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Zhang YD, Wang LN. Research progress in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome through interventions targeting the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1373748. [PMID: 38660512 PMCID: PMC11039924 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1373748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) causes great harm to individuals and society. Elucidating the pathogenesis of CFS and developing safe and effective treatments are urgently needed. This paper reviews the functional changes in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in patients with CFS and the associated neuroendocrine mechanisms. Despite some controversy, the current mainstream research evidence indicates that CFS patients have mild hypocortisolism, weakened daily variation in cortisol, a weakened response to the HPA axis, and an increase in negative feedback of the HPA axis. The relationship between dysfunction of the HPA axis and the typical symptoms of CFS are discussed, and the current treatment methods are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Dan Zhang
- College of Basic Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Na Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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2
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Ruiz-Pablos M, Paiva B, Zabaleta A. Epstein-Barr virus-acquired immunodeficiency in myalgic encephalomyelitis-Is it present in long COVID? J Transl Med 2023; 21:633. [PMID: 37718435 PMCID: PMC10506247 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04515-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Both myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and long COVID (LC) are characterized by similar immunological alterations, persistence of chronic viral infection, autoimmunity, chronic inflammatory state, viral reactivation, hypocortisolism, and microclot formation. They also present with similar symptoms such as asthenia, exercise intolerance, sleep disorders, cognitive dysfunction, and neurological and gastrointestinal complaints. In addition, both pathologies present Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation, indicating the possibility of this virus being the link between both pathologies. Therefore, we propose that latency and recurrent EBV reactivation could generate an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in three steps: first, an acquired EBV immunodeficiency develops in individuals with "weak" EBV HLA-II haplotypes, which prevents the control of latency I cells. Second, ectopic lymphoid structures with EBV latency form in different tissues (including the CNS), promoting inflammatory responses and further impairment of cell-mediated immunity. Finally, immune exhaustion occurs due to chronic exposure to viral antigens, with consolidation of the disease. In the case of LC, prior to the first step, there is the possibility of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection in individuals with "weak" HLA-II haplotypes against this virus and/or EBV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruno Paiva
- Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Av. Pío XII 55, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Aintzane Zabaleta
- Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Av. Pío XII 55, 31008, Pamplona, Spain.
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3
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Branham EM, McLean SA, Deliwala I, Mauck MC, Zhao Y, McKibben LA, Lee A, Spencer AB, Zannas AS, Lechner M, Danza T, Velilla MA, Hendry PL, Pearson C, Peak DA, Jones J, Rathlev NK, Linnstaedt SD. CpG Methylation Levels in HPA Axis Genes Predict Chronic Pain Outcomes Following Trauma Exposure. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2023; 24:1127-1141. [PMID: 36906051 PMCID: PMC10330094 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.03.001] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Chronic post-traumatic musculoskeletal pain (CPTP) is a common outcome of traumatic stress exposure. Biological factors that influence the development of CPTP are poorly understood, though current evidence indicates that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis plays a critical role in its development. Little is known about molecular mechanisms underlying this association, including epigenetic mechanisms. Here, we assessed whether peritraumatic DNA methylation levels at 248 5'-C-phosphate-G-3' (CpG) sites in HPA axis genes (FKBP5, NR3C1, CRH, CRHR1, CRHR2, CRHBP, POMC) predict CPTP and whether identified CPTP-associated methylation levels influence expression of those genes. Using participant samples and data collected from trauma survivors enrolled into longitudinal cohort studies (n = 290), we used linear mixed modeling to assess the relationship between peritraumatic blood-based CpG methylation levels and CPTP. A total of 66 (27%) of the 248 CpG sites assessed in these models statistically significantly predicted CPTP, with the three most significantly associated CpG sites originating from the POMC gene region (ie, cg22900229 [β = .124, P < .001], cg16302441 [β = .443, P < .001], cg01926269 [β = .130, P < .001]). Among the genes analyzed, both POMC (z = 2.36, P = .018) and CRHBP (z = 4.89, P < .001) were enriched in CpG sites significantly associated with CPTP. Further, POMC expression was inversely correlated with methylation levels in a CPTP-dependent manner (6-months NRS<4: r = -.59, P < .001; 6-months NRS ≥ 4: r = -.18, P = .2312). Our results suggest that methylation of HPA axis genes including POMC and CRHBP predict risk for and may contribute to vulnerability to CPTP. PERSPECTIVE: Peritraumatic blood levels of CpG methylation sites in HPA axis genes, particularly CpG sites in the POMC gene, predict CPTP development. This data substantially advances our understanding of epigenetic predictors and potential mediators of CPTP, a highly common, morbid, and hard-to-treat form of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica M Branham
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Samuel A McLean
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Emergency Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Ishani Deliwala
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Matthew C Mauck
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Ying Zhao
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Lauren A McKibben
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Aaron Lee
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Alex B Spencer
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Anthony S Zannas
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Carolina Stress Initiative, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Megan Lechner
- Forensic Nursing Program, Memorial Health System, Colorado Springs, Colorado
| | - Teresa Danza
- Forensic Nursing Program, Albuquerque SANE Collaborative, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | | | - Phyllis L Hendry
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Claire Pearson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Detroit Receiving, Detroit, Michigan
| | - David A Peak
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeffrey Jones
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus, Grand Rapids, Michigan
| | - Niels K Rathlev
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School Baystate, Springfield, Massachusetts
| | - Sarah D Linnstaedt
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
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Stanculescu D, Bergquist J. Perspective: Drawing on Findings From Critical Illness to Explain Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:818728. [PMID: 35345768 PMCID: PMC8957276 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.818728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We propose an initial explanation for how myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) could originate and perpetuate by drawing on findings from critical illness research. Specifically, we combine emerging findings regarding (a) hypoperfusion and endotheliopathy, and (b) intestinal injury in these illnesses with our previously published hypothesis about the role of (c) pituitary suppression, and (d) low thyroid hormone function associated with redox imbalance in ME/CFS. Moreover, we describe interlinkages between these pathophysiological mechanisms as well as “vicious cycles” involving cytokines and inflammation that may contribute to explain the chronic nature of these illnesses. This paper summarizes and expands on our previous publications about the relevance of findings from critical illness for ME/CFS. New knowledge on diagnostics, prognostics and treatment strategies could be gained through active collaboration between critical illness and ME/CFS researchers, which could lead to improved outcomes for both conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonas Bergquist
- Division of Analytical Chemistry and Neurochemistry, Department of Chemistry - Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,The Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Collaborative Research Centre at Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Zhang Q, Li X, Qiao S, Liu S, Shen Z, Zhou Y. Association between hair cortisol, hair cortisone, and fatigue in people living with HIV. Stress 2021; 24:772-779. [PMID: 33913374 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2021.1919616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cumulative evidence to date largely supports an association between dysregulation of the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and fatigue. People living with HIV (PLHIV), in particular, are vulnerable to both HPA axis dysregulation and fatigue. Few investigations have examined the possible role of HPA-axis dysfunction in the occurrence of fatigue in PLHIV. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between glucocorticoids in hair, retrospective indicators of long-term HPA axis activity and biomarkers of chronic stress, and fatigue in PLHIV. A total of 446 PLHIV from Guangxi China provided hair samples for cortisol and cortisone assay and provided information on fatigue levels, sociodemographic, lifestyle, and HIV-related characteristics. Results showed that before and after controlling sociodemographic, lifestyle, and HIV-related characteristics, hair cortisone levels, but not hair cortisol levels, were associated with fatigue levels in PLHIV. In conclusion, we found that higher cortisone levels are associated with greater fatigue levels in a large cohort of Chinese PLHIV.LAY SUMMARYWe found that hair cortisone levels were significantly associated with fatigue levels in a large cohort of Chinese PLHIV. Hair cortisol levels were, however, not associated with fatigue levels in the PLHIV studied. We thus show that Chinese PLHIV who have higher cortisone levels are associated with higher fatigue levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Zhang
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- Institute of Pedagogy and Applied Psychology, School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoming Li
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Shan Qiao
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Shuaifeng Liu
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, China
| | - Zhiyong Shen
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, China
| | - Yuejiao Zhou
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, China
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6
