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Erving CL, Zajdel RA, Blevins KM, Fields ND, Martin ZT, McKinnon II, Parker R, Murden RJ, Udaipuria S, Swanson S, Booker B, Burey T, Vaccarino V, Moore RH, Johnson DA, Lewis TT. The association between Superwoman schema and subjective sleep quality among Black women. Sleep Health 2024:S2352-7218(23)00326-1. [PMID: 38403559 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2023.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Similar to women overall, Black women are socialized to be communal and "self-sacrificing," but unlike women from other racial/ethnic backgrounds, Black women are also socialized to be "strong" and "invulnerable." This phenomenon is labeled Superwoman schema. This study examined associations between Superwoman schema endorsement and subjective sleep quality. METHODS Participants included 405 Black women (ages 30-46). Superwoman schema was measured using a 35-item scale capturing five dimensions: obligation to present strength, suppress emotions, resistance to vulnerability, motivation to succeed, and obligation to help others. Superwoman schema overall and the five dimensions/subscales were analyzed. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to investigate overall subjective sleep quality (range: 0-19), poor sleep quality (PSQI >5), and specific sleep domains (eg, sleep duration, sleep disturbances). We fit linear and binary logistic regression models, adjusting for health-related and sociodemographic factors. RESULTS Superwoman schema dimension obligation to help others was associated with lower overall subjective sleep quality (β: .81, 95%CI=0.29, 1.32) and poor sleep quality (OR: 1.55, 95%CI=1.10, 2.19), as well as bad subjective sleep quality (OR: 1.76, 95%CI=1.18, 2.66), sleep disturbances (β: .73, 95%CI =0.07, 1.41), and daytime sleepiness (OR: 2.01, 95%CI=1.25, 3.26). Suppress emotions (OR: 1.41, 95%CI=1.01, 1.99) was associated with poor subjective sleep quality. Superwoman schema overall was associated with daytime sleepiness (OR: 2.01, 95%CI=1.06, 3.82). CONCLUSION Superwoman schema endorsement, especially obligation to help others and suppress emotions, may be important psychosocial risk factors for Black women's sleep health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christy L Erving
- University of Texas at Austin, Department of Sociology & Population Research Center, Austin, Texas, USA.
| | - Rachel A Zajdel
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), Division of Intramural Research, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kennedy M Blevins
- University of California, Irvine, School of Social Ecology, Department of Psychological Science, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Nicole D Fields
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Zachary T Martin
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Izraelle I McKinnon
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rachel Parker
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Department, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Raphiel J Murden
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Department, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Shivika Udaipuria
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Seegar Swanson
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Department, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Bianca Booker
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Taylor Burey
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Viola Vaccarino
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Reneé H Moore
- Drexel University, Dornsife School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dayna A Johnson
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Tené T Lewis
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Martin ZT, Shah AJ, Ko YA, Sheikh SAA, Daaboul O, Haddad G, Goldberg J, Smith NL, Lewis TT, Quyyumi AA, Bremner JD, Vaccarino V. Exaggerated Peripheral and Systemic Vasoconstriction During Trauma Recall in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Co-Twin Control Study. Biol Psychiatry 2023:S0006-3223(23)01791-2. [PMID: 38142719 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but the mechanisms linking PTSD to cardiovascular disease remain incompletely understood. We used a co-twin control study design to test the hypothesis that individuals with PTSD exhibit augmented peripheral and systemic vasoconstriction during a personalized trauma recall task. METHODS In 179 older male twins from the Vietnam Era Twin Registry, lifetime history of PTSD and current (last month) PTSD symptoms were assessed. Participants listened to neutral and personalized trauma scripts while peripheral vascular tone (Peripheral Arterial Tone ratio) and systemic vascular tone (e.g., total vascular conductance) were measured. Linear mixed-effect models were used to assess the within-pair relationship between PTSD and vascular tone indices. RESULTS The mean age of