Higher Cortisol Concentrations Research Articles

Biomarkers of burnout and their relationship with psychological characteristics in healthcare practitioners

Background — The goal of this study was to investigate how biomarkers can be indicators of burnout in healthcare workers and what is the relationship between these biomarkers and psychological characteristics. Material and Methods — A total of 96 doctors and nurses from different clinics in Irkutsk were surveyed. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Ware et al. 12-item Short-Form of the Medical Outcomes Study (SF-12), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Ways of Coping questionnaire, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) were employed. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), melatonin, serotonin, dopamine and cortisol were used as biomarkers. Results — We established that doctors and nurses diagnosed with high-level burnout had higher concentrations of DHEA-S and cortisol in their saliva. Salivary cortisol and DHEA-S were associated with levels of depressive symptoms. Relationships were found between various biomarkers (melatonin, DHEA-S) and factors that prevent the development of stress. Such productive coping strategies as Planful Problem-Solving or components of mindfulness capable of reducing stress severity were negatively associated with the circadian rhythm regulator (melatonin) and DHEA-S. Presumably, psychological regulation can reduce objective stress rather than subjectively experienced stress alone. Conclusion — Doctors and nurses with high burnout levels have high concentrations of DHEA-S and cortisol. Accordingly, these biomarkers can be considered as indicators of burnout. In addition, coping strategies and mindfulness components were identified that are associated with stress biomarkers and, presumably, can help reduce not only subjectively experienced stress, but also objective stress.

Psychosomatic disorders and periodontal pathogens virulence relationship

AIM. The relationship between psychosomatic diseases and inflammatory diseases of periodontal tissues, depending on the constant action of stressors on the human body, and the increased virulence of periodontopathogenic organisms in patients with psychiatric disorders.MATERIALS AND METHODS. Current information in the electronic databases Google Scholar and PubMed was examined through a systematic literature review. Articles with content related to the influence of psychosomatic diseases and constant stress on the increase in virulence of periodontopathogenic microorganisms were selected and included.RESULTS. A total of 271 publications were reviewed. After analyzing the literature according to the inclusion criteria, the final number was 58.CONCLUSIONS. Based on the analyzed data, in patients with psychosomatic diseases and chronic stress, the oral microflora becomes favorable for the active growth of periodontopathogenic microorganisms. In response to the introduction of these bacteria and their virulence factors, chronic inflammation is observed in periodontal tissues, cells secrete IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, IL-10, TNF-α, which decrease the body’s resistance to periodontopathogens. This group of patients has an increased amount of catecholamines in the blood, which increase the virulence of bacteria such as P. Gingivalis, which are the main ones in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases of periodontal tissues. High concentration of cortisol reduces the activity of immune cells, changing the balance of T-helper and T-suppressors and making the body more susceptible to various infections.

Habitat degradation has species-specific effects on the stress response of coral reef fishes

Coral reefs are one of the world's most threatened ecosystems, with transition from coral- to algal-dominated habitats becoming increasingly common. While habitat degradation in other ecosystems can lead to heightened stress among individuals, thereby increasing energetic demands and reducing fitness, the effects of habitat degradation on stress and metabolic performance of coral reef fish is unknown. Therefore, we investigated whether cortisol levels (an indicator of stress), metabolic performance, behaviour, and growth, were influenced by habitat quality in three fish species with varying degrees of reliance on live coral. We reared newly-settled fishes (Pomacentrus amboinensis, P. moluccensis and Dascyllus aruanus) for three weeks in one of three habitat treatments: live coral, dead coral covered in turf algae and cyanobacteria, or a combination of the two. After three weeks we quantified each individuals metabolic performance, cortisol concentration, morphology, and habitat use. Pomacentrus moluccensis had higher cortisol concentrations in the dead coral treatment, compared to the live coral, whereas there was no difference in cortisol levels among habitat treatments for P. amboinensis or D. aruanus. Overall, metabolic performance (aerobic scope, standard and maximum metabolic rate) showed no consistent response to habitat treatments. Regarding morphology, we only found D. aruanus to be impacted, with individuals from the live coral treatment having a significantly higher mass than individuals from the dead coral treatment. Behavioural space-use analysis revealed that D. aruanus and P. moluccensis spent more time away from their habitats in the dead coral treatments, whereas the space-use of P. amboinensis was unaffected by habitat degradation. Understanding how coral loss affects stress levels and fitness of reef fishes is critical to predict future reef fish communities. This study highlights that vulnerability of reef fish to coral reef degradation is species-specific, and related to their reliance on live coral. These changes may provide a mechanistic explanation to observed population declines following coral loss and indicate that remaining individuals have reduced fitness potentially compromising the subsistence of future populations.

