Increase In Serum Cortisol Levels Research Articles

Associations between immune competence phenotype and stress response in sheep

Immune competence in domestic sheep is gaining more attention in genetic selection programs that seek to enhance flock immunity and animal welfare. A goal of many programs is to identify behavioral phenotypes that indicate stress-coping strength, as well as disease resilience. The current study set out to explore the relationship between immune responsiveness, physiological stress, and behavioral response among sheep that had been selected for ‘low’ (LR) or ‘high’ (HR) response to cell-mediated and antibody-mediate reactivity to a clostridial vaccine. Multiparous ewes were placed in four experiments which exposed the animals to various threats including, dog presence, human proximity, visual isolation from flock, and physical restraint. To evaluate the consistency of behavioral phenotypes, all ewes were placed in the test circuit one year later. Basal body temperature (via iButton) and serum cortisol concentrations were collected prior to and after the circuit each year. Immune group (HR vs. LR) was not found to be related to behavioral performance during the dog, human, isolation, or restraint challenge. Immune group categorization was also unrelated to pre- and post-cortisol concentrations, and the change in cortisol concentrations during testing. There was a negative relationship identified between response to visual isolation and change in cortisol response during testing, indicating that sheep which were more active or agitated during visual isolation from the flock experienced less of an increase in serum cortisol levels and were perhaps experiencing a negative, high arousal state compared to less reactive sheep (e.g., freeze behavior) (χ2(4, N=99) = 42.72, P <0.0001). There was also a post hoc, positive relationship identified between weight measurements and immune group, such that individuals with greater body weight were more likely to be in the high immune responsiveness group (P= 0.01). Specifically, for every unit increase in weight, there was a ~49% chance of being categorized in the HR group. This is relevant for selection programs because producers that seek to enhance immune responsiveness and performance may be able to select sheep that carry a greater body mass, and while not found in the present study, could lead to greater flock immunity.

Effects of Softening Dry Food with Water on Stress Response, Intestinal Microbiome, and Metabolic Profile in Beagle Dogs.

Softening dry food with water is believed to be more beneficial to the intestinal health and nutrients absorption of dogs by some owners, but there appears to be little scientific basis for this belief. Thus, this study aimed to compare feeding dry food (DF) and water-softened dry food (SDF) on stress response, intestinal microbiome, and metabolic profile in dogs. Twenty healthy 5-month-old beagle dogs were selected and divided into two groups according to their gender and body weight using a completely randomized block design. Both groups were fed the same basal diet, with one group fed DF and the other fed SDF. The trial lasted for 21 days. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, inflammatory cytokines, stress hormones, heat shock protein-70 (HSP-70), fecal microbiota, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), branch-chain fatty acids (BCFAs), and metabolomics were measured. Results showed that there was no significant difference in body weight, ATTD, and SCFAs between the DF and SDF groups (p > 0.05), whereas feeding with SDF caused a significant increase in serum cortisol level (p < 0.05) and tended to have higher interleukin-2 (p = 0.062) and HSP-70 (p = 0.097) levels. Fecal 16S rRNA gene sequencing found that the SDF group had higher alpha diversity indices (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the SDF group had higher levels of Streptococcus, Enterococcus, and Escherichia_Shigella, and lower levels of Faecalibacterium (p < 0.05). Serum and fecal metabolomics further showed that feeding with SDF significantly influenced the purine metabolism, riboflavin metabolism, and arginine and proline metabolism (p < 0.05). Overall, feeding with SDF caused higher cortisol level and generated effects of higher intestinal microbial diversity in dogs, but it caused an increase in some pathogenic bacteria, which may result in intestinal microbiome disturbance and metabolic disorder in dogs. In conclusion, feeding with SDF did not provide digestive benefits but caused some stress and posed a potential threat to the intestinal health of dogs. Thus, SDF is not recommended in the feeding of dogs.

Characterization of a paradoxical post-operative increase in serum cortisol in Cushing disease.