participants was 68 years, and 19% had a history of PTSD. For the Peripheral Arterial Tone ratio analysis, 32 twins were discordant for a history of PTSD, and 46 were discordant for current PTSD symptoms. Compared with their brothers without PTSD, during trauma recall, participants with a history of PTSD had greater increases in peripheral (β = -1.01, 95% CI [-1.72, -0.30]) and systemic (total vascular conductance: β = -1.12, 95% CI [-1.97, -0.27]) vasoconstriction after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors. Associations persisted after adjusting for antidepressant medication use and heart rate and blood pressure during the tasks. Analysis of current PTSD symptom severity showed consistent results. CONCLUSIONS PTSD is associated with exaggerated peripheral and systemic vasoconstrictor responses to traumatic stress reminders, which may contribute to elevated risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary T Martin
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Amit J Shah
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia; Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia; Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia
| | - Yi-An Ko
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Obada Daaboul
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - George Haddad
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jack Goldberg
- Seattle Epidemiologic Research and Information Center, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Research and Development, Seattle, Washington
| | - Nicholas L Smith
- Seattle Epidemiologic Research and Information Center, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Research and Development, Seattle, Washington
| | - Tené T Lewis
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Arshed A Quyyumi
- Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - J Douglas Bremner
- Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia; Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia
| | - Viola Vaccarino
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia; Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
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Martin ZT, Al-Daas IO, Cardenas N, Kolade JO, Merlau ER, Vu JK, Brown KK, Brothers RM. Peripheral and Cerebral Vasodilation in Black and White Women: Examining the Impact of Psychosocial Stress Exposure Versus Internalization and Coping. Hypertension 2023; 80:2122-2134. [PMID: 37534492 PMCID: PMC10530116 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.123.21230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black women have among the highest rates of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease prevalence and mortality in part due to blunted vascular function. Psychosocial stress likely also contributes but its relationship to vascular function remains incompletely understood. Recent studies suggest that stress internalization and coping strategies are more important than stress exposures alone. We hypothesized that Black women would have blunted peripheral and cerebral vasodilation and that, among Black women, this would be inversely related with psychosocial stress internalization/coping but not stress exposures. METHODS Healthy Black (n=21; 20±2 years) and White (n=16; 25±7 years) women underwent testing for forearm reactive hyperemia, brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and cerebrovascular reactivity. Psychosocial stress exposures (adverse childhood experiences; past week discrimination) and internalization/coping techniques (John Henryism Active Coping Scale; Giscombe Superwoman Schema Questionnaire) were assessed. RESULTS Reactive hyperemia and cerebrovascular reactivity were not different between groups (P>0.05), whereas FMD was lower in Black women (P=0.007). Neither adverse childhood experiences nor past week discrimination were associated with FMD in either group (P>0.05 for all). John Henryism Active Coping Scale scores were negatively associated with FMD in Black women (P=0.014) but positively associated with FMD in White women (P=0.042). Superwoman Schema-Succeed was negatively associated (P=0.044) and Superwoman Schema-Vulnerable tended to be negatively associated (P=0.057) with FMD in Black women. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that blunted FMD in Black women may be due more to stress internalization and maladaptive coping than stress exposures alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary T Martin
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX
| | - Iman O Al-Daas
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX
| | - Natalia Cardenas
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX
| | - John O Kolade
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX
| | - Emily R Merlau
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX
| | - Joshua K Vu
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX
| | - Kyrah K Brown
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX
| | - R Matthew Brothers
