Serum Oxytocin Levels Research Articles

Oxytocin level among patients with opioid use disorder and its correlation with personality traits and perceived childhood trauma

BackgroundPersonality traits and perceived childhood maltreatment are of the predictors of substance use disorder development. Many studies have discussed oxytocin effect on personality traits and its relation with childhood trauma and how both affect the addictive process. The main aim was to compare oxytocin level between patients with opioid use disorder and controls and the potential association of oxytocin level with the basic dimensions of personality traits and perceived childhood adverse experiences in patients group. Forty male patients with opioid use disorder and 40 healthy controls matched in age and gender were assessed and compared regarding serum oxytocin level by ELISA, personality traits using Temperament and character inventory - revised (TCI- R) scale, and childhood adverse events using childhood trauma questionnaire.ResultsA significant difference between the patient group and the control group regarding the serum oxytocin level was found. Negative correlation with p-value <0.05 between oxytocin level and each of novelty seeking, and harm avoidance, in addition to a positive correlation between oxytocin level and each of reward dependence, self-directedness, and cooperativeness items of (TCR-R), among cases were found. Cases did not show statistically significant difference in oxytocin level between different Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) items.ConclusionsThe interaction between serum oxytocin levels, personality traits, and childhood trauma has to be considered in management with heroin-dependent patients as it plays a crucial role.

The Relationship between Serum Oxytocin Levels and Sexual Function and Depression: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Inconsistent results were found regarding the relationship between human blood oxytocin (OXT) levels and psychiatric and sexual dysfunction (SD) in several studies. Objective: The present study aimed to determine the relationship between OXT levels and sexual function and depression. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study involving 84 non-pregnant healthy married women at childbearing age. Beck Depression Inventory and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used to collect the data, and human oxytocin ELISA kit was used to determine serum OXT level. The independent t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient were used to determine the relationship between variables. Results: Average age of the participants was 36.1 (6.91) in this study and the range of their age was 19-49. The mean serum OXT level was 192.70 (139.71)pg/ml. The mean total score of FSFI and depression were 21.54 (5.18) and 12.42 (11.20) from the attainable score of 2-36 and 0-63, respectively. The associations between serum OXT level and FSFI overall score (r=0.066, P=0.548) and depression score (r=0.137, P=0.215) were not found to be significant. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups of women with and without SD (P=0.155) and women with and without depression (P=0.110) in terms of serum OXT levels. Conclusion: The results of this study did not indicate a significant relationship between serum OXT levels and depression and sexual function. As there was no significant relationship between the oxytocin concentrations and measured outcomes, conducting further studies with a better study design and a larger sample size is recommended.

Low oxytocin levels are broadly associated with more pronounced psychopathology in anorexia nervosa with primarily restricting but not binge/purge eating behavior.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is commonly associated with depression, anxiety, and deficits in socioemotional functioning. Basal levels of oxytocin, a neurohormone with antidepressant, anxiolytic, and prosocial properties, are low in women with AN. However, the relationship between oxytocin and psychopathology of AN/atypical AN has not been examined in individuals with primarily food restriction (AN/AtypAN-R) or those with restriction plus binge/purge behaviors (AN/AtypAN-BP) alone, which is important to further elucidate the neurobiology of different AN presentations. We investigated whether oxytocin levels are related to eating, affective, and socioemotional psychopathology in women with AN/AtypAN-R and separately AN/AtypAN-BP. In a cross-sectional study of 53 women with low-weight AN or atypical AN based on DSM-5 (AN/AtypAN-R: n=21, AN/AtypAN-BP: n=32), we obtained fasting serum oxytocin levels and self-report measures of psychopathology, including the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q), Beck Depression Inventory-IA (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). In individuals with AN/AtypAN-R, oxytocin levels were negatively associated with eating psychopathology (EDE-Q Global Score: r=-0.49, p=0.024), depressive and anxiety symptoms (BDI Total Score: r=-0.55, p=0.009; STAI Trait Score: r=-0.63, p=0.002), and socioemotional symptoms (TAS-20 Difficulty Identifying Feelings Score: r=-0.49, p=0.023). In contrast, in those with AN/AtypAN-BP oxytocin levels were negatively associated with depressive symptoms only (BDI Total Score: r=-0.52, p=0.049). These findings support the notion that AN/AtypAN-R and AN/AtypAN-BP might have divergent underlying neurobiology. Understanding these differences is crucial to develop targeted treatments for a population with high levels of chronicity, for which no specific pharmacological treatments are currently available. https://clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT01121211.

