Blood Catecholamine Levels Research Articles

Circadian rhythms after artificial CO2 hot water immersion in athletes

Background: The hot spring water containing high concentration carbon dioxide (CO2 ≥1000 ppm) has long been applied to the patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases in balneotherapy. Clinical observations reported the effects of CO2-hot spring immersion on human body, such as flushing of the skin, skin blood flow improvements, blood catecholamine levels and heart rate decrease. The heart rate reduction by CO2-water immersion may be induced by neuronal information generated in the skin and transported through the spinal cord to the brain [N. Yamamoto et al., 2007]. Circadian rhythms, such as body temperature and sleep-wake cycle, affected to human performance. The relationship CO2 hot water immersion and circadian rhythms has not clarified. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of artificial CO2 hot water immersion on responses to the circadian rhythms.

A HEART BREAKING DIAGNOSIS

Objective: To report a case of a rare paraganglioma causing blood pressure variability and life-threatening events. Design and method: Authorized consultation of the patient's medical records. Results: A 20-year-old female with a medical history of migraines presented to the emergency department with a 2-day history of painless gross hematuria and dysuria. She denied fever, vomits and gastrointestinal symptoms. During physical examination the patient was pale and sweaty, with tachycardia of 154bpm, temperature of 37.9 °C and blood pressure of 110/65mmHg. Her abdominal exam was notable for moderate right flank and costovertebral tenderness. Blood tests revealed moderate leucocytosis and CRP of 92 mg/L. Reno-vesical radiography showed severe right ureterohydronephrosis and subsequent CT-scan revealed a bulky heterogeneous ovarian mass. Further evaluation revealed normal values of tumour markers. Due to persistent ureterohydronephrosis and an unidentified ovarian mass, an exploratory laparotomy was performed. Surgery came to an early stop as the patient suffered severe hemodynamic instability. The hypothesis of a retroperitoneal neuroendocrine was then confirmed by a five-fold increase in plasma free metanephrines and a positive 123-MIBG scintigraphy. When asked, the patient reported several episodes of lipothymia and two episodes of syncope. She also noted an increased frequency of headache and palpitations episodes. ABPM recording revealed a nondipper profile, with several non-sustained peaks of elevated blood pressure values as well as three severe hypotension records. Alpha-blockage was initiated, followed by beta-blockage. An ECG and echocardiography were performed and revealed no signs of chronic hypertension. The mass was excised by laparotomy and the diagnosis of paraganglioma was confirmed. In postoperative follow-up the patient's blood pressure and catecholamine levels had normalized. Conclusions: Retroperitoneal malignant paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumours. As with pheochromocytomas, tumour production of vasoactive catecholamines lead to symptoms of catecholamine excess of which hypertension is the most common feature. In this case, several hypotension episodes were also present, a common finding with dopamine-producing paragangliomas, which are quite rare and tend to present late with mass effect and malignant spread. Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment but blood pressure fluctuates dramatically intra- and post-operatively, increasing the risk of cardiovascular complications.

Peripheral Dopamine in Restless Legs Syndrome.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a dopamine-dependent disorder characterized by a strong urge to move. The objective of this study was to evalulate blood levels of dopamine and other catecholamines and blood D2-subtype dopamine receptors (D2Rs) in RLS. Dopamine levels in blood samples from age-matched unmedicated RLS subjects, medicated RLS subjects and Controls were evaluated with high performance liquid chromatography and dopamine D2R white blood cell (WBC) expression levels were determined with fluorescence-activated cell sorting and immunocytochemistry. Blood plasma dopamine levels, but not norepinepherine or epinephrine levels, were significantly increased in medicated RLS subjects vs unmedicated RLS subjects and Controls. The percentage of lymphocytes and monocytes expressing D2Rs differed between Control, RLS medicated and RLS unmedicated subjects. Total D2R expression in lymphocytes, but not monocytes, differed between Control, RLS medicated and RLS unmedicated subjects. D2Rs in lymphocytes, but not monocytes, were sensitive to dopamine in Controls only. Downregulation of WBCs D2Rs occurs in RLS. This downregulation is not reversed by medication, although commonly used RLS medications increase plasma dopamine levels. The insensitivity of monocytes to dopamine levels, but their downregulation in RLS, may reflect their utility as a biomarker for RLS and perhaps brain dopamine homeostasis.