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Stanculescu D, Larsson L, Bergquist J. Theory: Treatments for Prolonged ICU Patients May Provide New Therapeutic Avenues for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:672370. [PMID: 34026797 PMCID: PMC8137963 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.672370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We here provide an overview of treatment trials for prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) patients and theorize about their relevance for potential treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Specifically, these treatment trials generally target: (a) the correction of suppressed endocrine axes, notably through a "reactivation" of the pituitary gland's pulsatile secretion of tropic hormones, or (b) the interruption of the "vicious circle" between inflammation, oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS), and low thyroid hormone function. There are significant parallels in the treatment trials for prolonged critical illness and ME/CFS; this is consistent with the hypothesis of an overlap in the mechanisms that prevent recovery in both conditions. Early successes in the simultaneous reactivation of pulsatile pituitary secretions in ICU patients-and the resulting positive metabolic effects-could indicate an avenue for treating ME/CFS. The therapeutic effects of thyroid hormones-including in mitigating O&NS and inflammation and in stimulating the adreno-cortical axis-also merit further studies. Collaborative research projects should further investigate the lessons from treatment trials for prolonged critical illness for solving ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lars Larsson
- Basic and Clinical Muscle Biology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Jonas Bergquist
- Analytical Chemistry and Neurochemistry, Department of Chemistry–Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- The Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Collaborative Research Centre at Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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7
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Effects of Overtraining Status on the Cortisol Awakening Response-Endocrine and Metabolic Responses on Overtraining Syndrome (EROS-CAR). Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2021; 16:965-973. [PMID: 33662935 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2020-0205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The cortisol awakening response (CAR) is a distinct component of the circadian cortisol profile and has promise as a biomarker for the monitoring of athlete readiness and training status. Although some studies have suggested the CAR may be affected by the development of overtraining syndrome (OTS), this has yet to be systematically investigated. PURPOSE To compare the CAR and diurnal cortisol slope between athletes diagnosed with OTS, healthy athletes, and sedentary controls. METHODS This study was a secondary analysis of data from the Endocrine and Metabolic Responses on Overtraining study. Male participants were recruited to either OTS, healthy athlete, or sedentary control groups. The participants produced saliva samples immediately after waking (S1), 30 minutes after waking (S2), at 16:00 hours, and at 23:00 hours. Salivary cortisol concentration was determined by an electrochemiluminescence assay. Mixed-effects models were used to assess the conditional effect of group (sedentary controls, OTS, and healthy athletes) on the change in cortisol over time. Separate models were fit for the awakening samples (S1 and S2) and for the diurnal slope (linear change across S1, 16:00 h, and 23:00 h). RESULTS The models demonstrated significant time-by-group interaction for OTS for the 2 cortisol concentrations collected during the awakening period (β = -9.33, P < .001), but not for the diurnal cortisol slope (β = 0.02, P = .80). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest the CAR may be associated with OTS and should be considered within a panel of biomarkers. Further research is necessary to determine whether alterations in the CAR may precede the diagnosis of OTS.
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8
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Stanculescu D, Larsson L, Bergquist J. Hypothesis: Mechanisms That Prevent Recovery in Prolonged ICU Patients Also Underlie Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:628029. [PMID: 33585528 PMCID: PMC7876311 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.628029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Here the hypothesis is advanced that maladaptive mechanisms that prevent recovery in some intensive care unit (ICU) patients may also underlie Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Specifically, these mechanisms are: (a) suppression of the pituitary gland's pulsatile secretion of tropic hormones, and (b) a "vicious circle" between inflammation, oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS), and low thyroid hormone function. This hypothesis should be investigated through collaborative research projects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lars Larsson
- Basic and Clinical Muscle Biology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Jonas Bergquist
- Analytical Chemistry and Neurochemistry, Department of Chemistry – Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- The Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Collaborative Research Centre at Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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9
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Ding M, Zhao C, Li Y, Liu X, Wang X, Liu F, Wang J, Xiong N, Song Y, Xu Y. Changes in the levels of IL-1β, cortisol and chromogranin A in saliva of subjects with occupational fatigue. Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:1782-1788. [PMID: 32742409 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), cortisol and chromogranin A (CgA) in saliva of subjects with occupational fatigue were investigated. Doctors in the Emergency Department were selected as research subjects. Saliva was collected before work (after full rest) and after work (≥24 h). Electroencephalogram (EEG) was performed. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of IL-1β, cortisol and CgA in saliva. In order to obtain permission for human specimens, the study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Engineering and registered for clinical trials (registration no. ChiC-TR-DCD-14005746). As there were only 4 subjects in this study without fatigue waves in EEG, and the number of these subjects was not sufficient to constitute a control group, the comparison of the contents of IL-1β, cortisol and CgA of all subjects before and after working for 18 h was just a confirmation of the statistical results of 43 cases with fatigue waves in the EEG. According to the results, there was no change in the contents of IL-1β and cortisol in the saliva of subjects with occupational fatigue before and after fatigue, whereas, there was a significant change in the content of CgA before and after fatigue. However, there was no correlation between the content of CgA and fatigue. The results of the present study revealed that IL-1β, cortisol and CgA indicators are not suitable diagnostic markers for occupational fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Ding
- Central Laboratory, Medical College, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei 056038, P.R. China
| | - Chaoxian Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei 056002, P.R. China
| | - Yan Li
- Emergency Department, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei 056002, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoxia Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei 056002, P.R. China
| | - Xueling Wang
- Central Laboratory, Medical College, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei 056038, P.R. China
| | - Fengli Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, Medical College, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei 056038, P.R. China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei 056002, P.R. China
| | - Nanyan Xiong
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei 056002, P.R. China
| | - Yonghong Song
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei 056002, P.R. China
| | - Yanli Xu
- Department of Epidemiology, Medical College, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei 056038, P.R. China
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10
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Markert C, Gomm C, Ehlert U, Gaab J, Nater UM. Effects of cognitive-behavioral stress management training in individuals with functional somatic symptoms - an exploratory randomized controlled trial. Stress 2019; 22:696-706. [PMID: 31198076 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2019.1625329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress is discussed as a risk factor in the manifestation and maintenance of functional somatic (FS) symptoms. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the effects of cognitive-behavioral stress management training (CBSM) on FS symptoms and the (potentially mediating) role of the neuroendocrine system. This study aims to examine stress-related psychological and neuroendocrine changes after receiving a brief CBSM in individuals with FS symptoms. Forty-three participants of both sexes, who reported at least one current FS symptom, were analyzed (treatment group (TG) n = 21, waitlist control group (WCG) n = 22) using mixed models. Number of symptoms, psychological stress, and salivary cortisol levels were assessed at pretreatment, posttreatment, and 6 months later. Mixed model analyses did not reveal significant differences between the TG and the WCG regarding number of FS symptoms (p > 0.05), psychological stress measures (p > 0.05) or the cortisol awakening response (CAR) (p > 0.05). The TG presented lower diurnal cortisol levels at pretreatment, posttreatment and 6 months later (p < 0.05). We did not find significant beneficial effects that were specific to CBSM. Further research should be undertaken to investigate the effects of CBSM on real life stress or laboratory stressors in subjects with FS symptoms. Moreover, learning cognitive restructuring and establishing new coping strategies into everyday life might require more time. This study is a first step in filling the gap in understanding the influences of CBSM as a brief intervention on psychological and biological aspects of stress in participants with FS symptoms and will hopefully inform larger trials of CBSM for FS symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia Gomm
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Ulrike Ehlert
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Jens Gaab
- Department of Psychology, University of Basel , Basel , Switzerland
| | - Urs M Nater
- Department of Psychology, University of Vienna , Vienna , Austria
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11
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Dwyer RT, Gifford RH, Bess FH, Dorman M, Spahr A, Hornsby BWY. Diurnal Cortisol Levels and Subjective Ratings of Effort and Fatigue in Adult Cochlear Implant Users: A Pilot Study. Am J Audiol 2019; 28:686-696. [PMID: 31430174 PMCID: PMC6808310 DOI: 10.1044/2019_aja-19-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose There is a growing body of literature that suggests a linkage between impaired auditory function, increased listening effort, and fatigue in children and adults with hearing loss. Research suggests this linkage may be associated with hearing loss–related variations in diurnal cortisol levels. Here, we examine variations in cortisol profiles between young adults with and without severe sensorineural hearing loss and examine associations between cortisol and subjective measures of listening effort and fatigue. Method This study used a repeated-measures, matched-pair design. Two groups (n = 8 per group) of adults enrolled in audiology programs participated, 1 group of adults with hearing loss (AHL) and 1 matched control group without hearing loss. Salivary cortisol samples were collected at 7 time points over a 2-week period and used to quantify physiological stress. Subjective measures of listening effort, stress, and fatigue were also collected to investigate relationships between cortisol levels, perceived stress, and fatigue. Results Subjective ratings revealed that AHL required significantly more effort and concentration on typical auditory tasks than the control group. Likewise, complaints of listening-related fatigue were more frequent and more of a problem in everyday life for AHL compared to the control group. There was a significant association between subjective ratings of listening effort and listening-related fatigue for our AHL, but not for the control group. In contrast, there was no significant difference in cortisol measures between groups, nor were there significant associations between cortisol and any subjective measure. Conclusions Young AHL experience more effortful listening than their normal hearing peers. This increased effort is associated with increased reports of listening-related fatigue. However, diurnal cortisol profiles were not significantly different between groups nor were they associated with these perceived differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert T. Dwyer