In Cushing disease, early post-operative serum cortisol fluctuations have not been adequately characterized, and their association with initial remission and recurrence is unclear. A retrospective cohort study of patients with Cushing disease was conducted at two institutions. A "riser" was defined a priori as a paradoxical increase in serum cortisol with an immediate incremental increase in serum cortisol over three consecutive cortisol draws separated by roughly 6-h (definition 1). Post hoc analyses used a definition of two consecutive increases (definition 2). Risers were compared to non-risers for initial remission and time-to-recurrence. A total of 505 patients with Cushing disease were screened, and 469 had adequate data for group assignment. Analysis of post-operative cortisol showed a subgroup of "risers" with a frequency of 3.6% for definition 1 and 42.6% for definition 2. In these patients, cortisol levels were significantly higher until approximately 36h post-operatively, and cortisol had a significantly longer mean serum half-life. In the post hoc analysis, definition 2 risers had a lower remission rate compared to non-risers (162/196, 82.7%, versus 243/264, 92.0%) with an odds ratio of 0.41 (0.23-0.73; p = 0.003). For both definitions, recurrence was similar between groups. We found that almost half of Cushing disease patients experienced a temporary increase in serum cortisol level during the early post-operative period. Serum cortisol half-life was longer, and the remission rates were lower, however, recurrence rates were similar to non-risers.

Cortisol levels in blood and hair of unanesthetized grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) following intravenous cosyntropin injection

Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) is being used increasingly to evaluate long‐term stress in many mammalian species. Most of the cortisol is assumed to passively diffuse from circulating blood into hair follicles and gradually accumulate in growing hair. However, our research with free‐ranging grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) suggests HCC increases significantly within several hours following capture, a time too brief to be explained by this mechanism alone. In this study with captive grizzly bears, we sought to determine if a brief spike in blood cortisol concentration, thus mimicking a single stressful event, would cause an increase in HCC over a 7‐day period. To do this, we administered a single intravenous dose (5 μg/kg) of cosyntropin to three captive unanaesthetised adult female grizzly bears on two occasions, during April when hair growth was arrested and during August when hair was growing. In both trials, the cosyntropin caused a two‐fold or greater increase in serum cortisol levels within 1 hr but did not appear to influence HCC at 1, 48, and 168 hr following cosyntropin administration. We conclude the cosyntropin‐induced cortisol spike was likely insignificant when compared to the adrenocortical response that occurs in free‐ranging bears when captured. We suggest further study with a larger sample of captive bears to evaluate the combined effects of anaesthesia and multiple doses of cosyntropin administered over several hours would better simulate the adrenocortical response of free‐ranging grizzly bears during capture.

Anesthetic efficacy of two plant phenolics and the physiological response of juvenile Ictalurus punctatus to simulated transport

The live transport of juvenile channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) is an important part of channel catfish breeding in China, but the anesthetic dose and physiological response of channel catfish after transport have not been studied yet. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential of eugenol and thymol in live transport and study their anesthetic effects of on juvenile channel catfish by analyzing a large number of parameters associated with stress and nonspecific immunity. First we tested eugenol and thymol concentrations of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 100 mg/L. Eugenol successfully anesthetized the experimental fish at concentrations of 30–100 mg/L for 1258–82 s (resuscitation time was 147–300 s), while thymol was effective at 20–100 mg/L for 1612–81 s (recovery time was 333–475 s). The second experiment involved adding 10 and 20 mg/L of eugenol and thymol (4 groups) to the water, simulating transport (5 h), analyzing the stress and non-specific immune parameters of the serum, and determining gene expression changes in the liver and head kidney for 48 h. Anesthetics in the transport water inhibited the increase in serum cortisol levels (treatment group: 39.81–60.79 ng/mL, control group: 142.14 ng/mL), and Hsp90 in the liver was a more suitable biomarker for transport stress in channel catfish than Hsp70. Concentrations of serum total Ig, lysozyme, lectin, and ACH50, as well as the expression levels of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α) and pattern recognition receptors (NOD-1) in the head kidney increased. The expression of cytokines and NOD-1 in the head kidney returned to the pre-transport level after 48 h. Both anesthetics are suitable for channel catfish, but thymol is more suitable as a transport sedative. The results of this study could help maintain the health of juvenile channel catfish after live transport, decrease their infection and mortality, improve wellbeing, and reduce economic losses to the aquaculture industry.

