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Pons Claramonte M, Nieto Caballero S, Escribano Tortosa D, Contreras-Aguilar MD, Ceron Madrigal JJ, Hernández Morante JJ, Nicolas Carrillo A, Pardo Rios M, Chicharro-Luna E. The stress experienced in an emergency medical service (EMS): A descriptive study. Int Emerg Nurs 2024; 74:101450. [PMID: 38688204 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2024.101450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stress, described as an adaptation of the body to an event, is a considerable problem among health workers, especially for those who work in emergency situations, as they very often have to face complex situations. It has been proven that stress affects the performance of health professionals, which is why it is interesting to measure it in these situations, to be able to know what methods to implement to reduce it in future events. Despite having previous measurements in healthcare personnel during clinical simulations, this study is relevant because stress has never before been measured in EMS professionals when performing their work. OBJECTIVE To determine the acute stress experienced by professionals in an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) when handling five types of clinical emergencies. As secondary objectives, to determine if there were differences in the increases in stress in relation to sex, age, profession, team, and above all, type of emergency handled. METHOD The following were measured for the analysis: physiological (mean heart rate (HR), systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure), and biochemical (salivary alpha amylase (sAA) activity) markers, before (Basal) and after (Post-Stress) the interventions of 27 professionals from an EMS. RESULTS In general, the results obtained showed significant differences between the baseline measurement of physiological and biochemical markers versus the post-exposure measurement. Some of the differences in stress levels in relation to sex and professional role are striking. CONCLUSION The determination of acute stress experienced by professionals from an EMS in a real emergency showed significant increases in the sAA enzymatic marker of acute stress. These results are the first data published in this regard, and could be used as a reference to follow in clinical simulation in the training of students and the training of nursing professionals. IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE Evidence based studies are needed to improve the education and training of emergency and intensive care professionals. The results from are a great step in the analysis of the real stress that professionals are subjected to when they handle different emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Pons Claramonte
- Health Sciences Faculty, UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, Spain; Emergency Medical Service (EMS) of Valencia Region, Spain
| | - Sergio Nieto Caballero
- Health Sciences Faculty, UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, Spain; Emergency Medical Service (EMS) of Murcia Region, Spain
| | - Damián Escribano Tortosa
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis (INTERLAB-UMU), Department of Animal Medicine & Surgery, Veterinary School, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Maria Dolores Contreras-Aguilar
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis (INTERLAB-UMU), Department of Animal Medicine & Surgery, Veterinary School, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jose Joaquin Ceron Madrigal
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis (INTERLAB-UMU), Department of Animal Medicine & Surgery, Veterinary School, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | | | | | - Manuel Pardo Rios
- Health Sciences Faculty, UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, Spain; Emergency Medical Service (EMS) of Murcia Region, Spain.
| | - Esther Chicharro-Luna
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Health, Nursing Area, Faculty of Medicine, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Institute of Health and Biomedical Research of Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
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Chen S, Kertes D, Benner A, Kim SY. Short-term cortisol adaption to discrimination and Mexican-origin adolescents' mental and sleep health. Dev Psychopathol 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37791538 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579423001219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Discrimination experiences are a salient contributor to the health disparities facing Latina/x/o youth. The biopsychosocial model of minority health posits that discrimination influences health through wear and tear on the biological stress responses, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is a primary stress response system in the body. Emerging evidence suggests that discrimination alters the secretion of cortisol, the end product of the HPA axis, yet, whether the daily processes between discrimination and diurnal cortisol response influence mental and sleep health remains unanswered. This study integrated daily diary and post-diary survey data to examine whether daily diurnal cortisol responses to discrimination influence adolescents' mental (depressive symptoms, anxiety) and sleep (sleep quality, duration) health in a sample of Mexican-origin youth (N = 282; M age = 17.10; 55% female). Results showed that adolescents who experienced more discrimination across the four-day diary period exhibited steeper diurnal cortisol slopes and lower evening cortisol; however, such physiological responses tended to be associated with poorer adolescents' mental and sleep health. The current study underscores the potential adaptation cost associated with short-term cortisol adaptation in the face of discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanting Chen
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Darlene Kertes
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Aprile Benner
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Su Yeong Kim
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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Alloqi Tahirbegolli I, Tahirbegolli B, Şen S, Sayın B, Kaşkal M, Üresin AY. Evaluation of Stress Response in Middle-Aged Male Diabetic Hypertensive Patients. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:2307-2314. [PMID: 36880261 PMCID: PMC10438877 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad122] [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] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Stress triggers a cascade of reactions that alter the organism's dynamic steady state. There is a scarcity of interventional studies that show cortisol variability upon stress over time in groups of patients with chronic noncommunicable diseases and comorbidities. OBJECTIVE We aimed to examine salivary cortisol changes in the cognitive stress response of patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus (HT&DM) and patients with hypertension (HT) and to determine differences between them. METHODS The study was conducted using a stress test of solving an arithmetic task in 62 patients with HT&DM and HT who were being treated in the outpatient clinic of the Medical Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology Department in Istanbul University, Istanbul Medical Faculty Hospital. RESULTS There was no statistically significant difference between the HT&DM and HT groups for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) values (P = .331 and P = .058). When measured by repeated ANOVA, salivary cortisol level [F (1.842, 60) = 8.771, P < .0001], SBP [F (2.185, 60) = 12.080, P < .0001], DBP [F (2.793, 60) = 6.043, P = .001], and heart rate [F (2.073, 60) = 13.259, P < .0001] were statistically significant for the main effect (time), while the effect of the group × time interaction factor was statistically not significant (P = .773; P = .751; P = .713 and P = .506, respectively). CONCLUSION The arithmetic problem-solving task used with the HT&DM and HT patients was useful as an acute stress test in the laboratory environment. There was no statistically significant difference for group × time interaction factor between the HT&DM and HT groups; however, the salivary cortisol and BP values increased significantly after acute stress within each group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iliriana Alloqi Tahirbegolli
- Clinical Pharmacology Division, Department of Medical Pharmacology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Istanbul University, 34126 Istanbul, Turkey
- Laboratory Technician Department, Heimerer College, 10000 Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Bernard Tahirbegolli
- Public Health Department, Institute of Medical Sciences, Istanbul University, 34126 Istanbul, Turkey
- Management of Health Institutions and Services Department, Heimerer College, 10000 Prishtina, Kosovo
- National Sports Medicine Center, 10000 Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Selçuk Şen
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medical Pharmacology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, 34093 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Betül Sayın
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medical Pharmacology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, 34093 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mert Kaşkal
- Department of Pharmacology, Marmara University School of Medicine, 34854 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ali Yağız Üresin
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medical Pharmacology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, 34093 Istanbul, Turkey
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Cantave CY, Brendgen M, Paquin S, Lupien S, Dionne G, Vitaro F, Boivin M, Ouellet-Morin I. The phenotypic associations and gene-environment underpinnings of socioeconomic status and diurnal cortisol secretion in adolescence. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:1119-1129. [PMID: 34698624 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579421001048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
While converging evidence suggests that both environmental and genetic factors underlie variations in diurnal cortisol, the extent to which these sources of influence vary according to socioeconomic status (SES) has seldom been investigated, particularly in adolescence. To investigate whether a distinct genetic and environmental contribution to youth's diurnal cortisol secretion emerges according to family SES and whether the timing of these experiences matters. Participants were 592 twin pairs, who mostly came from middle-income and intact families and for whom SES was measured in childhood and adolescence. Diurnal cortisol was assessed at age 14 at awakening, 30 min later, in the afternoon and evening over four nonconsecutive days. SES-cortisol phenotypic associations were specific to the adolescence period. Specifically, higher awakening cortisol levels were detected in wealthier backgrounds, whereas higher cortisol awakening response (CAR) and diurnal changes were present at both ends of the SES continuum. Moreover, smaller genetic contributions emerged for awakening cortisol in youth from poorer compared to wealthier backgrounds. The results suggest that the relative contribution of inherited factors to awakening cortisol secretion may be enhanced or suppressed depending on the socio-family context, which may help to decipher the mechanisms underlying later adjustment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mara Brendgen
- Department of Psychology, University of Quebec at Montreal, Canada
| | - Stéphane Paquin
- School of Criminology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sonia Lupien
- Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada
- Centre for Studies on Human Stress, Department of Psychiatry, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Ginette Dionne
- School of Psychology, Laval University, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Frank Vitaro
- School of Psychoeducation, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - Michel Boivin
- School of Psychology, Laval University, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Isabelle Ouellet-Morin
- School of Criminology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada
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5
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Corbett BA, McGonigle T, Muscatello RA, Liu J, Vandekar S. The developmental trajectory of diurnal cortisol in autistic and neurotypical youth. Dev Psychopathol 2023:1-12. [PMID: 37435752 PMCID: PMC10784411 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579423000810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Increasing age and puberty affect the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis maturation, which is likely associated with an increase in environmental demands (e.g., social) and vulnerability for the onset of psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression). There is limited research as to whether such patterns are consonant in youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a condition marked by social challenges, dysregulation of the HPA axis, and higher rates of depression setting the stage for enhanced vulnerability during this developmental period.The current study interrogated diurnal cortisol by examining (1) cortisol expression longitudinally over the pubertal transition between autistic and neurotypical youth, (2) the trajectory of diurnal cortisol and the unique contributions of age vs. puberty, and (3) potential sex differences. As hypothesized, results indicate autistic compared to typically developing youth demonstrate a shallower diurnal slope and elevated evening cortisol. These differences were in the context of higher cortisol and flatter rhythms based on age and pubertal development. Also, sex-based differences emerged such that females in both groups had higher cortisol, flatter slopes, and higher evening cortisol than males. The results show that despite the trait-like stability of diurnal cortisol, HPA maturation is impacted by age, puberty, sex, as well as an ASD diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blythe A. Corbett
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Trey McGonigle
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Rachael A. Muscatello
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jinyuan Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Simon Vandekar
