The Relationship between Psychological Suffering, Value of Maternal Cortisol during Third Trimester of Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Initiation

Breastfeeding Among First-Time Mothers Reporting Housing Insecurity and Food Insecurity

Background: Despite health benefits to both infants and mothers, many are not breastfeeding as recommended by national guidelines. Prior studies examining the effects of housing insecurity and food insecurity on breastfeeding intention and duration have been limited and yielded mixed findings. Methods: To assess the relationship among housing insecurity, food insecurity, and breastfeeding, we conducted a secondary analysis of a cohort of nulliparous U.S.-born pregnant individuals with a singleton gestation of ≥28 weeks who completed web-based surveys on five occasions over their infant's first year of life. Upon enrollment, we screened participants for housing and food insecurity and participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). We examined variations in breastfeeding intentions and practice by housing insecurity and food insecurity, controlling for demographic factors, using multivariable logistic regression. Results: Of 411 participants, 67 (16%) reported housing insecurity, and 48 (12%) reported food insecurity. Participants with housing insecurity were less likely to report exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months (17.9% versus 29.1%, p = 0.06) and significantly less likely to report any breastfeeding at 12 months (34.3% versus 56.9%, p = 0.003) compared to those with secure housing. In both bivariate and multivariable models, housing insecurity was significantly associated with cessation of breastfeeding before 12 months. Food insecurity was not significantly associated with breastfeeding duration or exclusivity. Conclusions: Housing insecurity is associated with and may adversely impact infant feeding, highlighting the need for screening and accessible and affordable family housing, with further investment in food assistance programs such as WIC.

Neuroinflammation-A Crucial Factor in the Pathophysiology of Depression-A Comprehensive Review

Depression is a multifactorial psychiatric condition with complex pathophysiology, increasingly linked to neuroinflammatory processes. The present review explores the role of neuroinflammation in depression, focusing on glial cell activation, cytokine signaling, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, and disruptions in neurotransmitter systems. The article highlights how inflammatory mediators influence brain regions implicated in mood regulation, such as the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex. The review further discusses the involvement of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, oxidative stress, and the kynurenine pathway, providing mechanistic insights into how chronic inflammation may underlie emotional and cognitive symptoms of depression. The bidirectional relationship between inflammation and depressive symptoms is emphasized, along with the role of peripheral immune responses and systemic stress. By integrating molecular, cellular, and neuroendocrine perspectives, this review supports the growing field of immunopsychiatry and lays the foundation for novel diagnostic biomarkers and anti-inflammatory treatment approaches in depression. Further research in this field holds promise for developing more effective and personalized interventions for individuals suffering from depression.

Unraveling the Complex Interplay Between Neuroinflammation and Depression: A Comprehensive Review

The relationship between neuroinflammation and depression is a complex area of research that has garnered significant attention in recent years. Neuroinflammation, characterized by the activation of glial cells and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, has been implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. The relationship between neuroinflammation and depression is bidirectional; not only can inflammation contribute to the onset of depressive symptoms, but depression itself can also exacerbate inflammatory responses, creating a vicious cycle that complicates treatment and recovery. The present comprehensive review aimed to explore the current findings on the interplay between neuroinflammation and depression, as well as the mechanisms, risk factors, and therapeutic implications. The mechanisms by which neuroinflammation induces depressive-like behaviors are diverse. Neuroinflammation can increase pro-inflammatory cytokines, activate the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and impair serotonin synthesis, all of which contribute to depressive symptoms. Furthermore, the activation of microglia has been linked to the release of inflammatory mediators that can disrupt neuronal function and contribute to mood disorders. Stress-induced neuroinflammatory responses can lead to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines that not only affect brain function but also influence behavior and mood. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted therapies that can mitigate the effects of neuroinflammation on mood disorders.

Association between Chronic Misophonia-Induced Stress and Gastrointestinal Pathology in Children-A Hypothesis

Misophonia is a neurophysiological disorder with behavioral implications, is complex and multifactorial in origin, and is characterized by an atypical and disproportionate emotional response to specific sounds or associated visual stimuli. Triggers include human-generated sounds, mainly sounds related to feeding and breathing processes, and repetitive mechanical sounds. In response to the triggering stimulus, the patient experiences immediate, high-intensity, disproportionate physical and emotional reactions that affect their quality of life and social functioning. The symptoms of misophonia can occur at any age, but onset in childhood or adolescence is most common. Affected children live in a constant state of anxiety, suffer continuous physical and emotional discomfort, and are thus exposed to significant chronic stress. Chronic stress, especially during childhood, has consequences on the main biological systems through the dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, including the gastrointestinal tract. Here, we provide arguments for a positive correlation between misophonic pathology and gastrointestinal symptoms, and this hypothesis may be the starting point for further longitudinal studies that could investigate the correlations between these childhood vulnerabilities caused by misophonia and their effect on the gastrointestinal system. Further research to study this hypothesis is essential to ensure correct and timely diagnosis and optimal psychological and pharmacological support.

Involvement of the Expression of G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Schizophrenia

The expression of GPCRs has been associated with schizophrenia, and their expression may induce morphological changes in brain regions responsible for schizophrenia and disease-specific behavioral changes. The articles included in this review were selected using keywords and databases of scientific research websites. The expressions of GPRs have different involvements in schizophrenia, some increase the risk while others provide protection, and they may also be potential targets for new treatments. Proper evaluation of these factors is essential to have a better therapeutic response with a lower rate of chronicity and thus improve the long-term prognosis.