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX
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Martin ZT, Akins JD, Merlau ER, Kolade JO, Al-Daas IO, Cardenas N, Vu JK, Brown KK, Brothers RM. The acute effect of whole-body heat therapy on peripheral and cerebral vascular reactivity in Black and White females. Microvasc Res 2023; 148:104536. [PMID: 37024072 PMCID: PMC10908357 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2023.104536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Among females in the U.S., Black females suffer the most from cardiovascular disease and stroke. While the reasons for this disparity are multifactorial, vascular dysfunction likely contributes. Chronic whole-body heat therapy (WBHT) improves vascular function, but few studies have examined its acute effect on peripheral or cerebral vascular function, which may help elucidate chronic adaptative mechanisms. Furthermore, no studies have investigated this effect in Black females. We hypothesized that Black females would have lower peripheral and cerebral vascular function relative to White females and that one session of WBHT would mitigate these differences. Eighteen young, healthy Black (n = 9; 21 ± 3 yr; BMI: 24.7 ± 4.5 kg/m2) and White (n = 9; 27 ± 3 yr; BMI: 24.8 ± 4.1 kg/m2) females underwent one 60 min session of WBHT (49 °C water via a tube-lined suit). Pre- and 45 min post-testing measures included post-occlusive forearm reactive hyperemia (peripheral microvascular function, RH), brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (peripheral macrovascular function, FMD), and cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) to hypercapnia. Prior to WBHT, there were no differences in RH, FMD, or CVR (p > 0.05 for all). WBHT improved peak RH in both groups (main effect of WBHT: 79.6 ± 20.1 cm/s to 95.9 ± 30.0 cm/s; p = 0.004, g = 0.787) but not Δ blood velocity (p > 0.05 for both groups). WBHT improved FMD in both groups (6.2 ± 3.4 % to 8.8 ± 3.7 %; p = 0.016, g = 0.618) but had no effect on CVR in either group (p = 0.077). These data indicate that one session of WBHT acutely improves peripheral micro- and macrovascular but not cerebral vascular function in Black and White females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary T Martin
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - John D Akins
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Emily R Merlau
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - John O Kolade
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Iman O Al-Daas
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Natalia Cardenas
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Joshua K Vu
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Kyrah K Brown
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - R Matthew Brothers
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA.
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Martin ZT, Al-Daas IO, Cardenas N, Kolade JO, Merlau ER, Vu JK, Brown KK, Brothers RM. Peripheral and Cerebral Vascular Reactivity in Black and White Women: Examining the Impact of Psychosocial Stress Exposure Versus Internalization and Coping. medRxiv 2023:2023.03.16.23287388. [PMID: 36993407 PMCID: PMC10055599 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.16.23287388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Black women have the highest rates of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease prevalence and mortality in part due to blunted vascular function. Psychosocial stress likely also contributes but its relationship to vascular function remains incompletely understood. Recent studies suggest that internalization and coping strategies are more important than stress exposure alone. We hypothesized that Black women have blunted peripheral and cerebral vascular function and that, among Black women, this would be inversely related with psychosocial stress internalization/coping but not stress exposures. Healthy Black ( n = 21; 20 ± 2 yr) and White ( n = 16; 25 ± 7 yr) women underwent testing for forearm reactive hyperemia (RH), brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR). Psychosocial stress exposure (adverse childhood experiences, ACEs; past week discrimination, PWD) and internalization/coping techniques (John Henryism Active Coping Scale, JHAC12; Giscombe Superwoman Schema Questionnaire, G-SWS-Q) were assessed. RH and CVR ( p > 0.05) were not different between groups whereas FMD was lower in Black women ( p = 0.007). Neither ACEs nor PWD were associated with FMD in either group ( p > 0.05 for all). JHAC12 scores were negatively associated with FMD in Black women ( p = 0.014) but positively associated with FMD in White women ( p = 0.042). SWS-Succeed was negatively associated ( p = 0.044) and SWS-Vulnerable tended to be negatively associated ( p = 0.057) with FMD in Black women. These findings indicate that blunted FMD in Black women may be due more to internalization and maladaptive coping than stress exposure alone.
