Significant Increase In Cortisol Research Articles

Benefits of napping habits in healthy adults: Maintaining alerting performance and cortisol levels change within 90 min of habitual napping time

BackgroundNapping is garnering increased attention as a strategy for adults to sustain alertness and alleviate stress in contemporary society. The nuances of napping habits are emerging as an independent factor influencing the extent of individual benefits. This study aimed to demonstrate the long-term benefits of napping and explore the impact of napping habits on individual alertness, as well as whether this effect was correlated with cortisol levels. MethodsThe study involved 80 healthy adults categorized into two groups based on self-reported napping habits: habitual nappers (n = 49) and non-habitual nappers (n = 31). Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS), psychomotor vigilance task (PVT), and saliva collection were performed every 30 min within 90 min in the absence of napping during the afternoon dip. The measurements were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Pearson correlation analyses. ResultsThere was an interaction between groups and time in reaction speed and lapse number of PVT and cortisol (all p < 0.05). Post hoc analysis found that habitual nappers maintained higher objective alertness and experienced more significant increases in cortisol over time (all p < 0.05). The cortisol levels at sleepiness time were negatively associated with the slowest 10 % reaction speed of PVT in non-habitual nappers (r = −0.409, p = 0.022). ConclusionUnder the premise of mitigating the impacts of acute nap deprivation on sleep homeostasis and rhythm, napping habits emerge as a potential factor influencing the ability of individuals to sustain heightened alertness.

Short Road Transport and Slaughter Stress Affects the Expression Profile of Serotonin Receptors, Adrenocortical, and Hematochemical Responses in Horses.

Horse transport is considered a cause of stress in animals and is known to affect the 5-HT concentrations in both the brain and other tissues. The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of horse transportation and slaughter stress on plasma serotonin's concentration and the expression levels of the related 5-HT1B and 5-HT2A receptors in PBMCs. Furthermore, the IL-12 levels and a variety of blood parameters, including triglycerides, total cholesterol, glucose, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, were also considered. This research was carried out on 32 horses submitted to short road transport of 40 km to slaughter. Blood samples were collected in baseline conditions (T0) and 24 h later, after they were slaughtered (T1). The results showed a significantly increased expression of 5-HT1B and 5-HT2A receptors and a significantly decreased expression of IL-12 in PBMCs at T1 vs. T0. Furthermore, a significant increase in cortisol and glucose concentrations, and LDH activity was observed at T1. In contrast, a significantly lower circulating 5-HT concentration was observed at T1 vs. T0. These results indicate that the stress induced by transport and slaughter stimuli led to the serotoninergic system's activation, suggesting that the expression of serotonin receptors could be used as a pivotal marker of stress, with potential applications for the improvement of elective protocols to observe the guidelines relating to transported horses.

Analysis of biomarkers of stress in the perioperative period during surgical treatment for abdominal wall hernias

Background. Pain impairs the patient’s quality of life after surgery and, causing a significant stress, affects life expectancy. Many biomarkers (albumin, hemoglobin, glucose level, C-reactive protein) are used to objectively assess stress, but their levels depending on the type of analgesia and their role in predicting the course of the postoperative period have not been fully studied. Aim: to conduct a comparative analysis of biomarkers of stress in patients undergoing surgery for abdominal wall hernias depending on the type of perioperative analgesia. Materials and methods. Sixty-three patients who underwent surgical treatment for abdominal wall hernias took part in the study. They were divided into 3 groups according to the method of anesthesia (general, neuraxial and regional blockades). At different stages of the perioperative period, the dynamics of stress biomarkers such as cortisol and blood glucose was studied. Results. Before the operation, the blood glucose level did not differ significantly in three groups. During the traumatic period of surgical treatment, stress-induced hyperglycemia developed, its level did not depend on the type of anesthesia performed, and 24 hours after the operation, the level of glycemia significantly decreased to normal one. A significant increase in cortisol was registered in group 1. At the same time, on the contrary, the blood cortisol level decreased in patients of groups 2 and 3. After 24 hours, the blood cortisol level decreased to normal values, and in all groups, it was lower than that before surgery. Conclusions. Regardless of the type of anesthetic management, an increase in blood glucose levels was recorded in patients of all three groups during surgical treatment for abdominal wall hernias. Patients undergoing regional abdominal wall blocks had lower levels of stress biomarkers after surgery and 24 hours postoperatively compared to general anesthesia.

Effects of long-term dehydration on stress markers, blood parameters, and tissue morphology in the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius).

