Significant Decrease In Cortisol Levels Research Articles

Games, hormones, and “dark” personalities: Dark tetrad and the effects of violent gaming on aggression, cortisol, and testosterone

We investigated how playing a violent versus non-violent video game affects cortisol and testosterone levels, whether these hormonal changes increase implicit aggressive cognition, and whether so-called Dark Tetrad personality traits (i.e., Machiavellianism, psychopathy, narcissism, everyday sadism) moderate these effects. Fifty-four men played either a violent or a non-violent video game for 25 min. Participants provided salivary samples at the beginning of the experiment (T1), after 25 min of gameplay (T2), and 20 min after gameplay ended (T3). In the violent condition, participants showed a significant decrease in cortisol levels (T1 to T2) and a significant negative trend in cortisol levels from T1 to T3. Moreover, higher Machiavellianism scores were related to a significantly stronger decrease in cortisol (T1 to T2) in this condition. In the non-violent condition, however, participants with higher scores in Machiavellianism had a higher increase in cortisol (T1 to T2). In contrast to changes in hormonal levels, there were no significant effects on implicit aggressive cognition. The present findings illustrate the complex interplay between personality, hormones, and game content, thus further specifying current notions on the effects of violent video games. Playing a violent video game can have a stress-reducing calming effect depending on personality traits such as Machiavellianism and the psychological need satisfaction associated with it. Also, the fact that VVG exposure was not automatically accompanied by an aggression-increasing effect proves that simple cause-effect models are not sufficiently specified without taking the underlying mechanisms into account.

Protective effects of HSP Inducer on diazinon-exposed stellate sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus) fry: Insights on HSP70 gene expression, immune response, and enzyme indices.

Aquatic environments face frequent exposure to organophosphate pesticides, such as diazinon, which are frequently utilized in agriculture. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of diazinon exposure on fish and to investigate the potential of the HSP inducer (HSPi) in developing a defense mechanism. To achieve this, several factors were analyzed, including the HSP70 gene expression, levels of immunity markers (lysozyme, IgM, and C3), antioxidant status, and the activity of acetylcholine esterase (AChE). Stellate sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus) fry, was exposed to diazinon (25, 50, and 75% of 96h-LC50) for 6 days after pre-treatment with an HSP inducer (HSPi), TEX-OE® (a prickly pear cactus extract), for 4 hours. Two HSPi concentrations, 100 and 200 mg.L-1, were used. Pre-treatment with HSPi significantly enhanced HSP70 gene expression in the gill and liver, as well as immune markers in the blood of Acipenser stellatus. Diazinon-treated groups exhibited higher antioxidant activities of SOD, CAT, and T-AOC. Increased activity also observed in control fish pre-treated with HSPi. However, stellate sturgeon receiving both diazinon and HSPi+diazinon experienced a significant decrease in AChE activity in comparison with control group. Cortisol levels were elevated in the fish that were subjected to diazinon. Those subjected to diazinon after receiving HSPi showed a significant decrease in cortisol levels. In conclusion, the study suggests that HSPi-mediated HSP70 induction may have a protective effect. The presence of an HSP inducer offers a potential strategy to mitigate the consequences of diazinon exposure in stellate sturgeon.

A Pilot Study of the Biofeedback Training to Reduce Salivary Cortisol Level and Improve Mental Health in Highly-Trained Female Athletes.