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - René H. Gifford
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Otolaryngology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Fred H. Bess
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Otolaryngology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Michael Dorman
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, Arizona State University, Tempe
| | | | - Benjamin W. Y. Hornsby
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
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12
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Golub Y, Kuitunen-Paul S, Panaseth K, Stonawski V, Frey S, Steigleder R, Grimm J, Goecke TW, Fasching PA, Beckmann MW, Kornhuber J, Kratz O, Heinrich H, Moll GH, Eichler A. Salivary and hair cortisol as biomarkers of emotional and behavioral symptoms in 6-9 year old children. Physiol Behav 2019; 209:112584. [PMID: 31228497 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.112584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present work is to investigate the association of salivary and cumulative cortisol levels with emotional and behavioral symptoms in a Franconian Cognition and Emotion Studies (FRANCES) general population cohort of 158 6- to 9 year old children. Salivary cortisol values were measured by one-day diurnal cortisol profile, whereas cumulative cortisol was estimated via one-month hair cortisol concentrations (rHCC). Nearly all significant associations of clinical symptoms with child cortisol indices were age dependent: We report emotional symptoms being associated with lower rHCC in younger children (6.06-7.54 years). In older children (7.55-9.41 years) behavioral problems were further associated with higher rHCC and lower salivary cortisol awakening responses. In summary, child clinical symptoms were stronger associated with markers of hair cortisol compared to salivary cortisol. To picture developmental mechanisms, we suggest longitudinal designs for cortisol measures of stress systems in children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Golub
- University Hospital Erlangen, Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Schwabachanlage 6 & 10, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; University Hospital Dresden, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Sören Kuitunen-Paul
- University Hospital Dresden, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Kerstin Panaseth
- University Hospital Erlangen, Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Schwabachanlage 6 & 10, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Valeska Stonawski
- University Hospital Erlangen, Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Schwabachanlage 6 & 10, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Stefan Frey
- University Hospital Erlangen, Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Schwabachanlage 6 & 10, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Ruth Steigleder
- University Hospital Erlangen, Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Schwabachanlage 6 & 10, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Jennifer Grimm
- University Hospital Erlangen, Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Schwabachanlage 6 & 10, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Tamme W Goecke
- University Hospital Erlangen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universitätsstraße 21-23, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; Department of Perinatal Medicine and Obstetrics, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Peter A Fasching
- University Hospital Erlangen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universitätsstraße 21-23, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Matthias W Beckmann
- University Hospital Erlangen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universitätsstraße 21-23, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- University Hospital Erlangen, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Oliver Kratz
- University Hospital Erlangen, Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Schwabachanlage 6 & 10, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Hartmut Heinrich
- University Hospital Erlangen, Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Schwabachanlage 6 & 10, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; kbo-Heckscher-Klinikum, Deisenhofener Str. 28, 81539 München, Germany.
| | - Gunter H Moll
- University Hospital Erlangen, Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Schwabachanlage 6 & 10, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Anna Eichler
- University Hospital Erlangen, Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Schwabachanlage 6 & 10, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
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Acupuncture on back-shu points of five zang for chronic fatigue syndrome: A randomized control trial. WORLD JOURNAL OF ACUPUNCTURE-MOXIBUSTION 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wjam.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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14
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Herane-Vives A, de Angel V, Papadopoulos A, Wise T, Chua KC, Strawbridge R, Castillo D, Arnone D, Young AH, Cleare AJ. Short-term and long-term measures of cortisol in saliva and hair in atypical and non-atypical depression. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2018; 137:216-230. [PMID: 29397570 DOI: 10.1111/acps.12852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atypical depression may show lowered rather than raised short-term cortisol levels. Atypical major depressive episodes (A-MDE) may also be more closely linked to environmental factors and show overlap with somatic symptom disorders. Hair specimens allow measuring long-term cortisol levels. METHODS Twenty-seven A-MDE and 44 NA-MDE patients and 40 matched controls were tested. Measures of hair cortisol concentration [HCC] covering the previous 3 months and short-term cortisol parameters (six saliva specimens to assess the cortisol awakening response [CAR] and total daily cortisol output calculated as the area under the curve [AUCg]) were taken alongside measures of environmental factors and clinical variables. RESULTS There were no differences in HCC between the three groups (P = 0.8), and no difference in the CAR (P = 0.95). However, A-MDE showed lowered short-term cortisol output (AUCg) compared to controls (P = 0.04). A-MDE patients also reported a higher number of daily hassles, and higher levels of fatigue and impaired concentration than NA-MDE. CONCLUSIONS Normal long-term (HCC) and reduced short-term (AUCg) cortisol levels in A-MDE could suggest a disrupted long-term cortisol rhythm, perhaps affected by environmental factors or by certain symptoms, such as mid-nocturnal insomnia. However, other underlying explanations for these findings should also be investigated in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Herane-Vives
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Affective Disorders Research Group, Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Departamento de Clínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - V de Angel
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Affective Disorders Research Group, Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - A Papadopoulos
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Affective Disorders Research Group, Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - T Wise
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Affective Disorders Research Group, Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - K-C Chua
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Affective Disorders Research Group, Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - R Strawbridge
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Affective Disorders Research Group, Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - D Castillo
- Instituto Psiquiátrico José Horwitz Barak, Santiago, Chile
| | - D Arnone
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Affective Disorders Research Group, Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - A H Young
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Affective Disorders Research Group, Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - A J Cleare
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Affective Disorders Research Group, Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES It has long been speculated that effortful listening places children with hearing loss at risk for fatigue. School-age children with hearing loss experiencing cumulative stress and listening fatigue on a daily basis might undergo dysregulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity resulting in elevated or flattened cortisol profiles. The purpose of this study was to examine whether school-age children with hearing loss show different diurnal salivary cortisol patterns than children with normal hearing. DESIGN Participants included 32 children with mild to moderate hearing loss (14 males; 18 females) and 28 children with normal hearing (19 males; 9 females) ranging in age from 6 to 12 years. Saliva samples were obtained six times per day on two separate school days. Cortisol levels were measured by mass spectrometric detection after liquid-liquid extraction. Salivary cortisol levels between children with hearing loss and children with no hearing loss over the course of the day were examined with hierarchical linear modeling using mixed model statistical analysis. Between-group comparisons were also computed for the area under the curve, an analytical approach for calculating overall cortisol secretion throughout the day. RESULTS Significant differences in the cortisol awakening response (CAR) were observed between children with hearing loss and children with normal hearing; however, no differences were observed between the two groups subsequent to the cortisol awakening response (60-min postawakening, 10:00 A.M., 2:00 P.M., and 8:00 P.M.). Compared with children with normal hearing, children with hearing loss displayed elevated cortisol levels at awakening and a reduced growth in cortisol secretion from awakening to 30-min postawakening. No significant differences in overall cortisol secretion throughout the day were found between groups (area under the curve). Finally, cortisol levels increased with increasing age for children with hearing loss but not for children with normal hearing. CONCLUSIONS Results of this preliminary study indicate a possible dysregulation in HPA axis activity in children with hearing loss characterized by elevated salivary cortisol levels at awakening and a diminished increase in cortisol from awakening to 30-min postawakening. The pattern of elevated cortisol levels at awakening is consistent with some studies on adults with burnout, a condition characterized by fatigue, loss of energy, and poor coping skills. These findings support the idea that children with hearing loss may experience increased vigilance and need to mobilize energy promptly in preparation for the new day.
