Cortisol Levels Research Articles

Brain activity during working memory in patients with autoimmune Addison’s disease

Autoimmune Addison’s disease (AAD) is treated with daily oral hormone replacements for cortisol and aldosterone. The current treatment is sub-optimal, and frequently results in supra- and infra-physiological cortisol levels that might negatively affect the brain and cognitive functioning. It is currently unclear if the brains of these patients need to be better protected. The present study investigates brain function during working memory in young adults with AAD compared to healthy controls. All participants (56 AAD (33 females), 62 controls (39 females), 19–43 years), underwent MRI brain scanning while performing a visuo-spatial and verbal working memory task. No main group differences in accuracy, reaction time or brain activity during the tasks were found. These findings suggest that patients perform equal to controls, and achieve similar levels of brain activity during working memory. However, variations in the patient population may have confounded this outcome. Controlled studies on larger cohorts are therefore needed to confirm these findings and test if having AAD affects the brain on the long term.

Repeated Sprint Variations According to Circadian Rhythm at Different Menstrual Cycle Phases.

This study assessed the repeated sprint performance in relation to circadian rhythm during different menstrual cycle phases (MCP). Twelve volunteer eumenorrheic women team sport athletes performed 5×6-s cycling sprints in morning (9 am to 10 am) and evening (6 pm to 7 pm) sessions during the mid-follicular (FP, 6th-10th d) and luteal phases (LP, 19th-24th d). Body weight, oral body temperature, resting heart rate and lactate levels together with estradiol, progesterone and cortisol levels were determined before tests. Relative peak and mean power and performance decrements were determined as performance variables and maximum heart rate, lactate and ratings of perceived exertion were determined as physiological variables. Evening body temperatures were significantly higher. Cortisol levels were higher in the morning and in the FP. Resting lactate levels did not vary with MCP or time of day, but a significant MCP x time of day interaction was observed. Body weight showed no change according to time of day and MCP. There was no significant effect of MCP and time of day on performance and physiological variables, in contrast, maximum lactate values were notably higher in the evening. In conclusion, MCP and time of day need not be considered during repeated sprint exercises of eumenorrheic women athletes.

Black sand nanoparticles and heat stress impacts the neurological and oxidative stress indices and splenic-renal histology of Clarias gariepinus

In Egypt, while many studies have focused on the radiometry and mineralogy of black sands, research on their effects on nearby aquatic organisms is rare. This study aimed to assess the combined effects of heat stress (HS) and black sand nanoparticles (BS-NPs) on renal function, antioxidant responses (TAC, SOD, CAT), neuro-stress indicators (AchE, cortisol), and to conduct histopathological investigations in the kidney and spleen tissues of African catfish Clarias gariepinus over a 15-day period to exposure to control, HS (32 °C), BS (6.4 g/kg diet) and HS + BS groups. The outcomes revealed that thermal stress alone showed no significant difference from the control. However, creatinine and uric acid levels were significantly higher in the BS-NPs and HS + BS-NPs groups (p < 0.001). Antioxidant markers (TAC, SOD, and CAT) were substantially reduced across all treated groups (0.05 ≥ p < 0.0001). AchE levels were significantly elevated in BS-NPs and HS + BS-NPs (p < 0.001), while cortisol levels were higher in these groups but not significantly different in HS. Degeneration and necrosis in the white and red pulps, scattered lymphocytes, and increased collagen fiber surrounding blood vessels and the lining of the ellipsoid structure were all evident in the spleen, along with the enlargement of the melanomacrophage centers with big granular, irregular, and brown pigments (hemosiderin). Our study, therefore, provides new insights into how heat stress, an abiotic environmental factor, influences the toxicity of black sand nanoparticles in catfish.