Effect of Korean Red Ginseng in individuals exposed to high stress levels: a 6-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundTo investigate the neurobiological evidence supporting the adaptogenic effects of Korean Red Ginseng in reducing the harmful consequences of stress using a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. MethodSixty-three subjects with high stress levels were randomized to receive an orally administered, double-blind, 6-week treatment with Korean Red Ginseng (n = 32) or placebo (n = 31). All participants underwent a comprehensive psychological evaluation using Beck Depression Inventory and Stress Response Inventory, cognitive evaluation using the continuous performance test, biological evaluation by measuring blood levels of lipids, catecholamines, inflammation markers, and heart rate variability at baseline and after 6 weeks. ResultsAt baseline, both groups showed no significant differences in age, sex, years of education, Beck Depression Inventory, and Stress Response Inventory. After 6 weeks, triglyceride levels were significantly increased within the normal limit in theKorean Red Ginseng group (F = 4.11, p = 0.048), and the epinephrine level was decreased in this group (F = 4,35, p = 0.043). The triglyceride increase was significantly associated with epinephrine decrease (B = −0.087, p = 0.041), suggesting that Korean Red Ginseng may stabilize the sympathetic nervous system. In addition, we detected a significant group by time effect in the visually controlled continuous performance test, suggesting positive effects of Korean Red Ginseng on cognition. ConclusionKorean Red Ginseng might help to stabilize the sympathetic nervous system and improve cognition in individuals with high stress.

EPHB6 and testosterone in concert regulate epinephrine release by adrenal gland chromaffin cells

Erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular receptor (EPH) B6 (EPHB6) is a member of the receptor tyrosine kinase family. We previously demonstrated that EPHB6 knockout reduces catecholamine secretion in male but not female mice, and castration reverses this phenotype. We showed here that male EPHB6 knockout adrenal gland chromaffin cells presented reduced acetylcholine-triggered Ca2+ influx. Such reduction depended on the non-genomic effect of testosterone. Increased large conductance calcium-activated potassium channel current densities were recorded in adrenal gland chromaffin cells from male EPHB6 knockout mice but not from castrated knockout or female knockout mice. Blocking of the large conductance calcium-activated potassium channel in adrenal gland chromaffin cells from male knockout mice corrected their reduced Ca2+ influx. We conclude that the absence of EPHB6 and the presence of testosterone would lead to augmented large conductance calcium-activated potassium channel currents, which limit voltage-gated calcium channel opening in adrenal gland chromaffin cells. Consequently, acetylcholine-triggered Ca2+ influx is reduced, leading to lower catecholamine release in adrenal gland chromaffin cells from male knockout mice. This explains the reduced resting-state blood catecholamine levels, and hence the blood pressure, in male but not female EPHB6 knock mice. These findings have certain clinical implications.

Effectiveness of acarbose in treating elderly patients with diabetes with postprandial hypotension

Postprandial hypotension (PPH) is a common condition that occurs primarily in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of acarbose for PPH;...