Serum oxytocin correlated with later logical memory in older Japanese women: A 7-year follow-up study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the longitudinal relationship between serum oxytocin and logical memory among older adults in rural Japan and clarify sex differences in this relationship. MeasurementsThe first survey was conducted from October 2009 to March 2011 (Time 1) and the second from November 2016 to September 2017 (Time 2). The final analysis for Time 1 included 385 participants (median age 75 years, interquartile range [IQR] 70–81 years) and that for Time 2 included 76 participants (median age 80 years, IQR 76–83 years). We assessed cognition, logical memory, and living conditions, and measured serum oxytocin levels. Logical memory was evaluated using the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised Logical Memory II delayed recall part A (LM II-DR). Serum oxytocin was measured using the enzyme immunoassay method. ResultsThe median (IQR) oxytocin level among men (n = 20) was 34 (16–78) pg/mL at Time 1 and 53 (28–140) pg/mL at Time 2. The median (IQR) oxytocin level among women (n = 56) was 117 (35–412) pg/mL at Time 1 and 76 (32–145) pg/mL at Time 2. The median oxytocin level among women at Time 2 was significantly lower than that at Time 1 (p = 0.004). The multivariate analysis showed that for women, LM II-DR score at Time 2 was positively associated with oxytocin level at Time 1 (p = 0.042) and negatively associated with age (p = 0.02). ConclusionsOur study suggests that maintaining high oxytocin levels in older women may prevent age-related decline in logical memory.

Changes in Serum Oxytocin Levels under Physiological and Supraphysiological Gonadal Steroid Hormone Conditions in Women of Reproductive Age: A Preliminary Study.

Oxytocin (OT) affects many behavioral, psychological, and physiological functions, including appetite and body weight regulation. Central and peripheral OT levels are markedly affected by gonadal steroids, especially estrogen, and the anorectic effects of estrogen are partially mediated by OT in rodents. In this study, the relationship between the estrogen milieu and serum OT levels was evaluated in women of reproductive age under physiological (n = 9) and supraphysiological estrogenic conditions (n = 7). Consequently, it was found that serum OT levels were increased in physiological (the ovulatory phase) and supraphysiological (on the day of the human chorionic gonadotropin trigger in an ovarian stimulation cycle) estrogenic conditions, and that serum OT levels were positively correlated with serum estradiol levels. On the other hand, serum OT levels were negatively correlated with serum progesterone levels, and there was no correlation between serum and follicular OT levels. These results suggest that OT levels may be positively and negatively regulated by estrogen and progesterone, respectively, in humans. However, the physiological roles of these actions of gonadal steroids on OT remain unclear.

Low oxytocin levels in schizophrenia patients involved in crime and the relationship of these levels to aggression, empathy and forgiveness

ABSTRACT In this study, we aimed to measure the oxytocin levels of patients with schizophrenia who were involved in crime. A total of 130 people (50 patients with schizophrenia who had been involved in crime, 40 patients with schizophrenia who had not been involved in crime and 40 healthy controls) were included in the study. Serum oxytocin levels of all participants were measured. The oxytocin levels of the schizophrenia group involved in crime were lower than those of the other groups (p < 0.001). In patients with schizophrenia, the oxytocin levels of patients negatively correlated with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score (r = −0.339, p = 0.016 < 0.05) and Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) total score (r = −0.551, p < 0.001) and positively correlated with the Affective and Cognitive Measure of Empathy (ACME) total score (r = 0.699, p < 0.001) and Heartland Forgiveness Scale (HFS) total score (r = 0.682, p < 0.001). Those who committed murder had lower oxytocin levels than those who committed other crimes (p < 0.05). In patients with schizophrenia, early measurement of oxytocin levels and the addition of oxytocin to the treatment may be beneficial.