A study of serum cortisol levels in patients with lichen planus

Objectives: Primary objective was to compare between the serum cortisol levels in patients with lichen planus (LP) and normal subjects. The secondary objective was to compare between the serum cortisol levels of LP patients with and without oral lesions. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional analytical study comparing the serum cortisol levels in patients with LP with that of age- and gender-matched normal subjects who attended a tertiary referral centre. Results: There were a total of 52 patients with LP in this study. The mean age was 48.1 ± 12.6 years. Male/female ratio was 1:1.9. Fifteen (28.8%) patients gave a history of recent stress in the 1 month before the onset of illness. Classical LP (34, 65.4%) was the most common type. Oral cavity was involved in 24 patients (46.2%). The mean serum cortisol level of patients with LP was higher than the same noted in age- and gender-matched normal subjects and this was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Statistically significant difference (P = 0.02) was noted between the serum cortisol levels of patients with different types of LP. No significant difference in the cortisol levels was observed between LP patients with and without oral lesions. Limitations: The main limitation of the study was the small sample size. Conclusion: This study showed a significant increase in serum cortisol levels in patients with LP when compared to normal subjects, while no significant difference was noted in cortisol levels between LP patients with and without oral lesions.

MON-905 A Case of Cushing’s Disease with Glucocorticoid Positive-Feedback

Background: Although paradoxical response of cortisol (F) during high dose dexamethasone (Dex) suppression test (DST) is observed in a part of ectopic ACTH syndrome, few reports have been shown in Cushing’s disease (CD). It suggests a presence of glucocorticoid (GC)-driven positive-feedback loop. However, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here we present a case of CD showing clear clinical and pathophysiological evidences of GC positive-feedback using ex vivo 3-dimensional (D) culture method. Case: A 62-year-old woman manifested typical Cushing’s symptoms, including moon face, central obesity, hypertension, hypokalemia, and vertebral fractures. Endocrinological data were consistent with a diagnosis of CD; morning plasma ACTH 299 pg/mL, serum F 28 μg/dL, midnight serum F 43 μg/dL, and 24hr urinary free cortisol 988 μg/day. CRH test showed a slight increase in plasma ACTH levels (1.4 fold), and pituitary MRI revealed a 14 mm macroadenoma invading into the left cavernous sinus. Interestingly, both 1 mg and 8 mg DST showed a paradoxical increase in serum cortisol levels (27.7→64.7μg/dL and 17.17→35.68μg/dL, respectively). These data indicated a presence of positive-feedback response to GC in the tumor. Indeed, after the initiation of metyrapone (1,000 mg/day) administration for the treatment of hypercortisolemia, plasma ACTH levels were decreased to 147.5 pg/mL accompanied with the decrease in serum F levels to 4.12 μg/dL. Moreover, pituitary tumor obviously shrank during the metyrapone treatment. Thereafter, we undertook transsphenoidal surgery and plasma ACTH and serum F levels decreased to 35.8 pg/mL and 7.6μg/dL, respectively. ex vivo studies: To prove the presence of the positive feedback response and explore the underlying mechanisms, we performed a primary culture experiment using the tumor and applied 3D culture method. The resected tumor tissue was enzymatically digested, dispersed and embedded into the Matrigel. Then cells were treated with Dex (0.1-10 nM), and ACTH concentrations were measured after 72 hrs. Interestingly, ACTH levels significantly increased by 10 nM Dex treatment at 72 h (129 %, p <0.01), indicating a paradoxical response to Dex in the tumor ex vivo. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first case of CD who showed clinically obvious GC positive-feedback that was proved by ex vivo 3D primary culture cell models. Notably, tumor shrinkage was observed during the metyrapone treatment, suggesting that GC positive-feedback mechanisms also involve tumor proliferation. Further investigation is required for elucidating the underlying mechanisms.