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Ciochetti NP, Lugli-Moraes B, da Silva BS, Rovaris DL. Genome-wide association studies: utility and limitations for research in physiology. J Physiol 2023; 601:2771-2799. [PMID: 37208942 PMCID: PMC10527550 DOI: 10.1113/jp284241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Physiological systems are subject to interindividual variation encoded by genetics. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) operate by surveying thousands of genetic variants from a substantial number of individuals and assessing their association to a trait of interest, be it a physiological variable, a molecular phenotype (e.g. gene expression), or even a disease or condition. Through a myriad of methods, GWAS downstream analyses then explore the functional consequences of each variant and attempt to ascertain a causal relationship to the phenotype of interest, as well as to delve into its links to other traits. This type of investigation allows mechanistic insights into physiological functions, pathological disturbances and shared biological processes between traits (i.e. pleiotropy). An exciting example is the discovery of a new thyroid hormone transporter (SLC17A4) and hormone metabolising enzyme (AADAT) from a GWAS on free thyroxine levels. Therefore, GWAS have substantially contributed with insights into physiology and have been shown to be useful in unveiling the genetic control underlying complex traits and pathological conditions; they will continue to do so with global collaborations and advances in genotyping technology. Finally, the increasing number of trans-ancestry GWAS and initiatives to include ancestry diversity in genomics will boost the power for discoveries, making them also applicable to non-European populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Pereira Ciochetti
- Laboratory of Physiological Genomics of Mental Health (PhysioGen Lab), Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Lugli-Moraes
- Laboratory of Physiological Genomics of Mental Health (PhysioGen Lab), Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruna Santos da Silva
- Laboratory of Physiological Genomics of Mental Health (PhysioGen Lab), Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Developmental Psychiatry, Center of Experimental Research, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Diego Luiz Rovaris
- Laboratory of Physiological Genomics of Mental Health (PhysioGen Lab), Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Karunyam BV, Abdul Karim AK, Naina Mohamed I, Ugusman A, Mohamed WMY, Faizal AM, Abu MA, Kumar J. Infertility and cortisol: a systematic review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1147306. [PMID: 37455908 PMCID: PMC10344356 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1147306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Stress and infertility form a complex relationship. In line with this, various stress-related biological markers have been investigated in infertility. Methods This systematic review was performed using PRISMA guidelines (i) to report whether cortisol is highly present in infertile patients compared to fertile control; (ii) to report whether there is any significant difference in the cortisol level in infertile subjects that conceive and those that didn't at the end of assisted reproduction treatments. Original articles involving human (male and female) as subjects were extracted from four electronic databases, including the list of references from the published papers. Sixteen original full-length articles involving male (4), female (11), and both genders (1) were included. Results Findings from studies that compared the cortisol level between infertile and fertile subjects indicate that (i) Male: three studies reported elevated cortisol level in infertile patients and one found no significant difference; (ii) Female: four studies reported increased cortisol level in infertile subjects and three studies found no significant difference. Findings from studies that measured the cortisol level from infertile patients that conceived and those that didn't indicate that (i) Male: one study reported no significant difference; (ii) Female: one study reported elevated cortisol in infertile patients that conceived, whereas two studies reported increased cortisol in infertile patients that was unable to conceive. Five studies found no significant difference between the groups. Discussion In the present review we only included the cortisol value that was measured prior to stimulation or IVF treatment or during natural or spontaneous cycles, despite this, there are still variations in the sampling period, assessment techniques and patients' characteristics. Hence, at present, we are still unable to conclude that cortisol is significantly elevated in infertile patients. We warrant future studies to standardize the time of biological sample collection and other limitations that were addressed in the review to negate the unwanted influencing factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bheena Vyshali Karunyam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Abdul Kadir Abdul Karim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Isa Naina Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Azizah Ugusman
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wael M. Y. Mohamed
- Basic Medical Science Department, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt
| | - Ahmad Mohd Faizal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Azrai Abu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jaya Kumar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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8
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Wettstein A, Jenni G, Schneider S, Kühne F, grosse Holtforth M, La Marca R. Teachers' perception of aggressive student behavior through the lens of chronic worry and resignation, and its association with psychophysiological stress: An observational study. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY OF EDUCATION 2023; 26:1181-1200. [PMID: 37416865 PMCID: PMC10319659 DOI: 10.1007/s11218-023-09782-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Aggressive student behavior is considered a leading risk factor for teacher stress. However, teachers' coping styles may affect how they perceive and respond to aggressive student behavior. This study tests whether teachers' perceptions of aggressive student behavior mainly mirror objectively observed aggression in presence of the teacher (as coded by external observers) or whether teachers' perception of aggressive student behavior primarily reflects teachers' avoidant coping styles, such as chronic worry and resignation. Finally, we examine whether observed and teacher-perceived aggression relates to increased vital exhaustion and psychophysiological stress among teachers (i.e., higher hair cortisol concentration). In an ambulatory assessment study, we administered self-reports to 42 Swiss teachers to assess perceived student aggression, chronic worry, resignation, and vital exhaustion. Additionally, four consecutive lessons per teacher were filmed, and aggressive student behavior in presence of the teacher was coded by four trained external observers. The concentration of cortisol was assessed in hair samples. Results showed that teacher-perceived and observed aggression were moderately associated. Observed aggression was related to teacher perceptions to a much lesser extent than teachers' avoidant coping styles, that is, chronic worry and resignation. While teacher-perceived student aggression was associated with teachers' self-reported vital exhaustion, we did not find any significant association with hair-cortisol concentration. Our findings suggest that teachers perceive student aggression through the lens of their coping styles. Teachers' dysfunctional coping styles are associated with an overestimation of student aggression. Teachers' overestimation of student aggression relates to higher levels of vital exhaustion. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and change teachers' dysfunctional coping styles to prevent a vicious cycle of dysfunctional teacher-student interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Wettstein
- Department of Research and Development, University of Teacher Education Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gabriel Jenni
- Department of Research and Development, University of Teacher Education Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Schneider
- Department of Research and Development, University of Teacher Education Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabienne Kühne
- Department of Research and Development, University of Teacher Education Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin grosse Holtforth
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Psychosomatic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Roberto La Marca
- Department of Research and Development, University of Teacher Education Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Centre for Stress-Related Disorders, Clinica Holistica Engiadina, Susch, Switzerland
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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9
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Pedraz-Petrozzi B, Sardinha H, Gilles M, Deuschle M. Effects of left anodal transcranial direct current stimulation on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in depression: a randomized controlled pilot trial. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5619. [PMID: 37024593 PMCID: PMC10079657 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32531-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of left anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) activity in individuals with depression. We conducted a 3-week, randomized, triple-blind pilot trial with 47 participants (dropout rate: 14.89%) randomly assigned to either the tDCS or control group (sham stimulation). Salivary cortisol was used as an HPAA activity marker since cortisol is the effector hormone of the HPAA. The primary outcome was the effect of tDCS on the diurnal cortisol pattern (DCP and area under the curve with respect to ground -AUCg-). Secondary outcomes included tDCS effects on cortisol awakening response (CAR) and cortisol decline (CD), as well as the variation of cortisol concentrations between the initiation of tDCS and 2 weeks later. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses were conducted. Our primary outcome showed an absent effect of tDCS on DCP and AUCg. Additionally, tDCS had an absent effect on CAR, CD, and cortisol concentration variation before-after stimulation. Our pilot study suggests that anodal tDCS showed an absent effect on HPAA activity in individuals with depression. More studies are needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Pedraz-Petrozzi
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, RG Stress, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Helena Sardinha
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, RG Stress, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Maria Gilles
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, RG Stress, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Michael Deuschle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, RG Stress, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
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10
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Romney CE, Arroyo AC, Robles TF, Zawadzki MJ. Hugs and Cortisol Awakening Response the Next Day: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5340. [PMID: 37047955 PMCID: PMC10094596 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Previous research suggests that affectionate touch such as hugs might downregulate stress systems such as the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. However, the current literature lacks in generalizability beyond the laboratory setting and outside the context of romantic relationships. The cortisol awakening response (CAR) is a measure of the HPA axis and is responsive to daily fluctuations in stress and social information. However, associations between affectionate touch and the CAR have never been assessed. This study used ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to measure daily hugging behaviors in 104 first-year college students and salivary cortisol to assess the CAR. Participants who reported more daily hugs in their social interactions had significantly smaller CARs the next morning compared to days they reported fewer hugs. This study contributes to the literature on social interactions and stress responsive systems and emphasizes the importance of assessing affectionate touch behaviors such as hugs that can be exchanged outside the context of romantic relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea E. Romney
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Amber Carmen Arroyo
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of California Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Theodore F. Robles
- Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Matthew J. Zawadzki
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of California Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
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11
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Chauhan S, Norbury R, Faßbender KC, Ettinger U, Kumari V. Beyond sleep: A multidimensional model of chronotype. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 148:105114. [PMID: 36868368 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Chronotype can be defined as an expression or proxy for circadian rhythms of varied mechanisms, for example in body temperature, cortisol secretion, cognitive functions, eating and sleeping patterns. It is influenced by a range of internal (e.g., genetics) and external factors (e.g., light exposure), and has implications for health and well-being. Here, we present a critical review and synthesis of existing models of chronotype. Our observations reveal that most existing models and, as a consequence, associated measures of chronotype have focused solely or primarily on the sleep dimension, and typically have not incorporated social and environmental influences on chronotype. We propose a multidimensional model of chronotype, integrating individual (biological and psychological), environmental and social factors that appear to interact to determine an individual's true chronotype with potential feedback loops between these factors. This model could be beneficial not only from a basic science perspective but also in the context of understanding health and clinical implications of certain chronotypes as well as designing preventive and therapeutic approaches for related illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satyam Chauhan
- Department of Psychology, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Ray Norbury
- Department of Psychology, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Veena Kumari
- Department of Psychology, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, London, United Kingdom.
