Blood Cortisol Levels Research Articles

Association of Blood Metabolomics Biomarkers with Brain Metabolites and Patient-Reported Outcomes as a New Approach in Individualized Diagnosis of Schizophrenia.

Given its polygenic nature, there is a need for a personalized approach to schizophrenia. The aim of the study was to select laboratory biomarkers from blood, brain imaging, and clinical assessment, with an emphasis on patients' self-report questionnaires. Metabolomics studies of serum samples from 51 patients and 45 healthy volunteers, based on the liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS), led to the identification of 3 biochemical indicators (cortisol, glutamate, lactate) of schizophrenia. These metabolites were sequentially correlated with laboratory tests results, imaging results, and clinical assessment outcomes, including patient self-report outcomes. The hierarchical cluster analysis on the principal components (HCPC) was performed to identify the most homogeneous clinical groups. Significant correlations were noted between blood lactates and 11 clinical and 10 neuroimaging parameters. The increase in lactate and cortisol were significantly associated with a decrease in immunological parameters, especially with the level of reactive lymphocytes. The strongest correlations with the level of blood lactate and cortisol were demonstrated by brain glutamate, N-acetylaspartate and the concentrations of glutamate and glutamine, creatine and phosphocreatine in the prefrontal cortex. Metabolomics studies and the search for associations with brain parameters and self-reported outcomes may provide new diagnostic evidence to specific schizophrenia phenotypes.

Examination of empathy-like behaviour in nicotine-preferring rat lines

Aim Addiction is an important global health issue, impacting also addicts environment and society. Empathy plays crucial role in establishing successful social relationships and is a fundamental component of social life. The aim of this study is to investigate how nicotine preferring (NP) strain and oral forced nicotine administration affects empathy-like behaviour in rats, with gender differences. Materials and Methods Sprague-Dawley NP rats (10 males/10 females) and wild-type control rats (10 males/10 females) were used. Behavioural tests were administered to all rats before and after oral forced nicotine administration. The behavioural tests were completed in the fourth week of nicotine administration. Anxiety levels that could affect empathy-like behaviour were evaluated with open field, elevated plus maze tests and with blood cortisol levels. Oxytocin receptor and arginine vasopressin (AVP) levels, which have been shown to be related to empathy-like behaviour, were examined in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala regions using the enzyme-linked immunoassay method. Results It was observed that males from the NP strain showed less empathy-like behaviour than all other groups, and nicotine administration did not cause a significant change in the results. Higher levels of locomotor activity (LA) were found in control females than in all other groups. Blood nicotine and corticosterone levels were higher in NP rats. No significant differences were found in AVP and oxytocin receptor levels in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. Conclusions It was found that coming from an addicted strain particularly reduces empathy-like behaviour in males.

Intravenous infusion of lidocaine as a component of opioid-free anesthesia in thoracic surgery: prospective randomized single-center observational study

BACKGROUND: The possibility of reducing doses of narcotic analgesics during the perioperative period is widely discussed in modern scientific literature. This direction is called opioid-free anesthesia and is used in abdominal surgery, oncology, gynecology, and other areas. Publications on the use of opioid-free anesthesia in thoracic surgery are scarce.
 OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the analgesic effectiveness of intravenous lidocaine infusion as a component of anesthesia in thoracic surgery.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety patients who underwent open lobectomy or pneumonectomy were examined. Depending on the analgesic component, patients were divided into three groups: group 1 (n=30) received intravenous infusion of lidocaine, group 2 (n=30) received epidural block, and group 3 (n=30) had fentanyl infusion. Blood pressure, heart rate, cortisol, and blood serum glycemia levels were measured. The intensity of postoperative pain syndrome and the need for promedol, tramadol, and sanitation fibrobronchoscopy were assessed. Arterial hypotension and frequency of postoperative nausea and vomiting were recorded. The length of stay of the patients in the intensive care unit and hospital was recorded.
 RESULTS: Cortisol levels did not differ between groups (p=0.26). The glucose level in the epidural block group was significantly lower than that in other groups (p=0.011). A significant increase in mean blood pressure and heart rate was observed in the opioid analgesia group (p 0.001). The lowest severity of pain 6 h after surgery was observed in the epidural blockade and lidocaine groups (p 0.001). Perioperative hypotension was more common in the epidural analgesia group (p=0.045). The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was higher in the opioid anesthesia group (p=0.004). In the fentanyl infusion group, sanitary fibrobronchoscopy was more often required to eliminate atelectasis (p=0.039). The number of bed days spent in the ICU was significantly higher in the opioid analgesic group (p=0.002); however, no significant differences were noted between the groups regarding the number of days spent in the hospital (p=0.228).
 CONCLUSION: Opioid-free anesthesia based on intravenous lidocaine infusion, as a component of anesthetic management in thoracic surgery, provides sufficient perioperative stability of hemodynamic and neuroendocrine status, has a pronounced analgesic effect, with less opioid consumption on the first day after surgery, and helps reduce the length of stay in the intensive care unit and hospital.