A Comparative Study of Modulation of Neuroendocrine Stress Response by Dexmedetomidine versus Fentanyl Premedication during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

Introduction:Surgical stress is the systemic response to surgical injury. Analyzing these surgical stress responses and pharmacologically modulating them can be of immense use to an anesthetist for optimal patient care.Aim:The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of dexmedetomidine and fentanyl premedication on the modulation of neuroendocrine stress response during laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia.Methods:After obtaining approval from the institutional ethical committee [Date - 05/11/2020, Ethical Clearence Number - 133/2018], 60 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia were randomized into three study groups of 20 patients each. Group D patients were given intravenous (i.v.) dexmedetomidine 1 μg.kg−1, Group F patients fentanyl 2 μg.kg−1 and Group C patients 10 mL of normal saline. All patients received the same anesthetic drugs and surgical procedure. Patients were assessed for changes in hemodynamic parameters such as heart rate (H) and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Blood samples were analyzed for glucose, serum albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and serum cortisol levels at various time intervals.Results:H and MAP differed among the groups after intubation, 5 min after pneumoperitoneum (POT), and 10 min after POT. The increase in these parameters from their baseline values was less in the dexmedetomidine group when compared to other groups. Among the biological markers, the increase in serum cortisol levels and decrease in albumin levels could be detected 6 h after induction while blood glucose levels rose immediately after the incision. CRP levels started significantly rising only after 24 h of induction. All these changes were much less pronounced in patients receiving dexmedetomidine premedication as compared to other groups.Conclusion:i.v. dexmedetomidine 1 μg.kg−1 is better than injection fentanyl 2 μg.kg−1, in the modulation of neuroendocrine response in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia.

Effects of fasting on metabolic and immunological responses of common carp ( Cyprinus carpio ) to a further acute stress

Common carp were fasted for 0, 3 and 14 days prior to exposure to a 2-hr crowding stress. Serum cortisol, glucose, lactate, T4, T3, serum alternative complement (ACH50), lysozyme, total immunoglobulin (Ig) and blood WBC were determined before and 0, 6 and 24 hr after the crowding stress. Three days of fasting led to a significant decrease in serum levels of lactate and thyroid hormones. Fourteen days of fasting led to initiation of physiological process to maintain serum glucose by increase in serum cortisol level and lactate utilization. These fish had lower levels of thyroid hormones suggesting suppression of basal metabolism. The fish also had lower WBC and serum lysozyme and total Ig levels indicating immunosuppression. After the crowding stress, the fish fasted for 3 days had significantly lower lactate, thyroid hormones and total Ig levels. The fish fasted for 14 days had higher cortisol but lower glucose and thyroid hormones levels suggesting impairment in metabolic responses to the crowding stress. Immunological and health indicators including WBC, and ACH50, lysozyme and total Ig of these fish were significantly lower than the other groups after the crowding stress. Overall, the results show that a 14-day fasting leads to stress responses, reduction in metabolism and immunosuppression. Moreover, 14 days of fasting lead to greater cortisol response to a further crowding stress, which induces marked immunosuppression and fallen welfare.

Assessment of hair cortisol in euthyroid, hypothyroid, and subclinical hypothyroid subjects.

Hypothyroidism is associated with an increase in serum cortisol level while the long-term activity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in hypothyroid, and subclinical hypothyroid (SCH) subjects has not been studied. This study aimed to assess the hair cortisol levels as a long-term activity of HPA axis in hypothyroid, SCH and a group of healthy adult subjects. Also, it aimed to examine the correlation of hair cortisol levels with hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis and anthropometric measures. We prospectively evaluated a group of normal, SCH and hypothyroid subjects. Serum TSH, FT4, and FT3 were measured as a component of the HPT axis. Hair samples were collected, prepared, followed by extraction of hair cortisol and measurement in pg/mg of hair. Hair cortisol levels were compared in normal, SCH and hypothyroid groups and correlated with HPT axis and anthropometric data. A total of 65 healthy volunteers were analyzed, and the mean hair cortisol level was reported to be 17.38 pg/mg of hair. Hair cortisol level was slightly higher in the SCH subjects, 18.19 pg/mg of hair; however the difference was not significant. Compared to the euthyroid subject, a significantly higher hair cortisol level was recorded in the hypothyroid subjects, 24.17 pg/mg hair, p < .05. Hair cortisol was significantly and positively associated with each of the serum TSH, age, weight and BMI (p < .05). Overt hypothyroidism but not SCH is significantly associated with higher hair cortisol levels compared to normal subjects, and a significant relation between hair cortisol with HPT axis was found. Also, weight and BMI were positively correlated with hair cortisol level.