Abstract A089: Intersecting burdens: The role of social barriers and perceived stress in moderating cortisol reactivity among African American breast cancer survivors

Abstract Background: Disparities in breast cancer morbidity and mortality persist in African Americans. Social determinants and their subsequent effect on stress reactivity may impact the biological mechanisms associated with the onset and progression of cancer. However, stress reactivity has not been examined specifically among African American breast cancer survivors. Objective: To evaluate within-subject variation in stress reactivity among African American breast cancer survivors and determine whether this reactivity is influenced by social stressors, such as financial strain and social isolation, known to be associated with cancer outcomes. Methods: We conducted a laboratory intervention study using the Trier Social Stress Test on African American breast cancer survivors. We measured stress reactivity using salivary cortisol levels; socioeconomic, social, and psychological stressors were estimated by self-report. We performed multi-level random effect repeated-measures linear regression models to estimate within-subject changes in cortisol levels. We tested the moderating effects of social factors and cumulative social stressors on reactivity outcomes. Results: Sixty African American breast cancer survivors were included in the study. There were significant increases in mean cortisol levels at 30 minutes (beta=0.054, 95%CI=0.026, 0.082; p&amp;lt;0.001) and 40 minutes (beta=0.040, 95% CI=0.015, 0.065; p=.002) post-stress during the recovery period. We identified significant interactions between time and social stressors on cortisol levels for financial strain (χ2/df=15.83/4, p=.003), social isolation (χ2/df=9.67/4, p=.04), negative life events (χ2/df=12.75/4, p=.01), perceived stress (χ2/df=11.93/4, p=.02), and cumulative index of social stressors (χ2/df=11.14/4, p=.03). Conclusion: Social risk factors moderate the effects of stressors on cortisol reactivity among African American breast cancer survivors. There is a need to understand the lived experiences of Black women and develop interventions that mitigate the impact of social stressors on stress responses. Citation Format: Dr. Fatimata Sanogo, Dr. Junhan Cho, Dr. Trista Beard, Dr. Chanita Hughes Halbert. Intersecting burdens: The role of social barriers and perceived stress in moderating cortisol reactivity among African American breast cancer survivors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A089.

Abstract C068: Primary adrenocortical insufficiency as a presenting symptom of acute myeloid leukemia

Abstract Introduction: Primary Adrenal Insufficiency (PAI), also known as Addison's disease, is a rare endocrinopathy resulting from the destruction or dysfunction of the adrenal cortex. It has an estimated increasing prevalence between 100 and 140 cases/million and an incidence of 4 cases per million/year. On the other hand, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is the most common leukemia among adults and accounts for about 80% of all cases. Even though our case is exceptionally rare, it highlights the coexistence of both conditions in the same patient and that PAI can be the presenting symptom of AML. Case Report: A 52-year-old female with a history of lower extremity cellulitis presented for evaluation after experiencing fever, chills, fatigue, night sweats, nausea, and dysphagia. On arrival, she had pharyngeal erythema with cervical lymphadenopathy. Her white blood cell count was 33,000. A CT chest revealed bilateral neck adenopathy and an enlarged left hilar lymph node. Bone marrow flow cytometry results were consistent with AML, CD33 positive with 68% blasts. Induction chemotherapy with gemtuzumab ozogamicin and dexamethasone IV was initiated. Meanwhile, she developed acute abdominal pain. A CT abdomen/pelvis revealed bilateral adrenal symmetric thickening, indicating adrenal dysfunction, a new finding compared to prior imaging. Endocrinology was consulted. Physical examination revealed hyperpigmented palmar creases, fatigue, and nausea, raising suspicion of adrenal insufficiency. Laboratory work showed sodium 134, basal ACTH 10, and morning cortisol levels less than 1 mcg/dl. An ACTH stimulation test confirmed PAI, with ACTH increasing from 26 to 47, cortisol from 9.2 to 11.7, aldosterone from 2 to 15, and high plasma renin activity 2.64. She continued on steroid therapy with monitoring of blood pressure and sodium levels for two weeks. She was eventually discharged with a medication plan and follow-up appointments with endocrinology and hematology/oncology. Discussion: The coexistence of PAI and AML in the same patient is rare. Obscure clinical presentations complicated the diagnosis. Symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and nausea are common in AML patients, but hyperpigmentation of the palmar creases is not. We recommend evaluating adrenal function in acute leukemia patients to avoid adrenal insufficiency crises. If adrenal insufficiency was considered later, early steroid discontinuation could have provoked an adrenal crisis. Monitoring should continue to determine if the concern is permanent or transient. Conclusion: High suspicion and early evaluation of adrenal function in all acute leukemia patients should be considered to avoid adrenal insufficiency as a later complication. Due to the rarity of the disease and non-specific early symptoms, PAI is frequently not considered, leading to delayed diagnosis and increased risk for adrenal crisis. Successful long-term therapy relies on adequate patient education, frequent assessment of basal and stimulated cortisol levels, testing of HPA axis integrity, and various imaging techniques. Citation Format: Maria Toustsoglou, Aliya M. Khan, Mehmet Hepgur, John McDonald, Rubens Sievert. Primary adrenocortical insufficiency as a presenting symptom of acute myeloid leukemia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr C068.