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Martin ZT, Akins JD, Campbell JC, Stephens BY, Fadel PJ, Brothers RM. Sympathetically-mediated Cutaneous Vasoconstriction Is Similar Between Non-Hispanic Black And White Individuals. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2022. [DOI: 10.1249/01.mss.0000875372.63581.b4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Skow RJ, Martin ZT, Nandadeva D, Hearon CM, Samels M, MacNamara JP, Haykowsky MJ, Levine BD, Fadel PJ, Sarma S. Mechanisms Determining VO
2peak
During Single Leg Knee‐Extension Exercise in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Patients: Peripheral vs. Central Phenotypes. FASEB J 2022. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2022.36.s1.r5209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel J. Skow
- KinesiologyThe University of Texas at ArlingtonArlingtonTX
| | | | | | | | - Mitchel Samels
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental MedicineDallasTX
| | | | | | | | - Paul J. Fadel
- KinesiologyThe University of Texas at ArlingtonArlingtonTX
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Martin ZT, Al‐daas IO, Cardenas N, Vu J, Brown KK, Brothers RM. Conduit Artery and Forearm Microvascular Reactivity in Black and White Females: Examining the Role of Greater Superwoman Schema Endorsement. FASEB J 2022. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2022.36.s1.r4850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary T. Martin
- Department of KinesiologyThe University of Texas at ArlingtonArlingtonTX
| | - Iman O. Al‐daas
- Department of KinesiologyThe University of Texas at ArlingtonArlingtonTX
| | - Natalia Cardenas
- Department of KinesiologyThe University of Texas at ArlingtonArlingtonTX
| | - Joshua Vu
- Department of KinesiologyThe University of Texas at ArlingtonArlingtonTX
| | - Kyrah K. Brown
- Department of KinesiologyThe University of Texas at ArlingtonArlingtonTX
| | - R. M. Brothers
- Department of KinesiologyThe University of Texas at ArlingtonArlingtonTX
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Martin ZT, Olvera G, Villegas CA, Campbell JC, Akins JD, Brown KK, Brothers RM. The Impact of a Plant-Based Diet on Indices of Cardiovascular Health in African Americans: A Cross-Sectional Study. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2022; 47:903-914. [PMID: 35512369 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2022-0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
African American (AA) individuals are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular diseases. Plant-based diets (PBD) may be cardioprotective in part through their high antioxidant capacity and low inflammatory load. We tested the hypothesis that AA individuals adhering to a 100% PBD would have better vascular health than AA individuals following a typical American diet (TAD). Eighteen AA individuals participated; 9 (24±4 years; 6 females) were following a PBD for 2.4±0.8 years and 9 (21±2 years; 5 females) were following a TAD. Blood lipids and C-reactive protein (CRP) were assessed. Peripheral and central blood pressure (BP) were measured, and vascular function tests included cerebrovascular reactivity to hypercapnia, brachial artery flow-mediated dilation & reactive hyperemia, and local heating-induced cutaneous hyperemia. Total (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) serum cholesterol were lower (TC: 142±30 vs. 174±36 mg/dl; LDL-C: 76±17 vs. 106±33 mg/dl; p<0.05 and d>0.80 for both) and serum CRP tended to be lower (0.38±0.18 mg/l vs. 0.96±0.89 mg/l; p=0.05, d=0.91) in the PBD cohort. Brachial (b) and central (c) mean arterial BP (MAP) were lower in the PBD cohort (bMAP: 86±5 vs. 91±7 mmHg; cMAP: 81±5 vs. 87±7 mmHg; p<0.05 and d>0.80 for both). All indices of vascular function were similar between groups (p>0.05 for all). A PBD was associated with more optimal blood lipid concentrations and decreased peripheral and central BP in AA individuals, but this association was not present in the various indices of vascular function. Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05344287.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary T Martin
- The University of Texas at Arlington, 12329, Department of Kinesiology, Arlington, United States;
| | - Guillermo Olvera
- The University of Texas at Arlington, 12329, Department of Kinesiology, Arlington, United States;
| | - Christian A Villegas
- The University of Texas at Arlington, 12329, Department of Kinesiology, Arlington, United States;
| | - Jeremiah C Campbell
- The University of Texas at Arlington, 12329, Department of Kinesiology, Arlington, United States;
| | - John D Akins
- The University of Texas at Arlington, 12329, Department of Kinesiology, Arlington, United States;
| | - Kyrah K Brown