Acute fish oil supplementation modulates the inflammatory response after strenuous exercise in obese men: A cross-over study

AimTo evaluate the effects of acute fish oil supplementation (FOS) in DNA damage, lymphocyte phenotype and cytokines production after strenuous exercise in obese individuals. MethodsSixteen sedentary obese (BMI >30.0 to <35.0 kg/m²) men performed two sessions of exhaustive exercise and consumed 2000 mg of either placebo or fish oil one hour before the exercise session; trials were separated by 14 days. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected pre, immediately after and 1 h after both exercise sessions and stimulated in vitro with 2% phytohemagglutinin for cytokines secretion (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α). Analysis of DNA damage index on total lymphocytes and the peripheral frequency of T helper CD4+ cells, T cytotoxic CD8+ cells, and CD19+ B cells were also performed. ResultsFOS prevented the increase in serum cortisol levels and the production of TNF-α and IL-8 after strenuous exercise. The DNA damage index decreased 1 h after exercise in FOS trial. Moreover, a lymphocytosis, i.e. increases in the frequency of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was observed immediately after exercise bout in both trials. Moreover, FOS prevented the decrease in CD8+ T cells below to baseline value 1 h after strenuous exercise. ConclusionAcute supplementation with fish oil attenuates the proinflammatory cytokine response and diminished the DNA damage after strenuous exercise in obese individuals, suggesting a possible protective effect against the exacerbation of systemic damage induced by exhaustive exercise in obese individuals.

SERUM CORTISOL LEVEL AND DEPRESSION AMONG SHIFT-WORKING NURSING STAFF IN A UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Introduction: Night shift is one of the most frequent reasons for disturbance of circadian rhythm, altering biological functions and can negatively affect physical, psychological well-being and work performance. Aim of work: To evaluate the associations between circadian rhythm differences in shift-working nurses by using serum cortisol level and depression. Materials and Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted by means of anonymous self-administered questionnaire for one hundred ninety-two nurses working at Menoufiya University Hospital, Shebin Al-Kom City, Egypt. The study involved 96 nurses working night-shifts and 96 in day-shifts. To assess their depression levels, self-rated depression scale (SDS) was used. Serum cortisol level was measured at 8:00 am for all respondents. Results: The response rate was 97%. A significant increase in serum cortisol level was observed among night-shift respondents compared to day-shift ones. Among night-shift workers, older nurses with more years of employment and higher cortisol levels were significantly more prone to develop depression (P<0.001). Conclusion: Nurses working night-shifts need special attention due to the higher risk of depression and possibly other undesirable health effects. Systems for early identification of nurses with depression and for providing environments allowing nurses at work to take rest and relax in the early morning after night shift are necessary.

Anesthesia of juvenile Persian sturgeon, Acipenser persicus; Borodin 1897, by peppermint, Mentha piperita, extract – Anesthetic efficacy, stress response and behavior