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12
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Moyers SA, Hagger MS. Physical Activity and Cortisol Regulation: A Meta-Analysis. Biol Psychol 2023; 179:108548. [PMID: 37001634 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2023.108548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Physical activity participation is associated with effective stress coping, indicated by decreases in both physiological stress reactivity and perceived stress. Quantifying the effect of physical activity on the diurnal regulation of one key physiological stress indicator, the stress hormone, cortisol, across studies may demonstrate the extent to which physical activity participation is associated with diurnal HPA axis regulation. We meta-analyzed studies examining relations between physical activity participation and indices of HPA axis regulation: the diurnal cortisol slope and the cortisol awakening response. We also examined moderators of the relation. The analysis revealed a small, non-zero negative averaged correlation between physical activity and the diurnal cortisol slope (r = -0.043, 95% CI [-0.080, -0.004]). Examination of sample sociodemographic differences, study design characteristics, cortisol measurement methods, and physical activity variables as moderators revealed few effects on the relation between physical activity and diurnal cortisol slope. We did not observe lower levels of variability in the mean cortisol awakening response at higher levels of physical activity participation, and moderator analyses showed little evidence of reductions in heterogeneity for this effect. We found some evidence of systematic publication bias. Findings suggest higher physical activity is associated with a steeper diurnal cortisol slope. However, the cortisol awakening response did not differ by physical activity level. Future studies testing the physical activity and cortisol regulation association should use standardized physical activity measures, follow guidelines for better quality cortisol sampling collection and analysis, and test relations in large-scale empirical studies to confirm the direction and causality of the effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susette A Moyers
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of California, Merced, USA; Center for Rural Health, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Martin S Hagger
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of California, Merced, USA; Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, USA; Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland; School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Australia
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13
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Weigensberg MJ, Wen CK, Sanogo F, Toledo-Corral C, Ding L. Imagine HEALTH: Changes in diurnal salivary cortisol patterns following a 12-week guided imagery RCT lifestyle intervention in predominantly Latino adolescents. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 151:106053. [PMID: 36842257 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alterations in diurnal salivary cortisol patterns have been linked to adverse metabolic health outcomes. We have previously shown that stress-reduction guided imagery (GI) can reduce salivary cortisol levels acutely. We now ask whether addition of GI into a 12-week lifestyle intervention designed to improve eating and physical activity behaviors can alter diurnal salivary cortisol patterns and perceived stress. METHODS 232 adolescent participants (ages 14-17 years) were cluster randomized by school into one of four intervention arms: non-intervention Control (C; n = 51), Lifestyle (LS; n=61), Stress-Reduction GI (SRGI; n = 55), and Lifestyle Behavior GI (LBGI; n = 65). LS group received one nutrition and one physical activity class per week after-school for 12 weeks. SRGI and LBGI groups received same LS classes plus an additional weekly GI session. Salivary cortisol was assessed pre- and post-intervention on 3 days, 3 times daily, at awakening, 30-minutes post-awakening, and in the evening to determine Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) and Diurnal Cortisol Slope (DCS). Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was administered pre- and post-intervention. Mixed effects modeling was used for intent-to-treat analysis and sensitivity analysis was used for those participants adherent to intervention protocol. RESULTS Analysis of 208 subjects with complete data showed a small between-group increase in CAR in LBGI vs C (p = 0.045, d=0.24), with no significant group differences among other intervention arms. There were no between group differences in change in DCS or change in PSS after 12-weeks. Amongst adherent participants, LBGI showed a small-moderate increase in CAR (p = 0.03, d=0.37), and moderate-large reduction in PSS (p = 0.02, d=-0.66) compared to C. There were no other between group differences in CAR, DCS, or PSS. CONCLUSION LBGI led to an increase in CAR, and in adherent subjects, a decrease in PSS, suggesting GI may be a mind-body intervention that can affect both objective and subjective measures of the stress response. Whether changes in cortisol patterns in this population affect measures of mental or physical health remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fatimata Sanogo
- USC Keck School of Medicine, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, USA
| | | | - Li Ding
- USC Keck School of Medicine, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Division of Biostatistics, USA
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14
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Demori I, Grasselli E. The Role of the Stress Response in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease: A Psychoneuroendocrineimmunology-Based Perspective. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15030795. [PMID: 36771500 PMCID: PMC9921904 DOI: 10.3390/nu15030795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel term metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), which has been proposed to describe the major cause of hepatic disease, pinpoints the coexistence of multiple metabolic disturbances and liver steatosis, giving rise to different phenotypic manifestations. Within the psychoneuroendocrineimmunological (PNEI) network that regulates body-mind interactions, the stress response plays a pervasive role by affecting metabolic, hormonal, immune, and behavioral balance. In this perspective, we focus on chronic psychosocial stress and high levels of cortisol to highlight their role in MAFLD pathogenesis and worsening. From a PNEI perspective, considering the stress response as a therapeutic target in MAFLD allows for simultaneously influencing multiple pathways in the development of MAFLD, including dysmetabolism, inflammation, feeding behaviors, gut-liver axis, and dysbiosis, with the hope of better outcomes.
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15
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Wang J, Zhu L, Song L, Zhou Z, Chan W, Li G, Zhou L, Xiao J, Lian Y. A cohort study on the association between changing occupational stress, hair cortisol concentration, and hypertension. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285623. [PMID: 37196014 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the relationship between changing occupational stress levels, hair cortisol concentration (HCC), and hypertension. METHODS Baseline blood pressure of 2520 workers was measured in 2015. The Occupational Stress Inventory-Revised Edition (OSI-R) was used to assess changes in occupational stress. Occupational stress and blood pressure were followed up annually from January 2016 to December 2017. The final cohort numbered 1784 workers. The mean age of the cohort was 37.77±7.53 years and the percentage male was 46.52%. At baseline, 423 eligible subjects were randomly selected for hair sample collection to determine cortisol levels. RESULTS Increased occupational stress was a risk factor for hypertension [risk ratio (RR) = 4.200, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.734-10.172]. The HCC of workers with elevated occupational stress was higher than that of workers with constant occupational stress [(ORQ score ≥70: geometric mean±geometric standard deviation = 5.25±3.59 ng/g hair; 60-90: 5.02±4.00; 40-59: 3.45±3.41; <40: 2.73±3.40) x2 = 5.261]. High HCC increased the risk of hypertension (RR = 5.270, 95% CI: 2.375-11.692) and high HCC was associated with higher rates of elevated diastolic and systolic blood pressure. The mediating effect of HCC was 0.51[(95% CI: 0.23-0.79, odds ratio(OR) = 1.67] and accounted for 36.83% of the total effect. CONCLUSIONS Increased occupational stress could lead to an increase in hypertension incidence. High HCC could increase the risk of hypertension. HCC acts as a mediator between occupational stress and hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Wang
- Division of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lejia Zhu
- Division of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Song
- Division of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ziqi Zhou
- Division of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weiling Chan
- Division of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Geyang Li
- Division of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Division of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Xiao
- Department of Occupational Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yulong Lian
- Division of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
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Mild to Moderate Sleep Restriction Does Not Affect the Cortisol Awakening Response in Healthy Adult Males. Clocks Sleep 2022; 4:722-734. [PMID: 36547105 PMCID: PMC9776856 DOI: 10.3390/clockssleep4040054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The cortisol awakening response (CAR) is a distinct rise in cortisol that occurs upon awakening that is thought to contribute to arousal, energy boosting, and anticipation. There is some evidence to suggest that inadequate sleep may alter the CAR, but the relationship between sleep duration and CAR has not been systematically examined. Healthy males (n = 111; age: 23.0 ± 3.6 yrs) spent 10 consecutive days/nights in a sleep laboratory. After a baseline night (9 h time in bed), participants spent either 5 h (n = 19), 6 h (n = 23), 7 h (n = 16), 8 h (n = 27), or 9 h (n = 26) in bed for seven nights, followed by a 9 h recovery sleep. The saliva samples for cortisol assay were collected at 08:00 h, 08:30 h and 08:45 h at baseline, on experimental days 2 and 5 and on the recovery day. The primary dependent variables were the cortisol concentration at awakening (08:00 h) and the cortisol area under the curve (AUC). There was no effect of time in bed on either the cortisol concentration at awakening or cortisol AUC. In all the time in bed conditions, the cortisol AUC tended to be higher at baseline and lower on experimental day 5. Five consecutive nights of mild to moderate sleep restriction does not appear to affect the CAR in healthy male adults.
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Crocin, the main active saffron (Crocus sativus L.) constituent, as a potential candidate to prevent anxiety and depressive-like behaviors induced by unpredictable chronic mild stress. Neurosci Lett 2022; 791:136912. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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18
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Linnemann P, Friedrich N, Nauck M, Teismann H, Berger K. The relationship between cortisol awakening response and trait resilience in two patient cohorts and one population-based cohort. World J Biol Psychiatry 2022; 24:429-438. [PMID: 36239666 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2022.2129445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We examined (1) the proportion of cortisol awakening non-responders, (2) the association between cortisol awakening response (CAR) and trait resilience, and (3) the association between CAR increase and trait resilience in two patient cohorts (depression and myocardial infarction [CVD]) and one population-based cohort. METHODS Eight hundred and eighty study participants delivered CAR scores (response and increase) based on three self-collected saliva samples and a trait resilience score. Descriptive data of CAR non-responders were reported and calculated. Associations between CAR response/increase and trait resilience, sociodemographic and compliance variables were evaluated using multiple logistic and multiple linear regression analyses stratified by cohort. RESULTS The proportion of CAR non-responders was high in all cohorts (57% depression cohort, 53.4% CVD cohort, 51.6% control cohort). In the depression cohort age was associated with CAR response and increase. In the CVD cohort salivary collection on a weekday was associated with CAR response and awakening time with CAR increase. In the control cohort age was associated with CAR response and sex with CAR increase. CONCLUSIONS We observed many CAR non-responders and significant associations between CAR response and CAR increase with single sociodemographic and compliance variables. We did not find significant relationships between CAR response or increase and trait resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Linnemann
- Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Münster, Munster, Germany
| | - Nele Friedrich
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Matthias Nauck
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Henning Teismann
- Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Münster, Munster, Germany
| | - Klaus Berger
- Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Münster, Munster, Germany
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The association between genetic variability in the NPS/NPSR1 system and chronic stress responses: A gene-environment-(quasi-) experiment. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 144:105883. [PMID: 35914393 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide S (NPS) and its receptor (NPSR1) have been implicated in stress regulation and stress-related disorders. The present study aimed at investigating the association between overall genetic variability in the NPS/NPSR1 system and psychological and cortisol stress regulation in everyday life. Our study was conceptualized as a gene-environment-(quasi-) experiment, a design that facilitates the detection of true GxE interactions. As environmental variable, we used the preparation for the first state examination for law students. In the prospective and longitudinal LawSTRESS project, students were examined at six sampling points over a 13-months period. While students who prepared for the exam and experienced long-lasting and significant stress, formed the stress group, law students experiencing usual study-related workload were assigned to the control group. As phenotypes we assessed changes over time in the cortisol awakening response (CAR; n = 176), perceived stress levels (n = 401), and anxiety symptoms (n = 397). The CAR was assessed at each sampling point immediately upon awakening and 30 as well as 45 min later. Perceived stress levels in daily life were measured by repeated ambulatory assessments and anxiety symptoms were repeatedly assessed with the anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. With gene-set analyses we examined the joint association of 936 NPS/NPSR1 single nucleotide polymorphisms with the phenotypes to overcome well known limitations of candidate gene studies. As previously reported, we found a blunted CAR during the exam as well as significant increases in perceived stress levels and anxiety symptoms until the exam in the stress group, compared to the control group. The gene-set analysis did not confirm associations between genetic variability in the NPS/NPSR1 system and changes in perceived stress levels and anxiety symptoms. Regarding the CAR, we found a significant GxE interaction for the area under the curve with respect to the ground (p = .050) and a trend towards a significant effect for the area under the curve with respect to the increase (p = .054). When the analysis was restricted to the SG, associations for both CAR parameters were significant (ps < .050). This finding suggests that the association between genetic variability in the NPS/NPSR1 system and the CAR becomes visible under the environmental condition 'chronic stress exposure'. We conclude that the present study complements findings from animal models and that it provides novel evidence for a modulatory influence of the NPS/NPSR1 system on cortisol regulation in humans.