Correlation between the neuroendocrine axis, microbial species, inflammatory response, and gastrointestinal symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome.

This study examines the complex relationships among the neuroendocrine axis, gut microbiome, inflammatory responses, and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The findings provide new insights into the pathophysiology of IBS and suggest potential therapeutic targets for improving patient outcomes. To investigate the interactions between the neuroendocrine axis, gut microbiome, inflammation, and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with IBS. Patients diagnosed with IBS between January 2022 and January 2023 were selected for the study. Healthy individuals undergoing routine check-ups during the same period served as the control group. Data were collected on neuroendocrine hormone levels, gut microbiome profiles, inflammatory biomarkers, and gastrointestinal symptomatology to analyze their interrelations and their potential roles in IBS pathogenesis. IBS patients exhibited significant dysregulation of the neuroendocrine axis, with altered levels of cortisol, serotonin, and neuropeptides compared to healthy controls. The gut microbiome of IBS patients showed reduced diversity and specific alterations in bacterial genera, including Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Faecalibacterium, which were associated with neuroendocrine disturbances. Additionally, elevated levels of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α, were observed and correlated with the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. The findings suggest that targeting the neuroendocrine axis, gut microbiome, and inflammatory pathways may offer novel therapeutic strategies to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life in IBS patients.

Dynamic interplay of cortisol and BDNF in males under acute and chronic psychosocial stress – A randomized controlled study

The neurotrophic protein brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a pivotal role in brain function and is affected by acute and chronic stress. We here investigate the patterns of BDNF and cortisol stress reactivity and recovery under the standardized stress protocol of the TSST and the effect of perceived chronic stress on the basal BDNF levels in healthy young men. Twenty-nine lean young men underwent the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) and a resting condition. Serum BDNF and cortisol were measured before and repeatedly after both conditions. The perception of chronic stress was assessed by the Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress (TICS). After the TSST, there was a significant increase over time for BDNF and cortisol. Stronger increase in cortisol in response to stress was linked to an accelerated BDNF decline after stress. Basal resting levels of BDNF was significantly predicted by chronic stress perception. The increased BDNF level following psychosocial stress suggest a stress-induced neuroprotective mechanism. The presumed interplay between BDNF and the HPA-axis indicates an antagonistic relationship of cortisol on BDNF recovery post-stress. Chronically elevated high cortisol levels, as present in chronic stress, could thereby contribute to reduced neurogenesis, and an increased risk of neurodegenerative conditions in persons suffering from chronic stress.

Exploring the associations between momentary cortisol levels and psychotic-like experiences in young adults: Results from a temporal network analysis of daily-life data.

Dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis has been implicated in the development of psychosis and subthreshold psychotic symptoms commonly referred to as psychotic-like experiences (PLEs). The exact mechanisms linking the HPA axis responses with the emergence of PLEs remain unknown. The present study aimed to explore real-life associations between stress, negative affect, salivary cortisol levels (a proxy of the HPA axis activity) as well as PLEs together with their underlying cognitive biases (i.e., threat anticipation and aberrant salience). The study was based on the experience sampling method scheduled over 7 consecutive days in the sample of 77 drug-naïve, young adults (18-35 years). The saliva samples were collected with each prompt to measure cortisol levels. A temporal network analysis was used to explore the directed associations of tested variables. Altogether, 3234 data entries were analyzed. Data analysis revealed that salivary cortisol levels did not directly predict next-moment fluctuations of PLEs. However, higher salivary cortisol levels were associated with higher next-moment levels of PLEs through the effects on threat anticipation and negative affect. In turn, PLEs appeared to predict cortisol levels through the effects on negative affect and event-related stress. Negative affect and threat anticipation were the most central nodes in the network. There might be bidirectional associations between the HPA axis responses and PLEs. Threat anticipation and negative affect might be the most important mediators of these associations. Interventions targeting these mediators might hold promise for disrupting the connection between the HPA axis dysregulation and PLEs.