Composition and Antioxidant Status of Human Milk of Women Living in Bydgoszcz (Poland).

The aim of this study was to compare cortisol concentrations, nutritional composition, and the antioxidant status of human milk of women living in Bydgoszcz (Poland), taking into account maternal factors (fertility, area of residence, economic activity, and breastfeeding period). The basic composition of human milk was evaluated using the MIRIS HMATM analyzer. The level of cortisol was determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent method. In order to determine the antioxidant activity, the DPPH radical method was used. It was observed that the concentration of cortisol in human milk in the group of women living in the city center was higher compared to the milk of women living on the outskirts of the city. In the group of women breastfeeding from 3 to 5 weeks after childbirth, the concentration of cortisol in milk was higher compared to the group of women breastfeeding less than 12 months of age and compared to the group of women lactating over 12 months of age. The antioxidant status of human milk was highest in the group of professionally active women and in the group of breastfeeding women from 3 to 5 weeks after childbirth. The basic composition and the caloric value of human milk differed statistically significantly in the study groups. Based on this study, it can be concluded that the composition and antioxidant status of human milk depends on maternal factors (fertility, professional activity, area of residence, and breastfeeding period). Higher cortisol concentrations in breast milk are probably determined by the area of residence (city center and associated higher noise/sound and stress levels) and lactation period (hormonal imbalance, fatigue, and postpartum period). Milk from economically active women shows greater protection against reactive oxygen species compared to milk from inactive women, protecting against the occurrence of diseases of civilization. Milk from breastfeeding women over 12 months of age also shows protection against reactive oxygen species, despite the fact that the highest level of antioxidant status of human milk occurs in the initial period of lactation.

Maternal cortisol concentration is associated with reduced brain activation to infant cry and more intrusive parenting behavior

Previous research indicates that maternal cortisol function and maternal brain response to infant are each in turn related to variations in parenting behavior. However, little is known about how maternal cortisol and maternal brain function are associated, thus studying these two mechanisms together may improve our understanding of how maternal cortisol assessed during interactions with own infant is associated with brain response to infant cry. First-time mothers (N = 59) of infants aged 3–4 months old were recruited to participate. Mothers’ cortisol concentration was measured during a naturalistic interaction with their infant and their behavior was coded for two parenting behaviors-- maternal sensitivity and non-intrusiveness. In an fMRI session, mothers listened to their own infant and a control infant crying. Higher cortisol concentration was associated with more intrusive behavior. We found greater cortisol concentration was further associated with decreased activation in the brain to infant cry in the right precentral gyrus, the left culmen extending into the left inferior temporal gyrus and fusiform, two clusters in the superior temporal gyrus, and in the medial frontal gyrus. We also found that lower activation in these regions was associated with more intrusive maternal behavior. These data demonstrate the associations between maternal cortisol concentration and reduced brain activation to infant cry in both motor planning and auditory processing regions in predicting intrusive parenting behavior.

A-056 Investigating Iodine Contrast Contamination in Cortisol and Aldosterone Samples