The association between autistic traits and serum testosterone, oxytocin, and androstenedione levels in prepubertal male drug naive children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might have similar problems as in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and show impairment in social behaviour. Also, there is a relationship between social relationship skills and ToM (theory of mind) skills of children with ADHD. Besides, ASD is associated with prenatal exposure to high levels of androgens, and oxytocin plays a role in the modulation of emotions, coping with stress, and social behaviour like ASD. In this study, the relationship between autistic traits and serum oxytocin, testosterone, and androstenedione levels in prepubertal male drug naive children with ADHD has been investigated. Eighty-three prepubertal children, who were diagnosed with ADHD between the ages of 6-10years old, are included in the study. For the study, intelligence levels were evaluated by using WISC-4, and autistic traits were measured by using both social responsiveness scale and theory of mind tests. In addition, serum oxytocin, testosterone, and androstenedione levels were measured by using ELISA. It has been found that serum testosterone levels of patients with lower autistic traits are significantly lower than those with moderate and severe autistic traits, while the serum oxytocin levels are significantly higher. Also, patients with severe autistic traits have had significantly higher serum androstenedione levels than those with lower and moderate autistic traits. This study suggests that patients who have higher autistic traits have elevated testosterone and androstenedione levels and lower serum oxytocin levels. Further studies are needed to clarify this relationship.

Association between Serum Oxytocin, Bone Mineral Density and Body Composition in Chinese Adult Females.

Background and Objectives: Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide hormone which is known for its classical effects in pregnancy and lactation. Recently, growing evidence demonstrated a close relation between OT and bone. The present study aimed to explore the relationship between OT, bone and osteoporosis risk in Chinese adult females. Materials and Methods: in total, 149 adult females were enrolled. The serum OT levels were measured using ELISA kits. Bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The study subjects were divided into two groups according to their menopause status and then divided into tertiles based on their serum OT level. Results: Serum OT, serum estradiol and BMD at three skeletal sites were significantly higher in the premenopausal group than in the postmenopausal group (p &lt; 0.001, p = 0.008 and p &lt; 0.001, respectively). In the tertile analysis, relative to tertile 1, significant associations were found for tertile 3 for OT levels and higher BMD in the femoral neck and total hip, in both pre- and postmenopausal groups. Using logistic regression analysis, tertile 3 appeared less likely to have low-BMD osteoporosis than tertile 1 (OR = 0.257, 95% CI = 0.073, 0.910). In multivariate stepwise regression analysis, OT and total lean mass were two positive determinants of BMD in the femoral neck and total hip in the premenopausal group (adjusted R2 for the model = 0.232 and 0.199, respectively; both p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated positive associations between serum OT levels and BMD in a Chinese (non-Caucasian) population. OT appeared to be more strongly associated with hip BMD in premenopausal females. These results may suggest a protective role and potential therapeutic use of OT in osteoporosis, especially for premenopausal women.

PMON58 Endogenous Oxytocin Response to Food Intake in Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder Compared to Healthy Controls

Abstract Context In healthy individuals, serum levels of oxytocin, an anxiolytic hypothalamic-pituitary hormone involved in appetite regulation and response to stress, decrease post-prandially. Oxytocin response to a meal in Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), a psychiatric disorder characterized by restrictive eating driven by lack of interest in food, sensory sensitivity, and/or fear of aversive consequences and associated with comorbid anxiety, is unknown. We compared the pattern of postprandial oxytocin levels in individuals with ARFID to healthy controls (HC). We hypothesized that overall oxytocin levels would be higher in ARFID vs HC as an adaptive response to stress. Methods 109 participants (55 with ARFID and 54 HC) were instructed to eat a ∼400-kcal standardized mixed meal. Serum oxytocin was sampled fasting and 30, 60, and 120 minutes post-meal. Anxiety was assessed using the trait scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). All data are presented as mean±SEM. Multivariate regression analysis was used to control for confounding variables. Results Mean age did not differ across groups (ARFID: 16.9±0.5 and HC: 17.8±0.5 years, p=0.197). Mean body mass index percentile (BMIp) was lower in ARFID compared to HC (37.3±4.9 vs 53.7±2.9, respectively, p=0.004). Sex distribution differed between groups [ARFID: 27 (50%) males, 27 (50%) females vs HC: 15 (27%) males and 40 (73%) females, p=0.019)]. Anxiety symptoms were higher in ARFID compared to HC (38.5±1.8 vs 30.3±1.0, respectively, p=0.0007). By study design, quantity of food consumed did not differ across groups (p=0.238), however, ARFID participants ate a higher % of fat than HC (22.8±0.5 vs. 21.6±0.4, p=0.027). Mean oxytocin levels were higher in ARFID compared to HC at all time points (fasting: 1487±94 vs 1268±60 pg/mL, p=0.049; 30 min: 1477±86 vs 1202±48 pg/mL, p=0.006; 60 min: 1473±89 vs 1214±52 pg/mL, p=0.015; 120 min: 1470±102 vs 1253±50 pg/mL, respectively, p=0.056), and AUC (p=0.023). While mean oxytocin decreased postprandially as expected in HC (30 min p=0.028 and 60 min p=0.072), there was no postprandial change in oxytocin levels in ARFID from fasting to any postprandial timepoint (p≥0.746). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that both ARFID group (β=41,213, η2p = 0.084, p=0.004) and BMIp (β=779, η2p = 0.129, p&amp;lt;0.001) accounted for higher oxytocin levels irrespective of sex, fat intake and anxiety levels (R2=0.192). Conclusions This is the first study to determine the pattern of endogenous oxytocin secretion in response to a meal in a large group of individuals with ARFID. Mean oxytocin levels fasting and in response to a meal are higher in ARFID compared to HC, irrespective of sex, quantity of fat consumed, and anxiety symptoms. Unlike in healthy individuals, oxytocin levels in ARFID do not decrease in response to eating. These data suggest that dysregulated oxytocin secretion may play a role in the pathophysiology of ARFID. Presentation: Monday, June 13, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