Analysis of key indicators of chronic stress in cats and dogs

Stress is an integral part of the life of every organism. This issue has become especially important now, during wartime, when stress affects both humans and animals. Military events have led to unprecedented changes in the lives of both humans and animals, affecting their daily routines, social interactions, and stress levels. The study was conducted on 12 dogs and 14 cats. The effects of stressors on cortisol, glucose, total leukocytes, and eosinophils levels were shown. The study’s results show that during chronic stress, the studied animals showed an increase in cortisol and glucose levels, indicating increased stress in these animals in response to changes in their daily lives. Total leukocyte counts in dogs and cats were also higher than reference levels, indicating an immediate activation of the immune system in response to stressors. The differential response of eosinophils in animals underscores the complexity of the immune system’s response to stress. Dogs, as social animals, may experience more pronounced immune modulation in response to stressors, potentially making them more sensitive to fluctuations in immune cell numbers. The study revealed important behavioral changes in dogs and cats. Behavioral manifestations are the most visible indicators of an animal’s emotional well-being. Changes in behavior, including anxiety, hiding, vocalization, and altered social interactions, may reflect the emotional and psychological effects of stress. Our findings underscore the importance of considering individualized strategies for managing animal welfare in emergencies

Lesser Weeks of Gestation Correlated with Levels of Cortisol in Ghanaian Women with Preeclampsia, Case-control Study

Following the different kinds of treatment of Preeclampsia (PE) that have challenged clinical regimens, it seems expedient to find ways of preventing PE. Cortisol might be the best factor and marker to provide the baseline information, hence the focus. The aim was to determine cortisol levels in preeclampsia. STROBE consensus checklist was utilized for this case-control study. Clinical information on 125 subjects (50 controls, 30 PE, 50 pregnant normotensive; with 5 lost by attrition) was obtained after ethical consideration (MS-Et/M.3 – P.3.2/2013 – 2014) and informed consent. Full blood count, lipid profile, and cortisol levels were analyzed after venipuncture and blood processing from subjects. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze data. The mean cortisol level in PE was 149.37ng/mL and this was statistically significant when compared with non-pregnant normotensive (controls) only (p = 0.004); and likewise, with both pregnant normotensive and controls (p = 0.008). During cortisol stratification, the odds ratio between PE and controls was 0.0927 (p = 0.0001) while the odds between pregnant normotensives and controls was 0.0374 (p &lt; 0.0001). A significant finding was seen between cortisol levels and lesser gestational weeks. The fewer the weeks of gestation, the higher the cortisol level of the preeclamptic patient.

Caring for a child with cancer: Parental competence, distress, and cortisol levels

Parents of children facing cancer are subject to psychological distress. In this study, we explored whether the time that had passed since a child’s cancer diagnosis was associated with parents’ distress levels and whether parental sense of competence (PSOC) moderated this association. Forty-four parents of children with cancer who were hospitalized during 2022 participated. Parents completed questionnaires and provided hair samples for the examination of hair cortisol concentration (HCC). Correlations indicated no significant association between time since diagnosis and distress indices. Yet, linear regression analysis revealed that PSOC moderated the association between time since diagnosis and parental HCC ( β = −0.36, p &lt; 0.05). For parents with low PSOC, time since diagnosis did not predict parental HCC. For parents with high PSOC, a longer time since diagnosis was associated with lower levels of parental HCC. Our results provide support for the clinical significance of PSOC as a target for intervention.