Abstract Background Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a condition characterized by hypertension resulting from excess secretion of aldosterone. PA caused by a unilateral aldosterone-producing adenoma can be treated with adrenalectomy but requires diagnosis by adrenal vein sampling (AVS). In this procedure, intravenous cosyntropin is administered to stimulate adrenal cortical secretion, followed by obtaining samples from the right and left adrenal veins and IVC. Laterization index is calculated by obtaining the aldosterone:cortisol ratio for each side, with a ratio cutoff ≥3 is used for confirmation. Iodinated contrast media facilitates visualization of catheter positioning during AVS and sometimes results in contamination of samples, evidenced by abnormal gel separator flotation (i.e. gel above plasma). This study had two aims: 1) to determine at what concentration contrast dye causes gel flotation and 2) discern whether contrast media interferes with our cortisol or aldosterone assays. Methods Gel flotation studies were performed by spiking pooled plasma samples with iohexol contrast media (Omnipaque 240, GE Healthcare) at concentrations ranging from 3%-10% v/v and aliquoting into fresh lithium heparin plasma separator tubes (BD, PSTs). Samples were then centrifuged and visually inspected for abnormal gel flotation. Contrast interference studies were performed using three pools of low (5 µg/dL), medium, (30 µg/dL), and high (55 µg/dL) cortisol concentrations. Sample pools were diluted with 20% contrast media or saline (control) and subsequently mixed at different ratios to create a range of dye concentrations (0.5%-18% v/v). Each mixture was assayed in triplicate for cortisol and aldosterone on a cobas e602 (Roche Diagnostics) and LIAISON XL (DiaSorin) immunoanalyzer, respectively. The total allowable error (TEa) was ±0.4 μg/dL or ±20% for cortisol and ±2 ng/dL or ±20% for aldosterone. Results Flotation of the gel separator was observed at a dye concentration of 4.5% v/v and greater. For the cortisol interference study, the bias was <5% for the three pools at all contrast media concentrations. Aldosterone was also measured in these pools, as bias could affect ratios calculated for PA. Aldosterone interference occurred at contrast dye concentrations ranging from 12%-20% v/v. An average positive bias of 34% was observed in aldosterone samples spiked with contrast media relative to the saline control. Compared to sample pool controls without added saline or dye, measurements for cortisol and aldosterone were 19%-22% and 16-25% lower in media- and saline-spiked samples (20% v/v), respectively, indicating a logical dilution effect. Conclusions Contrast dye contamination of AVS specimens can cause gel flotation in lithium heparin PSTs, preventing their analysis. The presence of contrast media at certain concentrations interfered with the DiaSorin aldosterone assay, leading to falsely elevated results. No cortisol assay interference occurred in the presence of contrast media but results were falsely decreased due to sample dilution. Samples collected during AVS may be contaminated with contrast dye causing gel flotation to occur. This is indicative of a minimum contrast media concentration of 4.5% v/v. Aldosterone:cortisol ratios may be inaccurate due to the positive aldosterone immunoassay bias with contrast media contamination. Care should be taken when reporting and interpreting AVS results with suspected contamination.

Hormonal status of patients with infertility and post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder that occurs after a psychologically or physically traumatic event, and characterized by three main clusters of posttraumatic symptoms, as well as chronic and significant disturbances in emotion regulation, identity, and relationships. PTSD is more common in women, which suggests a role for the regulation of female sex hormones in its development.The objective: to study the hormonal status of women with infertility and PTSD.Materials and methods. 112 women with infertility were examined, who were divided into groups depending on the PTSD criteria. The I group included 36 women with PTSD criteria, who were diagnosed with infertility before the onset of the traumatic factor, the II group – 31 patients with fertility disorders which were diagnosed on the background of PTSD, the III group – 45 women with infertility and without signs of PTSD, the control group consisted of 50 healthy women who applied for a routine preventive examination.In all patients, on the 3rd–5th day of the menstrual cycle, the concentrations of prolactin, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone were determined in the blood serum, in the saliva – cortisol, on the 21st day of the cycle – in the blood serum progesterone.Results. It was established that in women with infertility that was developed after the traumatic factor, the prolactin content is significantly higher (59.5±18.9 ng/ml) than in other groups of patients with fertility disorders (36.9±12.3 ng/ml in I group, 34.3±17.9 ng/ml – in the III group) and in the group of healthy women (13.5±5.6 ng/ml). The concentration of estradiol in the I group was within the reference values for the follicular phase of the cycle, but significantly lower (23.4±3.6 pg/ml) than in women of the other groups (from 87.6±14.6 pg/ml in the III group to 103.5±27.8 pg/ml in the group of healthy women). The average concentration of progesterone in the I (3.4±2.7 pg/ml) and II (4.1±2.9 pg/ml) groups was within the reference values, but was probably lower than that of healthy women (23.6±4.9 pg/ml), as well as women with infertility without signs of PTSD (19.4±5.1 pg/ml).In this study the patients with infertility which has developed on the background of PTSD had LH values within the reference normal range (2.0±0.5 U/L), but several times lower than in women with other reasons of infertility (12.0±3.6 U/l – in women with infertility before the development of PTSD, 6.0±1.9 U/l – in women with infertility without PTSD criteria) and in healthy women (9.2±3.4 U/l).An increased level of testosterone beyond the reference values was found only in women of the II group (3.3±1.9 nmol/l), in the other groups the average testosterone concentration ranged from 1.3±0.6 nmol/l in healthy women to 1.5±0.9 nmol/l in the I group and 1.8±0.7 nmol/l in women with infertility without signs of PTSD. Patients with PTSD are characterized by an increased level of cortisol in saliva, which indicates a prolonged reaction of the body to the trauma (8.8±0.3 ng/ml – in the I group, 10.3±0.4 ng/ml – in the II group), in groups without PTSD the level of this hormone in saliva was almost twice as low (5.4±0.2 ng/ml – in the III group and 5.9±0.3 ng/ml – in healthy women).Conclusions. 1. The patients with PTSD and infertility are characterized by high concentrations of cortisol in saliva and a decreased progesterone level in blood serum.2. In patients who had fertility disorders before a stressful event, a decreased estrogen concentration and an increased luteinizing hormone level were found in blood serum, which indicates endocrine disorders as a cause of infertility.3. Prolactin and testosterone levels were found to be higher in the patients with infertility that was developed after a traumatic event than in other women with reproductive function disorders. Both factors are pathogenetically related to the pathological reaction to stress.