СТАН ВЕГЕТАТИВНОЇ РЕГУЛЯЦІЇ В ОСІБ ІЗ ВИСОКИМ РІВНЕМ ПРОФЕСІЙНО ЗУМОВЛЕНОГО ПСИХОЕМОЦІЙНОГО НАВАНТАЖЕННЯ – ВОДІЇВ ПАСАЖИРСЬКОГО ЕЛЕКТРОТРАНСПОРТУ

Метою дослідження стало вивчення стану вегетативної регуляції в осіб із високим рівнем професійно зумовленого психоемоційного навантаження – водіїв пасажирського електротранспорту. Стан вегетативної регуляції визначали за даними варіабельності ритму серця (методом кардіоінтервалографії), активності та біоритміки гормонів стресу – кортизолу та катехоламінів. Стан вегетативної регуляції варіабельності ритму серця в обстеженого контингенту відзначався суттєвим підвищення ролі центрального контуру керування та значною компенсаторною активністю парасимпатичної ланки вегетативної регуляції із суттєвим зростанням активності автономного контуру керування. Стан активності та біоритміки гормонів стресу характеризувався суттєво вищим рівнем вмісту в крові катехоламінів, більш низьким рівнем кортизолу вранці та більш високим рівнем кортизолу ввечері, зменшенням різниці між ранковим і вечірнім рівнями кортизолу порівняно з працівниками без психоемоційного навантаження. Загалом, результати дослідження встановили, що у водіїв пасажирського електротранспорту підвищену активність симпато-адреналової системи організму та гормонів стресу і перекручення біологічного ритму регуляції вегетативних механізмів адаптації.

Onset of a hypotensive effect following ingestion of flavan 3-ols involved in the activation of adrenergic receptors

A lot of epidemiological and intervention studies support the hypotensive action resulting from ingestion of foods rich in flavan 3-ols. However, the mechanisms of this action remain unclear. We have reported previously on the alteration of the micro- and systemic circulations after administration of a flavan 3-ol fraction (FL) derived from cocoa in mammals. We also confirmed that blood catecholamine levels increase significantly after administration of FL. In the present study, we examined whether adrenaline receptors are involved in the hemodynamic changes using several adrenaline receptor (AR) blockers. First, we confirmed that mean blood pressure (MBP) decreased significantly and aortic endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) levels increased significantly following oral treatment of 10mg/kg FL for 2 weeks in normal rats compared with vehicle administration. However, these changes were not observed with treatment of 1mg/kg (-)-epicatechin (EC), which contains nearly equivalent amount of 10mg/kg FL. Secondly, we observed that a single dose of FL produced different hemodynamic changes, such as a transient elevation in heart rate (HR) after ingestion of 1–100mg/kg FL, but not with 1mg/kg EC. Furthermore, although MBP rose transiently after 1 and 10mg/kg FL, this effect was not observed with 100mg/kg or 1mg/kg EC. The increases in HR, MBP, and aortic phosphorylated eNOS (p-eNOS) induced by 10mg/kg FL were prevented completely by pretreatment with the AR blocker, carvedilol. Combination treatment with 100mg/kg FL and an α1AR blocker, prazosin, significantly reduced MBP, whereas the elevation in HR was enhanced. In addition, after pretreatment with the β2AR blocker, butoxamine, we observed no significant hemodynamic changes with or without 100mg/kg FL. Moreover, the combination of 100mg/kg FL and the α2AR blocker, yohimbine, markedly increased MBP, HR and aortic p-eNOS level. These results suggested that the postprandial hemodynamic changes after a single oral dose of FL were induced by an adrenergic effect. This adrenomimetic activity suggested the involvement of a hypotensive effect of FL.

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) attenuates the hemodynamics stimulated by caffeine through decrease of catecholamines release.