Anesthesia in large animals such as sturgeons is unavoidable, so in this regard it is important to choice a best anesthetic with lowest side effects in fish.in the present study anesthetic efficacy of mentha, Mentha pipertia , extract was studied in Persian sturgeon, Acipenser persicus , to find if it is a suitable anesthetic for this species. In this regard, the fish were subjected to 300, 500, 750 and 1000 mg L -1 mentha extract, or 150 mg L -1 clove oil, and behavioral response, stress indices, induction and recovery time were recorded. According to the results, the fish exposed to mentha extract showed more severe exciting movements than those exposed to clove oil. No histopathological effects were recorded in gills and kidneys of the fish after anesthesia with both mentha extract and clove oil. Exposure to either 150 mg L -1 clove oil or 750 mg L -1 mentha extract for 3 min resulted in the fish serum cortisol change. Result showed a significant increase in serum cortisol at 6 hrs after anesthesia in both mentioned anesthetic. However, in the fish anesthetized by clove oil, serum cortisol level returned to the pre anesthesia value, at 24 hrs post anesthesia. In the fish anesthetized by mentha extract, a further significant increase in serum cortisol level was observed at 24 hrs after anesthesia. However, it returned to the pre anesthesia level at 72 hrs after anesthesia. At all sampling time, serum cortisol levels of the fish anesthetized by mentha extract were significantly higher than those anesthetized by clove oil. Totally it is concluded that, in Persian sturgeon, use of mentha extract as anesthetic results higher stress compared to clove oil, in the other word, it can be used as a good anesthetic agent but clove oil is better.

Inhibitory effects of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata on chronic intermittent cold-induced inflammation in the mouse hypothalamus

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata (AR) is the most frequently used herb to generate heat and treat symptoms associated with coldness in Asia. Aims of the studyThe hypothalamus is one of the master regulators to maintain constant core body temperature. Chronic exposure to cold stress disturbs homeostatic regulation, gradually resulting in hypothalamic inflammation. This study investigate the effects of AR, on the chronic intermittent cold (CIC)-induced release of pro-inflammatory signaling molecules in the mouse hypothalamus. Materials and methodsAconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata extract (ARE) were solubilized in distilled water and diluted with saline before administration. Male ICR mice (7 weeks old, 30–32g) were divided randomly into 6 groups: (1) control, (2) cold stress, (3) ARE 30, (4) ARE 100, (5) ARE 300, and (6) ARE 1000mg/kg groups. Groups (2)-(6) were exposed to CIC stress once a day for 14 days. CIC stress was achieved by exposing the mice to 4°C and 60 ± 10% humidity for 120min once a day. Rectal temperature was measured after terminating cold stress. Cortisol levels were measured from serum. Hypothalamus tissue was used for western blot analysis, and IL-9, IL-13, PGE1, and PGE2 levels were assessed. ResultsARE treatment prevented the CIC-induced decrease in rectal temperature and increase in serum cortisol level. ARE-treated CIC-exposed mice demonstrated decrease in nuclear c-Fos levels dose-dependently compared to CIC-exposed mice. Nuclear NF-kB expression showed significant increase in CIC-exposed mice. ARE treatment significantly blunted the increase in nuclear NF-kB expression. CIC-exposed mice had significantly increased levels of both IL-9 and IL-13. Treatment with ARE suppressed the elevated IL-9 and IL-13 levels. Between control and CIC-exposed mice PGE1 levels showed no difference. However ARE (1000mg/kg)-treated CIC-exposed mice had a significant increase in PGE1 level compared to CIC-exposed mice. PGE2 levels were significantly higher in CIC-exposed mice compared to control mice. ARE treatment significantly attenuated the increase in PGE2 levels. ConclusionsOur findings suggest CIC stress disturbs the anti-inflammatory effect of cortisol and maintenance of the body temperature. Thus AR contributes to suppress the activated proinflammatory factors, IL-9, IL-13, and PGE-2, and to increase the heat production.

Association between Psychological Distress and Occlusion among Temporomandibular Disorder Patients-A Clinical Study