The relationship between oxytocin levels with empathy and breastfeeding intention in female medical students: A cross-sectional study

Scientific evidence regarding the relationship of oxytocin to social and emotional behavior is consistently reported. This study aims to analyze the relationship between empathy and breastfeeding intention with oxytocin levels in medical students. A cross-sectional study of 59 female students at the Faculty of Medicine and Health, Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta in April 2018–June 2019 selected by purposive sampling technique. The measurement of empathy level using the ©Jafferson Emphatic Scale Student Version (JES-SV) questionnaire, breastfeeding intention using the Infant Feeding Intentions (IFI) questionnaire, and oxytocin levels using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Analysis of the relationship between oxytocin levels with empathy and breastfeeding intention used the independent samples t-test. The results showed that students' age (p = 0.030) and education stage (p = 0.036) were related to empathy. Age (p = 0.001) and education stage (p = 0.004) of students were also associated with serum oxytocin levels respectively. Empathy was significantly related to breastfeeding intention (p = 0.033). Oxytocin serum levels of female medical students are associated with empathy (p = 0.016) and breastfeeding intention (p= <0.001). Further studies on the role of oxytocin on empathy and breastfeeding intention need to include other factors to obtain more comprehensive information. Empathy and breastfeeding intention was not only associated with oxytocin levels. Psychological or educational interventions during the learning process at the academic and professional levels are also needed to support the process of forming these two social aspects.

Carbon monoxide (CO) correlates with symptom severity, autoimmunity, and responses to probiotics treatment in a cohort of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD): a post-hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundInflammation, autoimmunity, and gut-brain axis have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Carboxyhemoglobin (SpCO) as a non-invasive measurement of inflammation has not been studied in individuals with ASD. We conducted this post-hoc study based on our published clinical trial to explore SpCO and its association with ASD severity, autoimmunity, and response to daily Lactobacillus plantarum probiotic supplementation.MethodsIn this study, we included 35 individuals with ASD aged 3–20 years from a previously published clinical trial of the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive daily Lactobacillus plantarum probiotic (6 × 1010 CFUs) or a placebo for 16 weeks. The outcomes in this analysis include Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), Aberrant Behavior Checklist second edition (ABC-2), Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale, SpCO measured by CO-oximetry, fecal microbiome by 16 s rRNA sequencing, blood serum inflammatory markers, autoantibodies, and oxytocin (OT) by ELISA. We performed Kendall’s correlation to examine their interrelationships and used Wilcoxon rank-sum test to compare the means of all outcomes between the two groups at baseline and 16 weeks.ResultsElevated levels of serum anti-tubulin, CaM kinase II, anti-dopamine receptor D1 (anti-D1), and SpCO were found in the majority of ASD subjects. ASD severity is correlated with SpCO (baseline, R = 0.38, p = 0.029), anti-lysoganglioside GM1 (R = 0.83, p = 0.022), anti-tubulin (R = 0.69, p = 0.042), and anti-D1 (R = 0.71, p = 0.045) in treatment group.ConclusionsThe findings of the present study suggests that the easily administered and non-invasive SpCO test offers a potentially promising autoimmunity and inflammatory biomarker to screen/subgroup ASD and monitor the treatment response to probiotics. Furthermore, we propose that the associations between autoantibodies, gut microbiome profile, serum OT level, GI symptom severity, and ASD core symptom severity scores are specific to the usage of probiotic treatment in our subject cohort. Taken together, these results warrant further studies to improve ASD early diagnosis and treatment outcomes.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03337035, registered November 8, 2017.