Prenatal Stress as a Risk Factor for Maternal–Foetal Morbidity: A Longitudinal Study

Pregnancy is one of the most complex periods in a woman’s life, not only because of the biological changes involved but also because of the psychological aspects. Stress during pregnancy refers to the concerns and distress that arise during pregnancy and that can be assessed by means of psychological and physiological scales. The aim of this study was to analyse prenatal stress and to evaluate its consequences on the health of both the mother and the foetus. A descriptive longitudinal study was carried out on a sample of 398 pregnant women being followed up during their entire pregnancy, who gave birth at the Punta de Europa University Hospital in Algeciras (Spain) between September 2021 and August 2023. The Prenatal Distress Questionnaire (PDQ) was used, as well as serum cortisol levels in each trimester of pregnancy and birth experience using the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire in its validated Spanish version, CEQ-E. Demographic and obstetric variables were included. One of the main findings was that experiencing more stress in late pregnancy had a negative impact on obstetric outcomes. Women who had higher levels of prenatal distress had higher blood cortisol levels and increased risk of having a caesarean section at delivery. A significant negative correlation was also found between stress and Apgar test values in the first minute of life. It is concluded that interventions promoted by the health system that provide comprehensive prenatal care contribute to decreased stress as perceived by these pregnant women, thus reducing the risk of maternal and foetal morbidity.

Analysis of biomarkers of stress in the perioperative period during surgical treatment for abdominal wall hernias

Background. Pain impairs the patient’s quality of life after surgery and, causing a significant stress, affects life expectancy. Many biomarkers (albumin, hemoglobin, glucose level, C-reactive protein) are used to objectively assess stress, but their levels depending on the type of analgesia and their role in predicting the course of the postoperative period have not been fully studied. Aim: to conduct a comparative analysis of biomarkers of stress in patients undergoing surgery for abdominal wall hernias depending on the type of perioperative analgesia. Materials and methods. Sixty-three patients who underwent surgical treatment for abdominal wall hernias took part in the study. They were divided into 3 groups according to the method of anesthesia (general, neuraxial and regional blockades). At different stages of the perioperative period, the dynamics of stress biomarkers such as cortisol and blood glucose was studied. Results. Before the operation, the blood glucose level did not differ significantly in three groups. During the traumatic period of surgical treatment, stress-induced hyperglycemia developed, its level did not depend on the type of anesthesia performed, and 24 hours after the operation, the level of glycemia significantly decreased to normal one. A significant increase in cortisol was registered in group 1. At the same time, on the contrary, the blood cortisol level decreased in patients of groups 2 and 3. After 24 hours, the blood cortisol level decreased to normal values, and in all groups, it was lower than that before surgery. Conclusions. Regardless of the type of anesthetic management, an increase in blood glucose levels was recorded in patients of all three groups during surgical treatment for abdominal wall hernias. Patients undergoing regional abdominal wall blocks had lower levels of stress biomarkers after surgery and 24 hours postoperatively compared to general anesthesia.

Cord Blood Cortisol Level - A Possible Predictor for Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Preterm Neonates.