Background: TMD is a multifactorial disorder significant research efforts have been invested in finding its etiologies and management to improve their quality of life. Objectives: To evaluate and compare digital occlusal parameters, depression, anxiety and serum cortisol level between temporomandibular disorder patients and control group. Material and Methods: A sample size of 24 TMD patients and 24 apparently healthy age and sex matched controls were recruited in the study. The patients occlusion time and disclusion time was recorded using T-Scan III, the level of anxiety and depression was evaluated by using Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale questtionaire and serum cortisol was evaluated by collecting fasting blood sample, under aseptic conditions. Results: The incidence of premature contacts (occlusal interferences), clusion time and disclusion time was significantly longer in TMD group than in control subjects. The anxiety and depression scores were statistically significant in TMD group compared to control group, but no statistically significant difference was observed in serum cortisol levels. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated increase in the premature contacts i.e. occlusal interferences were high with increase in clusion time, disclusion time, anxiety and depression scores in TMD group, where as no significant increase in serum cortisol levels was seen among TMD group even though their anxiety and depression levels were high. Hence, patients with temporomandibular disorders should always be evaluated for stress and anxiety along with the T-Scan evaluation of occlusal prematurities and correction of the same.

Effect of Drug Alprazolam on Restrained Stress Induced Alteration of Serum Cortisol and Antioxidant Vitamins (Vitamin C and E) in Male Albino Rats.

Stress can cause harmful effects in the body that induce a wide range of biochemical and behavioural changes. As anti-stress drugs are routinely used to combat stress hence study is needed to assess the contraindication of these drugs in the physiological systems. To investigate the effect of alprazolam on restrained stress induced alteration of serum cortisol, and antioxidant vitamin levels in male albino rats. Adult male albino rats (body weight 175-225g) were divided into four groups of six animals in each. Group I (control), kept undisturbed in the metabolic cage throughout the 42 days experimental period. Group II (stress) rats were kept in a wire mesh restrainer for 6 hr/day for 42 days. Group III (stress+ withdrawal) rats were stressed for 21 days and withdrawal of stress for remaining 21 days (total 42 days). Group IV (stress + alprazolam) rats were only stressed for 21 days and treated with drug alprazolam (5mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneal) in continuation with stress for remaining 21 days (total period is 42 days). At the end of 42 days all the rats were sacrificed and serum cortisol, vitamin C and E levels were estimated. Group II (stressed) showed a significant increase in serum cortisol level with concomitant decrease of serum vitamin C and E levels. Group III (withdrawal) and Group IV (+alprazolam) rats showed significant reduction of serum cortisol along with subsequent increase of serum vitamin C and E concentrations. Results indicate a possible antioxidant effect of alprazolam on restrained stress induced alteration of serum cortisol and antioxidant vitamin levels.

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH IN RICKSHAW DRIVERS: Occupational Exposure to Environmental Stressor

Background: In urban environment, exposure to the emission of motor vehicles is common. In urban peoples it is a very difficult task to distinguish among peoples with different grades of momentous period exposure to such pollutants. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of diesel exhaust, gasoline emission, Particulate Matter (PM) noise and heat on the reproductive health of rickshaw drivers. Methods: Adult married male individuals were recruited randomly in the study from Btkhella, Malakand agency, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Two groups were made, control (n=45) and rickshaw drivers (n=50). A special questionnaire was designed about occupational activities, socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. From both groups 5 mL of the blood was collected and was analyze for serum total testosterone and cortisol using Biocheck (USA) and Antibodies-online GmbH (Germany) kits. Results: In control group the Mean±SEM of total serum testosterone was 657.6±16.84 ng/dl and cortisol was 443.8±14.67 mU/L. In rickshaw drivers the Mean±SEM of total serum testosterone was 577.1±11.42 ng/dl and cortisol was 595.1±8.879mU/L. In rickshaw drivers there was a significant reduction in total serum testosterone ( P 0.0002) but a significant increase in serum cortisol level ( P < 0.0001) at 95% confidence interval. Conclusions: Reproductive health problems like decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, absent morning and nocturnal erection, ejaculatory problems, primary infertility and secondary infertility were prevalent in rickshaw drivers but, no such problems were found in control group. Chronic exposure to pollutants such as diesel exhaust, gasoline emission, Particulate Matter (PM) noise and heat negatively regulate Hypothalmo-Pituitary Gonadal axis (HPG) leading to reproductive problems.