Biofeedback (BFB) training can provide a useful resource for athletes to cope with stress. However, the effects of BFB training on acute and chronic endocrine stress responses, parasympathetic activity, and mental health in competitive athletes have not been explored yet. This pilot study examined the effects of a 7-week BFB training on psychophysiological parameters in highly trained female athletes. Six highly trained female volleyball players (mean age: 17.50 ± 1.05 years) volunteered to participate in the study. Athletes individually attended 21-session heart rate variability (HRV)-BFB training consisting of six minutes for 7 weeks. A BFB device (Nexus 10) was used to measure the athletes' physiological responses reflecting HRV. To assess the cortisol awakening response (CAR), saliva samples were collected immediately after awakening and 15min, 30min, and 60min post-awakening. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 was filled out before and after the intervention to assess mental health. Furthermore, athletes provided saliva samples during eight sessions pre- and immediately post-session. Mid-day cortisol levels decreased significantly after the intervention. No significant change was observed in CAR and physiological responses after the intervention. A significant decrease in cortisol level was observed in BFB sessions in which cortisol level was assessed, except for two sessions. We concluded that short sessions of 7-week HRV-BFB training could be used as an effective method to control autonomic functions and stress of female athletes. Although the present study provides strong evidence for the psychophysiological well-being of athletes, further investigations with larger samples are needed.

Impact of Coenzyme Q10 and Wheat Germ Oil on some Measures of Oxidation and Reproductive System Activity of Local Rabbits Buck Under Oxidative Stress Conditions

Effects of different levels of 0.0 and 100 mg Coenzyme Q10/kg diet (CoQ10), 0.00 and 3 gm. WGO /kg (WGO) on a number of oxidation parameters, sex hormones, and histological structure of the testis in local rabbits buck were investigated under oxidative stress condition. A total 54 rabbits aged 4-5 months, randomly assigned to six treatments. Nine / treatment and three replicates per each. The results showed a significant decrease in GOT and GPT enzymes for T3 and T4 compared with the T1 and T2. With a significant decrease in cortisol levels. Treatments 3 and 4 showed a significant improvement in the GSH and MDA concentrations of normal and stressed rabbits compared with the control and the second. Treatment with H2O2 recorded decrease in hormones FSH, LH and testosterone compared to others. Whereas, treatments with CoQ10 and WGO, recorded an improvement in the concentration of FSH and LH hormones compared with others. The addition of Coenzyme Q10 and wheat germ oil improved histological structure of the testicle. We can conclude treatment with CoQ10 and WGO improved parameters of oxidation and the level of sex hormones, and histological structure of the testis.

Skin-to-skin contact-An effective intervention on pain and stress reduction in preterm infants.

The outcomes of pain and stress in preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) compel the continued search for pain- and stress-reducing interventions. To investigate how skin-to-skin contact (SSC) influences chronic pain and stress in preterm infants in the NICU. The study included 140 preterm infants in the NICU with gestational age less than 34 weeks. The overall design was a baseline-response design. Urine and saliva were collected before (baseline) and after SSC to measure pain and stress markers by enzyme immunoassay method. The behavioral indicators of chronic pain were assessed using the EDIN (Échelle Douleur Inconfort Nouveau-Né-neonatal pain and discomfort). There was a significant decrease in the dopamine level in preterm infants after SSC in comparison with baseline values (85.99 [69.35; 112.20] pg/ml vs. 132.20 [104.80; 183.70] pg/ml), p < 0.001. The β-endorphin and serotonin levels increased after SSC (40.09 [26.81; 70.63] pg/ml vs. 29.87 [20.61; 46.94] pg/ml, p = 0.009 and 25.49 [20.45; 40.08] ng/ml vs. 22.30 [15.13; 31.65] ng/ml, p = 0.011, respectively). A significant decrease in cortisol levels in saliva and urine after SSC in comparison with baseline values (0.125 [0.079; 0.225] μg/dl vs. 0.371 [0.188; 1.002] μg/dl, p = 0.000 and 27.06 [14.59; 35.35] ng/ml vs. 35.25 [19.78; 61.94] ng/ml, p = 0.001, with a simultaneous increase of oxytocin level (57.00 [36.55; 88.49] pg/ml vs. 38.20 [28.78; 56.04] pg/ml, p = 0.009 were revealed. The total pain EDIN score in infants after SSC was below 6 points, significantly decreasing compared to the baseline (p < 0.05). Preterm infants in the NICU experience stress and pain, which were confirmed by the EDIN pain scale and laboratory markers. The level of dopamine and cortisol as pain and stress hormones were reliably high, and normalized after regular SSC. Simultaneously, pain-relieving and anti-stress markers of oxytocin, β-endorphin and serotonin reliably increased in preterm infants in response to the SSC.