- The University of Texas at Arlington, 12329, Department of Kinesiology, Arlington, United States;
| | - R Matthew Brothers
- The University of Texas at Arlington, 12329, Department of Kinesiology, Arlington, United States;
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Akins JD, Martin ZT, Patik JC, Curtis BM, Campbell JC, Olvera G, Brothers RM. Young, non-hispanic black men and women exhibit divergent peripheral and cerebral vascular reactivity. Exp Physiol 2022; 107:450-461. [PMID: 35344241 PMCID: PMC9058228 DOI: 10.1113/ep090168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of the study? Does peripheral and cerebral vascular function differ in young, non-Hispanic Black men and women? What is the main finding and its importance? The non-Hispanic, Black women in this study presented greater peripheral conduit artery and cerebrovascular reactivity, yet similar peripheral microvascular function relative to the non-Hispanic, Black men. These preliminary findings suggest that young, Black women and men possess divergent vascular function, possibly contributing to the unique non-Hispanic Black sex differences in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. ABSTRACT In the U.S., cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases remain more prominent in the non-Hispanic Black (BL) population relative to other racial/ethnic groups. Typically, sex differences emerge in the manifestation of these diseases, though these differences may not fully materialize in the BL population. While numerous mechanisms are implicated, differences in vascular function likely contribute. Research has demonstrated blunted vasodilation in several vascular regions in BL versus non-Hispanic White individuals, though much of this work did not assess sex differences. Therefore, this study aimed to ascertain if indices of vascular function are different between young, BL women (BW) and men (BM). Eleven BW and 15 BM (22 (4) vs. 23 (3) y) participated in this study. Each participant underwent testing for brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (RH), and cerebral vasomotor reactivity during rebreathing-induced hypercapnia. BW exhibited greater adjusted FMD than BM (P < 0.05 for all), but similar or lower RH when assessed as blood velocity (P > 0.39 for all) or blood flow reactivity (P < 0.05 for all), respectively. Across a range of hypercapnia, BW had greater middle cerebral artery blood velocity and cerebrovascular conductance index than BM (P < 0.001 for both). These preliminary data suggest that young, BW have greater vascular function relative to young, BM, though this was inconsistent across different indices. These findings provide insight into the divergent epidemiological findings between BM and BW. Further research is needed to elucidate possible mechanisms and relate these physiological responses to epidemiological observations. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Akins
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Zachary T Martin
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Jordan C Patik
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA.,Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Bryon M Curtis
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA.,Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jeremiah C Campbell
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Guillermo Olvera
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA.,Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - R Matthew Brothers
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
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Akins JD, Richey RE, Campbell JC, Martin ZT, Olvera G, Brothers RM. Contributions of endothelin-1 and l-arginine to blunted cutaneous microvascular function in young, black women. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2022; 322:H260-H268. [PMID: 34919455 PMCID: PMC8759956 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00457.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Non-Hispanic black (BL) individuals have the greatest prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), relative to other racial/ethnic groups (e.g., non-Hispanic white population; WH), which may be secondary to blunted vascular function. Although women typically present with reduced CVD relative to men of the same racial/ethnic group, the prevalence is similar between BL women and men though the mechanisms differ. This study hypothesized that reduced microvascular function in young, BL women is associated with endothelin-1 (ET-1) overactivity or insufficient l-arginine bioavailability. Nine BL and nine WH women participated (age: 20 ± 2 vs. 22 ± 2 yr). Cutaneous microvascular function was assessed during 39°C local heating, whereas lactated