatry,; VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, School of Medicine, and; Behavioral Physiology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Allegheny College, Meadville, PA 16335
| | - Stephen B. Manuck
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology,; Department of Psychiatry,; VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, School of Medicine, and; Behavioral Physiology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Allegheny College, Meadville, PA 16335
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Conklin SM, Runyan C, Leonard S, Reddy RD, Muldoon MF, Yao JK. Age-related changes of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the anterior cingulate cortex of individuals with major depressive disorder. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2010; 82:111-9. [PMID: 20060277 PMCID: PMC2955405 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2009.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2009] [Accepted: 12/04/2009] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence finds a relative deficiency of peripheral membrane fatty acids in persons with affective disorders such as unipolar and bipolar depression. Here we sought to investigate whether postmortem brain fatty acids within the anterior cingulate cortex (BA-24) varied according to the presence of major depression at the time of death. Using capillary gas chromatography we measured fatty acids in a depressed group (n=12), and in a control group without lifetime history of psychiatric diagnosis (n=14). Compared to the control group, the depressed group showed significantly lower concentrations of numerous saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids including both the n-3 and n-6 fatty acids. Additionally, significant correlations between age at death and precursor (or metabolites) in the n-3 fatty acid pathway were demonstrated in the depressed group but not in control subjects. In the n-6 fatty acid family, the ratio of 20:3(n-6)/18:2(n-6) was higher in patients than in control groups, whereas the ratio of 20:4(n-6)/20:3(n-6) was relatively decreased in patients. Lastly, a significant negative correlation between age and the ratio of 20:4(n-6) to 22:6(n-3) was found in patients, but not in controls. Taken together, decreases in 22:6(n-3) may be caused, at least in part, by the diminished formation of 20:5(n-3), which is derived from 20:4(n-3) through a Delta5 desaturase reaction. The present findings from postmortem brain tissue raise the possibility that an increased ratio of 20:4(n-6) to 22:6(n-3) may provide us with a biomarker for depression. Future research should further investigate these relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Conklin
- Medical Research Service, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Neuroscience Program and Department of Psychology, Allegheny College, Meadville, PA, USA
| | | | - Sherry Leonard
- Denver VA Medical Center, and Departments of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Ravinder D. Reddy
- Medical Research Service, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Matthew F. Muldoon
- Medical Research Service, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jeffrey K. Yao
- Medical Research Service, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Corresponding author: Tel: +1 412 954 5787; fax: +1 412 954 5786,
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Conklin SM, Stanford MS. Premeditated aggression is associated with serum cholesterol in abstinent drug and alcohol dependent men. Psychiatry Res 2008; 157:283-7. [PMID: 17916384 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2007.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2006] [Revised: 08/22/2006] [Accepted: 02/03/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Relationships between aggressive subtypes and lipids were explored in 18 adult males undergoing treatment for substance dependence. A positive association was observed between a measure of premeditated aggression and total cholesterol. This was in contrast to an inverse association between lower cholesterol and higher impulsivity and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Conklin
- Cardiovascular Behavioral Medicine Research Training Program, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 506 Old Engineering Hall, 4015 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
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Conklin SM, Harris JI, Manuck SB, Yao JK, Hibbeln JR, Muldoon MF. Serum omega-3 fatty acids are associated with variation in mood, personality and behavior in hypercholesterolemic community volunteers. Psychiatry Res 2007; 152:1-10. [PMID: 17383013 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2006.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2006] [Revised: 09/12/2006] [Accepted: 10/01/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Low dietary intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids has been linked to several features of psychiatric symptomatology, including depression, disorders of impulse control, and hostility. Preliminary intervention trials of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for clinical depression and other disorders have reported benefit. However, few studies have investigated the relationships between these fatty acids and normative variability in mood, behavior and personality. Participants were 105 hypercholesterolemic, but otherwise healthy, non-smoking adults. Fasting serum alpha-linolenic (alpha-LNA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were assayed with gas chromatography. Participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the NEO Five Factor Personality Inventory (NEO-FFI) and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS). In multivariate analyses, higher levels of the long chain omega-3 PUFAs, EPA and DHA, were associated with significantly reduced odds of scoring >or=10 on the BDI. Similarly, DHA and EPA covaried inversely with NEO-Neuroticism scores, whereas DHA was positively associated with NEO-Agreeableness. On the BIS, DHA was inversely related to cognitive impulsivity and alpha-LNA was inversely related to motor and total impulsivity. These findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acid status is associated with variability in affect regulation, personality and impulse control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Conklin
- Cardiovascular Behavioral Medicine Postdoctoral Training Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States.