Black tea and coffee impact on steroid hormones status in young men

Tea and coffee alkaloids affect the hormonal status of the body. There are reports about the effect of caffeine on the body under stress, but nearly absent reports on the effect of tea and coffee alkaloids at rest. The aim of this work was to determine whether there is a significant difference in testosterone and cortisol concentrations in the blood of young men before and after drinking indicated beverages. The work was carried out on 21 healthy young males that were tested for blood cortisol levels before and after drinking tea or coffee on an empty stomach. The young men were divided into two groups: the first group comprised those whose cortisol levels increased after taking a single dose of tea, the second group – whose cortisol decreased. The third group comprised persons who took a single dose of strong-grain coffee. In addition, adrenaline and testosterone levels were determined as a hormonal panel. Our pioneer investigation found that coffee causes a significant decrease in cortisol levels at rest, but tea consumption by coffee drinkers leads to a more pronounced decrease in the cortisol levels than coffee. Keywords: black tea, coffee, cortisol, young man

Physical activity as an adjuvant therapy for depression and influence on peripheral inflammatory markers: A randomized clinical trial

IntroductionRegular exercise is recommended for people with major depressive disorder (MDD) by major treatment guidelines (e.g. the NICE guideline, 2009). In addition, an effect of antidepressant (AD) treatment on pro-inflammatory markers has been reported. However, it remains unclear whether physical activity as an adjuvant to AD treatment increases clinical response rates and is associated with levels of inflammatory markers. MethodsA four-week single-blind clinical trial involving forty people with major MDD, divided into an AD group (sertraline) and AD + exercise (40 min/day, four times weekly for four weeks) group was conducted. Peripheral inflammatory markers (IL-12, IL-10, IL-8, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) and cortisol were collected at baseline and at endpoint. ResultsWe observed a significant decrease in cortisol levels over time, but this change did not differ between the AD and AD + exercise groups. None of the other inflammatory markers showed a significant change in level during the trial. Also, most of the individuals who achieved remission were from the AD + exercise group. ConclusionAlthough our study failed to find that the association of physical activity as an adjunct to antidepressants promotes a change in cortisol or interleukins in people with MDD, we found that cortisol seems to be the most sensitive biomarker to antidepressant treatment. Further studies involving larger samples of, longer duration and with other classes of antidepressants and types of exercise should be conducted to better elucidate the link between inflammatory markers and depression.

Anxiolytic Effect and Improved Sleep Quality in Individuals Taking Lippia citriodora Extract.

The current fast-moving, hectic lifestyle has increased the number of individuals worldwide with difficulties in managing stress, which in turn is also affecting their sleep quality. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to assess a natural plant-based dietary supplement comprised of lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora) extract, purified in phenylpropanoids, in alleviating stress and improving quality of sleep. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted for 8 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout period. Both validated questionnaires and functional tests were performed during the study, whereas questionnaires were used after the washout. As a result, the group taking the lemon verbena extract significantly reduced their perception of stress after 8 weeks, which was corroborated by a significant decrease in cortisol levels. After the washout period, the subjects reported to present even lower stress levels, due to the lasting effect of the ingredient. As for sleep quality, the subjects taking the supplement reported feeling better rested, with a stronger effect observed in women. Sleep tracking using a wearable device revealed that the supplement users improved their times in the deeper stages of sleep, specifically their percentage of time in deep sleep and REM. In conclusion, lemon verbena extract purified in phenylpropanoids is revealed as a natural solution to help individuals to improve their stress and sleep quality.