Ringer's (control), BQ-123 (ET-1 receptor type A antagonist), BQ-788 (ET-1 receptor type B antagonist), or l-arginine were infused via intradermal microdialysis to modify cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC). Subsequent infusion of Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester allowed for quantification of the nitric oxide (NO) contribution to vasodilation, whereas combined sodium nitroprusside and 43°C heating allowed for normalization to maximal CVC (%CVCmax). BL women had blunted %CVCmax and NO contribution to dilation during the 39°C plateau (P < 0.027 for both). BQ-123 improved this response through augmented NO-mediated dilation (P < 0.048 for both). BQ-788 and l-arginine did not alter the CVC responses (P > 0.835 for both) or the NO contribution (P > 0.371 for both). Cutaneous microvascular function is reduced in BL women, and ET-1 receptor type A may contribute to this reduced function. Further research is needed to better characterize these mechanisms in young, BL women.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Cardiovascular disease remains a burden in the United States non-Hispanic black (BL) population, although its manifestation through blunted vasodilation in this population is different between men and women. Accordingly, this study determined that reduced microvascular function in young, BL women may be partially controlled by endothelin-1 (ET-1) type A receptors, although neither type B receptors nor insufficient l-arginine bioavailability seems to contribute to this response. Accordingly, further research is needed to better characterize these ET-1 related mechanisms and illuminate other pathways that may contribute to this disparate vascular function in young, BL women.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D. Akins
- 1Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas
| | - Rauchelle E. Richey
- 1Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas,2Department of Integrative Physiology, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Jeremiah C. Campbell
- 1Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas
| | - Zachary T. Martin
- 1Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas
| | - Guillermo Olvera
- 1Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas,3Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Dallas, Texas
| | - R. Matthew Brothers
- 1Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas
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Akins JD, Richey RE, Campbell JC, Martin ZT, Brothers RM. Blunted Cutaneous Thermal Reactivity in Black Women and the Relationship with Endothelin‐1 and L‐arginine. FASEB J 2020. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2020.34.s1.06283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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13
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Nandadeva D, Patik JC, Martin ZT, Fadel PJ, Brothers RM. Repeatability of Cerebral Vasomotor Reactivity to Hypercapnia in Humans. FASEB J 2020. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2020.34.s1.04751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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14
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Barbosa TC, Nandadeva D, Stephens BY, Martin ZT, Keller DM, Fadel PJ. Attenuated Leg Vascular Conductance Responses To Dynamic Knee Extension Exercise In Young Black Men. FASEB J 2020. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2020.34.s1.05246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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15
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Martin ZT, Shannon CA, Kistler BM, Nagelkirk PR, Del Pozzi AT. Effect of Sex and Menstrual Cycle on Skin Sensory Nerve Contribution to Local Heating. Int J Exerc Sci 2019; 12:1265-1279. [PMID: 31839845 PMCID: PMC6886618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine sex differences in the contribution of sensory nerves to rapid cutaneous thermal hyperemia. Healthy young females (n = 15, tested during both the early follicular (EF) and the mid-luteal (ML) phase of the menstrual cycle) and males (n = 15) had a 4 cm2 area of skin on one forearm and one leg treated with a eutectic mixture of local anesthetic (EMLA). EMLA sites, along with corresponding control sites, were instrumented with laser Doppler flowmetry probes and local skin heaters. Baseline (33 °C), rapid and sustained vasodilation (42 °C), and maximal vasodilation (44 °C) skin blood flow data were obtained and expressed as a percentage of maximal cutaneous vascular conductance (%CVCmax). Contribution of sensory nerve involvement was determined by comparing the EMLA site to its matched control site utilizing the formula [(% CVCmax