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is a leading cause of death in premature infants. There are different clinical/ biochemical markers associated with the RDS. One of the potential biochemical markers is cortisol in cord blood. This study aims to correlate cortisol levels in preterm neonates with RDS and to establish whether cord blood cortisol is a reliable predictor for RDS. This prospective analytical study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital over nine months among fifty preterm neonates. Data were collected using proforma, and cord blood was collected at the time of delivery. Cortisol levels were compared and correlated to the development of RDS. The mean ± SD cord blood cortisol level among preterm neonates was 5.97 ± 2.74 (SD) μg/dl. The levels were higher in neonates whose mothers received antenatal steroids and were significantly lower (2.86 ± 1.66 μg/dl) in those who developed RDS. Association between cord blood cortisol level and RDS was found with an odds ratio of 57.4, which was statistically significant. The percentage of babies developing RDS in mothers not covered with antenatal steroids was significantly higher than those covered (p-value is 0.000). The mean cord blood cortisol levels were exceptionally low (1.89 μg/dl) in neonates who expired compared to those who survived (7.02 μg/dl). There is an association between cord blood cortisol levels and RDS. Hence, Cord blood cortisol levels may be used to predict RDS and help initiate early treatment, thus preventing mortality and morbidity.

Behavioral observations, heart rate and cortisol monitoring in horses following multiple oral administrations of a cannabidiol containing paste (part 2/2).

As a remedy against stress and anxiety, cannabidiol (CBD) products are of increasing interest in veterinary medicine. Limited data is available describing the actual effectiveness of CBD in horses. The aim of this study (part 2 of 2) was to analyze stress parameters via behavioral observation, heart rate monitoring and assessment of blood and saliva cortisol levels in healthy horses treated repeatedly with a CBD containing paste. Twelve horses were randomly assigned to a treatment or a control group. Two pastes were orally administered in a double-blinded study design, one paste containing CBD and one paste without active ingredient. Both pastes were administered twice daily over 15 days (dose: 3 mg CBD/kg). Behavioral observations were conducted daily using a sedation score and a rating of facial expressions, based on the previously described facial sedation scale for horses (FaceSed) and the Horse Grimace Scale. Blood and saliva samples were obtained regularly to determine cortisol levels throughout the study. Cortisol levels were analyzed by means of liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Behavioral observations and cortisol levels were compared between groups. Prior to paste administration, a novel object test was performed and the horses' reaction to loading on a trailer was recorded. Both tests were repeated after 13 days of paste application. Movement patterns such as different gaits during the novel object test were evaluated and an ethogram was designed to assess exhibited behavioral traits. Cardiac beat-to-beat (R-R) intervals were recorded throughout and evaluated using heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters. Blood and saliva samples for cortisol analysis were taken before and after the tests. Daily behavioral observations and cortisol levels did not differ between the treatment and the control group. Similarly, analysis of movement patterns, HR, HRV and cortisol levels during the novel object test and trailer test did not identify significant differences between the groups. Regularly administered oral CBD (3 mg/kg BID over 15 days) had no statistically significant effect on behavioral observations, cortisol levels, HR and HRV in horses. Further research is required to establish adequate doses and indications for the use of CBD in horses.

Evaluation of blood cortisol and lactate levels as outcome predictors in acute Aluminum phosphide poisoned patients

Evaluation of blood cortisol and lactate levels as outcome predictors in acute Aluminum phosphide poisoned patients

ОЦЕНКА КОРРЕЛЯЦИИ БИОХИМИЧЕСКИХ ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ СЫВОРОТКИ КРОВИ КУР-НЕСУШЕК ПРИ РАЗНЫХ УРОВНЯХ ПЛОТНОСТИ ПОСАДКИ

With the cellular technology of keeping laying hens, their mobility is limited. This can lead to various negative consequences due to the development of a protective and adaptive reaction in the body of an agricultural bird. One of the approaches to the early diagnosis of stress reactions in poultry is the study of biochemical parameters of blood serum. Biochemical indicators can provide information about the general condition of the bird, changes in its body and stress levels. In particular, the study of biochemical parameters of blood serum of laying hens at different levels of planting density can help to identify the relationship between the conditions of poultry keeping and its stress response. Mathematical calculations of the estimation of the correlation dependence of biochemical parameters of blood serum of laying hens depending on different levels of planting density with cellular content are important in the interpretation of the data obtained. Fischer's F-criterion (F-distribution) was used for mathematical processing of the research results. The results obtained allow us to conclude that the indicators of cholesterol and total protein in laying hens do not depend on the planting density. Alkaline phosphatase, phosphorus, calcium, ACTH depend on the density of laying hens (the null hypothesis is refuted at 1% significance level). Blood glucose and cortisol levels are also dependent on planting density. Here, the null hypothesis is refuted at the 5% significance level. The results of the study of the levels of alkaline phosphatase, glucose, phosphorus, calcium, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol at different levels of planting density indicate the development of a stress reaction in laying hens and are important diagnostic markers when exposed to technological stresses.

The Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Reducing Blood Cortisol Levels in Individuals with Anxiety Disorders

This research pertains to developmental advancements in the health and maritime sectors, specifically focusing on diving and hyperbaric oxygen therapy's (HBO) application. The study holds the potential to enhance comprehension regarding the Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO) in addressing anxiety disorders, thus contributing significantly to the realms of health and maritime industries. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves subjecting patients to heightened pressure environments while administering pure oxygen at levels exceeding atmospheric pressure, with a minimum clinical threshold of 1.4 ATA. (HBO) interventions, utilized for countering hypoxia and cortisol reduction, exhibit promise in mitigating anxiety disorders. The research methodology commences with a systematic screening procedure employing an anxiety disorders questionnaire, ensuring the acquisition of a well-defined, credible, consistent, and unbiased participant pool. Employing a quasi-experimental design featuring a randomized pre-post control group arrangement, the study targets males aged 25-40 with anxiety disorders, drawn from Dr. Ramelan Surabaya's psychiatric clinic.

The associations of residential greenness with cortisol in patients with heart failure

ABSTRACT Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of hospitalizations in cardiovascular disease patients, in many countries, including the United States, Europe, and Lithuania. HF patients often have elevated cortisol levels, associated with higher mortality. Urban greenery can improve physical and mental health. We hypothesize that greater residential environment greenness exposure is linked to reduced cortisol levels in symptomatic HF patients. During 2006-2009, in Kaunas, Lithuania, health data was collected from 85 urban patients (a population of ≥ 10,000 inhabitants) who underwent rehabilitation for symptomatic HF. Patients were assessed for general, cardiorespiratory systems parameters, also for blood cortisol levels at baseline and after 6 months. Greenness was assessed using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) in buffer zones. A multivariate linear regression model was used to evaluate the effect of NDVI on cortisol change after 6 months. A decrease in cortisol by −30.8 mmol/l (SE = 14.7, p = 0.036) was associated with a 0.1 higher level of NDVI at 300 m. NDVI effect was stronger when cortisol test was done after 10 AM and in patients with ejection fraction < 30%. Our results confirm that greenness was related to a decrease in cortisol levels after 6 months in patients with symptomatic HF.

Stress system dysfunction and changes in brain volume and functional connectivity in older adults with subclinical depressive symptoms

AbstractBackgroundSubclinical depressive symptoms are associated with increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This link could be related to stress system dysfunction, known to occur in both depression and AD, and to depend notably on the hippocampus which is particularly sensitive to AD. We aimed at investigating the links between levels of blood stress markers and changes in brain regions involved in the stress response in older adults with subclinical depressive symptoms.MethodCognitively unimpaired older adults with (DepS; n = 73) or without (NoDepS; n = 58) subclinical depressive symptoms (defined using the 15‐item version of the Geriatric Depression Scale), from the baseline data of the Age‐Well trial (NCT02977819) were included. For each participant, levels of cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine were obtained from blood sampling. Moreover, the functional connectivity (FC) between, and the gray matter (GM) volume of, the hypothalamus, hippocampus and hippocampal subfields were extracted from resting‐state functional, and structural T1‐weighted, MRI. Levels of blood stress markers and neuroimaging measures were compared between groups. Regression analyses were then conducted between levels of blood markers and brain measures. Analyses were corrected for age, sex, education and anxiety symptoms with statistical significance set to p&lt;0.05.ResultHigher blood epinephrine level (p&lt;0.024), and FC between the hypothalamus and the CA1 hippocampal subfield (p&lt;0.040), was found in DepS compared to NoDepS (Fig.1). This higher epinephrine level was associated with greater FC between the hypothalamus and the CA1 (p&lt;0.007) and Subiculum (p&lt;0.013) subfields (Fig.2). Lower GM volume in the CA1 (p&lt;0.008) and DG/CA2‐3‐4 (p&lt;0.013) subfields was also found in the DepS group (Fig.3), but was not associated with epinephrine level. No significant between‐group difference in blood cortisol and norepinephrine levels was observed.ConclusionSubclinical depressive symptoms in aging are associated with higher blood epinephrine level related to greater FC between the hypothalamus and hippocampal subfields (CA1 and Subiculum) – suggesting an increased sympathetic nervous system activity. They are also associated with GM atrophy in specific hippocampal subfields, including the CA1 that is sensitive to AD. These two distinct mechanisms at this preclinical stage of depression may at least partly explain that depression is a risk factor for AD.