The Impact of Moderate Physical Exercise on the Rheological and Biochemical Properties of Blood in Osteoarthritis Patients Who Are Regular Winter Swimmers

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of moderate physical exercise on selected blood parameters in regular winter swimmers who suffer from osteoarthritis. The study covered a period of 6 months, from November to April, and was carried out on 17 women and 22 men. The participants were divided into 4 groups: Female CWI – women who only immersed themselves in cold water, Female CWI + PE – women who exercised in addition to water immersion, Male CWI – men who only immersed themselves in cold water, and Male CWI + PE – men, who exercised in addition to water immersion. Venous blood was collected twice, before and after the exercise program. A statistically significant decrease in fibrinogen, plasma viscosity, T ½ , and AMP was observed in the blood of people who did not take part in the physical exercise program while a significant decrease in cortisol levels was observed in the people who participated in the exercise program in addition to cold water immersion. In terms of rheological parameters, a significant increase in the elongation index (EI) of erythrocytes from shear stress 2.19 Pa in all groups was observed. There were no statistically significant changes in AI in all groups. Physical activity has an influence on the blood parameters of elderly winter swimmers suffering from osteoarthritis.

New patterns of menstrual disorders’ treatment – unification of the method

Effective treatment of menstrual cycle disorders, elimination of polypragmasia, and unification of the method in various types of menstrual disorders is an important task of modern science and practice.The aim of the study was to optimize the treatment of menstrual disorders with drugs of plant origin, by comparing the clinical efficacy of TazalokTM and Vitex agnus-castus.Design: a comparative study.Materials and methods. Under the supervision there were 60 patients aged 23–37 years with various forms of menstrual disorders, divided into two groups of 30 people, in accordance with therapy. Patients of the main group I received TazalokTM for treatment of menstrual disorders, 45 drops 2 times a day, patients II (comparison group) received 40 drops of Vitex agnus-castus 1 time per day. The course of therapy was 3 months. The main group and the comparison group were divided into two subgroups of 15 patients, in accordance with the peculiarities of the menstrual disorders. Subgroup IA of main group – patients with heavy bleeding during the menstrual period, IВ – patients with scanty menstruation. In the comparison group: IІА – heavy menstrual bleeding, IIB – meager menstrual bleeding. All patients underwent a hormonal study before and after 3 months of treatment, sonographic monitoring, evaluation of subjective complaints.Results. There was normalization of the level of steroid hormones, the thyroid gland hormones. A significant decrease in cortisol levels was in patients taking TazalokTM. Sonographic characteristics of the pelvic organs, mammary glands, and the thyroid gland in patients treated with TazalokTM showed a positive trend, the disappearance of the pathological vascularization of target organs. Decrease in complaints by 2–3 weeks of taking.Conclusion. TazalokTM is an effective medicine for the treatment of various clinical forms of menstrual cycle disorders, has a wider range of effects compared with Vitex agnus-castus.

Stress Reducing Effect of a New Appliance on Dental Implant Patients

Aim: FM5 SENSORY system provides a new therapy modality which reveals synergistic effects on the level of stress. This innovative system combines music, aromatherapy and LED system by its own software program, and consist of a helmet and a main machine. By using this system, the aim of this study is to evaluate the levels of stress of the patients who would undergo dental implant surgery. Methods: This study included 66 of patients with no systemic disease (33 females, 33 males; mean age: 37.4±1.5 years). Evaluation of the stress levels of patients were performed by measuring the concentration of urinary cortisol. The treatment with helmet and the program of main machine were applied to all patients for 30 minutes. Before and after the treatment, twenty-four hours urine were collected from each participant. For the analyzes of cortisol levels, Urine BETA Cross Laps® (CTX-I) ELISA kit was utilized and they were presented as pg/ml. Obtained data were analyzed statistically performing paired samples test of SPSS program with a significance level of 0.05 Results: A statistically significant difference for cortisol levels was displayed before and after treatment (p:0.03). A significant decrease in cortisol level was founded after helmet treatment in participants. Mean value of cortisol levels before and after the treatment were as follows: 43567±3456 pg/ml and 39454±1432 pg/ml, indicating that the helmet treatment helps to reduce cortisol levels in these patients. Conclusion: FM5 SENSORY system can be a treatment modality to reduce the stress level and useful for patients who have increased levels of stress in dental appointments.