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Hornsby BWY, Gustafson SJ, Lancaster H, Cho SJ, Camarata S, Bess FH. Subjective Fatigue in Children With Hearing Loss Assessed Using Self- and Parent-Proxy Report. Am J Audiol 2017; 26:393-407. [PMID: 29049623 PMCID: PMC5944411 DOI: 10.1044/2017_aja-17-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The primary purposes of this study were to examine the effects of hearing loss and respondent type (self- vs. parent-proxy report) on subjective fatigue in children. We also examined associations between child-specific factors and fatigue ratings. METHOD Subjective fatigue was assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Multidimensional Fatigue Scale (PedsQL-MFS; Varni, Burwinkle, Katz, Meeske, & Dickinson, 2002). We compared self- and parent-proxy ratings from 60 children with hearing loss (CHL) and 43 children with normal hearing (CNH). The children ranged in age from 6 to 12 years. RESULTS School-age CHL experienced more overall and cognitive fatigue than CNH, although the differences were smaller than previously reported. Parent-proxy report was not strongly associated with child self-report, and parents tended to underestimate their child's fatigue, particularly sleep/rest fatigue. Language ability was also associated with subjective fatigue. For CHL and CNH, as language abilities increased, cognitive fatigue decreased. CONCLUSIONS School-age CHL experience more subjective fatigue than CNH. The poor association between parent-proxy and child reports suggests that the parent-proxy version of the PedsQL-MFS should not be used in isolation when assessing fatigue in school-age children. Future research should examine how language abilities may modulate fatigue and its potential academic consequences in CHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin W. Y. Hornsby
- Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
| | - Samantha J. Gustafson
- Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
| | - Hope Lancaster
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Tempe
| | - Sun-Joo Cho
- Peabody College of Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Stephen Camarata
- Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
| | - Fred H. Bess
- Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
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17
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Zhang Q, Chen Z, Chen S, Xu Y, Deng H. Intraindividual stability of cortisol and cortisone and the ratio of cortisol to cortisone in saliva, urine and hair. Steroids 2017; 118:61-67. [PMID: 27998757 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2016.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Revised: 12/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cortisol, cortisone and the ratio of cortisol to cortisone in saliva, urine and hair are acute, short-term and long-term biomarkers to reliably assess the activity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD). One key issue is whether these biomarkers have intraindividual relative stability. Salivary, urinary and hair cortisol was proven to show considerable long-term intraindividual relative stability. However, currently unknown is whether cortisone and the ratio in saliva, urine and hair show intraindividual relative stability. METHODS The present study utilized a longitudinal design to validate long-term stability within two weeks of three biomarkers in saliva and urine, and long-term stability within twelve months of three hair biomarkers. Salivary, urinary and hair steroids were measured with high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS Three biomarkers in urine and hair showed moderate test-retest correlations with coefficient (r) ranging between 0.22 and 0.56 and good multiple-test consistencies with coefficient of intraclass correlation (ICC) ranging between 0.42 and 0.67. Three single-point salivary biomarkers showed weak to moderate test-retest correlations (r's between 0.01 and 0.38) and poor to fair multiple-test consistencies (ICC's between 0.29 and 0.53) within two weeks. Three single-day salivary biomarkers showed moderate test-retest correlations (r's between 0.23 and 0.53) and good multiple-test consistencies (ICC's between 0.56 and 0.66) within two weeks. CONCLUSIONS Three biomarkers in urine and hair showed moderate long-term intraindividual relative stability. Three single-point salivary biomarkers showed weak to moderate short-term and long-term intraindividual relative stability, but three single-day salivary biomarkers showed moderate short-term and long-term intraindividual relative stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science (Southeast University), Ministry of Education, and Institute of Child Development and Education, Research Center for Learning Science, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Zheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science (Southeast University), Ministry of Education, and Institute of Child Development and Education, Research Center for Learning Science, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Shenghuo Chen
- Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science (Southeast University), Ministry of Education, and Institute of Child Development and Education, Research Center for Learning Science, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Youyun Xu
- Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science (Southeast University), Ministry of Education, and Institute of Child Development and Education, Research Center for Learning Science, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Huihua Deng
- Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science (Southeast University), Ministry of Education, and Institute of Child Development and Education, Research Center for Learning Science, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Hypofunction in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) as a Consequence of Activated Immune-Inflammatory and Oxidative and Nitrosative Pathways. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:6806-6819. [PMID: 27766535 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-0170-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
There is evidence that immune-inflammatory and oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS) pathways play a role in the pathophysiology of myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)/chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). There is also evidence that these neuroimmune diseases are accompanied by hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hypoactivity as indicated by lowered baseline glucocorticoid levels. This paper aims to review the bidirectional communications between immune-inflammatory and O&NS pathways and HPA axis hypoactivity in ME/CFS, considering two possibilities: (a) Activation of immune-inflammatory pathways is secondary to HPA axis hypofunction via attenuated negative feedback mechanisms, or (b) chronic activated immune-inflammatory and O&NS pathways play a causative role in HPA axis hypoactivity. Electronic databases, i.e., PUBMED, Scopus, and Google Scholar, were used as sources for this narrative review by using keywords CFS, ME, cortisol, ACTH, CRH, HPA axis, glucocorticoid receptor, cytokines, immune, immunity, inflammation, and O&NS. Findings show that activation of immune-inflammatory and O&NS pathways in ME/CFS are probably not secondary to HPA axis hypoactivity and that activation of these pathways may underpin HPA axis hypofunction in ME/CFS. Mechanistic explanations comprise increased levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, T regulatory responses with elevated levels of interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-β, elevated levels of nitric oxide, and viral/bacterial-mediated mechanisms. HPA axis hypoactivity in ME/CFS is most likely a consequence and not a cause of a wide variety of activated immune-inflammatory and O&NS pathways in that illness.
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Strahler J, Skoluda N, Rohleder N, Nater UM. Dysregulated stress signal sensitivity and inflammatory disinhibition as a pathophysiological mechanism of stress-related chronic fatigue. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 68:298-318. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The term "adrenal fatigue" ("AF") has been used by some doctors, healthcare providers, and the general media to describe an alleged condition caused by chronic exposure to stressful situations. Despite this, "AF" has not been recognized by any Endocrinology society, who claim there is no hard evidence for the existence. The aim of this systematic review is to verify whether there is substantiation for "AF". METHODS A systematic search was performed at PUBMED, MEDLINE (Ebsco) and Cochrane databases, from the beginning of the data until April 22nd, 2016. Searched key words were: "adrenal" + "fatigue", "adrenal" + "burnout", "adrenal" + "exhaustion", "hypoadrenia", "burnout" + "cortisol", "fatigue" + "cortisol", "clinical" + "burnout", "cortisol" + "vitalility", "adrenal" + "vitality", and "cortisol" + "exhaustion". Eligibility criteria were: (1) articles written in English, (2) cortisol profile and fatigue or energy status as the primary outcome, (3) performed tests for evaluating the adrenal axis, (4) absence of influence of corticosteroid therapy, and (5) absence of confounding diseases. Type of questionnaire to distinct fatigued subjects, population studied, tests performed of selected studies were analyzed. RESULTS From 3,470 articles found, 58 studies fulfilled the criteria: 33 were carried in healthy individuals, and 25 in symptomatic patients. The most assessed exams were "Direct Awakening Cortisol" (n = 29), "Cortisol Awakening Response" (n = 27) and "Salivary Cortisol Rhythm" (n = 26). DISCUSSION We found an almost systematic finding of conflicting results derived from most of the studies methods utilized, regardless of the validation and the quality of performed tests. Some limitations of the review include: (1) heterogeneity of the study design; (2) the descriptive nature of most studies; (3) the poor quality assessment of fatigue; (4) the use of an unsubstantiated methodology in terms of cortisol assessment (not endorsed by endocrinologists); (5) false premises leading to an incorrect sequence of research direction; and, (6) inappropriate/invalid conclusions regarding causality and association between different information. CONCLUSION This systematic review proves that there is no substantiation that "adrenal fatigue" is an actual medical condition. Therefore, adrenal fatigue is still a myth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio A. Cadegiani