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20
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Thurston SW, Harrington D, Mruzek DW, Shamlaye C, Myers GJ, van Wijngaarden E. Development of a long-term time-weighted exposure metric that accounts for missing data in the Seychelles Child Development Study. Neurotoxicology 2022; 92:49-60. [PMID: 35868427 PMCID: PMC9749919 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
In many studies of the health effects of toxicants, exposure is measured once even though exposure may be continuous. However, some studies collect repeated measurements on participants over an extended time with the goal of determining a long-term metric that captures the average or cumulative exposure. This can be challenging, especially when exposure is measured at irregular intervals and has some missing values. Here we describe a method for determining a measure of long-term exposure using data on postnatal mercury (Hg) from the Seychelles Child Development Study (SCDS) Main Cohort as a model. In this cohort (n = 779), we incorporate postnatal Hg values that were measured on most study participants at seven ages, three between 6 months and 5.5 years ("childhood"), and an additional four between 17 and 24 years ("early adulthood"). We develop time-weighted measures of average exposure during the childhood and the early adulthood periods and compare the strengths and weaknesses of our metric to two standard measures: overall average and cumulative exposure. We account for missing values through an imputation method that uses information about age- and sex-specific Hg means and the participant's Hg values at similar ages to estimate subject-specific missing Hg values. We compare our method to the implicit imputation assumed by these two standard methods, and to Fully Conditional Specification (FCS), an alternative method of imputing missing data. To determine the accuracy of our imputation method we use data from participants with no missing Hg values in the relevant time window. The imputed values from our proposed method are substantially closer to the observed values on average than the average or cumulative exposure, while also performing slightly better than FCS. In conclusion, time-weighted long-term exposure appears to offer advantages over cumulative exposure in longitudinal studies with repeated measures where the follow-up period for a toxicant is similar for all participants. Additionally, our method to impute missing values maximizes the number of participants for whom the overall exposure metric can be calculated and should provide a more accurate long-term exposure metric than standard methods when exposure has missing values. Our method is applicable to any study of long-term toxicant effects when longitudinal exposure measurements are available but have missing values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally W Thurston
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Box 630, Rochester, NY 14642, United States; Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States.
| | - Donald Harrington
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Box 630, Rochester, NY 14642, United States
| | - Daniel W Mruzek
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | | | - Gary J Myers
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States; Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Edwin van Wijngaarden
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States; Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
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Na Nongkhai MP, Huntula S, Kumar R, Narkkul U. Effects of an online yoga program on anthropometric parameters among overweight female students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10661. [PMID: 36127920 PMCID: PMC9477786 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is a public health concern. However, stay-at-home regulations to prevent disease spread increased sedentary behavior with unintended adverse outcomes. Overweight is a major global health issue, and standard treatments have a poor track record of long-term effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how online yoga affected participants who were overweight in terms of anthropometric measurements. The study, which was designed as a experimental study, enrolled sixty overweight adolescents. The participants were divided into two groups: a control group (n = 30) and an intervention group (n = 30) who performed an online yoga home exercise program comprising basic yoga practice with 15 poses and minimal rest periods on Monday Wednesday and Friday, from 5.00 to 5.45 pm for 12 weeks. The intensity of the exercise was 65–75 percent of maximum heart rate (MHR). Anthropometric parameters, including body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), body circumference measurements (BCM), and resting heart rate (RHR) were assessed. All parameters were measured at weeks 0, 8, and 12. Within group and between group comparisons were performed. The results revealed improved BW, BMI, BCM, and RHR in the intervention group; the median BW and BMI of the intervention group was significantly decreased at week 12, and the BCM of the intervention group showed a significant decrease in the chest, waist, hip, and thigh. This declining trend started from week 8. This 12-week online yoga program decreased BW, BMI, BCM, and RHR, which indicates that practicing yoga at home is effective on anthropometric parameters and may be an alternative therapy for health promotion and controlling body weight during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, an appropriate and continuous exercise program must be followed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Poomiphak Na Nongkhai
- Department of Sports Science and Exercise, School of Medicine, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand.,Movement Science and Exercise Research Center, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Soontaraporn Huntula
- Department of Sports Science and Exercise, School of Medicine, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Rajesh Kumar
- University College of Physical Education, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India
| | - Udomsak Narkkul
- Department of Medical Science, School of Medicine, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand.,Research Center in Tropical Pathobiology, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
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22
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Edler JS, Manz K, Rojas-Perilla N, Baumeister H, Cohrdes C. The role of personality traits and social support in relations of health-related behaviours and depressive symptoms. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:52. [PMID: 35065643 PMCID: PMC8784003 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03693-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous evidence has suggested that physically inactive individuals and extensive media users are at high risk for experiencing depressive symptoms. We examined personality traits and perceived social support as potential moderators of this association. Personality and perceived social support were included as two of the most frequently considered variables when determining predispositioning factors for media use phenomena also discussed in relation to physical activity. METHODS We analysed cross-sectional data from 1402 adults (18-31 years old) who participated in a national health survey in Germany (KiGGS, Study on the health of children and adolescents in Germany, wave 2). The data included one-week accelerometer assessments as objective indicators of physical activity, self-reported media use, depressive symptoms, perceived social support and Big 5 personality traits. An elastic net regression model was fit with depressive symptoms as outcome. Ten-fold cross-validation was implemented. RESULTS Amongst the main effects, we found that high media use was positively correlated with depressive symptoms, whereas physical activity was not correlated. Looking at support and individual differences as moderators, revealed that PC use was more strongly correlated with depressive symptoms in cases of low levels of perceived social support. Positive associations of social media use with depressive symptoms were more pronounced, whereas negative associations of moderate to vigorous physical activity with depressive symptoms were less pronounced in extraverts than they were in introverts. CONCLUSIONS Results highlight the importance of considering individual factors for deriving more valid recommendations on protective health behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna-Sophie Edler
- Mental Health Research Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Unit 26 Mental Health, PO Box 650261, 13302, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Kristin Manz
- Physical Health Research Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Natalia Rojas-Perilla
- Department of Analytics in the Digital Era, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Harald Baumeister
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Caroline Cohrdes
- Mental Health Research Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Unit 26 Mental Health, PO Box 650261, 13302, Berlin, Germany
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Cortisol Levels in Childhood Associated With Emergence of Attenuated Psychotic Symptoms in Early Adulthood. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:226-235. [PMID: 34715990 PMCID: PMC7612877 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In individuals at clinical high-risk for psychosis, elevated cortisol levels predict subsequent onset of psychotic disorder. However, it is unclear whether cortisol alterations are evident at an earlier clinical stage and promote progression of psychosis expression. This study aimed to address this issue by investigating whether cortisol levels in childhood were associated with the emergence of attenuated psychotic symptoms in early adulthood. In exploratory analyses, we examined whether cortisol and psychosocial stress measures interacted in predicting attenuated psychotic symptoms. METHODS A sample of children (N = 109) enriched for psychosis risk factors were recruited at age 9-12 years and assessed at age 11-14 years (T1) and 17-21 years (T2). Measures of psychopathology, psychosocial stressors, and salivary cortisol were obtained at T1. Attenuated psychotic symptoms were assessed at T2 using the Prodromal Questionnaire. RESULTS Diurnal cortisol (β = 0.915, 95% CI: 0.062-1.769) and daily stressors (β = 0.379, 95% CI: 0.034-0.723) at T1 were independently associated with total Prodromal Questionnaire scores at T2 after accounting for demographic factors and T1 psychopathology. Exploratory analyses indicated a significant interaction between T1 diurnal cortisol and daily stressors (β = 0.743, 95% CI: 0.081-1.405), with the highest predicted T2 total Prodromal Questionnaire scores occurring when both diurnal cortisol and daily stressors were increased. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that daily stressors and elevations in diurnal cortisol in late childhood/early adolescence increases risk for developing attenuated psychotic symptoms. These findings emphasize the importance of assessing environmental and biological risk factors for psychosis during neurodevelopmentally vulnerable time periods.
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Genetic Variation and Mendelian Randomization Approaches. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1390:327-342. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-11836-4_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Armborst D, Bitterlich N, Alteheld B, Rösler D, Metzner C, Siener R. Coping Strategies Influence Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Chronic Psychological Stress: A Post Hoc Analysis of A Randomized Pilot Study. Nutrients 2021; 14:nu14010077. [PMID: 35010951 PMCID: PMC8747048 DOI: 10.3390/nu14010077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic psychological stress can result in physiological and mental health risks via the activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, sympathoadrenal activity and emotion-focused coping strategies. The impact of different stress loads on cardiometabolic risk is poorly understood. This post hoc analysis of a randomized pilot study was conducted on 61 participants (18–65 years of age) with perceived chronic stress. The Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ30), Psychological Neurological Questionnaire (PNF), anthropometric, clinical and blood parameters were assessed. Subjects were assigned to ‘high stress’ (HS; PSQ30 score: 0.573 ± 0.057) and ‘very high stress’ (VHS; PSQ30 score: 0.771 ± 0.069) groups based on the PSQ30. Morning salivary cortisol and CRP were elevated in both groups. Visceral adiposity, elevated blood pressure and metabolic syndrome were significantly more frequent in the HS group vs. the VHS group. The fatty liver index (FLI) was higher (p = 0.045), while the PNF score was lower (p < 0.001) in the HS group. The HS group was comprised of more smokers (p = 0.016). Energy intake and physical activity levels were similar in both groups. Thus, high chronic stress was related to visceral adiposity, FLI, elevated blood pressure and metabolic syndrome in the HS group, while very high chronic stress was associated with psychological–neurological symptoms and a lower cardiometabolic risk in the VHS group, probably due to different coping strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Armborst
- Department of Urology, Medical Nutrition Science, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-0228-28719034
| | - Norman Bitterlich
- Department of Biostatistics, Medicine and Service Ltd., Boettcherstr. 10, 09117 Chemnitz, Germany;
| | - Birgit Alteheld
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Nutritional Physiology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 9, 53115 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Daniela Rösler
- Bonn Education Association for Dietetics r. A., Fuerst-Pueckler-Str. 44, 50935 Cologne, Germany; (D.R.); (C.M.)
| | - Christine Metzner
- Bonn Education Association for Dietetics r. A., Fuerst-Pueckler-Str. 44, 50935 Cologne, Germany; (D.R.); (C.M.)