control - % CVCmax treatment) / % CVCmax control] × 100. The contribution of sensory nerves to rapid cutaneous thermal hyperemia in the forearm was 24 ± 18 %CVCmax in males, 41 ± 17 %CVCmax in ML females (p = 0.02 vs. males), and 35 ± 17 %CVCmax in EF females (p > 0.05 vs. males). In the leg, the contribution of sensory nerves was 16 ± 15 %CVCmax in males, 34 ± 17 %CVCmax for ML females (p = 0.02 vs. males), and 28 ± 21 %CVCmax in EF females (p > 0.05 vs. males). ML females exhibited a greater contribution of sensory nerves to rapid cutaneous thermal hyperemia in the forearm and leg, possibly attributed to elevated reproductive hormones during the ML phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary T Martin
- Integrative Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA
| | - Carley A Shannon
- Integrative Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA
| | - Brandon M Kistler
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA
| | - Paul R Nagelkirk
- Integrative Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA
| | - Andrew T Del Pozzi
- Integrative Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA
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Martin ZT, Schlaff RA, Hemenway JK, Coulter JR, Knous JL, Lowry JE, Ode JJ. Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Physical Fitness in Volunteer Firefighters. Int J Exerc Sci 2019; 12:764-776. [PMID: 31156744 PMCID: PMC6533096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Forty-seven percent of volunteer firefighter line of duty deaths are caused by cardiovascular events. Aggressive cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor reduction and improved physical fitness could reduce CVD mortality within this population. We assessed CVD risk factors and physical fitness in a large cohort of volunteer firefighters to help establish a health and fitness profile of this population, which may serve as evidence for the need to initiate programs aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality caused by CVD in the volunteer fire service. Seventy-four male volunteer firefighters were assessed for eight CVD risk factors and anthropometric characteristics. Physical fitness was assessed via push-ups, sit-ups, and the YMCA step test. Sixty-eight percent of the firefighters had two or more CVD risk factors. The sample was considered obese via body fat percentage (25.3 ± 5.7%), 27% were hypertensive, 30% had hypercholesterolemia, and 46% were sedentary. The average number of sit-ups performed was 27.3 ± 10.5, which was ranked in the 25th percentile. The average heart rate after the YMCA step test was 160.2 ± 14.6 bpm, which was ranked very poor. The number of CVD risk factors and poor physical fitness in this cohort of volunteer firefighters was noteworthy. Most volunteer firefighters in our sample were at elevated risk for CVD and had inadequate physical fitness. This evidence conveys the need to initiate physical activity and nutrition outreach programs, led by health and fitness professionals, aimed at reducing firefighter morbidity and mortality within the volunteer fire service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary T Martin
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Rebecca A Schlaff
- Department of Kinesiology, Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI, USA
| | - Jade K Hemenway
- Department of Kinesiology, Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI, USA
| | - Jillian R Coulter
- Department of Kinesiology, Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI, USA
| | - Jeremy L Knous
- Department of Kinesiology, Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI, USA
| | - John E Lowry
- College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Joshua J Ode
- Department of Kinesiology, Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI, USA
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Olvera G, Akins JD, Richey RE, Campbell JC, Martin ZT, Chan EY, Ogundipe AO, Brothers RM. Attenuated Mental Stress‐Induced Brachial Artery Hyperemia in Women Relative to Men. FASEB J 2019. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2019.33.1_supplement.541.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - John D. Akins
- KinesiologyUniversity of Texas at ArlingtonArlingtonTX
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Martin ZT, Akins JD, Despain KR, Fadel PJ, Brothers RM, Trott DW. Normotensive African American Males Exhibit Augmented CD4 to CD8 T Cell Ratios Compared to Caucasian American Males. FASEB J 2019. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2019.33.1_supplement.696.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - John D. Akins
- KinesiologyUniversity of Texas at ArlingtonArlingtonTX
| | | | - Paul J. Fadel