Comparison of cortisol, depression and stress hormone levels in primary dysmenorhore adolescents with the application of a combination of facial acupressure with classic music therapy

<p><strong>Background :</strong><em> Constant chronic dysmenorrhea pain, should be screened with a single morning serum cortisol concentration. Uncontrolled pain (acute and chronic) initially indicates high serum cortisol concentrations. Then, one of the factors that can influence pain during menstruation is stress. </em></p><p><strong>Objectives :</strong><em> This study aims to assess non-pharmacological interventions for facial acupressure (BL-2, Yin Tang, GV 23, GB 15, Tai Yang, GB 14, Ex Hn4, TE 23, Sang Ming , LI-20, Ex Hn 8, ST-3, Si 18, Du 26, REN 24, JiaCenjiang, SJ21, SJ17, GB-2) combined with Mozart classical music in reducing cortisol levels, depression and stress in dysmenorrhea primary. </em></p><p><strong>Methods:</strong><em> This is quantitative research with a quasi-experimental design. The research approach used is pre-post test design. In November 2021-January 2022 at Megarezky University Makassar. There were 42 Adolescents with Primary Dysmenorrhea for respondents to this research. The sample in this study was divided into three groups, namely an intervention group (combination of facial acupressure with classical music) and 2 control groups which were only given classical music and facial acupressure treatment. Data collected included depression and stress. In addition, cortisol levels were checked using an ELISA Kit. Then the data was analyzed using the Paired T-test, while to see the differences if it was normally distributed using the One Way Anova test and if it was not normally distributed using Kruskal-Wallis. </em></p><p><strong>Results:</strong><em> The results of the study found that there was a decrease in cortisol levels, depression and stress when given facial acupressure and classical music, but the reduction was more effective if a combination of facial acupressure and classical music.</em></p><p><em></em><strong>Conclusions:</strong><em> Among the variables of cortisol levels, depression and stress, the combination of facial acupressure and classical music was significantly more effective in improving stress than just giving facial acupressure and classical music. </em></p>

Next-Generation Sequencing to Determine Changes in the Intestinal Microbiome of Juvenile Sturgeon Hybrid (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii♀ × Acipenser baerii♂) Resulting from Sodium Butyrate, Β-Glucan and Vitamin Supplementation

Background/Objectives: The effect of sodium butyrate (NaB), β-glucan (βG) and vitamins in the diet on gut microbiome, cortisol level, lysozyme activity and growth parameters of juvenile hybrid sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii♀ × Acipenser baerii♂) was determined. Methods: Sturgeon hybrids (n = 144) were divided into three groups with enriched feeding (mg/kg of feed): FQV1 (50 NaB; 20 βG; const. vitamins), FQV2 (150 NaB; 20 βG; const. vitamins), FQV3 (50 NaB; 60 βG; const. vitamins) and control (not supplemented), each group in triplicate, 12 fish in each repetition. Rearing was carried out for 30 days in controlled conditions. Gut microbiome was characterized using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) of DNA samples isolated from intestinal content. Cortisol level was determined using the ELISA test. Lysozyme activity was measured by turbidimetric test. Results: Based on data obtained from NGS, it was determined that the FQV1 group is characterized by the highest values of diversity indices (Shannon, Simpson and Chao-1) and the largest number of ASVs (Amplicon Sequence Variants). The highest abundance of probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus, Lactococcus) was determined in the FQV1 group. The highest cortisol concentration was determined in the control (33.26 ng/mL), while the lowest was in FQV3 (27.75 ng/mL). The highest lysozyme activity was observed in FQV1 (154.64 U/mL), and the lowest in FQV2 (104.39 U/mL) and control (121.37 U/mL) (p < 0.05). FQV2 was characterized by significantly more favorable values of breeding indicators (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The obtained results prove that an appropriate composition of NaB, βG and vitamins can be used in the commercial breeding of juvenile hybrid sturgeons.