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Metabolic Disorders and Internal Intensive Medicine (Medical Clinic III), RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 44, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Roswitha Siener
- Department of Urology, Medical Nutrition Science, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany;
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Holt-Gosselin B, Tozzi L, Ramirez CA, Gotlib IH, Williams LM. Coping Strategies, Neural Structure, and Depression and Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study in a Naturalistic Sample Spanning Clinical Diagnoses and Subclinical Symptoms. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 1:261-271. [PMID: 34604834 PMCID: PMC8479487 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2021.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the COVID-19 pandemic has been shown to worsen anxiety and depression symptoms, we do not understand which behavioral and neural factors may mitigate this impact. To address this gap, we assessed whether adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies affect symptom trajectory during the pandemic. We also examined whether pre-pandemic integrity of brain regions implicated in depression and anxiety affect pandemic symptoms. METHODS In a naturalistic sample of 169 adults (66.9% female; age 19-74 years) spanning psychiatric diagnoses and subclinical symptoms, we assessed anhedonia, tension, and anxious arousal symptoms using validated components (21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale), coping strategies (Brief-Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced), and gray matter volume (amygdala) and cortical thickness (hippocampus, insula, anterior cingulate cortex) from magnetic resonance imaging T1-weighted scans. We conducted general linear mixed-effects models to test preregistered hypotheses that 1) maladaptive coping pre-pandemic and 2) lower structural integrity pre-pandemic would predict more severe pandemic symptoms; and 3) coping would interact with neural structure to predict pandemic symptoms. RESULTS Greater use of maladaptive coping strategies was associated with more severe anxious arousal symptoms during the pandemic (p = .011, false discovery rate-corrected p [p FDR] = .035), specifically less self-distraction (p = .014, p FDR = .042) and greater self-blame (p = .002, p FDR = .012). Reduced insula thickness pre-pandemic predicted more severe anxious arousal symptoms (p = .001, p FDR = .027). Self-distraction interacted with amygdala volume to predict anhedonia symptoms (p = .005, p FDR = .020). CONCLUSIONS Maladaptive coping strategies and structural variation in brain regions may influence clinical symptoms during a prolonged stressful event (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic). Future studies that identify behavioral and neural factors implicated in responses to global health crises are warranted for fostering resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailey Holt-Gosselin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Graduate Program, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Leonardo Tozzi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Carolina A. Ramirez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Ian H. Gotlib
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Leanne M. Williams
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Palo Alto VA Healthcare System, Palo Alto, California
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Parent-Lamarche A, Marchand A, Saade S. Does salivary cortisol secretion mediate the association of work-related stressors with workers' depression? Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2021; 95:477-487. [PMID: 34636976 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-021-01792-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to verify the mediating role salivary cortisol intensity plays between work organization conditions and depression. This study simultaneously considered psychological and physiological (salivary cortisol) stress indicators on workers' depression in a single model. METHODS We relied on cluster sampling of 341 workers in 34 Quebec establishments. Five saliva samples (on awakening, 30 min after awakening, at 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and bedtime) were collected per day. The weekly collection period spanned a period of 3 days (1 day off and 2 work days). We evaluated the main effects of work organization conditions on salivary cortisol intensity and depression, as well as the mediation effect of salivary cortisol intensity between work organization conditions and depression. To adjust for design effects, the direct and indirect (mediation) associations between the variables were evaluated while accounting for the non-independence of the data. RESULTS Skill utilization and job insecurity were associated with salivary cortisol intensity, while psychological demands and job insecurity were associated with higher depression levels. Work-related variables were not found to have an indirect effect on depression via worker's salivary cortisol (AUC) intensity. CONCLUSION Work-related stressors examined in this study did not indirectly affect worker's depression levels. Additional studies are necessary to be able to identify all work-related stressors that could potentially increase worker's depression levels through salivary cortisol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annick Parent-Lamarche
- Department of Human Resources Management, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3225, Albert-Tessier, Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 5A7, Canada.
| | - Alain Marchand
- School of Industrial Relations, University of Montreal, Succ. Centre-ville, C.P. 6128, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Sabine Saade
- Department of Psychology, American University of Beirut, Jesup Hall, 102, Beirut, Lebanon
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Marx A, Lenkei R, Pérez Fraga P, Wallis L, Kubinyi E, Faragó T. Age-dependent changes in dogs’ (Canis familiaris) separation-related behaviours in a longitudinal study. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Hidalgo V, Pulopulos MM, Puig-Perez S, Montoliu T, Salvador A. Diurnal cortisol secretion and health-related quality of life in healthy older people. Int J Psychophysiol 2021; 166:127-133. [PMID: 34097934 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2021.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have demonstrated that a dysregulated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is related to worse health status (e.g., depression, posttraumatic stress, or diabetes, among others). However, less is known about the association between the individual's perception of their own health status and HPA-axis functioning in healthy older people. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between HPA-axis functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in healthy older people. To do this, 140 healthy older people (69 men and 71 women) from 56 to 76 years old collected eight saliva samples on two consecutive weekdays to measure the diurnal cortisol cycle (i.e. awakening cortisol levels, cortisol awakening response (CAR), overall morning cortisol levels, change in the cortisol levels during the day, and bedtime cortisol levels). In addition, they completed the SF-36 questionnaire to obtain a measure of HRQoL (i.e. reflecting physical and mental functional health status). Results showed that higher awakening and bedtime cortisol levels and the CAR were associated with a better perception of both physical and mental health. In addition, the wake-to-bed cortisol slope was only positively related to physical health. No sex differences were found. These findings suggest that the awakening and bedtime cortisol levels and the CAR are the most relevant indices of diurnal cortisol secretion for understanding the relationship between HPA-axis functioning and HRQoL status in older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanesa Hidalgo
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Area of Psychobiology, University of Zaragoza, 44003 Teruel, Spain; Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychobiology, IDOCAL, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Matias M Pulopulos
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Area of Psychobiology, University of Zaragoza, 44003 Teruel, Spain; Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychobiology, IDOCAL, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Sara Puig-Perez
- Research Group of Psychology and Quality of Life, Valencian International University, 46002 Valencia, Spain
| | - Teresa Montoliu
- Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychobiology, IDOCAL, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Alicia Salvador
- Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychobiology, IDOCAL, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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Genetic and environmental influences on cortisol reactivity to a psychosocial stressor in adolescents and young adults. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 127:105195. [PMID: 33714784 PMCID: PMC8186845 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Individuals vary in their response to psychological and physiological stressors, and this reactivity can be captured using measures of cortisol. Previous research suggests cortisol reactivity is under some degree of genetic control; however, the measures used have varied widely. This study (N = 524) examined potential differences in heritability across varying cortisol metrics of stress reactivity following the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) and whether these measures are genetically or environmentally interrelated. Participants included twins aged 15-20 years (56% female). Cortisol reactivity to the TSST was assessed via serial salivary cortisol samples collected pre- and post-TSST. Modest to moderate heritability estimates (12% [95CI: 1-36%] - 45% [95CI: 16-69%]) were observed across measures purported to capture stress reactivity (peak, area under the curve [AUC], baseline-to-peak change). Findings also demonstrate both shared and unique genetic and environmental influences between baseline cortisol and cortisol reactivity. Minimal to no additional genetic innovations above and beyond the contributions of peak cortisol were found for other measures of cortisol reactivity such as AUC. This study is one of the largest twin-based samples to examine the heritability of cortisol reactivity, and results suggest that simpler measures of cortisol reactivity demonstrate higher heritability compared to more complex measurements.
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31
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Shi R, Dou J, Liu J, Sammad A, Luo H, Wang Y, Guo G, Wang Y. Genetic parameters of hair cortisol as an indicator of chronic stress under different environments in Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:6985-6999. [PMID: 33773780 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-17856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Chronic stress is a risk factor for a variety of physiological disorders because of its increased activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis; however, it is difficult to reveal environmental and genetic effects contributing to long-term HPA activity because of the complexity of chronic stress. The hair cortisol concentration (HCC) can be used to reflect the accumulation of HPA axis activity over time. Some studies suggest that the HCC might be associated with the protein concentration (PC) in the hair shaft; however, no studies have revealed a dynamic relationship between them. In the present study, 1,086 hair samples from 418 Holstein cows were collected, and the effects of environmental factors on HCC, PC, and ratio of HCC to PC (HCCP) were studied. Subsequently, regression analysis and curve fitting were used to identify for better-performing indicators of chronic stress. Additionally, univariate and bivariate genetic evaluation were used to estimate the genetic components of cortisol traits and genotype by environment interactions (G × E) under different environmental and physiological states. The results showed that HCC and PC are significantly affected by hair color, sampling year, and season, whereas HCCP is not influenced by hair color. Adjusted PC and HCCP, where confounding effects are excluded, were moderately related with chronic stress indicators. Moderate to high heritabilities were obtained for HCC (0.347 and 0.390 for winter and summer, respectively), PC (0.402 and 0.495 for winter and summer, respectively) and HCCP (0.289 and 0.460 for winter and summer, respectively) when animals in the same season were evaluated. A moderate G × E interaction was detected in this study, as indicated by the low or negative genetic correlation for the same cortisol trait in different environments (e.g. heat stress condition and thermoneutral condition). In conclusion, HCCP is not affected by hair color compared with the other 2 traits; thus, it has potential as an indicator of chronic stress. Hair cortisol traits could monitor stress response process in cattle, as well as provide a better understanding of genetic mechanism for long-term HPA activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Shi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, MARA, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - J Dou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, MARA, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - J Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, MARA, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - A Sammad
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, MARA, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - H Luo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, MARA, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yajing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - G Guo
- Beijing Sunlon Livestock Development Co. Ltd., Beijing 100176, China
| | - Yachun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, MARA, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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Differential Susceptibility to the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Working Memory, Empathy, and Perceived Stress: The Role of Cortisol and Resilience. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11030348. [PMID: 33803413 PMCID: PMC7998983 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11030348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There are important individual differences in adaptation and reactivity to stressful challenges. Being subjected to strict social confinement is a distressful psychological experience leading to reduced emotional well-being, but it is not known how it can affect the cognitive and empathic tendencies of different individuals. Cortisol, a key glucocorticoid in humans, is a strong modulator of brain function, behavior, and cognition, and the diurnal cortisol rhythm has been postulated to interact with environmental stressors to predict stress adaptation. The present study investigates in 45 young adults (21.09 years old, SD = 6.42) whether pre-pandemic diurnal cortisol indices, overall diurnal cortisol secretion (AUCg) and cortisol awakening response (CAR) can predict individuals' differential susceptibility to the impact of strict social confinement during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on working memory, empathy, and perceived stress. We observed that, following long-term home confinement, there was an increase in subjects' perceived stress and cognitive empathy scores, as well as an improvement in visuospatial working memory. Moreover, during confinement, resilient coping moderated the relationship between perceived stress scores and pre-pandemic AUCg and CAR. In addition, in mediation models, we observed a direct effect of AUCg and an indirect effect of both CAR and AUCg, on change in perceived self-efficacy. These effects were parallelly mediated by the increase in working memory span and cognitive empathy. In summary, our findings reveal the role of the diurnal pattern of cortisol in predicting the emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting a potential biomarker for the identification of at-risk groups following public health crises.