Combined General Anesthesia with Epidural Analgesia as a Modality for Adrenal Teratoma Resection in Patients with Coronary Arterial Disease

Background: Adrenalectomy in patients with coronary arterial disease poses a significant challenge requiring good preoperative evaluation, perioperative hemodynamic control, and a detailed and careful anesthetic strategy. Teratomas are benign tumors that develop from pluripotent cells with two or more germ cell layers. Teratomas can develop in the ovaries and testes. Retroperitoneal teratoma, particularly adrenal teratoma, is rare. Indications for adrenal gland surgery include hormonal secretory tumors and non-hormonal secretory tumors. &#x0D; Case presentation: A 66-year-old man complained of discomfort in the right upper abdomen. From the results of the CT scan, an adrenal teratoma was obtained, and an adrenalectomy operation was planned. The patient underwent adrenalectomy with general anesthesia. Induction was carried out with propofol titrating doses of 100-150 mg until the patient was hypnotized and intubated with Atracurium 30 mg IV. The patient underwent an arterial line and CVC with ultrasound guiding during surgery.&#x0D; Conclusion: Anesthetic techniques should aim to maintain a myocardial oxygen supply that is greater than required to avoid ischemia. It is necessary to control perioperative hypertension, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, and blood cortisol levels and maintain the balance of myocardial oxygen supply.

Efficacy and feasibility of catheter-based adrenal ablation on Cushing's syndrome associated hypertension

Objective: To explore the value of catheter-based adrenal ablation in treating Cushing's syndrome (CS)-associated hypertension. Methods: A clinical study was conducted in patients with CS, who received catheter-based adrenal ablation between March 2018 and July 2023 in Daping Hospital. Parameters monitored were blood pressure (outpatient and 24-hour ambulatory), body weight, clinical characteristics, serum cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) at 8 am, 24-hour urinary free cortisol (24 h UFC), fasting blood glucose and postoperative complications. Procedure effectiveness was defined as blood pressure returning to normal levels (systolic blood pressure<140 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and diastolic blood pressure<90 mmHg), cortisol and 24 h UFC returning to normal and improvement of clinical characteristics. The parameters were monitored during follow up in the outpatient department at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after catheter-based adrenal ablation. Results: A total of 12 patients (aged (40.0±13.2) years) were reviewed. There were 5 males, with 5 cases of adenoma and 7 with hyperplasia from imaging studies. Catheter-based adrenal ablation was successful in all without interruption or surgical conversion. No postoperative complication including bleeding, puncture site infection, adrenal artery rupture or adrenal bleeding was observed. The mean follow up was 28 months. Compared to baseline values, body weight declined to (59.48±11.65) kg from (64.81±10.75) kg (P=0.008), fasting blood glucose declined to (4.54±0.83) mmol from (5.53±0.99) mmol (P=0.044), outpatient systolic blood pressure declined to (128±21) mmHg from (140±19) mmHg (P=0.005), diastolic blood pressure declined to (78±10) mmHg from (86±11) mmHg (P=0.041), and the mean ambulatory daytime diastolic blood pressure declined to (79±12) mmHg from (89±8) mmHg (P=0.034). Catheter-based adrenal ablation in 8 patients was defined as effective with their 24 h UFC significantly reduced after the procedure (1 338.41±448.06) mmol/L from (633.66±315.94) mmol/L, P=0.011). The change of 24 h UFC between the effective treatment group and ineffective group was statistically significant (P=0.020). The postoperative systolic blood pressure in the treated adenoma group was significantly lower than those of hyperplasia group (112±13) mmHg vs. (139±20) mmHg, P=0.026). Conclusions: For patients with CS-associated hypertension who are unwilling or unable to undergo surgical treatment, catheter-based adrenal ablation could improve the blood pressure and cortisol level. Catheter-based adrenal ablation could be a safe, effective, and minimally invasive therapy. However, our results still need to be validated in further large-scale studies.