A human study of the effects on hemodynamics of caffeine and epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) was performed. Caffeine tablets (200mg) were orally administered to healthy males aged between 25 and 35years 30min after oral administration of EGCG tablets (100 and 200mg). The increase in BP induced by caffeine was inhibited when co-administrated with EGCG. We found that caffeine slightly decreased heart rate (HR) in the volunteers. Although EGCG enhanced HR reduction, the effect was not significant. In addition, caffeine increased blood catecholamine levels, but EGCG inhibited the increase in noradrenaline, adrenaline and dopamine levels induced by caffeine. Whether EGCG decreases the elevated HR and systolic perfusion pressure, and ventricular contractility induced by adrenergic agonists in the isolated rat heart was investigated. The modified Krebs-Henseleit solution was perfused through a Langendorff apparatus to the isolated hearts of rats. HR, systolic perfusion pressure, and developed maximal rates of contraction (+dP/dtmax) and relaxation (-dP/dtmax) were increased by epinephrine (EP) and isoproterenol (IP). In contrast, EGCG decreased the elevated HR, systolic perfusion pressure, and left ventricular±dp/dtmax induced by EP and/or IP. In conclusion, EGCG could attenuate the hemodynamics stimulated by caffeine through decreasing catecholamine release.

Prenatal Nicotine Exposure Results in the Inhibition of Baroreflex Sensitivity Induced by Intravenous Injection Angiotensin II in the Adult Male Offspring Rats.

Epidemiological studies show that maternal cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in postnatal life. Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) is an important index for evaluating the homeostasis of the cardiovascular system. This experiment was designed to investigate the possible mechanism of prenatal nicotine on the adult male offspring's heart rate (HR) increase due to BRS. Pregnant rats received the 0.3ml of saline or nicotine (1.5mgkg-1) by subcutaneous injection from gestational days 3 to 21. The male offsprings of saline injected dams were the control group, and the male offsprings of the nicotine injected dams were the nicotine group. The 90-day-old male offsprings' funny current (I f) of their sinoatrial node (SAN) cells, BRS induced by intravenous injection of angiotensin (Ang) II in the presence or absence of the L-nitro-arginine methylester (L-NAME), cervical vagal activity, c-fos protein levels of the cervical spinal cord-8 to the thoracic spinal cord-5 (C8-T5) lateral horn neuron, and blood hormones were tested. The results showed that prenatal nicotine exposure had no effect on the offsprings' I f of their SAN cells, but it significantly decreased the offsprings' BRS. The c-fos protein levels of the C8-T5 lateral horn neurons and the blood catecholamine levels were increased in the nicotine group, but the cervical vagal activity was not changed. After intraventricular injection of L-NAME, the nicotine exposed offsprings' BRS was partly recovered. These data suggest that prenatal nicotine exposure results in hyper reactivity of the spinal sympathetic nerve center and a higher peripheral catecholamine hormone state of 90-day-old male offsprings, and these may be the reason for the BRS inhibition and HR increase. Nitric oxide (NO) may participate in the process acting as an important neurotransmitter.

Glucagon orchestrates stress-induced hyperglycaemia.

Hyperglycaemia is commonly observed on admission and during hospitalization for medical illness, traumatic injury, burn and surgical intervention. This transient hyperglycaemia is referred to as stress‐induced hyperglycaemia (SIH) and frequently occurs in individuals without a history of diabetes. SIH has many of the same underlying hormonal disturbances as diabetes mellitus, specifically absolute or relative insulin deficiency and glucagon excess. SIH has the added features of elevated blood levels of catecholamines and cortisol, which are not typically present in people with diabetes who are not acutely ill. The seriousness of SIH is highlighted by its greater morbidity and mortality rates compared with those of hospitalized patients with normal glucose levels, and this increased risk is particularly high in those without pre‐existing diabetes. Insulin is the treatment standard for SIH, but new therapies that reduce glucose variability and hypoglycaemia are desired. In the present review, we focus on the key role of glucagon in SIH and discuss the potential use of glucagon receptor blockers and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists in SIH to achieve target glucose control.

Traumatic brain injury: pathophysiology for neurocritical care.