Hair cortisol concentrations in clipped and combed hair and associations with characteristics, health status and stress in domestic cats

Hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) are measured to assess long-term HPA-axis activity and may represent a valuable non-invasive tool to evaluate chronic stress in cats. This study investigated combing as a novel, low-stress method for HCC assessment, as well as possible associations between HCC and cat characteristics in 167 owned cats. Hair was sampled at veterinary clinics through clipping and/or combing the cat, or at home by the owner combing the cat. A questionnaire was sent to cat owners, including inquiries about the cat’s sex, health status, and exposure to stress. HCC was quantified using a commercial cortisol assay kit. Despite variations within and between sampling methods, Spearman’s correlation and Bland–Altman plots revealed a moderate correlation between clipped and combed samples (rs = 0.61, LOA -5.51 ± 22.54). In multiple linear regression, variations in HCC were observed based on sex, health status and cat group size. No associations were found between HCC and stress as assessed by owners. Despite study limitations and remaining uncertainty regarding factors influencing HCC, combing presents a convenient approach for evaluating long-term HPA-axis activity in clinical settings. The association between health and HCC suggests alterations in cortisol levels that are related to disease processes and stress-inducing events associated with the disease.

Methylation alterations of imprinted genes in different placental diseases

BackgroundImprinted genes play important functions in placentation and pregnancy; however, research on their roles in different placental diseases is limited. It is believed that epigenetic alterations, such as DNA methylation, of placental imprinting genes may contribute to the different pathological features of severe placental diseases, such as pre-eclampsia (PE) and placenta accreta spectrum disorders (PAS).ResultsIn this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of the methylation and expression of placental imprinted genes between PE and PAS using bisulfite sequencing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantitative PCR, respectively. Additionally, we assessed oxidative damage of placental DNA by determining 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine levels and fetal growth by determining insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and cortisol levels in the umbilical cord blood using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our results indicated that methylation and expression of potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 1, GNAS complex locus, mesoderm specific transcript, and IGF2 were significantly altered in both PE and PAS placentas. Additionally, our results revealed that the maternal imprinted genes were significantly over-expressed in PE and significantly under-expressed in PAS compared with a normal pregnancy. Moreover, DNA oxidative damage was elevated and positively correlated with IGF2 DNA methylation in both PE and PAS placentas, and cortisol and IGF2 levels were significantly decreased in PE and PAS.ConclusionsThis study suggested that DNA methylation and expression of imprinted genes are aberrant in both PE and PAS placentas and that PE and PAS have different methylation profiles, which may be linked to their unique pathogenesis.

Faecal Glucocorticoid Metabolites and Hair Cortisone/Cortisol Measurements in Domestic Pigs Exposed to Road Transportation and Dexamethasone Treatment.

Pig homeostasis is challenged by stressful production practices, like road transportation. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are mediators of reactive homeostasis, and their concentrations are frequently used as a stress indicator. The adrenocortical activity of fattening female and castrated male pigs was monitored over a 5-day longitudinal study. A bi-factorial experimental design was applied on day 2; 18 pigs in pen 1 were transported for 3 h (T; 1.2 m2/pig), and 18 pigs were kept in pen 2 (NT). Ten pigs from each pen were treated with dexamethasone (T-D or NT-D), and eight with saline solution (T-SS or NT-SS). Adrenocortical activity was assessed by measuring the levels of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGMs) and hair cortisol and cortisone. In T-SS pigs, the level of FGMs was higher after transportation than in NT-SS pigs. The level of FGMs of T-D pigs initially increased but then reached similar levels to those of NT-SS sooner than T-SS. In contrast, hair cortisol and cortisone did not respond to the treatments. Nevertheless, the hair cortisone/cortisol ratio increased due to transport and decreased after dexamethasone administration. Daily faecal sampling proved still more reliable than 60-day hair sampling for assessing adrenocortical activity. Transported pigs recovered their adrenocortical baseline levels within 24 h. Dexamethasone attenuated the response to transport.

Neurobiological Implications of Chronic Stress and Metabolic Dysregulation in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

Chronic stress is a significant factor affecting modern society, with profound implications for both physical and mental health. Central to the stress response is cortisol, a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. While cortisol release is adaptive in acute stress, prolonged exposure to elevated levels can result in adverse effects. This manuscript explores the neurobiological implications of chronic stress and its impact on metabolic dysregulation, particularly in the context of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulates cortisol production, which influences metabolism, immune response, and neurobiology. Elevated cortisol levels are associated with the development and exacerbation of metabolic disorders like IBD and contribute to neurodegenerative processes, including cognitive impairments and increased susceptibility to psychiatric conditions. The interaction between cortisol and its receptors, particularly glucocorticoid receptors, underscores the complexity of these effects. This review aims to elucidate the mechanisms through which chronic stress and cortisol dysregulation impact metabolic health and neurobiological function, providing insights into potential therapeutic strategies for mitigating these effects.