The Effect of Craniosacral Therapy on Blood Levels of Stress Hormones in Male Firefighter Cadets: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

(1) Background: Fire department cadets preparing to become firefighters and paramedics experience high levels of stress when participating in incidents like traffic accidents and fires. Stress adversely affects health, and coping with it proves difficult. Unfortunately, there is no single method that reduces stress completely in humans. One non-invasive method for lowering stress hormone levels is craniosacral therapy. (2) Methods: Fifty-seven firefighting cadets aged 18-24 years (21.63 ± 1.41) participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to either a test group or a control group. Participants' blood levels of cortisol and CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone) were assessed before and after the study. The study group underwent 5-week craniosacral therapy (1× per week). (3) Results: The Kruskal-Wallis test showed that the therapy group's results were statistically significant for CRH values (p-value = 0.00067) and for cortisol values (p-value ≤ 0.0001). Wilxocon and Dunn tests showed statistical significance for cortisol after CS therapy between the control and study groups (p = 0.0377), and for CRH between the control and study groups before (p = 0.00634) and after the study (p = 0.000887), and in the study group before and after the study (p = 0.0101). (4) Conclusions: The application of craniosacral therapy reduced stress hormone levels in male firefighter cadets. The results indicate that craniosacral therapy (five sessions, one per week) has an effect on the reduction of stress hormones.

Effect of acute altitude exposure on physiological parameters and glucose metabolism in healthy lowland Peruvians.

High altitude exposure triggers a series of physiological changes to maintain homeostasis. Although longer-term (days to years) acclimatization processes are well studied, less is known about the physiological changes upon rapid ascent. We took advantage of Peru's geography to measure the first physiological changes following rapid transport from a low to a high-altitude environment among lowlanders. Blood glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and salivary cortisol among healthy lowland Peruvians were measured before and after glucose ingestion at 40 m and upon arrival at 3470 m. Resting heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and blood pressure were also monitored. At high altitude, we find a significant ( p<0.05) increase in heart rate and a decrease in blood oxygen saturation and salivary cortisol. Additionally, baseline levels of blood glucose, plasma C-peptide, and cortisol were reduced ( p<0.05). Blood glucose, plasma insulin, and plasma C-peptide returned to baseline or below faster at high altitude after glucose ingestion. Although many overlapping environmental and physiological factors are present in the high-altitude environment, the first steps of acclimatization in this population appear to be caused by increased energy expenditure and glucose metabolism to maintain oxygen homeostasis until the longer-term acclimatization mechanisms become more significant.

Cellular, Physiological, and Biochemical Basis of Adaptive Response to Variable Osmotic Environments by the River Shad, Tenualosa ilisha

The river shad, hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha), is an anadromous fish that migrates from marine to freshwater for spawning. This transition/migration poses severe osmotic stress that hilsa needs to successfully minimize. The present study was conducted to evaluate the cellular (ultrastructure of gill and kidney), physiological (hemocyte counts, blood, and water osmolality), and biochemical (free amino acids, free fatty acids, blood glucose, and cortisol levels) parameters of hilsa collected from four different environmental salinity levels (0‰, 10‰, 20‰, and 30‰ salinity levels; using 10 fish samples from each salinity). Results indicate that increased amount of fatty/mucus cells in the gill and lower number of glomerular capsules in kidney were observed at low (0‰ and 10‰) salinities compared to high (20‰ and 30‰) salinities. Water and blood osmolality (total ionic content) showed declining trends with lowering salinities. Total number of blood cells was also found to vary significantly P &lt; 0.05 among salinities. Salinity-specific blood cortisol and glucose levels of hilsa were observed as 0‰ &gt; 10‰ &gt; 30‰ &gt; 20‰. Total essential and free amino acids of hilsa blood showed significantly declining trends P &lt; 0.05 with salinity reductions. No significant differences were observed between 10‰, 20‰, and 30‰ salinities for different types of fatty acids, while hilsa collected from 0‰ showed significantly higher P &lt; 0.05 levels of fatty acids compared to the remaining three salinities. Findings indicate that hilsa rapidly alters cellular, physiological, and biochemical traits for successful transition between different salinity habitats.