Severe cases of traumatic brain injury (TBI) require neurocritical care, the goal being to stabilize hemodynamics and systemic oxygenation to prevent secondary brain injury. It is reported that approximately 45 % of dysoxygenation episodes during critical care have both extracranial and intracranial causes, such as intracranial hypertension and brain edema. For this reason, neurocritical care is incomplete if it only focuses on prevention of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) or decreased cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP). Arterial hypotension is a major risk factor for secondary brain injury, but hypertension with a loss of autoregulation response or excess hyperventilation to reduce ICP can also result in a critical condition in the brain and is associated with a poor outcome after TBI. Moreover, brain injury itself stimulates systemic inflammation, leading to increased permeability of the blood–brain barrier, exacerbated by secondary brain injury and resulting in increased ICP. Indeed, systemic inflammatory response syndrome after TBI reflects the extent of tissue damage at onset and predicts further tissue disruption, producing a worsening clinical condition and ultimately a poor outcome.Elevation of blood catecholamine levels after severe brain damage has been reported to contribute to the regulation of the cytokine network, but this phenomenon is a systemic protective response against systemic insults. Catecholamines are directly involved in the regulation of cytokines, and elevated levels appear to influence the immune system during stress. Medical complications are the leading cause of late morbidity and mortality in many types of brain damage. Neurocritical care after severe TBI has therefore been refined to focus not only on secondary brain injury but also on systemic organ damage after excitation of sympathetic nerves following a stress reaction.

Catecholamine levels in a Ramadan fasting model in rats: a case control study

ABSTRACTEating habits as well as physical exercise are very important for a healthy lifespan. Ramadan-type fasting, which is food and water avoidance during the daylight period for four weeks, has drawn attention due to its positive impacts on metabolism and health. The aim of this study was to compare the blood and urine catecholamine (CA) levels in fasting and non-fasting rats, in terms of stress response. A total of 20 male rats were randomly divided into a fasting group and a control group. Four weeks later, blood and urine samples were taken after decapitation. Analysis of CAs was done using high-performance liquid chromatography with florescence detection (HPLC-FLD). The dopamine (DA), adrenaline (ADR) and noradrenaline (NA) blood and urine concentrations were found to be higher in the fasting group compared to the control group, but the difference was statistically significant only for the blood DA levels (p < 0.05). In the fasting group, the blood values of ADR and NA correlated with each other but not with the DA levels, whereas there was correlation among the urine levels of DA, ADR and NA. In the control group, the blood and urine values of DA, ADR and NA correlated with each other. The differences observed in the blood and urine CAs indicate a specific regulation of CAs in Ramadan-type fasting, which needs to be investigated thoroughly in future studies.

Systemic mechanisms of antiepileptic protection.

The objectives of this study were as follows: (1) to explore mechanisms that counteract epileptogenesis and provide antiepileptic protection in the life-threatening condition of status epilepticus; and (2) to access functional state of adaptation system and identify the roles of biochemical, humoral, and neurophysiologic factors in the antiepileptic protective system. The experimental part of this research included a series of experiments using animal models which studied the influence of apnea (hypoxia and hypercapnia) on seizure activity; in addition, the role of the prefrontal and orbitofrontal cortex in epileptogenesis and antiepileptogenesis was explored. The clinical part consisted of a series of neurophysiological studies, using a method of multistage dipole localization, and clinical models of absence epilepsy and a tumor in the Rolandic region. One more line of clinical investigations was the study of the functional state of the adaptation system. Thirty-one patients with status epilepticus, with ages 14-56, were recruited. Proteins and fractions, electrolytes, acid-base balance, and 17-oxycorticosteroids in the blood plasma and 17-21-dioxy-20-ketosteroids in the urine were examined in relation to clinical data, EEG, and MRI. As a result of the experiments, it was determined that asphyxia has a two-phase impact on spike activity; an anticonvulsive effect of asphyxia is mediated by hypercapnia, while the orbitofrontal cortex plays the key role in the system of antiepileptic protection through its inhibition of other structures. Further, the mediobasal prefrontal lobe of the dominant hemisphere plays a significant role in antiepileptic protection, and increased levels of blood 17-corticosteroids and catecholamines are protective in the setting of stress from convulsive status epilepticus. The system of antiepileptic protection includes humoral, biochemical, and neurophysiological mechanisms. We identified the roles of all these factors: hypercapnia, in connection with tonic convulsion, as the humoral factor and inhibitory potential of the prefrontal lobe as the main neurophysiologic factor. In the setting of convulsive status epilepticus, which maximally strains these adaptations, it is essential for endogenous levels of glucocorticoids (17-corticosteroid) and sympathoepinephrine to increase. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Status Epilepticus".