Comparison of morphine and fentanyl in attenuation of Intra operative stress response under general anesthesia: A randomized double blinded study

Background: This randomized double blinded study was done to compare the effect of intravenous morphine and fentanyl in attenuation of stress response during surgeries under general anesthesia in adults. The attenuation of stress response was analyzed with changes in serum cortisol and glucose levels one hour after induction of anesthesia. Methods: Fifty consented healthy volunteers in age group 20-50, under ASA I and ASA II posted for elective surgery were included in the study. Two groups of 25 each, group M who received 0.2 mg/kg body weight of morphine and group F who received 2 microgram/kg body weight of fentanyl before anaesthetic induction were compared. The members of two groups were randomly allocated and double blinded using sealed envelope technique. Blood samples were collected for baseline glucose and cortisol in all the subjects. One hour after the administration of study drugs, which was given at the time of induction blood samples were collected for analysis of glucose and cortisol. The changes in blood glucose and serum cortisol levels were compared at the end of the study using independent samples ‘t’ test. Results: There was no significant difference in blood sugar levels in both groups at the end of 1 hour. But there was significant increase in serum cortisol levels in group F compared to group M. Conclusion: This study concludes that morphine is better than fentanyl in attenuation of Intraoperative stress by effectively controlling serum cortisol levels. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i4.9796 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2014 Vol.5(4); 65-68

Stress-induced antinociception in fish reversed by naloxone.

Pain perception in non-mammalian vertebrates such as fish is a controversial issue. We demonstrate that, in the fish Leporinus macrocephalus, an imposed restraint can modulate the behavioral response to a noxious stimulus, specifically the subcutaneous injection of 3% formaldehyde. In the first experiment, formaldehyde was applied immediately after 3 or 5 min of the restraint. Inhibition of the increase in locomotor activity in response to formaldehyde was observed, which suggests a possible restraint-induced antinociception. In the second experiment, the noxious stimulus was applied 0, 5, 10 and 15 min after the restraint, and both 3 and 5 min of restraint promoted short-term antinociception of approximately 5 min. In experiments 3 and 4, an intraperitoneal injection of naloxone (30 mg.kg−1) was administered 30 min prior to the restraint. The 3- minute restraint-induced antinociception was blocked by pretreatment with naloxone, but the corresponding 5-minute response was not. One possible explanation for this result is that an opioid and a non-preferential μ–opioid and/or non-opioid mechanism participate in this response modulation. Furthermore, we observed that both the 3- and 5- minutes restraint were severely stressful events for the organism, promoting marked increases in serum cortisol levels. These data indicate that the response to a noxious stimulus can be modulated by an environmental stressor in fish, as is the case in mammals. To our knowledge, this study is the first evidence for the existence of an endogenous antinociceptive system that is activated by an acute standardized stress in fish. Additionally, it characterizes the antinociceptive response induced by stress in terms of its time course and the opioid mediation, providing information for understanding the evolution of nociception modulation.

Severe hyponatremia caused by secondary adrenal insufficiency in a patient with giant pituitary prolactinoma.

A 55-year-old-man was admitted to Saiseikai Central Hospital, Tokyo, Japan, complaining of nausea and appetite loss, and was found to have severe hyponatremia. Despite severe hyponatremia and plasma hypo-osmolarity, urinary sodium excretion was not reduced. A brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan revealed a giant pituitary prolactinoma, and endocrinological tests showed a markedly increased prolactin level. Despite the observation that the basal plasma ACTH level was normal, serum cortisol and urinary cortisol excretion levels were low. Rapid ACTH loading sufficiently stimulated an increase in serum cortisol levels, suggesting secondary adrenal insufficiency. Notably, loading of CRH induced a good ACTH response; however, the serum cortisol response remained low. In contrast, the continuous daily administration of exogenous ACTH dramatically increased serum cortisol levels. These discrepant responses may have been caused by the low biological activity of innate ACTH. Following partial resection of the prolactinoma, postoperative adjuvant therapy with cabergoline effectively reduced prolactin levels, but did not improve the hyponatremia. In contrast, hydrocortisone replacement therapy recovered the serum sodium level to the normal range. The present case is the first report describing a link between severe hyponatremia and biologically inactive circulating ACTH as a likely result of giant prolactinoma.