Changes in Endogenous Oxytocin Levels and the Effects of Exogenous Oxytocin Administration on Body Weight Changes and Food Intake in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Model Rats.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is frequently seen in females of reproductive age and is associated with metabolic disorders that are exacerbated by obesity. Although body weight reduction programs via diet and lifestyle changes are recommended for modifying reproductive and metabolic phenotypes, the drop-out rate is high. Thus, an efficacious, safe, and continuable treatment method is needed. Recent studies have shown that oxytocin (OT) reduces body weight gain and food intake, and promotes lipolysis in some mammals, including humans (especially obese individuals), without any adverse effects. In the present study, we evaluated the changes in endogenous OT levels, and the effects of acute and chronic OT administration on body weight changes, food intake, and fat mass using novel dihydrotestosterone-induced PCOS model rats. We found that the serum OT level was lower in PCOS model rats than in control rats, whereas the hypothalamic OT mRNA expression level did not differ between them. Acute intraperitoneal administration of OT during the dark phase reduced the body weight gain and food intake in PCOS model rats, but these effects were not observed in control rats. In contrast, chronic administration of OT decreased the food intake in both the PCOS model rats and control rats. These findings indicate that OT may be a candidate medicine that is efficacious, safe, and continuable for treating obese PCOS patients.

Serum oxytocin levels in adolescents with conduct disorder associated with callous-unemotional traits

BackgroundConduct disorder (CD) is a serious and common psychiatric disorder affecting children and adolescents. “Callous-unemotional traits” is a new specifier added to the diagnosis of CD in the DSM-5. The new specifier is thought to be associated with more severity and higher genetic load. Oxytocin is known to be related to interpersonal sympathy and social affection, and so its deficiency might be related to unemotionality. This work aims to explore the levels of serum oxytocin in adolescents with CD associated with callous-unemotional (CU) traits as compared to healthy control subjects. Twenty patients aged 12–18 years and 20 controls of the same age range were recruited. An Arabic-translated and validated version of Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for kids (MINI-kid) was used to confirm the diagnosis. The Youth Psychopathic Inventory-short version (YPI-short version) and the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU), both parent and self-reports, were all translated into Arabic and validated by the authors and used to evaluate the sample. Evaluation of serum oxytocin level using ELISA technique was done.ResultsAfter statistical adjustment for differences in socioeconomic status, an adolescent with CD associated with CU traits showed low levels of serum oxytocin level as compared with the control group. Serum oxytocin levels were negatively correlated in a statistically significant degree with the unemotional, the callousness, and the uncaring subscores of ICU—self-report.ConclusionsLow levels of serum oxytocin might play a potential role as a biomarker for CU traits and CD severity in adolescents with CD.

Maternal exposure to triclosan during lactation alters social behaviors and the hippocampal ultrastructure in adult mouse offspring

We recently reported that exposure to triclosan (TCS), a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent, affects social behaviors in adult mice, however, the long-lasting effects of TCS exposure during early life on social behaviors are still elusive. The present study aimed to investigate the long-lasting impacts of adding TCS to the maternal drinking water during lactation on the social behaviors of adult mouse offspring and to explore the potential mechanism underlying these effects. The behavioral results showed that TCS exposure decreased body weight, increased depression-like behavior and decreased social dominance in both male and female offspring, as well as increased anxiety-like behavior and bedding preference in female offspring. In addition, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) indicated that TCS exposure increased peripheral proinflammatory cytokine levels, altered serum oxytocin (OT) levels, and downregulated the expression of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95) in the hippocampus. Morphological analysis by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated that exposure to TCS induced morphological changes to synapses and neurons in the hippocampus of offspring. These findings suggested that TCS exposure during lactation contributed to abnormal social behaviors accompanied by increased peripheral inflammation and altered hippocampal neuroplasticity, which provides a deeper understanding of the effects of TCS exposure during early life on brain function and behavioral phenotypes.