- From the Adrenal and Hypertension Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM/UNIFESP), R. Pedro de Toledo 781–13th floor, 04039-032 São Paulo, SP Brazil
| | - Claudio E. Kater
- From the Adrenal and Hypertension Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM/UNIFESP), R. Pedro de Toledo 781–13th floor, 04039-032 São Paulo, SP Brazil
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Pardaens K, Haagdorens L, Van Wambeke P, Van den Broeck A, Van Houdenhove B. How relevant are exercise capacity measures for evaluating treatment effects in chronic fatigue syndrome? Results from a prospective, multidisciplinary outcome study. Clin Rehabil 2016; 20:56-66. [PMID: 16502751 DOI: 10.1191/0269215506cr914oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the outcome of a multidisciplinary treatment programme for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, including health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychosocial variables, and exercise capacity measures. Design: A six-month prospective outcome study. Setting: University outpatient rehabilitation clinic; group setting. Subjects: One hundred and sixteen women fulfilling chronic fatigue syndrome criteria. Interventions: Cognitive behaviourally and graded exercise-based strategies; emphasis on adaptive lifestyle changes. Measures: Short Form General Health Survey (SF-36); Symptom Checklist (SCL-90); Causal Attribution List (CAL); Self-Efficacy Scale (SE); maximum progressive bicycle ergometer test with respiratory gas analysis; and isokinetic leg strength test, before and after treatment. Results: The total group significantly improved on nearly all reported HRQoL/ psychosocial variables. Changes in exercise capacity measures were rather modest and did not correlate or only weakly correlated with HRQoL/psychosocial variables. Subgroup analyses indicated that less fit patients improved significantly more on exercise capacity measures than their more fit counterparts. Patients who were fitter at baseline scored better on pretreatment HRQoL/psychosocial variables, but both subgroups improved similarly on these variables. Conclusions: Health-related quality of life and psychosocial functioning in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome improves after a six-month cognitive behaviourally and graded exercise-based multidisciplinary treatment programme. Increase in exercise capacity measures is not a necessary condition for reported improvements, except for less fit patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Pardaens
- Chronic Fatigue Reference Centre, University Hospitals and Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium
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22
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Smyth N, Bianchin M, Thorn L, Hucklebridge F, Kirschbaum C, Stalder T, Clow A. Hair cortisol concentrations in relation to ill-being and well-being in healthy young and old females. Int J Psychophysiol 2016; 102:12-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Revised: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Snodgrass K, Harvey A, Scheinberg A, Knight S. Sleep Disturbances in Pediatric Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Review of Current Research. J Clin Sleep Med 2015; 11:757-64. [PMID: 25766714 PMCID: PMC4481060 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.4854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Children and adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) frequently report sleep disturbances. However, little is known about the nature and severity of sleep disturbance and factors associated with sleep problems in pediatric CFS. The purpose of this review was to synthesize and critically appraise existing literature relating to sleep disturbances in pediatric CFS. METHODS Embase, CINAHL, PsychINFO, PubMed. and Medline databases were searched to retrieve all studies that included an assessment of sleep in pediatric CFS. Two reviewers independently assessed eligibility, extracted data, and systematically assessed reporting quality. RESULTS Six studies were included and these were mostly case-controlled designs. Findings varied across studies; however, most studies found that children and adolescents with CFS had significantly more sleep disturbances when compared to healthy controls. Significant methodological variations and limitations were apparent. CONCLUSIONS This review suggests that children and adolescents with CFS experience sleep disturbances. However, results need to be interpreted cautiously given the limited evidence available and its overall low quality. More research is required to elucidate the nature and extent of sleep disturbance in pediatric CFS and should focus on (1) identifying the specific types, causes, and severity of sleep disturbances; (2) the specific consequences of sleep disturbances; and (3) the most effective interventions for sleep problems in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli Snodgrass
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne
| | - Adrienne Harvey
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne
- Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service, The Royal Children's Hospital
| | - Adam Scheinberg
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
- Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service, The Royal Children's Hospital
- Faculty of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah Knight
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne
- Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service, Monash Children's, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Abstract
Anecdotal reports of fatigue after sustained speech-processing demands are common among adults with hearing loss; however, systematic research examining hearing loss-related fatigue is limited, particularly with regard to fatigue among children with hearing loss (CHL). Many audiologists, educators, and parents have long suspected that CHL experience stress and fatigue as a result of the difficult listening demands they encounter throughout the day at school. Recent research in this area provides support for these intuitive suggestions. In this article, the authors provide a framework for understanding the construct of fatigue and its relation to hearing loss, particularly in children. Although empirical evidence is limited, preliminary data from recent studies suggest that some CHL experience significant fatigue-and such fatigue has the potential to compromise a child's performance in the classroom. In this commentary, the authors discuss several aspects of fatigue including its importance, definitions, prevalence, consequences, and potential linkage to increased listening effort in persons with hearing loss. The authors also provide a brief synopsis of subjective and objective methods to quantify listening effort and fatigue. Finally, the authors suggest a common-sense approach for identification of fatigue in CHL; and, the authors briefly comment on the use of amplification as a management strategy for reducing hearing-related fatigue.
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25
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Twisk FNM. Accurate diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome based upon objective test methods for characteristic symptoms. World J Methodol 2015; 5:68-87. [PMID: 26140274 PMCID: PMC4482824 DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v5.i2.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are considered to be synonymous, the definitional criteria for ME and CFS define two distinct, partially overlapping, clinical entities. ME, whether defined by the original criteria or by the recently proposed criteria, is not equivalent to CFS, let alone a severe variant of incapacitating chronic fatigue. Distinctive features of ME are: muscle weakness and easy muscle fatigability, cognitive impairment, circulatory deficits, a marked variability of the symptoms in presence and severity, but above all, post-exertional “malaise”: a (delayed) prolonged aggravation of symptoms after a minor exertion. In contrast, CFS is primarily defined by (unexplained) chronic fatigue, which should be accompanied by four out of a list of 8 symptoms, e.g., headaches. Due to the subjective nature of several symptoms of ME and CFS, researchers and clinicians have questioned the physiological origin of these symptoms and qualified ME and CFS as functional somatic syndromes. However, various characteristic symptoms, e.g., post-exertional “malaise” and muscle weakness, can be assessed objectively using well-accepted methods, e.g., cardiopulmonary exercise tests and cognitive tests. The objective measures acquired by these methods should be used to accurately diagnose patients, to evaluate the severity and impact of the illness objectively and to assess the positive and negative effects of proposed therapies impartially.