Primary malignant hepatic paraganglioma mimicking liver tumor: A case report.

An extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma is also known as a paraganglioma. The present study reported the case of a 47-year-old female patient with an extremely rare primary nonfunctioning hepatic paraganglioma without any clinical signs and symptoms. A computed tomography scan of the entire abdomen region revealed a hyper-enhanced, well-marginated round mass located in segment 3 of the liver. A preoperative diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma was established and a left lateral hepatic lobectomy was performed. During the removal of the mass, the patient experienced extreme fluctuations in blood pressure. Analysis of hepatic and peripheral venous blood test results confirmed the increase of noradrenaline secretion. Postoperatively, the patient's blood pressure and catecholamine level returned to the normal range. However, three years after surgery, a plasma catecholamine examination revealed a high noradrenaline level. Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed two metastases, located in the spleen and below the right posterior lobe of the liver, which were identified as malignant paragangliomas. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with primary malignant hepatic paraganglioma recurrence three years after hepatic resection.

Chronotropic Incompetence During Exercise in Type 2 Diabetes: Aetiology, Assessment Methodology, Prognostic Impact and Therapy.

During incremental exercise tests, chronotropic incompetence (CI), which is the inability of the heart rate (HR) to rise in proportion to an increase in metabolic demand, is often observed in patients with type2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Despite the fact that CI is associated with exercise intolerance and elevated risks of development of cardiovascular disease and premature death, this clinical anomaly is often ignored or overlooked by clinicians and physiologists. CI is, however, a significant clinical abnormality that deserves further attention, examination and treatment. The aetiology of CI in T2DM remains poorly understood and is complex. Certain T2DM-related co-morbidities or physiological anomalies may contribute to development of CI, such as altered blood catecholamine and/or potassium levels during exercise, structural myocardial abnormalities, ventricular and/or arterial stiffness, impaired baroreflex sensitivity and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy. Clinicians should thus be aware of the potential presence of yet undetected anomalies or diseases in T2DM patients who experience CI during exercise testing. However, an effective treatment for CI in T2DM is yet to be developed. Exercise training programmes seem to be the only potentially effective and feasible interventions for partial restoration of the chronotropic response in T2DM, but it remains poorly understood how these interventions lead to restoration of the chronotropic response. Studies are thus warranted to elucidate the aetiology of CI and develop an effective treatment for CI in T2DM. In particular, the impact of (different) exercise interventions on CI in T2DM deserves greater attention in future studies.

Adrenergic System Activation Mediates Changes in Cardiovascular and Psychomotoric Reactions in Young Individuals after Red Bull©Energy Drink Consumption

Objectives. To assess the effect of Red Bull© on (1) blood glucose and catecholamine levels, (2) cardiovascular and respiratory function changes before, during, and after exercise, (3) reaction time, (4) cognitive functions, and (5) response to mental stress test and emotions in young healthy individuals (N=38). Methods. Heart rate (HR) and arterial blood pressure (ABP), blood glucose, adrenaline, and noradrenalin plasma levels were measured before and after Red Bull© intake. Participants were subjected to 4 different study protocols by randomized order, before and 30 minutes after consumption of 500 mL of Red Bull©. Results. Mean ABP and HR were significantly increased at rest after Red Bull© intake. Blood glucose level and plasma catecholamine levels significantly increased after Red Bull© consumption. Heart rate, respiration rate, and respiratory flow rate were significantly increased during exercise after Red Bull© consumption compared to control condition. Intake of Red Bull© significantly improved reaction time, performance in immediate memory test, verbal fluency, and subject's attention as well as performance in mental stress test. Conclusion. This study demonstrated that Red Bull© has beneficial effect on some cognitive functions and effect on cardiovascular and respiratory system at rest and during exercise by increasing activity of the sympathetic nervous system.