Biomolecular Assessment and Assay of Kisspeptin, Oxytocin and Melatonin in Female Depressed Patients on Antidepressant Therapy: A Comparative Study

Depression, a common psychiatric disorder with a prevalence of 4.4%, a leading cause of disability and the fourth highest contributor to the global burden of diseases remains underdiagnosed. Biomarkers have been suggested to enable a better understanding of the variable responses to therapy observed in depression. Kisspeptin, oxytocin and melatonin have been implicated in the etiology of anxiety and neuropsychiatric disorders such as seasonal affective depression. This study aimed to compare the differences in the serum levels of oxytocin, melatonin, kisspeptin and their messenger RNAs between antidepressant naïve females (control group) and those who had received at least a four‐week course of antidepressant therapy (test group). The mean serum levels of oxytocin, melatonin and kisspeptin among the test subjects was were 3.18 ±.77 pg/mL, 41.8 ± 2.53 pg/mL, and 291.56 ±106.11 nmol/L, respectively; and 3.14 ±.8.1 pg/mL, 42.06 ±3.18 pg/mL, and 268.89 ± 98.92 nmol/L, respectively for the control group. The total mRNA with the test group was an average of 17.5 ± 18.64), while for the control group it was 11.5 ± 18.41). There were slight correlations between the clinical symptoms of the patients and their mRNA levels but no significant changes in the total mRNA levels of oxytocin and kisspeptin in individuals on antidepressant therapy. There was also no significant relationships in the mRNAs and the serum levels of oxytocin, melatonin and kisspeptin between the test and control groups. Results from this study suggest that kisspeptin, oxytocin and melatonin may not be suitable biomarker for depression but provides a platform for further research.

The Relationship Between the Oxytocin Level and Rejection Sensitivity, Childhood Traumas, and Attachment Styles in Borderline Personality Disorder.

Objective In this study, it is aimed to investigate the relationship between the oxytocin level and the rejection sensitivity, childhood mental traumas, and attachment styles in patients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Methods Participants between the ages of 18–30 were included in the study. The patient group consists of 31 participants and the healthy control group consists of 31 participants. Sociodemographic/Clinical Variables Questionnaire, Relationship Scales Questionnaire, Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire were administered to the participants included in the study. Serum oxytocin levels of the participants were measured using the Elisa method. Results The oxytocin levels were found to be significantly lower in patients with BPD than in healthy control subjects, whereas the rejection sensitivity and childhood traumas were found to be significantly higher. No difference was found between the patient and control groups in terms of attachment styles, yet it was determined that there may be differences between the oxytocin levels of the BPD patients according to the attachment styles the patients have. Conclusion In conclusion, the findings of this study revealed that the rejection sensitivity in BPD patients is not associated with oxytocin levels and childhood traumas, indicating the need to assess the BPD patients in terms of other biopsychosocial factors related to the etiopathogenesis of BPD.

Voluntary physical activity increases maternal care and reduces anxiety- and depression-related behaviours during the postpartum period in mice

A growing body of evidence suggests voluntary physical activity is associated with decreased stress-related disorders such as anxiety- and depression-like behaviours in both humans and rodents. The postpartum period is also a vulnerable transition time for the development of these neurobehavioural disorders in women. This study aimed to determine whether voluntary physical activity during pregnancy and postpartum period can increase maternal care and decrease anxiety- and depression-related behaviours in postpartum dams. To this end, pregnant mice were exposed to running wheel during their gestational and postpartum periods, and then nest building, active nursing, and licking/grooming behaviours were recorded as maternal care. To assess depression and anxiety-related symptoms, several behavioural tests such as the novelty-suppressed feeding test, tail suspension test, sucrose preference test, social interaction test, forced swim test, open field, elevated plus maze, light-dark box, and elevated zero maze were used. To identify the most important mechanisms behind these behavioural alterations, we measured oxytocin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone in the serum and serotonin in the brain of postpartum dams. Our findings showed that running wheel significantly increased maternal care, and decreased depression-like behaviour during the postpartum period through increasing serum oxytocin and brain serotonin levels, whereas it decreased anxiety-like behaviour via attenuating the hypothalamic–pituitaryadrenal (HPA) axis activity by measuring ACTH and corticosterone levels in postpartum dams. Overall, this study suggests that voluntary physical activity during pregnancy and the postpartum period might improve maternal care and decrease anxiety and depression-related behaviours in postpartum dams.