Effects of interleukin-1 antagonism on cortisol levels in individuals with obesity: a randomized clinical trial.

BackgroundAnti-inflammatory treatment with interleukin-1 (IL-1) antagonism decreases both cortisol and adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) levels in individuals with obesity in short term. However, it remains unknown whether these effects persist upon prolonged treatment.MethodsIn this double-blind, parallel-group trial involving patients with features of the metabolic syndrome, 33 patients were randomly assigned to receive 100 mg of anakinra (recombinant human IL-1 receptor antagonist) subcutaneously twice-daily and 34 patients to receive placebo for 4 weeks. For this analysis, change in cortisol and ACTH levels from baseline to 4 weeks were predefined end points of the trial.ResultsThe mean age was 54 years, baseline cortisol levels were 314 nmol/L (IQR 241–385) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were 3.4 mg/L (IQR 1.7–4.8). Treatment with anakinra led to a significant decrease in cortisol levels at day 1 when compared to placebo with an adjusted between-group difference of 28 nmol/L (95% CI, −7 to −43; P = 0.03). After 4 weeks, the cortisol-lowering effect of anakinra was attenuated and overall was statistically not significant (P = 0.72). Injection-site reactions occurred in 21 patients receiving anakinra and were associated with higher CRP and cortisol levels.ConclusionsIL-1 antagonism decreases cortisol levels in male patients with obesity and chronic low-grade inflammation on the short term. After prolonged treatment, this effect is attenuated, probably due to injection-site reactions (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02672592).

Effects of music intervention on inflammatory markers in critically ill and post-operative patients: A systematic review of the literature

BackgroundMusic listening has been shown to reduce anxiety, stress, and patient tolerance of procedures. Music may also have beneficial effects on inflammatory biomarkers in intensive care and post-operative patients, but the quality of evidence is not clear. ObjectivesWe conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effects of music on inflammatory biomarkers in intensive care, and post-operative patients. MethodsA comprehensive search of the literature was performed. After screening 1570 references, full text review of 26 studies was performed. Fourteen studies were selected for inclusion. ResultsSeven studies showed a significant decrease in cortisol levels, but the level of evidence was low. Three studies had low risk of methodological bias, while 11 studies had high risk of bias. ConclusionsMusic intervention may decrease cortisol levels, but other biomarkers remain unchanged. Given the low level of evidence, further research on music effects on inflammatory biomarkers is needed.

Cortisol and Quality of Life Responses to Endurance Versus Resistive Exercises in Young Depressed Elderly

AbstractObjective: To compare the effect of endurance versus resistive exercise on cortisol and its reflect on quality of life and depression scale in young depressed elderly.Background: Exercise has been suggested to be a viable treatment for depression. This study compared the effect of endurance versus resistive exercise on cortisol and its reflect on quality of life and depression scale in young elderly in order to help elderly to be more active.Subject and Methods: Thirty subjects (13 men, 17 women) were randomly assigned into two groups equal in number. Group (A) Fifteen subjects (7 men, 8 women) received Mod-erate intensity endurance (aerobic) exercise (50 to 70) % of their maximum heart rate. Group (B) Fifteen subjects (6 men, 9 women) received resistance exercise composed of 6 stations of weight lifting with moderate intensity (30% to 40% of 1 RM for upper body exercises and 50% to 60% of 1 RM for lower body exercise). The program duration for both groups was 3 times/week for 12 weeks.Results: Showed that 12 weeks of endurance or resistance exercise for depressed young elderly subjects caused a statis-tical significant improvement in Hamilton Depression Scale (16.86% for Group A and 17.97% for Group B) and Older People Quality of Life Questionnaire (29.94% for Group A and 20.37% for Group B) and a significant decrease in cortisol level (20.81% for Group A and 15.6% for Group B) at the end of rehabilitation program with the favor of aerobic regard-ing cortisol level and quality of life. On the other hand resistive exercise has more effect on Hamilton Depression Scale.Conclusions: Both endurance and resistance exercise are effective non-pharmacological adjuvant treatment for depres-sion and improvement of quality of life in young elderly.