Relationship between chronic diseases, hair cortisol concentration and welfare of housed dairy goats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between seroprevalence of chronic diseases, hair cortisol concentration (HCC), and welfare of dairy goats housed throughout a productive cycle. Sixty multiparous dairy goats, over four years old, were selected. An animal welfare assessment was conducted using health indicators for goats, according to the AWIN protocol. Blood samples were also collected for haematology and determination of seroprevalence of chronic diseases, hair samples for determination of HCC, milk samples for chemical composition and somatic cell counts, and faecal samples for parasite load. Small Ruminant Lentivirus (SRLv) had a prevalence of 71.66%, Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) of 5%, Leptospira interrogans of 40% and Ovine Gammaherpesvirus type 2 (OvHV-2) of 50%. The percentages of goats that tested positive for one, two or three diseases were 31.67%, 50% and 11.66%respectively. Haematological alterations included hyperproteinaemia (84.94 ± 1.58 g/L) and hyperfibrinogenaemia (6.11± 0.65 g/L) for those with one or two diseases, with significant differences being found (P < 0.05). The welfare indicatorsrelated to health and the number of diseases were poor body condition, poor coat, poor udder conformation, andmucosal lesions (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed between HCC and the number of chronicdiseases in dairy goats (P > 0.05). Higher concentrations of cortisol in hair were found at 150 days of lactation (16.65 ± 1.39pg/mg) compared to the mating season (9.55 ± 0.04 pg/mg) (P < 0.05). No associations were found (P > 0.05) betweenthe production, composition, and somatic cell counts in milk and cortisol concentrations and diseases. It was concludedthat the presence of chronic diseases in goats did not influence hair cortisol concentrations, possibly due to an effect ofadaptive tolerance to diseases, as occurs in other domestic species; however, there was an effect of the productive stage.

Patients with severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions have extremely high hair cortisol concentrations that do not correlate with the presence of depression

Patients with severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions have extremely high hair cortisol concentrations that do not correlate with the presence of depression

Endogenous serum glucocorticoid concentrations, steroidogenic enzyme activity, and 90-day mortality in patients hospitalized with COVID-19: an observational cohort study.

In the context of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) illness, we examined endogenous glucocorticoid concentrations, steroidogenic enzyme activity, and their correlation with inflammation and patient outcomes. This observational study included 125 hospitalized COVID-19 patients and 101 healthy individuals as a reference group. We utilized LC-MS to assess serum concentrations of 11-deoxycortisol, cortisol, and cortisone, as well as activities of steroidogenic enzymes (11β-hydroxylase and 11β-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase type 1). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and competing risk analysis were employed to analyze associations between glucocorticoid concentrations and outcomes, adjusting for relevant factors. In patients with COVID-19, cortisol concentrations were higher and cortisone concentrations were lower compared to the reference group, while 11-deoxycortisol concentrations were similar. Steroidogenic enzyme activity favored cortisol production. Correlations between glucocorticoid concentrations and inflammatory markers were low. A doubling in concentrations cortisol, was associated with increased 90-day mortality and mechanical ventilation (HR: 2.40 95% CI: (1.03-5.59) , P = 0.042 and HR: 3.83 (1.19-12.31), P = 0.024). A doubling in concentrations of 11-deoxycortisol was also associated to mortality (HR: 1.32 (1.05-1.67), P = 0.018), whereas concentrations of cortisone were associated with mechanical ventilation (HR: 5.09 (1.49-17.40), P = 0.009). In conclusion, serum concentrations of glucocorticoid metabolites were altered in patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19, and steroidogenic enzyme activity resulting in the conversion of cortisone to biologically active cortisol was preserved, thus not favoring critical-illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency at the enzymatic level. Glucocorticoid release did not counterbalance the hyperinflammatory state in patients with severe COVID-19. High serum concentrations of 11-deoxycortisol and cortisol were associated with 90-day mortality, and high serum concentrations of cortisol and cortisone were associated with mechanical ventilation.

Cortisol, Stress, and Disease-Bidirectional Associations; Role for Corticosteroid-Binding Globulin?