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Khaleghipour S, Masjedi M, Kelishadi R. Circadian type, chronic fatigue, and serum IgM in the shift workers of an industrial organization. Adv Biomed Res 2015; 4:61. [PMID: 25802830 PMCID: PMC4361954 DOI: 10.4103/2277-9175.151882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2013] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Night shift workers are more vulnerable to immune-related diseases. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) is a potent activator of complement, and complement has a crucial role in defense against bacterial infections. Circadian type is known as an effective agent on vulnerability and adaptation with shift work due to non-compliance with shift stress. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation of circadian type and chronic fatigue with the serum concentration of IgM in a group of shift workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study was performed in an industrial organization in Isfahan, Iran. The study population consisted of 221 male employees working at night shifts who were selected by random cluster sampling. The following questionnaires were used: composite morningness (Torsvall and Akerstedt), circadian type (Folkard), and chronic fatigue (Barton and colleagues). The serum concentration of IgM was measured by the nephelometric method. The data were analyzed with the Pearson coefficient correlation and the path analysis for finding the pattern of the structural equations to evaluate the direct and indirect relationships between variables, using the SPSS 15 and LISREL 8.5 statistical software. RESULTS Significant correlation was documented between morningness, flexibility, languidness, and chronic fatigue with the serum concentration of IgM (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION The results showed that the shift workers with morningness and languidness experienced more problems during the working hours due to more tiredness, and had decreased serum concentration of IgM. Correct management of shift work may attenuate fatigue in workers and also improve many health issues experienced by the shift workers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohsen Masjedi
- Department of Immunology, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Roya Kelishadi
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Jason LA, Zinn ML, Zinn MA. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: Symptoms and Biomarkers. Curr Neuropharmacol 2015; 13:701-34. [PMID: 26411464 PMCID: PMC4761639 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x13666150928105725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) continues to cause significant morbidity worldwide with an estimated one million cases in the United States. Hurdles to establishing consensus to achieve accurate evaluation of patients with ME continue, fueled by poor agreement about case definitions, slow progress in development of standardized diagnostic approaches, and issues surrounding research priorities. Because there are other medical problems, such as early MS and Parkinson's Disease, which have some similar clinical presentations, it is critical to accurately diagnose ME to make a differential diagnosis. In this article, we explore and summarize advances in the physiological and neurological approaches to understanding, diagnosing, and treating ME. We identify key areas and approaches to elucidate the core and secondary symptom clusters in ME so as to provide some practical suggestions in evaluation of ME for clinicians and researchers. This review, therefore, represents a synthesis of key discussions in the literature, and has important implications for a better understanding of ME, its biological markers, and diagnostic criteria. There is a clear need for more longitudinal studies in this area with larger data sets, which correct for multiple testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard A. Jason
- Department of Psychology, Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, United States
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Rimes KA, Papadopoulos AS, Cleare AJ, Chalder T. Cortisol output in adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome: pilot study on the comparison with healthy adolescents and change after cognitive behavioural guided self-help treatment. J Psychosom Res 2014; 77:409-14. [PMID: 25260861 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2014.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Revised: 08/23/2014] [Accepted: 08/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined cortisol in adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) compared to healthy adolescents and changes in cortisol after cognitive behavioural guided self-help treatment. Exploratory analyses investigated the association between cortisol output and psychological variables. METHODS Salivary cortisol was measured upon awakening, at 15, 30, 45 and 60 min afterwards and at 12 noon, 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., in adolescents with CFS and healthy controls (HC). Groups were matched for age, gender, menarche status, menstrual cycle and awakening time. Twenty-four adolescents with CFS provided saliva samples six months after treatment. The main outcome measure was total salivary output over the day, calculated by area under the curve (AUC). The salivary awakening response was also assessed. RESULTS Cortisol output over the day was significantly lower in the CFS group (n=46) than in healthy controls (n=33). Within the CFS group, lower daily cortisol output was associated with higher self-reported perfectionist striving and prosocial behaviour. There were no significant group differences in the awakening response (n=47 CFS versus n=34 HC). After treatment, adolescents with CFS (n=21) showed a significant increase in daily cortisol output, up to normal levels. CONCLUSION The reduced daily cortisol output in adolescents with CFS is in line with adult findings. Associations between reduced cortisol output and two psychological variables-perfectionism and prosocial behaviour-are consistent with cognitive behavioural models of chronic fatigue syndrome. The mild hypocortisolism is reversible; cortisol output had returned to healthy adolescent levels by six months after cognitive behavioural guided self-help treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Trudie Chalder
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK
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Simultaneous measurements of cortisol and cortisone in urine and hair for the assessment of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity among methadone maintenance treatment patients with LC-ESI–MS/MS. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2014; 969:77-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2014.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Revised: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Abstract
Fatigue is a common phenomenon in our society, and it can have a major impact on an individual's performance and wellbeing. Parents and teachers have long believed that children with hearing loss (CHL) are at increased risk for fatigue. One could easily speculate that toward the end of a school day, CHL may be “physically and mentally spent” as a result of focusing so intently on a teacher's speech, as well as conversations with other students. Moreover, the increased listening effort, stress, and subsequent fatigue experienced by CHL could jeopardize the ability to learn in a noisy classroom environment, thus increasing the risk for problems in school. Only recently, however, have we begun to see empirical studies supporting the notion that CHL experience more fatigue than children with normal hearing (CNH).
This review was developed to enhance the awareness of fatigue among those audiologists interested in serving CHL. To this end, we have presented an overview on fatigue in CHL, including its importance, definitions, prevalence, consequences, and recent developments. The complexity and multifaceted nature of fatigue has been highlighted and the need for additional research on fatigue in CHL is emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred H. Bess
- Department of Hearing & Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson CenterNashville, TN
| | - Benjamin W. Y. Hornsby
- Department of Hearing & Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson CenterNashville, TN
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Twisk FNM. The status of and future research into Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: the need of accurate diagnosis, objective assessment, and acknowledging biological and clinical subgroups. Front Physiol 2014; 5:109. [PMID: 24734022 PMCID: PMC3974331 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) are used interchangeably, the diagnostic criteria define two distinct clinical entities. Cognitive impairment, (muscle) weakness, circulatory disturbances, marked variability of symptoms, and, above all, post-exertional malaise: a long-lasting increase of symptoms after a minor exertion, are distinctive symptoms of ME. This latter phenomenon separates ME, a neuro-immune illness, from chronic fatigue (syndrome), other disorders and deconditioning. The introduction of the label, but more importantly the diagnostic criteria for CFS have generated much confusion, mostly because chronic fatigue is a subjective and ambiguous notion. CFS was redefined in 1994 into unexplained (persistent or relapsing) chronic fatigue, accompanied by at least four out of eight symptoms, e.g., headaches and unrefreshing sleep. Most of the research into ME and/or CFS in the last decades was based upon the multivalent CFS criteria, which define a heterogeneous patient group. Due to the fact that fatigue and other symptoms are non-discriminative, subjective experiences, research has been hampered. Various authors have questioned the physiological nature of the symptoms and qualified ME/CFS as somatization. However, various typical symptoms can be assessed objectively using standardized methods. Despite subjective and unclear criteria and measures, research has observed specific abnormalities in ME/CFS repetitively, e.g., immunological abnormalities, oxidative and nitrosative stress, neurological anomalies, circulatory deficits and mitochondrial dysfunction. However, to improve future research standards and patient care, it is crucial that patients with post-exertional malaise (ME) and patients without this odd phenomenon are acknowledged as separate clinical entities that the diagnosis of ME and CFS in research and clinical practice is based upon accurate criteria and an objective assessment of characteristic symptoms, as much as possible that well-defined clinical and biological subgroups of ME and CFS patients are investigated in more detail, and that patients are monitored before, during and after interventions with objective measures and biomarkers.
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Powell DJH, Liossi C, Moss-Morris R, Schlotz W. Unstimulated cortisol secretory activity in everyday life and its relationship with fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review and subset meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2013; 38:2405-22. [PMID: 23916911 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2013.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Revised: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a psychoneuroendocrine regulator of the stress response and immune system, and dysfunctions have been associated with outcomes in several physical health conditions. Its end product, cortisol, is relevant to fatigue due to its role in energy metabolism. The systematic review examined the relationship between different markers of unstimulated salivary cortisol activity in everyday life in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fatigue assessed in other clinical and general populations. Search terms for the review related to salivary cortisol assessments, everyday life contexts, and fatigue. All eligible studies (n=19) were reviewed narratively in terms of associations between fatigue and assessed cortisol markers, including the cortisol awakening response (CAR), circadian profile (CP) output, and diurnal cortisol slope (DCS). Subset meta-analyses were conducted of case-control CFS studies examining group differences in three cortisol outcomes: CAR output; CAR increase; and CP output. Meta-analyses revealed an attenuation of the CAR increase within CFS compared to controls (d=-.34) but no statistically significant differences between groups for other markers. In the narrative review, total cortisol output (CAR or CP) was rarely associated with fatigue in any population; CAR increase and DCS were most relevant. Outcomes reflecting within-day change in cortisol levels (CAR increase; DCS) may be the most relevant to fatigue experience, and future research in this area should report at least one such marker. Results should be considered with caution due to heterogeneity in one meta-analysis and the small number of studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J H Powell
- Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
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Normal Salivary Cortisol and NK Cell Function in Adolescents With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Following Infectious Mononucleosis. ARCHIVES OF PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2013. [DOI: 10.5812/pedinfect.13107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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A review of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in chronic fatigue syndrome. ISRN NEUROSCIENCE 2013; 2013:784520. [PMID: 24959566 PMCID: PMC4045534 DOI: 10.1155/2013/784520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction has been found in a high proportion of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients and includes enhanced corticosteroid-induced negative feedback, basal hypocortisolism, attenuated diurnal variation, and a reduced responsivity to challenge. A putative causal role for genetic profile, childhood trauma, and oxidative stress has been considered. In addition, the impact of gender is demonstrated by the increased frequency of HPA axis dysregulation in females. Despite the temporal relationship, it is not yet established whether the endocrine dysregulation is causal, consequent, or an epiphenomenon of the disorder. Nonetheless, given the interindividual variation in the effectiveness of existing biological and psychological treatments, the need for novel treatment strategies such as those which target the HPA axis is clear.