Depressive symptomatology, temperament and oxytocin serum levels in a sample of healthy female university students

BackgroundDepressive symptomatology is prevalent among female university students with adverse effects on their quality of life and academic performance. Previous research suggested associations between depressive symptomatology and oxytocin levels and between depressive symptomatology and Temperament Traits. Despite this evidence, to the best of our knowledge no research has studied the effects fboth oxytocin serum levels and temperament dimensions on depressivesymptoms in a healthy sample. The present study aimed to analyse the effect of oxytocin levels and temperament traits on depressive symptomatology in healthy female university students.MethodsAll participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory and the Adult Temperament Questionnaire. Blood samples were collected between 8 and 8H30 a.m. after 12 h of fasting and between 5 and 8 day of the menstrual cycle and serum oxytocin levels were quantified using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A hierarchical multiple regression model using a stepwise method was conducted to identify predictors of depression.ResultsForty-five women aged between 18 and 25 years old (19.37 ± 1.32 years) volunteered to participate in this study. Depressive symptomatology was negatively associated with oxytocin serum levels and "Negative affect" and positively associated with "Effortful control" and "Activation Control". In the final regression model, only oxytocin level was a predictor (B = − 0.090, p < 0.0001), the model explaining 65.2% of the depression variation. Oxytocin played a mediation role between "Negative affects" and Depressive symptomatology.ConclusionsOur results showed that oxytocin level, rather than personality dimensions, was associated with depressive symptomatology. These results highlight the relevance of the discussion on the use of oxytocin as a biological marker of emotional and social symptoms that characterize depression.

The Association between Late Third-Trimester Oxytocin Level and Early-Onset Postpartum Depression Symptoms among Jordanian Mothers: A Cross-sectional Study.

Purpose Oxytocin has been suggested to play a vital role in modulating maternal behavior and stress-related disorders. However, the relationship between antenatal oxytocin and postpartum depression is not well established. We aim to investigate the association between serum oxytocin level in the late third-trimester and early-onset postpartum depression symptoms. Materials and Methods A total of 172 healthy pregnant women participated in this cross-sectional descriptive study. The serum oxytocin level was measured between 34 and 37 weeks. A validated Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess symptoms of depression four to six weeks postpartum. Participants who scored more than 12 on the EPDS were considered having depressive symptoms. Independent sample t-test and Pearson r were used to examine differences in depression scores. The level of significance was set at α = 0.05. Results 30.8% of the participants experienced depressive symptoms. There was no association between EPDS scores and oxytocin level r(170) = 0.10, p = 0.23. The association also did not exist even among women with a lifetime history of depression r(43) = −0.13, p = 0.37. Participants with low education, low income, previous history of depression, positive family history of depression, positive family issues, and absent emotional family support have scored significantly higher on EPDS scores than their counterparts. The strongest association was with previous lifetime history of depression t(170) = −4.40, p < 0.001. Conclusions Postpartum depression is a major public health problem in Jordan. Late trimester serum oxytocin level has no association with early-onset postpartum depression.

Serum Oxytocin in Cows Is Positively Correlated with Caregiver Interactions in the Impossible Task Paradigm.

Simple SummaryA possible relationship between circulating hormones (e.g., oxytocin and cortisol) and social behaviors toward humans in cows was studied using the impossible task paradigm test. Serum oxytocin levels correlated positively with the duration and negatively correlated with the latency of the cows’ social interactions with the caregiver. The implications of these findings for productivity as well as for animal welfare can be numerous and worth further investigation.This study explored a possible relationship between the circulating oxytocin, cortisol, and the willingness of dairy cows to engage in social behaviors with humans in an experimental context. The behaviors of twenty-nine cows were recorded during the impossible task paradigm, a procedure aimed at creating a violation of expectancy, in the presence of the caregiver and a stranger. The results showed that serum oxytocin levels were positively correlated with duration and negatively correlated with the latency of the cows’ social interactions with the caregiver. This research provides a clear correlation between circulating oxytocin and a willingness to engage in social contact with the caregiver, excluding the possible effect of different cortisol levels on such behavior.