Effect of aluminum toxicity and Bacopa monnieri on plasma cortisol level in Wistar albino rats

Background: Aluminum is used as cooking utensil, and aluminum foil is used in covering and packing the food. It was known that aluminum is highly reactive, particularly during high temperature. Aluminum accumulates in the brain and other vital organs and causes damage to the tissues. Aims and Objectives: The aim is to study whether aluminum exposure can alter the plasma cortisol level and also to study if aluminum exposure induced alterations in cortisol level could be normalized by the treatment of Bacopa monnieri. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 animals were divided into four groups. Group 1 is control receiving saline, Group 2 receives aluminum, Group 3 receives Bacopa, and Group 4 receives aluminum and Bacopa. After 30 days, blood sample was collected and plasma cortisol level was estimated. Results: Aluminum-treated animals showed a significant increase (df 3, 23; f = 9) when compared with control animals. Whereas, Bacopa alone treated group as well as aluminum- and Bacopa-treated group showed no significant changes compared with control groups animals. Moreover, aluminum-treated animals which received Bacopa showed a significant decrease in cortisol level from aluminum alone treated animals. Conclusion: Aluminum exposure-induced raise in blood cortisol level for 30 days indicates that aluminum may act as a chemical stressor. The aluminum-treated animals receiving Bacopa showed a significant decrease in the cortisol level.

The Effect of Wrestling Training and Sauna Practice on Cortisol and Insulin Hormones

Objective: This study aims to determine the effect of high intensity acute wrestling exercise and sauna exposure on cortisol and insulin hormone responses. Method: After health ethics committee had granted approval, the study was conducted on 14 voluntary male elite wrestlers who had no health problems. Blood measurement was taken from the wrestlers when they were rested, after wrestling exercise and after sauna exposure which was after two days of rest following the wrestling exercise. Hormone analyses were made via IMMULITE 2000 auto-analyzer. Because of the fact that data acquired in the study were not normally distributed, nonparametric statistical analysis using SPSS was applied. Results: It was determined that, after acute wrestling exercise, there was not any significant differences in the levels of cortisol and insulin. It was also concluded that after sauna practice, while there was a significant decrease (P P Conclusions: It was concluded that the practice of wrestling training by elite wrestlers does not lead to changes in cortisol and insulin levels, while sauna exposure did not have an effect on insulin in a short time as in wrestling exercise but caused a significant decrease in cortisol levels.

Effect of two complex training protocols of back squats in blood indicators of muscular damage in military athletes.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine the variations in the blood muscular damage indicators post application of two complex training programs for back squats. [Subjects and Methods] Seven military athletes were the subjects of this study. The study had a quasi-experimental cross-over intra-subject design. Two complex training protocols were applied, and the variables to be measured were cortisol, metabolic creatine kinase, and total creatine kinase. For the statistical analysis, Student’s t-test was used. [Results] Twenty-four hours post effort, a significant decrease in cortisol level was shown for both protocols; however, the metabolic creatine kinase and total creatine kinase levels showed a significant increase. [Conclusion] Both protocols lowered the indicator of main muscular damage in the blood supply (cortisol). This proved that the work weight did not generate significant muscular damage in the 24-hour post-exercise period.