The Subcutaneous Adipose Microenvironment as a Determinant of Body Fat Development in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Adipose steroid metabolism modifies body fat development in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). To determine whether subcutaneous (SC) abdominal adipose aldo-keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3; a marker of testosterone generation) is increased in normal-weight women with PCOS vs age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched normoandrogenic ovulatory women (controls) and is related to SC abdominal adipose activator protein-1 (AP-1; a marker of adipocyte differentiation) and/or androgen receptor (AR) protein expression in predicting fat accretion. Prospective cohort study. Academic center. Eighteen normal-weight PCOS women; 17 age- and BMI-matched controls. Circulating hormone/metabolic determinations, intravenous glucose tolerance testing, total body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, SC abdominal fat biopsy, immunohistochemistry. Clinical characteristics, hormonal concentrations, body fat distribution, SC adipose AKR1C3, AR, and AP-1 protein expression. Women with PCOS had significantly higher serum androgen levels and greater android/gynoid fat mass ratios than controls. SC adipose AKR1C3, AR, and AP-1 protein expressions were comparable between the study groups, but groups differed in correlations. In PCOS women vs controls, SC adipose AKR1C3 protein expression correlated positively with android and gynoid fat masses and negatively with SC adipose AP-1 protein expression. SC adipose AR protein expression correlated negatively with fasting serum free fatty acid and high-density lipoprotein levels. In both study groups, SC adipose AKR1C3 protein expression negatively correlated with serum cortisol levels. In normal-weight PCOS women, SC abdominal adipose AKR1C3 protein expression, in combination with intra-adipose AP-1 and AR-dependent events, predicts fat accretion in the presence of physiological cortisol levels.

Protective potential of Bacillus subtilis (NMCC-path-14) against extraarticular manifestations during acute and sub-acute phase of arthritis using mice model

Extra-articular manifestations (EAM), which are associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), affect the quality of life of patients and are one of the critical causes of early mortality. This study was aimed at investigating whether Bacillus subtilis NMCC-path-14 (1 × 108 CFU/animal/day) could serve as a valuable therapeutic agent in managing EAM using complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis during acute and sub-acute phases. Arthritis was induced using intra-dermal administration of CFA in the right hind paw of mice on day 1. Dexamethasone (Dexa) (5 mg/kg/day/animal) was used as a standard treatment. Animals in Dexa and Bacillus subtilis concurrent treatment (BS-CT) received treatments on day 1. The Bacillus subtilis pre-treatment (BS-PT) group received a probiotic dose 7 days before arthritis induction. Parameters like body weight, relative organ weight, colon length, hematology, serum biochemistry, antioxidant capacity, and histopathology of liver, kidney, spleen, colon, stress-related behavioral changes, and cortisol levels were evaluated on days 7 (acute) and 14 (sub-acute). Dexa failed to manage the EAM in arthritic mice and instead exacerbated them. On the other hand, B. subtilis NMCC-path-14 significantly declined EAM with no notable side effects, highlighting its safety and effectiveness. The current data show that B. subtilis NMCC-path-14 may be an alternative option for arthritis treatment that can reduce systemic symptoms associated with arthritis. More studies are required to comprehend the underlying mechanisms of mitigating the EAM by B. subtilis NMCC-path-14.

The impact of light adjustment versus tuneable white mode on ICU staff’s circadian rhythms

ABSTRACT The significance of lighting design in intensive care units (ICUs) for healthcare professionals’ demanding work and its profound impact on health, visual comfort and overall well-being cannot be overstated. This study investigates the potential of controlling luminous flux and spectral characteristics to enhance ICU lighting environments. It aims to determine whether modifying the lighting spectrum positively affects health without compromising visual comfort and colour discrimination. Two distinct LED lighting configurations were tested. The first adjusted only light levels, providing insights into staff responses. The second used tuneable white lighting, allowing changes in spectral content and colour temperature throughout shifts, resembling natural light variations. Effects were assessed via subjective perception surveys and objective colour rendering tests. Physiological impacts were evaluated through urine and blood samples, analysing melatonin suppression and cortisol levels, crucial for regulating rhythms and stress. Results offer valuable insights into lighting’s impact on ICU occupants’ well-being, highlighting the potential benefits of spectral adjustments while maintaining visual comfort and colour discrimination. This holistic approach to lighting design in critical care settings emphasizes the importance of balancing health benefits with lighting quality.