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Roe JJ, Thompson CW, Aspinall PA, Brewer MJ, Duff EI, Miller D, Mitchell R, Clow A. Green space and stress: evidence from cortisol measures in deprived urban communities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 10:4086-103. [PMID: 24002726 PMCID: PMC3799530 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10094086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 336] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Revised: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Contact with green space in the environment has been associated with mental health benefits, but the mechanism underpinning this association is not clear. This study extends an earlier exploratory study showing that more green space in deprived urban neighbourhoods in Scotland is linked to lower levels of perceived stress and improved physiological stress as measured by diurnal patterns of cortisol secretion. Salivary cortisol concentrations were measured at 3, 6 and 9 h post awakening over two consecutive weekdays, together with measures of perceived stress. Participants (n = 106) were men and women not in work aged between 35–55 years, resident in socially disadvantaged districts from the same Scottish, UK, urban context as the earlier study. Results from linear regression analyses showed a significant and negative relationship between higher green space levels and stress levels, indicating living in areas with a higher percentage of green space is associated with lower stress, confirming the earlier study findings. This study further extends the findings by showing significant gender differences in stress patterns by levels of green space, with women in lower green space areas showing higher levels of stress. A significant interaction effect between gender and percentage green space on mean cortisol concentrations showed a positive effect of higher green space in relation to cortisol measures in women, but not in men. Higher levels of neighbourhood green space were associated with healthier mean cortisol levels in women whilst also attenuating higher cortisol levels in men. We conclude that higher levels of green space in residential neighbourhoods, for this deprived urban population of middle-aged men and women not in work, are linked with lower perceived stress and a steeper (healthier) diurnal cortisol decline. However, overall patterns and levels of cortisol secretion in men and women were differentially related to neighbourhood green space and warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny J. Roe
- School of the Built Environment, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; E-Mail:
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +44-(0)1904-32-3480; +44-(0)1904-32-2898
| | | | - Peter A. Aspinall
- School of the Built Environment, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; E-Mail:
| | - Mark J. Brewer
- Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, UK; E-Mails: (M.J.B.); (E.I.D.)
| | - Elizabeth I. Duff
- Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, UK; E-Mails: (M.J.B.); (E.I.D.)
| | - David Miller
- James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, UK; E-Mail:
| | - Richard Mitchell
- Centre for Research on Environment, Society and Health, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 0XH, UK; E-Mail:
| | - Angela Clow
- Department of Psychology, University of Westminster, London W1B 2UW, UK; E-Mail:
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Cortisol and induced cognitive fatigue: Effects on memory activation in healthy males. Biol Psychol 2013; 94:167-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2013.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2012] [Revised: 03/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the recent epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of postinfectious chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in adolescents. RECENT FINDINGS Thirteen percent of adolescents (mainly women) met the criteria for CFS 6 months following infectious mononucleosis; the figure was 7% at 12 months and 4% at 24 months. Peak work capacity, activity level, orthostatic intolerance, salivary cortisol, and natural killer cell number and function were similar between adolescents with CFS following infectious mononucleosis and recovered controls. Autonomic system, oxygen consumption, peak oxygen pulse, psychological and cytokine network differences were documented between those who recovered and those who did not. SUMMARY The prognosis of CFS is better in adolescents than in adults. Activity level, exercise tolerance, and orthostatic testing could not distinguish patients with CFS from adolescents who have recovered from infectious mononucleosis (controls), while certain cytokine network analyses, life stress factors, and autonomic symptoms could.
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Jackson ML, Bruck D. Sleep abnormalities in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a review. J Clin Sleep Med 2012; 8:719-28. [PMID: 23243408 PMCID: PMC3501671 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.2276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a chronic, disabling illness that affects approximately 0.2% of the population. Non-restorative sleep despite sufficient or extended total sleep time is one of the major clinical diagnostic criteria; however, the underlying cause of this symptom is unknown. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the literature examining sleep in CFS/ME and the issues surrounding the current research findings. Polysomnographic and other objective measures of sleep have observed few differences in sleep parameters between CFS/ME patients and healthy controls, although some discrepancies do exist. This lack of significant objective differences contrasts with the common subjective complaints of disturbed and unrefreshed sleep by CFS/ME patients. The emergence of new, more sensitive techniques that examine the microstructure of sleep are showing promise for detecting differences in sleep between patients and healthy individuals. There is preliminary evidence that alterations in sleep stage transitions and sleep instability, and other physiological mechanisms, such as heart rate variability and altered cortisol profiles, may be evident. Future research investigating the etiology of non-restorative sleep in CFS/ME may also help us to undercover the causes of non-restorative sleep and fatigue in other medical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda L Jackson
- School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Victoria University, Victoria, Australia.
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Kim KS, Kim YC, Oh IJ, Kim SS, Choi JY, Ahn RS. Association of worse prognosis with an aberrant diurnal cortisol rhythm in patients with advanced lung cancer. Chronobiol Int 2012; 29:1109-20. [PMID: 22889441 DOI: 10.3109/07420528.2012.706767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
A flatter diurnal rhythm of cortisol has been reported to be associated with early mortality in patients with metastatic breast cancer. The clinical stage of disease at the time of diagnosis and the patient's performance status (PS) are known to be important prognostic factors for lung cancer (LC) survival. The authors examined the relationship between diurnal cortisol rhythms and these prognostic factors in patients with advanced LC. Cortisol concentrations were measured in saliva samples collected from 52 patients (37 males/15 females) with advanced LC and from 56 healthy subjects (32 males/24 females) to characterize the diurnal cortisol rhythm, specifically the cortisol awakening response (CAR) and diurnal cortisol decline (DCD). Variations of CAR and DCD in the patients were analyzed according to their clinical disease stage and PS score, and the differences in CAR and DCD between patients and healthy controls were compared. The patient group showed significantly reduced diurnal cortisol secretory activity and rhythmicity, compared with healthy controls. When the patients were subgrouped according to their clinical disease stage, patients with stage 4 disease showed significantly reduced CAR and flatter DCD compared with the healthy controls. However, the CAR and DCD in patients with stage 3a and 3b disease were comparable to those of healthy controls. Neither the CAR nor the DCD showed stepwise changes as the disease stage worsened. When patients were subgrouped according to their Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) PS score, there was stepwise reduction in the CAR and flattening of the DCD as the PS score increased. Both an abolished CAR and a flattened DCD were common in patients with ECOG PS scores of 3 and 4. These results indicate that alteration of the diurnal cortisol rhythm in patients with advanced LC is more closely associated with their PS score than with their clinical disease stage. Gradual alteration of the CAR and DCD, indicative of loss of 24-h cortisol rhythm, in concert with increase in PS score implies that endogenous circadian rhythms may also be disintegrating as the PS score worsens in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu S Kim
- Department of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Lung and Esophageal Cancer Clinic, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
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Lattie EG, Antoni MH, Fletcher MA, Penedo F, Czaja S, Lopez C, Perdomo D, Sala A, Nair S, Fu SH, Klimas N. Stress management skills, neuroimmune processes and fatigue levels in persons with chronic fatigue syndrome. Brain Behav Immun 2012; 26:849-58. [PMID: 22417946 PMCID: PMC3572196 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2012.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2011] [Revised: 02/19/2012] [Accepted: 02/22/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Stressors and emotional distress responses impact chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) symptoms, including fatigue. Having better stress management skills might mitigate fatigue by decreasing emotional distress. Because CFS patients comprise a heterogeneous population, we hypothesized that the role of stress management skills in decreasing fatigue may be most pronounced in the subgroup manifesting the greatest neuroimmune dysfunction. METHODS In total, 117 individuals with CFS provided blood and saliva samples, and self-report measures of emotional distress, perceived stress management skills (PSMS), and fatigue. Plasma interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and diurnal salivary cortisol were analyzed. We examined relations among PSMS, emotional distress, and fatigue in CFS patients who did and did not evidence neuroimmune abnormalities. RESULTS Having greater PSMS related to less fatigue (p=.019) and emotional distress (p<.001), greater diurnal cortisol slope (p=.023) and lower IL-2 levels (p=.043). PSMS and emotional distress related to fatigue levels most strongly in CFS patients in the top tercile of IL-6, and emotional distress mediated the relationship between PSMS and fatigue most strongly in patients with the greatest circulating levels of IL-6 and a greater inflammatory (IL-6):anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokine ratio. DISCUSSION CFS patients having greater PSMS show less emotional distress and fatigue, and the influence of stress management skills on distress and fatigue appear greatest among patients who have elevated IL-6 levels. These findings support the need for research examining the impact of stress management interventions in subgroups of CFS patients showing neuroimmune dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mary Ann Fletcher
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, FL, USA