Selye described stress as a unified neurohormonal mechanism maintaining homeostasis. Acute stress system activation is adaptive through neurocognitive, catecholaminergic, and immunomodulation mechanisms, followed by a reset via cortisol. Stress system components, the sympathoadrenomedullary system, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and limbic structures are implicated in many chronic diseases by establishing an altered homeostatic state, allostasis. Consequent "primary stress system disorders" were popularly accepted, with phenotypes based on conditions such as Cushing syndrome, pheochromocytoma, and adrenal insufficiency. Cardiometabolic and major depressive disorders are candidates for hypercortisolemic etiology, contrasting the "hypocortisolemic symptom triad" of stress sensitivity, chronic fatigue, and pain. However, acceptance of chronic stress etiology requires cause-and-effect associations, and practical utility such as therapeutics altering stress system function. Inherent predispositions to stress system perturbations may be relevant. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) variants have been associated with metabolic/neuropsychological states. The SERPINA6 gene encoding corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG), was the sole genetic factor in a single-nucleotide variation-genome-wide association study linkage study of morning plasma cortisol, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, with alterations in tissue-specific GR-related gene expression. Studies showed genetically predicted high cortisol concentrations are associated with hypertension and anxiety, and low CBG concentrations/binding affinity, with the hypocortisolemic triad. Acquired CBG deficiency in septic shock results in 3-fold higher mortality when hydrocortisone administration produces equivocal results, consistent with CBG's role in spatiotemporal cortisol delivery. We propose some stress system disorders result from constitutional stress system variants rather than stressors themselves. Altered CBG:cortisol buffering may influence interstitial cortisol ultradian surges leading to pathological tissue effects, an example of stress system variants contributing to stress-related disorders.

Two-year course of non-suicidal self-injury in an adolescent clinical cohort: The role of childhood adversity in interaction with cortisol secretion

AimNon-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a highly prevalent phenomenon during adolescence. Nonetheless, research on predictors of the clinical course of NSSI over time is still scarce. The present study aimed at investigating the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning on the longitudinal course of NSSI. MethodsIn a sample of n = 51 help-seeking adolescents engaging in NSSI, diurnal cortisol secretion (CAR, cortisol awakening response; DSL, diurnal slope), hair cortisol concentrations and ACE were assessed at baseline. Clinical outcome was defined by change in the frequency of NSSI in the past 6 months measured 12 and 24 months after the baseline assessments. Mixed-effects linear regression models were used to test for effects of ACE and HPA axis functioning on the course of NSSI. ResultsACE and HPA axis functioning did not show main but interaction effects in the prediction of NSSI frequency over time: Adolescents with a low severity of ACE and either an increased CAR or a flattened DSL showed a steep decline of NSSI frequency in the first year followed by a subsequent increase of NSSI frequency in the second year. ConclusionsOur findings could be interpreted in the sense of high diurnal cortisol concentrations in the absence of ACE being favorable for clinical improvement on the short-term but bearing a risk of allostatic load and subsequent increase of NSSI frequency. In contrast, adolescents with severe ACE may benefit from elevated cortisol concentrations leading to slower but lasting decreases of NSSI frequency.

Effect of hospitalization on equine local intestinal immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentration measured in feces

During hospitalization horses may develop gastrointestinal conditions triggered by a stress-associated weak local immune system. The prospective, clinical trial was conducted to find out whether fecal immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentrations could be determined in hospitalized horses and how they changed during hospitalization and in response to various stressors. Samples were obtained from 110 horses and a control group (n = 14). At arrival in the hospital, horses were categorized into pain grades (1-5), and elective versus strenuous surgery (> 2 hours, traumatic and emergency procedures). Feces were collected on day 1, day 2, day 3, and day 7 in all horses. Blood samples were obtained at the same intervals, but additionally after general anaesthesia in horses undergoing surgery (day 2). IgA concentration in feces was determined by ELISA and measured in optical density at 450nm. The control group showed constant IgA concentrations on all days (mean value 0.30 OD450 ±SD 0.11, 1.26 mg/g; n = 11). After general anaesthesia fecal IgA concentrations decreased considerably independent of duration and type of surgery (P < 0.001 for elective and P = 0.043 for traumatic surgeries). High plasma cortisol concentrations were weakly correlated with low fecal IgA on the day after surgery (P = 0.012, day 3, correlation coefficient r = 0.113). Equine fecal IgA concentrations showed a decline associated with transport, surgery, and hospitalization in general, indicating that stress has an impact on the local intestinal immune function and may predispose horses for developing gastrointestinal diseases such as enterocolitis.