Dexmedetomidine leads to the amelioration of stress response to surgery.

To determine the impact of intravenous Dexmedetomidine (Dex) administered perioperatively on stress response markers in patients undergoing ENT surgeries. This randomized interventional study was conducted at POFs Hospital and NUMS affiliated WMC, Wah Cantt, in collaboration with IIMC Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from October 2021 to April 2022. One hundred patients aged between 15-60 years, after satisfying the inclusion standards were randomly divided into two groups C and D. Group-C (n=50) received normal saline in addition to the standard anesthesia protocol. The intervention Group-D (n=50) was administered 1µg/kg dexmedetomidine hydrochloride intravenously over 10 minutes just before the induction followed 0.5μg/kg/hr as maintenance dose till the end of surgery. Serum inflammatory biomarkers (interleukins-6, TNF-α and cortisol) were measured in blood samples in both groups, taken at 0 (T0), 30 minutes(T1), and two hours (T2) time intervals and analyzed by using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data was statistically analyzed using SPSS 23. The patients receiving Dex showed marked decrease in serum levels of cortisol, TNF- α and interleukins-6, from 139.73 to10.18, 99.51 to 0.96 and 85.09 to 0.96 respectively. Comparison between C and D groups revealed significant differences (p≤0.05) in these serum biomarkers. In the present study, intravenous Dex suppressed the intraoperative rise in levels of cytokine secretion and enhanced smooth recovery with no incidence of nausea and vomiting. These effects could be attributed to the anti-inflammatory effects of dexmedetomidine.

Short Rest Between Flights Is Associated With Increased Serum Stress Hormone Levels in Airline Pilots: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Work-related stress is a critical area of research in civil aviation, given the potential for severe consequences when airline pilots (APs) are overwhelmed or unable to perform optimally. While pilots are traditionally considered to be exposed to various stressors, the impact of specific occupational characteristics on stress in the aviation industry remains inadequately understood. Considering that biomarkers are increasingly being utilized as objective measures of stress in human research, this cross-sectional study investigated the association between occupational variables and serum levels of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) as stress biomarkers in commercial APs. A total of 120 male APs completed a survey assessing the following work-related characteristics: position (captain vs. first officer), years of experience, total flight hours, flight hours in the preceding year, inter-flight rest duration, and flight route length. Serum cortisol and DHEAS concentrations were determined from venous blood samples obtained between 08:00 and 09:00 a.m., following a minimum eight-hour fasting period. The biomarker data were analyzed in relation to the aforementioned occupational characteristics. The mean serum cortisol and DHEAS concentrations in the entire cohort were 8.5±2.1 µg/dL and 214.6±96.4 µg/dL, respectively. There were no significant differences in the levels of the two stress hormones in relation to position, years of experience, total flight hours, flight hours in the preceding year, or flight route length. However, an inter-flight rest period of less than one hour was significantly associated with elevated serum cortisol (P<0.01) and reduced DHEAS levels (P<0.001) compared to longer rest durations. Notably, a stepwise decrease in DHEAS concentrations was observed for rest periods of <1 hour, 1-4 hours, 4-24 hours, and >24 hours. After adjustment for potential confounders in multivariable analyses, a rest period of <1 hour remained independently associated with both serum cortisol (odds ratio [OR]=1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.04-1.13, P<0.01) and DHEAS (OR=0.94, 95% CI=0.92-0.97, P<0.001). Serum stress hormones in APs are associated with short inter-flight rest periods. Optimization of rest durations may contribute to improved pilot well-being and performance. Further research is warranted to determine ideal rest period lengths and develop interventions to mitigate the potential adverse effects of abbreviated rest periods between flights.