Effects of yoga exercise on maximum oxygen uptake, cortisol level, and creatine kinase myocardial bond activity in female patients with skeletal muscle pain syndrome

[Purpose] This study analyzed the effects of yoga exercise on maximum oxygen uptake, cortisol level, and creatine kinase myocardial bond activity in female patients with skeletal muscle pain syndrome. [Subjects] The subjects were 24 female patients with skeletal muscle pain syndrome. [Methods] The subjects were divided into 2 groups: a yoga exercise group (n = 12) and a non-exercise control group (n = 12). Body composition, maximum oxygen uptake, cortisol level, and creatine kinase myocardial bond activity were measured before and after a 12-week yoga exercise program. [Results] After the 12-week yoga exercise program, the exercise group exhibited slightly higher maximum oxygen uptake and creatine kinase myocardial bond activity than the control group, but the differences were not statistically significant. In addition, the exercise group exhibited a significant decrease in cortisol level. [Conclusion] Regular and continuous aerobic exercise such as yoga improves body composition, maximum oxygen uptake, cortisol level, and creatine kinase myocardial bond activity in female patients with skeletal muscle pain syndrome.

Chemical processing and shampooing impact cortisol measured in human hair.

The assessment of cortisol in hair has gained popularity as a means to measure retrospective hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activity in a number of species; however, cortisol levels from human hair subjected to typical chemicals for cosmetic or hygienic purposes may be altered by the chemicals used. The purposed of this study was to determine if exposure of hair to chemical processing or shampooing impacts cortisol values. Human hair not exposed to prior chemical processing was cut from the posterior vertex region of the head of 106 human subjects as close to the scalp as possible. The hair sample was divided into 4-6 full-length clusters depending on quantity of hair available. Each hair sample was processed for baseline (native) cortisol and remaining clusters were exposed to five standard chemical hair treatments (Experiment 1) or were shampooed 15 or 30 times (Experiment 2). Hair was ground and cortisol levels were determined by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Comparisons were made between native hair and processed hair using paired t-tests and Pearson correlation. Hair cortisol as assessed by EIA was significantly altered by chemical processing but in somewhat different ways. Exposure to bleach (harshest exposure), demi-perm (least exposure) or 15-30 shampoos resulted in a significant decrease in cortisol level while exposure to varying percentages of peroxides increased cortisol measured. There were no differences in cortisol levels associated with sex, age or tobacco use in the native hair for this particular group. Chemical processing and frequent shampooing affect cortisol levels measured in hair. Chemically processed or excessively shampooed hair should be avoided when recruiting subjects for hair cortisol studies.

Effect of Perioperative Electroacupuncture as An Adjunctive Therapy on Postoperative Analgesia with Tramadol and Ketamine in Prostatectomy: A Randomised Sham-Controlled Single-Blind Trial

To study the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) as perioperative adjunctive therapy added to a systemic analgesic strategy (including tramadol and ketamine) for postoperative pain, opioid-related side effects and patient satisfaction. In a sham-controlled participant- and observer-blinded trial, 75 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy were randomly assigned to two groups: (1) EA (n=37; tramadol+ketamine+EA) and (2) control (n=38; tramadol+ketamine). EA (100 Hz frequency) was applied at LI4 bilaterally during the closure of the abdominal walls and EA (4 Hz) was applied at ST36 and LI4 bilaterally immediately after extubation. The control group had sham acupuncture without penetration or stimulation. The following outcomes were evaluated: postoperative pain using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and McGill Scale (SF_MPQ), mechanical pain thresholds using algometer application close to the wound, cortisol measurements, rescue analgesia, Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI Y-6 item), patient satisfaction and opioid side effects. Pain scores on the NRS and SF_MPQ were significantly lower and electronic pressure algometer measurements were significantly higher in the EA group than in the control group (p<0.001) at all assessments. In the EA group a significant decrease in rescue analgesia was observed at 45 min (p<0.001) and a significant decrease in cortisol levels was also observed (p<0.05). Patients expressed satisfaction with the analgesia, especially in the EA group (p<0.01). Significant delays in the start of bowel movements were observed in the control group at 45 min (p<0.001) and 2 h (p<0.05). Adding EA perioperatively should be considered an option as part of a multimodal analgesic strategy.