Menopause and sleep disturbances

The menopause in a woman’s life is one of the most significant events indicating the large-scale changes in the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis function. Gonadal steroid hormones are actively involved in the central nervous system (CNS) growth, differentiation, physiology and ageing processes. Sleep provides restoration of the central nervous system, and also contributes to memory consolidation. Sleep influences the two primary effector systems, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which in turn regulate adaptive and innate immune responses. During sleep, blood levels of cortisol, adrenaline and norepinephrine drop, whereas the levels of neurotransmitters such as growth hormone, prolactin and melatonin show a steep increase. We get more and more facts showing the role of sleep in the processes of immunogenesis and metabolism, in particular fat metabolism. A systematic modern literature analysis on the prevalence and structure of sleep disturbances in women during pre-, peri- and postmenopause was carried out. The results of individual studies revealing the relationship between sleep disturbances and hormone levels including levels of sex steroids are presented. A review of current scientific evidence shows conclusively that the neuroendocrine system significantly determines the sleep quality. Sleep disturbances associated with RLS, COAC are highly prevalent, especially among postmenopausal women, due to declining ovarian function and deficiency of sex steroids. The results of conducted studies support the continued study and analysis of the relationships between gender, neuroendocrine factors, sleep disorders and the search for effective methods for their treatment. SonNorm Duo containing melatonin, peppermint leaf oil, and motherwort herb extract is one of the drugs used to manage sleep disturbances. SonNorm Duo is an adaptogenic sedative drug that is indicated for sleep disturbances, circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders associated with rapid travel across multiple time zones.

Examining Physiological Changes during Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) Performance in Recreational Male Esports Players

While the training of professional sports athletes and the factors determining sports success are based on well-established scientific research, esports training and markers of esports performance are not yet fully recognized or explored. Knowledge of the psychophysiological responses of the athlete’s body to esports competition is the necessary foundation for rational training management. The aim of the present study was to evaluate physiological stress while playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). Selected cardiovascular, hormonal, and biochemical indices were monitored to assess differences in stress responses between winners and losers. Twenty-two male players participated in the study (age 22.0 ± 2.0 years, CS:GO training experience 7.0 ± 2.2 years, training load 24.6 ± 11.5 h per week). Each player played two games during the CS:GO competition. The CS:GO tournament induced an increase in heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure, and blood cortisol levels (C), and a decrease in the nonlinear heart rate variability (HRV) index based on the fractal correlation properties, called alpha1, of detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA-alpha1). In contrast, no changes were observed in blood levels of testosterone (T) and lactate (BLa). It was found that changes in physiological indices in players while playing CS:GO did not differentiate between winners and losers. The changes in the physiological parameters recorded during play indicate that CS:GO tournaments induce significant physiological arousal and can be considered a stressor.

Cortisol as Biomarker for CYP17-Inhibition is Associated with Therapy Outcome of Abiraterone Acetate.

Abiraterone acetate is an irreversible 17α-hydroxylase/C17, 20-lyase (CYP17) inhibitor approved for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients. Inhibition of this enzyme leads to low testosterone and cortisol levels in blood. There is growing evidence that clinical efficacy of abiraterone is related to the rate of suppression of serum testosterone. However, quantification of very low levels of circulating testosterone is challenging. We therefore aimed to investigate whether circulating cortisol levels could be used as a surrogate biomarker for CYP17 inhibition in patients with mCRPC treated with abiraterone acetate. mCRPC patients treated with abiraterone acetate were included. Abiraterone and cortisol levels were measured with a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). On treatment cortisol and abiraterone concentrations were related to treatment response and progression free survival. In total 117 patients were included with a median cortisol concentration of 1.13ng/ml (range: 0.03 - 82.2) and median abiraterone trough concentration (Cmin) of 10.2ng/ml (range: 0.58 - 92.1). In the survival analyses, abiraterone Cmin ≥ 8.4ng/mL and cortisol < 2.24ng/mL were associated with a longer prostate-specific antigen (PSA) independent progression-free survival than patients with an abiraterone concentration ≥ 8.4ng/mL and a cortisol concentration ≥ 2.24ng/mL (13.8months vs. 3.7months). Our study shows that cortisol is not an independent predictor of abiraterone response in patients with mCRPC, but it is of added value in combination with abiraterone levels, to predict a response on abiraterone.