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Conklin SM, Gianaros PJ, Brown SM, Yao JK, Hariri AR, Manuck SB, Muldoon MF. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acid intake is associated positively with corticolimbic gray matter volume in healthy adults. Neurosci Lett 2007; 421:209-12. [PMID: 17574755 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2007.04.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2007] [Revised: 04/17/2007] [Accepted: 04/30/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In animals, dendritic arborization and levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor are positively associated with intake of the omega-3 fatty acids. Here, we test whether omega-3 fatty acid intake in humans varies with individual differences in gray matter volume, an in vivo, systems-level index of neuronal integrity. METHODS Fifty-five healthy adults completed two 24h dietary recall interviews. Intake of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids was categorized by tertiles. Regional gray matter volumes in a putative emotional brain circuitry comprised of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), amygdala and hippocampus were calculated using optimized voxel-based morphometry on high-resolution structural magnetic resonance images. RESULTS Region of interest analyses revealed positive associations between reported dietary omega-3 intake and gray matter volume in the subgenual ACC, the right hippocampus and the right amygdala, adjusted for total gray matter volume of brain. Unconstrained whole-brain analyses confirmed that higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids was selectively associated with increased greater gray matter volume in these and not other regions. CONCLUSIONS Higher reported consumption of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids is associated with greater gray matter volume in nodes of a corticolimbic circuitry supporting emotional arousal and regulation. Such associations may mediate previously observed effects of omega-3 fatty acids on memory, mood and affect regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Conklin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States.
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Stanford MS, Helfritz LE, Conklin SM, Villemarette-Pittman NR, Greve KW, Adams D, Houston RJ. A comparison of anticonvulsants in the treatment of impulsive aggression. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol 2005; 13:72-7. [PMID: 15727506 DOI: 10.1037/1064-1297.13.1.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This study compared the behavioral effects of 3 anticonvulsants in impulsive aggressive men. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel groups design, participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 6-week treatments: phenytoin (n = 7), carbamazepine (n = 7), valproate (n = 7), or placebo (n = 8). The efficacy measure was the average aggression score, a global severity index from the Overt Aggression Scale (J. M. Silver & S. C. Yudofsky, 1991). Analysis showed a significant reduction in impulsive aggression during all 3 anticonvulsant conditions compared with placebo. However, the treatment effect during carbamazepine administration was slightly delayed compared with phenytoin and valproate. These findings suggest that increased use of anticonvulsants could make a significant impact in the control of impulsive aggression in both mental health and criminal justice settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Stanford
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA.
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Abstract
In the research literature, aggressive behavior has traditionally been classified into two distinct subtypes, impulsive or premeditated. Impulsive aggression is defined as a hair-trigger aggressive response to provocation with loss of behavioral control. Premeditated aggression is defined as a planned or conscious aggressive act, not spontaneous or related to an agitated state. The present study outlines the development of a clinically useful self-report instrument, the Impulsive/Premeditated Aggression Scales (IPAS), designed to characterize aggressive behavior as predominately impulsive or predominately premeditated in nature. The IPAS showed strong reliability and validity. Analysis of the IPASscores demonstrated thepresence of two types of aggressive behavior, impulsive and premeditated, in men referred for anger problems. The aggression of most individuals in the present sample was characterized as predominately impulsive in nature (90%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Stanford
- Department of Psychology, University of New Orleans, Louisiana 70148, USA.
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