| | - Frank Penedo
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, FL, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, FL, USA
| | - Sara Czaja
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, FL, USA
| | - Corina Lopez
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, FL, USA
| | - Dolores Perdomo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, FL, USA
| | - Andreina Sala
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, FL, USA
| | - Sankaran Nair
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, FL, USA
| | - Shih Hua Fu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, FL, USA
| | - Nancy Klimas
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, FL, USA
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Ko SJ, Lee SH, Kim YJ, Lee JM, Ryu B, Kim J, Park JW. Effect of oriental medicine music therapy on idiopathic chronic fatigue: A case study. Eur J Integr Med 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2011.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Jason LA, Barker K, Brown A. Pediatric Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. REVIEWS IN HEALTH CARE 2012; 3:257-270. [PMID: 24340168 PMCID: PMC3856907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Research on pediatric Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is reviewed in this article. Many recent articles in this area highlight the existence of key differences between the adult and pediatric forms of the illness. This review article provides an overview of pediatric ME/CFS, including epidemiology, diagnostic criteria, treatment, and prognosis. Challenges to the field are identified with the hope that in the future pediatric cases of ME/CFS can be more accurately diagnosed and successfully managed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard A Jason
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Nater UM, Heim CM, Raison C. Chronic fatigue syndrome. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS 2012; 106:573-87. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-52002-9.00034-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Son GH, Chung S, Kim K. The adrenal peripheral clock: glucocorticoid and the circadian timing system. Front Neuroendocrinol 2011; 32:451-65. [PMID: 21802440 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2011.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2010] [Revised: 04/25/2011] [Accepted: 07/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian circadian timing system is organized in a hierarchy, with the master clock residing in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus and subsidiary peripheral clocks in other brain regions as well as peripheral tissues. Since the local oscillators in most cells contain a similar molecular makeup to that in the central pacemaker, determining the role of the peripheral clocks in the regulation of rhythmic physiology and behavior is an important issue. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are a class of multi-functional adrenal steroid hormones, which exhibit a robust circadian rhythm, with a peak linked with the onset of the daily activity phase. It has long been believed that the production and secretion of GC is primarily governed through the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) neuroendocrine axis in mammals. Growing evidence, however, strongly supports the notion that the periodicity of GC involves the integrated activity of multiple regulatory mechanisms related to circadian timing system along with the classical HPA neuroendocrine regulation. The adrenal-intrinsic oscillator as well as the central pacemaker plays a pivotal role in its rhythmicity. GC influences numerous biological processes, such as metabolic, cardiovascular, immune and even higher brain functions, and also acts as a resetting signal for the ubiquitous peripheral clocks, suggesting its importance in harmonizing circadian physiology and behavior. In this review, we will therefore focus on the recent advances in our understanding of the circadian regulation of adrenal GC and its functional relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gi Hoon Son
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Brain Research Center for the 21st Century Frontier Program in Neuroscience, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea
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Abstract
The weight of current evidence supports the presence of the following factors related to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS): mild hypocortisolism; attenuated diurnal variation of cortisol; enhanced negative feedback to the HPA axis; and blunted HPA axis responsiveness. Furthermore, HPA axis changes seem clinically relevant, as they are associated with worse symptoms and/or disability and with poorer outcomes to standard treatments for CFS. Regarding etiology, women with CFS are more likely to have reduced cortisol levels. Studies published in the past 8 years provide further support for a multifactorial model in which several factors interact to moderate HPA axis changes. In particular, low activity levels, depression and early-life stress appear to reduce cortisol levels, whereas the use of psychotropic medication can increase cortisol. Addressing these factors-for example, with cognitive behavioral therapy-can increase cortisol levels and is probably the first-line approach for correcting HPA axis dysfunction at present, as steroid replacement is not recommended. Given what is now a fairly consistent pattern of findings for the type of HPA axis changes found in CFS, we recommend that future work focuses on improving our understanding of the cause and relevance of these observed changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S Papadopoulos
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Box P074, 103 Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AZ, UK
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Meta-analysis and meta-regression of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in functional somatic disorders. Biol Psychol 2011; 87:183-94. [PMID: 21315796 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2011.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2010] [Revised: 12/08/2010] [Accepted: 02/03/2011] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is the most investigated biological risk marker in functional somatic disorders (FSDs), such as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia (FM), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Our aim was to assess whether there is an association between basal hypocortisolism and FSD and to identify potential moderators of this association. Meta-analysis on 85 studies revealed that although basal cortisol levels were generally lower in FSD subjects compared to controls, this association did not reach statistical significance (SMD -0.07, 95% CI -0.17 to 0.04, p=0.241). However, when the three FSD were assessed separately, statistically significant basal hypocortisolism was observed in CFS subjects compared to controls (SMD -0.14, 95% CI -0.28 to 0.00, p=0.047), but not in FM or IBS. When all potential moderators were entered into a meta-regression analysis, only type of FSD and female gender were significant independent predictors of basal hypocortisolism. In conclusion, we did not find evidence to consider all three main FSD as hypocortisolemic disorders, as significant reduction in basal cortisol compared to healthy controls was only found in CFS and in females with FM, but not in IBS.
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Silverman MN, Heim CM, Nater UM, Marques AH, Sternberg EM. Neuroendocrine and immune contributors to fatigue. PM R 2010; 2:338-46. [PMID: 20656615 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2010.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2010] [Accepted: 04/09/2010] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Central fatigue, a persistent and subjective sense of tiredness, generally correlates poorly with traditional markers of disease. It is frequently associated with psychosocial factors, such as depression, sleep disorder, anxiety, and coping style, which suggest that dysregulation of the body's stress systems may serve as an underlying mechanism in the maintenance of chronic fatigue (CF). This article addresses the endocrine, neural, and immune factors that contribute to fatigue and describes research regarding the role of these factors in chronic fatigue syndrome as a model for addressing the biology of CF. In general, hypoactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, autonomic nervous system alterations characterized by sympathetic overactivity and low vagal tone, as well as immune abnormalities, may contribute to the expression of CF. Noninvasive methods for evaluating endocrine, neural, and immune function are also discussed. Simultaneous evaluation of neuroendocrine and immune systems with noninvasive techniques will help elucidate the underlying interactions of these systems, their role in disease susceptibility, and progression of stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marni N Silverman
- Section on Neuroendocrine Immunology and Behavior, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD(dagger)
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Lee SH, Kwon SH, Shin HJ, Lim HS, Singh RJ, Lee KR, Kim YJ. Simultaneous quantitative analysis of salivary cortisol and cortisone in Korean adults using LC-MS/MS. BMB Rep 2010; 43:506-11. [DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2010.43.7.506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Roberts ADL, Charler ML, Papadopoulos A, Wessely S, Chalder T, Cleare AJ. Does hypocortisolism predict a poor response to cognitive behavioural therapy in chronic fatigue syndrome? Psychol Med 2010; 40:515-522. [PMID: 19607750 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291709990390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence that patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) have mild hypocortisolism. The clinical significance of this is unclear. We aimed to determine whether hypocortisolism exerted any effect on the response of CFS to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). METHOD We measured 24-h urinary free cortisol (UFC) in 84 patients with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-defined CFS (of whom 64 were free from psychotropic medication) who then received CBT in a specialist, tertiary out-patient clinic as part of their usual clinical care. We also measured salivary cortisol output from 0800 to 2000 h in a subsample of 56 psychotropic medication-free patients. RESULTS Overall, 39% of patients responded to CBT after 6 months of treatment. Lower 24-h UFC output was associated with a poorer response to CBT but only in psychotropic medication-free patients. A flattened diurnal profile of salivary cortisol was also associated with a poor response to CBT. CONCLUSIONS Low cortisol is of clinical relevance in CFS, as it is associated with a poorer response to CBT. Hypocortisolism could be one of several maintaining factors that interact in the persistence of CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D L Roberts
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
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De Palo EF, Antonelli G, Benetazzo A, Prearo M, Gatti R. Human saliva cortisone and cortisol simultaneous analysis using reverse phase HPLC technique. Clin Chim Acta 2009; 405:60-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2009.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2009] [Revised: 04/01/2009] [Accepted: 04/05/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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