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Hormonal and Subjectively Perceived Stress of the Emergency Physicians of the Airborne Rescue Service. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 2021; 28:771-780. [PMID: 33594632 PMCID: PMC8590658 DOI: 10.1007/s10880-021-09767-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Due to their work activities, emergency physicians are regularly exposed to exceptional mental and physical situations. In order to prevent stress-related illnesses, the triggers of hormonal and subjectively perceived stress must be understood better. On a sample of emergency physicians from two air rescue services (N = 80), the cortisol awakening response (CAR) was determined on flight rescue days, clinic days, and days off. Pearson correlations showed significant connections between the CAR on flight rescue days and individual scales of the Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress (TICS) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The results indicate that a lower subjective stress level is associated with higher levels of hormonal stress. Stepwise regression analyses showed a significant influence of the number of professional years, subjectively perceived stress, pressure to succeed, and social isolation. The results suggest that the hormonal stress burden of emergency physicians is in a complex relationship with perceived strain.
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Lee JS, Kang JY, Son CG. A Comparison of Isolation Stress and Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress for the Establishment of Mouse Models of Depressive Disorder. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 14:616389. [PMID: 33488368 PMCID: PMC7817641 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.616389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to help to understand the influence of stress on depression, which reflects the social environments of especially solitary life and the increasing prevalence of depressive disorders. To determine the distinguishable features of two-representative animal models of stress-induced depressive disorder, we compared isolation stress (IS) and unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS). After 4-week of stress, both models showed significant depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors in an open field test (OFT; p < 0.01 for IS, p < 0.01 for UCMS), forced swimming test (FST; p < 0.01 for IS, p < 0.01 for UCMS), and tail suspension test (TST; p < 0.01 for IS, p < 0.05 for UCMS) along with alterations in serum corticosterone levels, serotonin activity in the dorsal raphe nuclei (DRN) and microglial activity in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus (p < 0.05 for both parameters). In a comparison of the two stress models, IS strongly induced depressive and anxiety features, as indicated by all parameters: behavior test scores (p < 0.05 for OFT, FST, and TST), serum corticosterone levels (p < 0.05), immunohistological alterations for serotonin activity (p < 0.05) and microglial activity (p = 0.072). Our results indicate the suitability of IS for the development of animal models of depressive disorders and may reveal the medical impact of social isolation environment in modern society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Seok Lee
- Institute of Bioscience & Integrative Medicine, Dunsan Hospital of Daejeon University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Ji-Yun Kang
- Institute of Bioscience & Integrative Medicine, Dunsan Hospital of Daejeon University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Chang-Gue Son
- Institute of Bioscience & Integrative Medicine, Dunsan Hospital of Daejeon University, Daejeon, South Korea
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Chesnut M, Harati S, Paredes P, Khan Y, Foudeh A, Kim J, Bao Z, Williams LM. Stress Markers for Mental States and Biotypes of Depression and Anxiety: A Scoping Review and Preliminary Illustrative Analysis. CHRONIC STRESS (THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF.) 2021; 5:24705470211000338. [PMID: 33997582 PMCID: PMC8076775 DOI: 10.1177/24705470211000338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Depression and anxiety disrupt daily function and their effects can be long-lasting and devastating, yet there are no established physiological indicators that can be used to predict onset, diagnose, or target treatments. In this review, we conceptualize depression and anxiety as maladaptive responses to repetitive stress. We provide an overview of the role of chronic stress in depression and anxiety and a review of current knowledge on objective stress indicators of depression and anxiety. We focused on cortisol, heart rate variability and skin conductance that have been well studied in depression and anxiety and implicated in clinical emotional states. A targeted PubMed search was undertaken prioritizing meta-analyses that have linked depression and anxiety to cortisol, heart rate variability and skin conductance. Consistent findings include reduced heart rate variability across depression and anxiety, reduced tonic and phasic skin conductance in depression, and elevated cortisol at different times of day and across the day in depression. We then provide a brief overview of neural circuit disruptions that characterize particular types of depression and anxiety. We also include an illustrative analysis using predictive models to determine how stress markers contribute to specific subgroups of symptoms and how neural circuits add meaningfully to this prediction. For this, we implemented a tree-based multi-class classification model with physiological markers of heart rate variability as predictors and four symptom subtypes, including normative mood, as target variables. We achieved 40% accuracy on the validation set. We then added the neural circuit measures into our predictor set to identify the combination of neural circuit dysfunctions and physiological markers that accurately predict each symptom subtype. Achieving 54% accuracy suggested a strong relationship between those neural-physiological predictors and the mental states that characterize each subtype. Further work to elucidate the complex relationships between physiological markers, neural circuit dysfunction and resulting symptoms would advance our understanding of the pathophysiological pathways underlying depression and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Chesnut
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sahar Harati
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Pablo Paredes
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yasser Khan
- Chemical Engineering, Stanford University School of Engineering, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Amir Foudeh
- Chemical Engineering, Stanford University School of Engineering, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jayoung Kim
- Chemical Engineering, Stanford University School of Engineering, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Zhenan Bao
- Chemical Engineering, Stanford University School of Engineering, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Leanne M. Williams
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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Andrukonis A, Hall NJ, Protopopova A. The Impact of Caring and Killing on Physiological and Psychometric Measures of Stress in Animal Shelter Employees: A Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E9196. [PMID: 33317016 PMCID: PMC7764342 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Animal shelter employees are in a unique position where they care for, and later kill, the same animals. The aim of our exploratory study was to assess whether "caring" and/or "killing" evokes physiological and psychometric indicators of stress in employees. Experiment 1 compared three careers that kill regularly, but involve varying degrees of husbandry (n = 28). Blood pressure (BP), salivary cortisol, heart rate (HR), and heart rate variability (HRV) were collected; data showed higher HR and lower HRV during the process of killing. Psychometric scales showed that burnout and Impact Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) scores were higher in careers with higher contact with animals. Experiment 2 compared three careers that involve husbandry, but varying exposure to killing (n = 41). BP, cortisol awakening response, HR, and HRV were measured as well as Professional Quality of Life Scale, IES-R, and Moral Injury Event Scale were administered. There were no significant differences across careers in any measures. The data suggest that the process of killing may be physiologically stressful to the person, and higher levels of animal contact in a euthanasia context may be associated with burnout and traumatic stress, but that the act of euthanasia is not a unique predictor of overall occupational distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Andrukonis
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA;
| | - Nathaniel J Hall
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA;
| | - Alexandra Protopopova
- Department of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada;
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Cortisol hypersecretion and the risk of Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ageing Res Rev 2020; 64:101171. [PMID: 32971258 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2020.101171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Morning cortisol levels have been reported to be elevated among patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD); yet no meta-analysis has been conducted to confirm the existence and magnitude of this association. It also remains unclear whether hypercortisolism is a risk factor for AD. METHODS PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO were systematically searched for eligible studies. Cross-sectional data were pooled using random-effects meta-analyses; the differences in morning cortisol levels between patients and cognitively normal controls were quantified. Longitudinal studies were qualitatively synthesised due to methodological heterogeneity. RESULTS 17,245 participants from 57 cross-sectional studies and 19 prospective cohort studies were included. Compared with cognitively normal controls, AD patients had moderately increased morning cortisol in blood (g = 0.422, P < 0.001; I2 = 48.5 %), saliva (g = 0.540, P < 0.001; I2 = 13.6 %), and cerebrospinal fluids (g = 0.565, P = 0.003; I2 = 75.3 %). A moderate elevation of morning cortisol was also detected in cerebrospinal fluids from patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) versus controls (g = 0.309, P = 0.001; I2 = 0.0 %). Cohort studies suggested that higher morning cortisol may accelerate cognitive decline in MCI or mild AD patients, but the results in cognitively healthy adults were inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS Morning cortisol was confirmed to be moderately elevated in AD patients and may have diagnostic and prognostic values for AD.
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Sleep problems in adolescence are prospectively linked to later depressive symptoms via the cortisol awakening response. Dev Psychopathol 2020; 32:997-1006. [PMID: 31387652 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579419000762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Sleep disturbance is a symptom of and a well-known risk factor for depression. Further, atypical functioning of the HPA axis has been linked to the pathogenesis of depression. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of adolescent HPA axis functioning in the link between adolescent sleep problems and later depressive symptoms. Methods: A sample of 157 17-18 year old adolescents (61.8% female) completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI) and provided salivary cortisol samples throughout the day for three consecutive days. Two years later, adolescents reported their depressive symptoms via the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Results: Individuals (age 17-18) with greater sleep disturbance reported greater depressive symptoms two years later (age 19-20). This association occurred through the indirect effect of sleep disturbance on the cortisol awakening response (CAR) (indirect effect = 0.14, 95%CI [.02 -.39]). Conclusions: One pathway through which sleep problems may lead to depressive symptoms is by up-regulating components of the body's physiological stress response system that can be measured through the cortisol awakening response. Behavioral interventions that target sleep disturbance in adolescents may mitigate this neurobiological pathway to depression during this high-risk developmental phase.