- KinesiologyUniversity of Texas at ArlingtonArlingtonTX
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Del Pozzi AT, Martin ZT, Soave KM, Hodges GJ. The effect of aging on vasomotion responses to varying rates of local heating. FASEB J 2018. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2018.32.1_supplement.578.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T. Del Pozzi
- Integrative Exercise Physiology LaboratorySchool of KinesiologyBall State UniversityMuncieIN
| | - Zachary T. Martin
- Integrative Exercise Physiology LaboratorySchool of KinesiologyBall State UniversityMuncieIN
| | - Kayla M. Soave
- Integrative Exercise Physiology LaboratorySchool of KinesiologyBall State UniversityMuncieIN
| | - Gary J. Hodges
- Environmental Ergonomics LaboratoryDepartment of KinesiologyBrock UniversitySt. Catherine'sONCanada
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Martin ZT, Soave KM, Del Pozzi AT. Sex Differences in the Contribution of Sensory Nerves to Rapid Cutaneous Vasodilation During Local Heating in Young Humans. FASEB J 2018. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2018.32.1_supplement.730.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary T. Martin
- Integrative Exercise Physiology LaboratorySchool of KinesiologyBall State UniversityMuncieIN
| | - Kayla M. Soave
- Integrative Exercise Physiology LaboratorySchool of KinesiologyBall State UniversityMuncieIN
| | - Andrew T. Del Pozzi
- Integrative Exercise Physiology LaboratorySchool of KinesiologyBall State UniversityMuncieIN
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Hodges GJ, Mallette MM, Martin ZT, Del Pozzi AT. Effect of sympathetic nerve blockade on low-frequency oscillations of forearm and leg skin blood flow in healthy humans. Microcirculation 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/micc.12388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gary J. Hodges
- Environmental Ergonomics Laboratory; Brock University; St Catharines ON Canada
| | - Matthew M. Mallette
- Environmental Ergonomics Laboratory; Brock University; St Catharines ON Canada
| | - Zachary T. Martin
- Integrative Exercise Physiology Laboratory; Ball State University; Muncie IN USA
| | - Andrew T. Del Pozzi
- Integrative Exercise Physiology Laboratory; Ball State University; Muncie IN USA
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Hodges GJ, Martin ZT, Del Pozzi AT. Neuropeptide Y not involved in cutaneous vascular control in young human females taking oral contraceptive hormones. Microvasc Res 2017; 113:9-15. [PMID: 28427990 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported that the cutaneous vasodilator response to local warming in males required noradrenaline (NA) and neuropeptide-Y (NPY). Animal work has shown no role for NPY in female vascular control. We investigated the contribution of NA and NPY in human female cutaneous vascular control. Nine female and nine male participants volunteered. To elucidate whether synthetic oestrogen and progesterone altered cutaneous vascular responses, females were tested in high-hormone (HH) and low-hormone (LH) phases of oral contraceptive pill (OCP). Skin blood flow was assessed by laser-Doppler flowmetry and expressed as cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC). Treatments were: control, combined yohimbine and propranolol (YP), BIBP-3226, and bretylium tosylate (BT). YP and BT increased basal CVC (p<0.05) relative to control sites in both HH and LH phases; though, BIBP-3226 had no effect in either phase (both p>0.05). Males basal CVC was increased at all treated sites compared to control sites (all p<0.05). YP and BT treated sites were higher in HH compared to LH (p<0.05). YP and BT treatment reduced the local warming-induced vasodilatation compared to control sites (p>0.05) in both HH and LH phases; whereas, BIBP-3226 treatment had no effect (p>0.05). In males, the vasodilatation achieved at all treated sites was reduced compared to the untreated control site (p<0.05). Data indicate that NA, not NPY, regulates basal skin blood flow and contributes to the vasodilator response to local warming in young females; however, both NA and NPY play a role in both basal and heat-induced cutaneous responses in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary J Hodges
- Environmental Ergonomics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada.
| | - Zachary T Martin
- Integrative Exercise Physiology Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, Ball State University, 2000 West University Avenue, Muncie, IN 47306, USA.
| | - Andrew T Del Pozzi
- Integrative Exercise Physiology Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, Ball State University, 2000 West University Avenue, Muncie, IN 47306, USA.
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