Comparison of chemotherapy outcomes between normal and high serum cortisol concentration in dogs with lymphoma.

Increased serum cortisol (COR) concentrations may induce glucocorticoid resistance by down-regulation of glucocorticoid receptor (GCR), resulting in decreased chemotherapy efficacy in dogs with lymphoma. Investigate the relationship between serum COR concentrations and chemotherapy outcomes in dogs with lymphoma. Thirty client-owned dogs with lymphoma, with serum COR concentration measured using serum samples collected at diagnosis. Retrospective study. Dogs were divided into 2 groups based on serum COR concentrations: a normal group (n = 16) with COR concentrations <6 μg/dL and a high group (14) with COR concentrations ≥6 μg/dL. We compared signalment, clinical signs, stage, type of lymphoma, adrenal gland size, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, response to chemotherapy, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and rate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp)- and GCR-positive cells between the 2 groups. No significant differences were found in the demographic characteristics between the 2 groups. However, the high COR group exhibited a significantly lower response to chemotherapy, PFS, and OS compared with the normal COR group. Serum ALP activity was significantly higher in the high COR group than in the normal COR group. Adrenal gland size was also significantly larger in the high COR group. Although no significant differences were found in the rate of P-gp-positive cells between the 2 groups, the rate of GCR-positive cells was significantly lower in the high COR group. Our data suggests that measurement of serum COR concentrations may serve as a potential prognostic factor and evaluation index.

Maternal and neonatal cortisol and catecholamines throughout vaginal eutocia and C-section in dogs

Increased fetal cortisol is associated with catecholamine release, a primary factor for neonatal adaptive responses. However, relationship between canine peripartum cortisol and catecholamine is unknown. We aimed to compare serum adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol during peripartum in bitches and neonates of distinct obstetric conditions and to assess amniotic fluid cortisol concentration. Twenty females and maximum of three puppies per litter were allocated into Vaginal Eutocia (10 females; 17 neonates) and Elective C-section (10 females; 20 neonates) groups. Amniotic fluid was collected at delivery for cortisol concentration. Maternal and neonatal blood were collected prepartum, intrapartum, postpartum and 1h postpartum, and at birth, 30 and 60min, 12hs and 24hs, respectively, for cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline assessment. C-section determined higher noradrenaline throughout delivery and cortisol concentration from intrapartum through 1h postpartum, compared to vaginal birth. C-section maternal cortisol showed progressive increase from intrapartum onwards, while neonatal cortisol remained unchanged. No difference of maternal cortisol concentration occurred along whelping, whereas a significant decrease was verified for vaginal delivery puppies from birth until the 12hs. Puppies delivered vaginally had higher cortisol concentration at birth and 30min, compared to c-section puppies. There was a higher concentration of amniotic fluid cortisol in vaginal eutocia. In conclusion, c-section induces higher maternal stress during and after surgery, whilst vaginal delivery is a more neonatal physiologically stressful condition, contributing to better adaptation during transition.

Hormonal and psychological influences on performance anxiety in adolescent female volleyball players: a multi-approach study.

The neuroendocrine system has important implications for affiliation behavior among humans and can be used to assess the correlation between social relationships, stress, and health. This can be influenced by social closeness; this aspect is the closeness towards another individual or a group of individuals such as a sports team. Sports performance anxiety is considered an unpleasant emotional reaction composed of physiological, cognitive, affective, and behavioral components. This motivates us to learn about the process that can influence the outcome of competition. Hormones and genetics would seem to influence outcome and performance. In this regard, many studies have focused on the exercise response as a function of ovarian hormones and it has been observed that progesterone is a hormone that plays a key role in reducing anxiety, and thus stress, in humans and other animals. On the other hand, high cortisol concentrations are known to contribute to increased anxiety levels. However, the salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) enzyme has been suggested as marker of acute stress than cortisol. Genetics also seem to influence anxiety and stress management as in the case of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and striatal dopamine transporter (DAT). Therefore, the study aims to investigate social closeness, as a measure of sports team cohesion that can influence athletes' performance results, and its ability to influence the secretion of hormones, such as progesterone and cortisol, that affect the management of sports anxiety while also taking into account genetic background during a volleyball match. Twenty-six female volleyball players who volunteered participated in this study (mean ± SD: age, 12.07 ± 0.7 years), and played in the final of the provincial volleyball championship in Palermo. All girls were during the ovarian cycle, in detail between the follicular and early ovulatory phases. The results showed a significant decrease in salivary cortisol only in the winning group (p < 0.039). In fact, whilst in the latter the pre-match level was 7.7 ng/ml and then decreased to 4.5 ng/ml after the match, in the losers group change was not statistically significant (7.8 ng/ml vs 6.6 ng/ml pre- and post-match). As to the sAA concentration, the winning team showed a statistically significant variation between pre- and post-match than the losers (166.01 ± 250 U/ml vs 291.59 ± 241 U/ml) (p = 0.01). Analyzing the results of the SAS-2 psychological test it is highlighted that, on average, the loser group was more anxious than the winning group, and this contributed to the final result. In conclusion, there is strong evidence supporting the state of the art that many factors can affect performance anxiety and thus the performance itself.