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Losiak W, Losiak-Pilch J. Cortisol Awakening Response, Self-Reported Affect and Exam Performance in Female Students. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2020; 45:11-16. [PMID: 31486985 PMCID: PMC7018672 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-019-09449-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to find whether there were differences in cortisol awakening response (CAR) between a neutral day and an exam day in a group of female students and to explore possible relationships between CAR, self-reported affect, and exam performance. A group of 25 female students took samples of their saliva using Salivettes at the moment of waking and after 30 min. They then described their affect using the PANAS scale. Measures were taken twice: three days before an examination and on the day of the examination. The level of free cortisol in saliva samples was determined using enzyme immunoassay. The integrated volume of cortisol (CARauc) was significantly higher on the day of the exam than on the neutral day. There were also significant differences in affect, with negative higher and positive lower on the exam day, but correlations between cortisol measures and self-reported affect were low and not significant. A negative relationship between integrated volume of cortisol (CARauc) and exam performance was also found. Anticipated exam stress caused a significant increase in CAR in female study participants when compared to a neutral day, but only in the case of integrated volume of cortisol over the waking period (CARauc). The negative relationship between this measure and exam performance can be explained by attributing CARauc to negative expectations concerning the anticipated exam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wladyslaw Losiak
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Ingardena 6, 30-060, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Julia Losiak-Pilch
- Institute of Pedagogy, Jagiellonian University, ul. Batorego 12, 31-135, Kraków, Poland
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Coco M, Buscemi A, Pennisi E, Cavallari P, Papotto G, Papotto GMF, Perciavalle V, Di Corrado D, Perciavalle V. Postural Control and Stress Exposure in Young Men: Changes in Cortisol Awakening Response and Blood Lactate. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:7222. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Background: It has recently been noticed that the quantity of stress affects postural stability in young women. The study was conducted with the goal of investigating whether increased stress may damagingly effect posture control in 90 young men (71 right-handed and 19 left-handed) while maintaining an upright bipedal posture, while keeping their eyes open or closed. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was administered and changes in free cortisol levels were monitored (Cortisol Awakening Response, CAR) in order to evaluate the amount of stress present during awakening, while the Profile of Mood States (POMS) was used to estimate distress on the whole. Posture control was evaluated with the use of a force platform, which, while computing a confidence ellipse area of 95%, was engaged by the Center of Pressure through five stability stations and was sustained for a minimum of 52 s, with and without visual input. Another goal of the experiment was to find out whether or not cortisol increases in CAR were linked with rises of blood lactate levels. Results: CAR, PSS and POMS were found to be extensively related. Furthermore, it has been observed that increases in salivary cortisol in CAR are associated with small but significant increases in blood lactate levels. As expected, stress levels did affect postural stability. Conclusions: The results of the present study confirm that the level of stress can influence postural stability, and that this influence is principally obvious when visual information is not used in postural control.
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Coco M, Buscemi A, Pennisi E, Cavallari P, Papotto G, Papotto GMF, Perciavalle V, Di Corrado D, Perciavalle V. Postural Control and Stress Exposure in Young Men: Changes in Cortisol Awakening Response and Blood Lactate. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E7222. [PMID: 33023176 PMCID: PMC7579131 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17197222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has recently been noticed that the quantity of stress affects postural stability in young women. The study was conducted with the goal of investigating whether increased stress may damagingly effect posture control in 90 young men (71 right-handed and 19 left-handed) while maintaining an upright bipedal posture, while keeping their eyes open or closed. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was administered and changes in free cortisol levels were monitored (Cortisol Awakening Response, CAR) in order to evaluate the amount of stress present during awakening, while the Profile of Mood States (POMS) was used to estimate distress on the whole. Posture control was evaluated with the use of a force platform, which, while computing a confidence ellipse area of 95%, was engaged by the Center of Pressure through five stability stations and was sustained for a minimum of 52 s, with and without visual input. Another goal of the experiment was to find out whether or not cortisol increases in CAR were linked with rises of blood lactate levels. RESULTS CAR, PSS and POMS were found to be extensively related. Furthermore, it has been observed that increases in salivary cortisol in CAR are associated with small but significant increases in blood lactate levels. As expected, stress levels did affect postural stability. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study confirm that the level of stress can influence postural stability, and that this influence is principally obvious when visual information is not used in postural control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marinella Coco
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Motor Activity Research Center (CRAM), University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Buscemi
- Horus Social Cooperative, Department of Research, 97100 Ragusa, Italy;
- Department of Research, Italian Center Studies of Osteopathy, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | - Emanuele Pennisi
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy; (E.P.); (V.P.)
| | - Paolo Cavallari
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Human Physiology Section, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Giacomo Papotto
- University Hospital “Policlinico G. Rodolico-San Marco”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | | | - Vincenzo Perciavalle
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, School of Sport Sciences, Kore University, 94100 Enna, Italy; (D.D.C.); (V.P.)
| | - Donatella Di Corrado
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, School of Sport Sciences, Kore University, 94100 Enna, Italy; (D.D.C.); (V.P.)
| | - Valentina Perciavalle
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy; (E.P.); (V.P.)
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Abstract
The cumulative science linking stress to negative health outcomes is vast. Stress can affect health directly, through autonomic and neuroendocrine responses, but also indirectly, through changes in health behaviors. In this review, we present a brief overview of (a) why we should be interested in stress in the context of health; (b) the stress response and allostatic load; (c) some of the key biological mechanisms through which stress impacts health, such as by influencing hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation and cortisol dynamics, the autonomic nervous system, and gene expression; and (d) evidence of the clinical relevance of stress, exemplified through the risk of infectious diseases. The studies reviewed in this article confirm that stress has an impact on multiple biological systems. Future work ought to consider further the importance of early-life adversity and continue to explore how different biological systems interact in the context of stress and health processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daryl B O'Connor
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom;
| | - Julian F Thayer
- Department of Psychological Science, School of Social Ecology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, USA;
| | - Kavita Vedhara
- Division of Primary Care, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom;
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Stress perception following childhood adversity: Unique associations with adversity type and sex. Dev Psychopathol 2020; 32:343-356. [PMID: 30846020 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579419000130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Childhood adversity is associated with poor mental and physical health outcomes across the life span. Alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis are considered a key mechanism underlying these associations, although findings have been mixed. These inconsistencies suggest that other aspects of stress processing may underlie variations in this these associations, and that differences in adversity type, sex, and age may be relevant. The current study investigated the relationship between childhood adversity, stress perception, and morning cortisol, and examined whether differences in adversity type (generalized vs. threat and deprivation), sex, and age had distinct effects on these associations. Salivary cortisol samples, daily hassle stress ratings, and retrospective measures of childhood adversity were collected from a large sample of youth at risk for serious mental illness including psychoses (n = 605, mean age = 19.3). Results indicated that childhood adversity was associated with increased stress perception, which subsequently predicted higher morning cortisol levels; however, these associations were specific to threat exposures in females. These findings highlight the role of stress perception in stress vulnerability following childhood adversity and highlight potential sex differences in the impact of threat exposures.
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Lehtola SJ, Tuulari JJ, Scheinin NM, Karlsson L, Parkkola R, Merisaari H, Lewis JD, Fonov VS, Louis Collins D, Evans A, Saunavaara J, Hashempour N, Lähdesmäki T, Acosta H, Karlsson H. Newborn amygdalar volumes are associated with maternal prenatal psychological distress in a sex-dependent way. Neuroimage Clin 2020; 28:102380. [PMID: 32805677 PMCID: PMC7453059 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2020.102380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Maternal psychological distress during pregnancy (PPD)1 has been associated with changes in offspring amygdalar and hippocampal volumes. Studies on child amygdalae suggest that sex moderates the vulnerability of fetal brains to prenatal stress. However, this has not yet been observed in these structures in newborns. Newborn studies are crucial, as they minimize the confounding influence of postnatal life. We investigated the effects of maternal prenatal psychological symptoms on newborn amygdalar and hippocampal volumes and their interactions with newborn sex in 123 newborns aged 2-5 weeks (69 males, 54 females). Based on earlier studies, we anticipated small, but statistically significant effects of PPD on the volumes of these structures. Maternal psychological distress was measured at gestational weeks (GW)2 14, 24 and 34 using Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90, anxiety scale)3 and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)4 questionnaires. Newborn sex was found to moderate the relationship between maternal distress symptoms at GW 24 and the volumes of left and right amygdala. This relationship was negative and significant only in males. No significant main effect or sex-based moderation was found for hippocampal volumes. This newborn study provides evidence for a sex-dependent influence of maternal psychiatric symptoms on amygdalar structural development. This association may be relevant to later psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satu J Lehtola
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| | - Jetro J Tuulari
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Turku Collegium for Science and Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Noora M Scheinin
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Linnea Karlsson
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Child Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Center for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Finland
| | - Riitta Parkkola
- Department of Radiology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Harri Merisaari
- Department of Future Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - John D Lewis
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Vladimir S Fonov
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - D Louis Collins
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Alan Evans
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jani Saunavaara
- Department of Medical Physics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Niloofar Hashempour
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Tuire Lähdesmäki
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Henriette Acosta
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Hasse Karlsson
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Center for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Finland
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Valenzano AA, Monacis L, Ceglie F, Messina G, Polito R, Sinatra M, Cibelli G. The Psycho-Physiological Profile of Adolescent Elite Sailors: Testing a Three-Way Moderation Model. Front Psychol 2020; 11:1091. [PMID: 32625131 PMCID: PMC7315764 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed at extending the work on individual differences, in the relationship between personality traits and the cortisol response, by examining the interaction effects of sex and the role category of Italian adolescent elite dinghy sailors. Seventy athletes completed a self-reported questionnaire including socio-demographic data, information about the role played on board (helmsmen or bowmen) and the Big Five Questionnaire-2. Salivary cortisol samples were collected at 30 min after awakening the day before competitions. Main findings from bivariate correlations showed positive associations among cortisol levels, extraversion and consciousness in both male and female bowmen groups. The moderation and moderated moderation analyses further indicated (1) a three-way interaction effect in the relationship between extraversion and salivary cortisol, (2) a marginal significant three-way interaction effect in the relationship between neuroticism and salivary cortisol, and (3) no other personality dimensions were significantly predictive of the outcome variable. Our results provided evidence not only about sex differences, but also about the role played on board by the sailors in the linkages between personality traits and the biomarker of the trait component of HPA axis functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucia Monacis