정신장애 환자에서 난발치 중의 불안장애와 과환기 관리 : 증례보고

저자 등은 개원 치과의원에서 하악 매복지치 발치중 유발된 불안장애와 과환기증 및 발치 창상 주위 출혈과 동통을 보였던 57세 여환을 신속한 정신안정법 적용하에 수액 약물요법과 외과적 처치(잔존 치근 남긴채 창상 지혈, 봉합, 배액술 등)로 관리하여 양호한 경과를 치험하면서, 평소 진료시 정신과적 장애문제에 큰 관심을 가져야 하며, 특히 수술시 스트레스 감소법에 더욱 유념하게 되었다. Hyperventilation is produced by several distinct causes: anxiety, respiratory alkalosis, increased blood catecholamine levels, and a decrease in the level of the ionized calcium in the blood. The dental fears about acute pain, bleeding, needle, drill and dental surgery lead to the severe anxiety and increased blood catecholamine level. Therefore, the most dental patient should be cared gently as the stress reduction protocol. In spite of the gentle care, a hyperventilation were occurred during the surgical extraction of impacted third molar with pericoronitis. We suggest that the dental patients with anxiety disorder must be attention for the manifestation of hyperventilation, especially in the psychologic disabled patient.

Effects of heliogeophysical disturbances on fluid properties of blood in humans

The hypothesis is tested stating that the possible causes of the biotropic effects in the human organism during heliogeophysical disturbances are an increase in catecholamine levels in blood and changes in blood-aggregative properties. The detected effects are statistically significant and indicate the possibility of the direct influence of physical processes during disturbances on blood cells. Physical processes, presumably determining the shifts in human organism, are discussed. It is supposed that, during the initial phase of the storm, one of the physical mechanisms of action of the external weak periodic signals appearing upon the noise can be stochastic resonance. Data is presented indicating that the second and the third harmonics of brain nervous structures resonance may be actually caused by the first harmonics of oscillations of the ionosphere Alfven resonator that are able to synchronize or desynchronize the electromagnetic oscillation rhythms of blood cells. The possibility of direct influence of the electromagnetic field fluctuations on the dynamics of aggregation and disaggregation processes of platelets and erythrocytes in the blood stream during the development of the storm proper is discussed.

Association of increased circulating catecholamine and glucocorticoid levels with risk of psychological problems in oral neoplasm patients.

BackgroundNoradrenergic pathways and glucocorticoid-mediated signal pathways have been implicated in the growth and progression of oral cancer. Patients with oral neoplasms can have high psychological distress levels, but the effects of stress-related hormones on oral neoplasm growth are unknown.MethodsWe have investigated the relationships between pre-surgical measurements of psychological problems with Symptom Checklist-90-revised Inventory (SCL90-R), tumor histology, circulating blood catecholamine and glucocorticoid levels among 75 oral neoplasm patients, including 40 oral cancer patients and 35 benign oral tumor patients.ResultsThe results showed that most dimension scores of SCL90-R did not show a significant difference between the two groups except depression (p = 0.0201) and obsessive-compulsion (p = 0.0093), with the scores for these symptoms being higher among oral cancer group versus the benign oral tumor group. The differences of total score, average score and other monomial factor scores were not statistically significant. The mean concentrations of catecholamine and glucocorticoid in peripheral blood of the oral cancer group were higher than those in benign oral tumor group (p<0.01). We also examined whether associations observed between biobehavioral measures and circulating blood catecholamine and glucocorticoid levels extended to other compartments in the oral cancer group.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that stress hormones may affect oral cancer behavior by influencing the tumor micro-environment though the circulating blood.