&lt;b&gt;A prospective study of bone biomarker for the clinical assessment of osteoporosis associated with depression in a tertiary care hospital&lt;/b&gt;

&lt;b&gt;Background:&lt;/b&gt; Depression and osteoporosis are severe public health problems. There are conflicting findings regarding the influence of depression on bone metabolism. Depression has been linked to an increased risk of osteoporosis, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Depression has been implicated as a possible risk factor for low bone mineral density (BMD). However, there is still no solid evidence that could connect these two different illnesses. Many studies in this area are observational, which means they can show associations but not prove causation. &lt;b&gt;Aim:&lt;/b&gt; The aim of the presented study was to compare bone turnover markers between osteoporosis patients associated with depression and healthy controls. &lt;b&gt;Methods:&lt;/b&gt; We determined a concentration of serum cortisol, creatinine, TSH and 1,25(OH)2D3 in 60 osteoporotic patients, aged 46.9 ± 17 years, associated with depression, as well as in 60 healthy subjects. Depressive status was determined with the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; In osteoporotic patients with depression, we observed significantly lower bone mineral density concentrations (p &lt; 0.05) and higher concentration of cortisol (result on the border of significance; p = 0.08). The level of TSH and 1,25(OH)2D3 did not differ significantly between the examined groups. We observed a negative correlation of the eGFR as compare with creatinine score in all osteoporotic patients with depression. We found that patients with depression had significantly higher levels of bone resorption markers (cortisol) and lower levels of bone formation markers (vitamin D) compared to healthy controls. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; Our results indicate that depression is related to disturbances in bone metabolism, especially in women, suggesting its role in context of osteoporosis development. Our findings suggest that bone markers may be useful in identifying individuals at risk of depression-related osteoporosis.

Parental stress parameter difference after caring for congenital adrenal hyperplasia children with genital ambiguity

Abstract Introduction: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) disrupts cortisol biosynthesis, which may cause genital ambiguity in females. Caring for children with genital ambiguity creates parental distress. Common stress parameters include biological (e.g., serotonin cortisol) and psychological (e.g., Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale [DASS] scores). This study elaborated parental stress parameter differences among parents of CAH children with and without genital ambiguity. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 34 fathers and 44 mothers of children with CAH. All participants agreed to fill in the DASS-42 and socioeconomic questionnaire. Morning serum serotonin and cortisol samples were examined using the enzyme-linked immune-absorbent assay technique. Results: The median (minimum–maximum) value of serotonin concentration was lower in fathers compared to mothers (281.18 [78.44–122.91] ng/ml vs. 399.78 [122.91–1050.0] ng/ml, P = 0.11); in parents of children with genital ambiguity (292.22 [78.44–1050.00] ng/ml vs. 426.71 [150.78–1050.00] ng/ml, P = 0.01); and in parents of children with a diagnosis time &lt;1 year (225.00 [93.41–570.33] ng/ml vs. 371.815 [78.44–1050.00] ng/ml, P = 0.046). Higher cortisol concentration was observed in parents of children with diagnosis time &lt;1 year (78.65 [50.89–126.89] ng/ml vs. 63.33 [6.14–283.67] ng/ml, P = 0.046). The proportion of depression was 24.4%, anxiety 45.1%, and stress 21.8%. Conclusion: Fathers, parents of children with genital ambiguity, and being recently diagnosed had lower serum serotonin levels. Parents of recently diagnosed children had higher cortisol levels. Anxiety was more common than depression and stress.