- Department of Humanities, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Flavio Ceglie
- Division of Pathological Anatomy, Department of Emergencies and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Messina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Rita Polito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Sinatra
- Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology and Communication, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cibelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
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Wagner SL, White N, Fyfe T, Matthews LR, Randall C, Regehr C, White M, Alden LE, Buys N, Carey MG, Corneil W, Fraess‐Phillips A, Krutop E, Fleischmann MH. Systematic review of posttraumatic stress disorder in police officers following routine work-related critical incident exposure. Am J Ind Med 2020; 63:600-615. [PMID: 32419181 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of PTSD in police officers has been the subject of a large and highly variable empirical literature. The present systematic review evaluates the extant literature on PTSD in police officers using an international dataset. METHODS We employed best-evidence narrative synthesis to evaluate whether PTSD prevalence in police is elevated in comparison to the general population of Canada (8%), which itself has a higher lifetime PTSD prevalence than many other regions and thus serves as a conservative standard of comparison. RESULTS PTSD prevalence in police varied considerably across studies from 0% - 44% (M = 14.87%, Median = 9.2%). Despite this variability, strong evidence exists to suggest PTSD prevalence is elevated in police officers. Examination of possible sources of variability in prevalence outcomes highlighted substantial variability in outcomes due to the selection of measurement tool for assessing PTSD (e.g., DSM vs. IES). Examination of commonly-assessed predictive factors for PTSD risk across the literature showed that individual-difference factors (e.g., age, years of service) bear weak-to-nonexistent relationships with PTSD risk, while incident-specific factors (e.g., severity of exposure) are more strongly and consistently associated with PTSD prevalence. Organizational factors (e.g., low support from supervisor) are at present understudied but important possible contributors to PTSD risk. CONCLUSIONS PTSD prevalence is elevated in police officers and appears most strongly related to workplace exposure. Measurement variability remains a critical source of inconsistencies across the literature with drastic implications for accurate detection of officers in need of mental health intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon L. Wagner
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Arts, Social, and Health SciencesUniversity of Northern British Columbia Prince George Canada
| | - Nicole White
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Arts, Social, and Health SciencesUniversity of Northern British Columbia Prince George Canada
| | - Trina Fyfe
- Northern Medical ProgramUniversity of Northern British Columbia Prince George Canada
| | | | - Christine Randall
- Menzies Health Institute of QueenslandGriffith University Gold Coast Campus Southport Australia
| | - Cheryl Regehr
- Department of Social WorkUniversity of Toronto Toronto Canada
| | - Marc White
- Department of Family PracticeUniversity of British Columbia Vancouver Canada
| | - Lynn E. Alden
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of British Columbia Vancouver Canada
| | - Nicholas Buys
- Menzies Health Institute of QueenslandGriffith University Gold Coast Campus Southport Australia
| | - Mary G. Carey
- School of NursingUniversity of Rochester New York New York
| | - Wayne Corneil
- Telfer School of ManagementUniversity of Ottawa Ottawa Canada
| | - Alex Fraess‐Phillips
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Arts, Social, and Health SciencesUniversity of Northern British Columbia Prince George Canada
| | - Elyssa Krutop
- The Centre for Response‐Based Practice Kamloops Canada
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Liu L, Li J, Qing L, Yan M, Xiong G, Lian X, Hu L, Nie S. Glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) is hypermethylated in adult males with aggressive behaviour. Int J Legal Med 2020; 135:43-51. [PMID: 32577827 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02328-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Aggressive behaviour is a serious threat to the personal safety and property of others due to the potential that the assailant may hurt people, himself/herself or objects, and aggression has always been one of the focuses of research and concern. Accumulating evidence suggests that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis plays a major role in the development, elicitation, enhancement and genetic susceptibility of aggressive behaviour in humans and animals. GR (NR3C1) plays a crucial role in controlling HPA activity, which directly affects aggressive behaviour. Here, we investigated the methylation state of the NR3C1 gene promoter region and its role in aggressive behaviour in adult males for the first time by applying a case-control approach (N = 106 controls, N = 104 patients). Methylation of NR3C1 was measured in peripheral blood samples at exons 1D, 1B and 1F via sodium bisulfite treatment combined with the MethylTarget method. Methylation of the NR3C1 gene was significantly correlated with aggressive behaviour, and the methylation levels of 1D, 1B and 1F were upregulated in the aggressive behaviour group, intentional injury subgroup and robbery subgroup, and the significance varied. In addition, multiple CpG sites were found to be significantly associated with aggressive behaviour. These results suggest that epigenetic aberrations of NR3C1 are associated with aggressive behaviour, and epigenetic processes might mediate aggressive behaviour by affecting the activity of the HPA axis. This correlative study between DNA methylation of the NR3C1 gene and aggressive behaviour in patients may be helpful for forensic assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Liu
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiajue Li
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lili Qing
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Yan
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Gen Xiong
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinqing Lian
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Liping Hu
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shengjie Nie
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China.
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Law R, Clow A. Stress, the cortisol awakening response and cognitive function. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 150:187-217. [PMID: 32204832 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
There is evidence that stress-induced disruption of the circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion, has negative consequences for brain health. The cortisol awakening response (CAR) is the most prominent and dynamic aspect of this rhythm. It has complex regulatory mechanisms making it distinct from the rest of the cortisol circadian rhythm, and is frequently investigated as a biomarker of stress and potential intermediary between stress and impaired brain function. Despite this, the precise function of the CAR within the healthy cortisol circadian rhythm remains poorly understood. Cortisol is a powerful hormone known to influence cognition in multiple and complex ways. Studies of the CAR and cognitive function have used varied methodological approaches which have produced similarly varied findings. The present review considers the accumulating evidence linking stress, attenuation of the CAR and reduced cognitive function, and seeks to contextualize the many findings to study populations, cognitive measures, and CAR methodologies employed. Associations between the CAR and both memory and executive functions are discussed in relation to its potential role as a neuroendocrine time of day signal that synchronizes peripheral clocks throughout the brain to enable optimum function, and recommendations for future research are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Law
- Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Westminster, London, England.
| | - Angela Clow
- Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Westminster, London, England
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49
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Demori I, Piccinno T, Saverino D, Luzzo E, Ottoboni S, Serpico D, Chiera M, Giuria R. Effects of winter sea bathing on psychoneuroendocrinoimmunological parameters. Explore (NY) 2020; 17:122-126. [PMID: 32224255 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2020.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Many people claim winter sea bathing gives them energy and health. According to the psychoneuroendocrinoimmunology (PNEI) paradigm, the stress response elicited by cold water immersion could indeed induce several beneficial psychophysical alterations. OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of winter sea bathing on psychological wellbeing, stress and immune markers. DESIGN A cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS 228 people, between 19 and 88 years, including 107 winter sea bathers and 121 controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES A battery of questionnaires was administered to assess sociodemographic characteristics, self-perception of mental and physical heath, the number, duration and intensity of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs) in the last year, and Big Five personality traits. 17 winter sea bathers and 15 controls (mean age 67 years) were further examined to evaluate physiological health, underwent one ear-nose-throat (ENT) examination, and provided saliva samples for measurements of biological markers (cortisol, sIgA, IL-1β, IL-6). RESULTS Winter sea bathing was associated with lower levels of self-reported stress and higher wellbeing. The ENT examinations did not reveal signs of URTIs in winter sea bathers, who exhibited significantly higher levels of salivary sIgA compared to controls. Neither salivary IL-1β nor cortisol levels were significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Winter sea bathers (even the elderly) had a perception of higher wellbeing and reported better health: thus, they appeared to take advantage of potential distress (cold water exposure) to improve their health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Demori
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Corso Europa 26, 16132 Genoa, Italy; Italian Society of Psychoneuroendocrinoimmunology (SIPNEI), Rome, Italy.
| | - Tommaso Piccinno
- VIE - Valutazione Innovazione Empowerment s.r.l., Via della Libertà 9/3, 16129 Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniele Saverino
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Via Leon Battista Alberti 2, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Erika Luzzo
- Italian Society of Psychoneuroendocrinoimmunology (SIPNEI), Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ottoboni
- Department of Surgery Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 6, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Davide Serpico
- Italian Society of Psychoneuroendocrinoimmunology (SIPNEI), Rome, Italy; Department of Classics, Philosophy and History, University of Genoa, Via Balbi 2, 16126 Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Chiera
- Italian Society of Psychoneuroendocrinoimmunology (SIPNEI), Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Giuria
- Italian Society of Psychoneuroendocrinoimmunology (SIPNEI), Rome, Italy
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van Keulen BJ, Dolan CV, Andrew R, Walker BR, Hulshoff Pol HE, Boomsma DI, Rotteveel J, Finken MJJ. Heritability of Cortisol Production and Metabolism Throughout Adolescence. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5586817. [PMID: 31608377 PMCID: PMC7046020 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgz016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Inter-individual differences in cortisol production and metabolism emerge with age and may be explained by genetic factors. OBJECTIVE To estimate the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to inter-individual differences in cortisol production and metabolism throughout adolescence. DESIGN Prospective follow-up study of twins. SETTING Nationwide register. PARTICIPANTS 218 mono- and dizygotic twins (N = 109 pairs) born between 1995 amd 1996, recruited from the Netherlands Twin Register. Cortisol metabolites were determined in 213, 169, and 160 urine samples at the ages of 9, 12, and 17, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The total contribution of genetic factors (broad-sense heritability) and shared and unshared environmental influences to inter-individual differences in cortisol production and activities of 5α-reductase, 5β-reductase, and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases and cytochrome P450 3A4. RESULTS For cortisol production rate at the ages of 9, 12, and 17, broad-sense heritability was estimated as 42%, 30%, and 0%, respectively, and the remainder of the variance was explained by unshared environmental factors. For cortisol metabolism indices, the following heritability was observed: for the A-ring reductases (5α-and 5β-reductases), broad-sense heritability increased with age (to >50%), while for the other indices (renal 11β-HSD2, global 11β-HSD, and CYP3A4), the contribution of genetic factors was highest (68%, 18%, and 67%, respectively) at age 12. CONCLUSIONS The contribution of genetic factors to inter-individual differences in cortisol production decreased between 12 and 17y, indicative of a predominant role of individual circumstances. For cortisol metabolism, distinct patterns of genetic and environmental influences were observed, with heritability that either increased with age or peaked at age 12y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britt J van Keulen
- Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pediatric Endocrinology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence and Requests: Britt J van Keulen, MD, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pediatric endocrinology, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands. E-mail:
| | - Conor V Dolan
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ruth Andrew
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Brian R Walker
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Hilleke E Hulshoff Pol
- Department of Psychiatry, Brian Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dorret I Boomsma
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joost Rotteveel
- Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pediatric Endocrinology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn J J Finken
- Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pediatric Endocrinology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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