Dromedary camels robustly withstand dehydration, and the rough desert environment but the adaptation mechanisms are not well understood. One of these mechanisms is that the dromedary camel increases its body temperature to reduce the process of evaporative cooling during the hot weather. Stress in general, has deleterious effects in the body. In this study, we sought to determine the effects of dehydration and rehydration on stress parameters in the dromedary camels and how it pacifies these effects. Nineteen male camels were randomly divided into control, dehydrated and rehydrated groups, and fed alfalfa hay ad-libitum. The dehydrated and rehydrated groups were water-restricted for 20 days after which the rehydrated camels were provided with water for 72 h. The control and dehydrated camels were slaughtered at day 20 from the start of experiment whereas the rehydrated group was killed 72 h later. Many biochemical, hematological histopathological parameters and gene analysis were performed in relevant tissues collected including blood, plasma, and tissues. It was observed that severely dehydrated camels lost body weight, passed very hard feces, few drops of concentrated urine, and were slightly stressed as reflected behaviorally by loss of appetite. Physiologically, the stress of dehydration elicited modulation of plasma stress hormones for water preservation and energy supply. Our results showed significant increase in cortisol, norepinephrine and dopamine, and significant decrease in epinephrine and serotonin. The significant increase in malondialdehyde was accompanied with significant increase in antioxidants (glutathione, retinol, thiamin, tocopherol) to provide tissue protection from oxidative stress. The physiological blood changes observed during dehydration serve different purposes and were quickly restored to normality by rehydration. The dehydrated/rehydrated camels showed reduced hump size and serous atrophy of perirenal and epicardial fat. The latter changes were accompanied by significantly increased expression of genes encoding proteins for energy production (ANGPTL4, ACSBG1) from fat and significantly decreased expression of genes (THRSP; FADS 1&2) encoding proteins enhancing energy expenditure. This process is vital for camel survival in the desert. Dehydration induced no major effects in the vital organs. Only minor degenerative changes were observed in hepatic and renal cells, physiological cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in heart and follicular hyperplasia in splenic but lipidosis was not depicted in liver hepatocytes. Ketone bodies were not smelled in urine, sweat and breathing of dehydrated animals supporting the previous finding that the ß hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, a key enzyme in ketone body formation, is low in the camel liver and rumen. Rehydration restored most of blood and tissues to normal or near normal. In conclusion, camels are adapted to combat dehydration stress and anorexia by increasing anti-stressors and modulating genes involved in fat metabolism.

Effect of some Medical Plant Extracts and Chemicals on Hormones of Female Rats

The study was carried out on 45 sexually mature female albino rats at the age of 7-8 weeks and weighing 160-180 ± 10 gm., nine treatments were used in this study, where five rats were isolated for control treatment (without infection). The remaining rats were injected (Subcutaneous) with Indian-made Alloxan, which was prepared at the time of injection at a dose of 100 mg/kg of body weight. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of extracts of medical plants (Curcumin, Origanum majorana, and Vitex aguns-castus) at 50-100 mg/kg body weight and chemotherapy (metformin at 50 mg/kg body weight) on hormones. The results showed a significant increase in LH hormone in the T3, T4, T5, T7, and T9 treatments compared with the T2 treatment. A significant increase in FSH was observed in T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, and T9 treatments compared with T2 treatment. The results of the statistical analysis indicated a significant increase in progesterone in the T3, T5, T7, and T9 treatments compared with the T2 treatment. While T3, T5, and T9 treatments were significantly superior to T2, T4, T6, T7, and T8 treatments in terms of estrogen hormone. While a significant increase in cortisol was observed in the T2 treatment compared with the rest of the treatments. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aqueous extracts of Curcumin, Origanum majorana and Vitex aguns-castus leaves on the sex hormones of female rats. The results have shown that the aqueous extracts have a positive effect on hormones in female rats.

Influence of Diet Changes on the Condition and Physiological State of Juvenile Sea Trout (Salmo trutta)

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the influence of diets (factor D) and the time period (factor T) during which they were applied on the growth performance and physiological condition (blood plasma hematological and biochemical indicators of stress and immunity) in juvenile sea trout (Salmo trutta; initial body weight approximately 73 g). The diet of the fish that was used prior to the experiment (formulated feed; initial fish sample) was modified as follows: a different formulated feed (group B), mixed feed (feed B + prey fish; group B/N), prey fish exclusively (group N). The fish from group A were given the feed that was used prior to the beginning of the experiment. During the 28-day trial neither factors D nor T influenced absolute or relative fish growth rates. Factor D significantly influenced hematological indicators and leukograms, while the phagocytic index and cidal ability were determined by the time test (factor T). Myeloperoxidase (AMPO) was related significantly with the influence of factors D and T and also with the interaction of D×T. A significant decrease in AMPO was noted after two weeks of the test in groups B, N, and B/N, but after four weeks this indicator did not differ from that confirmed in the initial fish sample. The factors tested influenced stress indicators, i.e., cortisol (D and T) and glucose (D). Significant increases in cortisol (group B) and glucose (groups A, B, and B/N) concentrations were noted after two weeks of the test. After the subsequent two weeks (four weeks of the test) these indicators also stabilized. Sea trout from aquaculture readily accept prey fish; however, changes in diet cause stress reactions such as temporarily reduced immunity. Thus, the procedure for preparing sea trout stocking material for release, which is to change the feed from formulated to natural (live fish), should last approximately four weeks.

Adolescents' hair cortisol concentrations during COVID-19: Evidence from two longitudinal studies in the Netherlands and the United States.

Prolonged stress exposure is associated with alterations in cortisol output. The COVID-19 pandemic represented a stressor for many, including children. However, a high-quality caregiving environment may protect against psychological problems and possibly against elevations in cortisol. We examined adolescents' physiological stress responses to the pandemic and the role of attachment in two longitudinal samples from the Netherlands and the United States (https://aspredicted.org/HHY_8MK). Cortisol was assessed from hair samples before and during the pandemic, while attachment was self-reported prepandemic. Study 1 included a Dutch sample (N=158; examined at ages 10 and later at 14 years old), whereas Study 2 included a US sample (N=153; examined at ages 9-11 and again 2 years later) and an age-matched prepandemic sample (N=29, 10-13 years old). Repeated-measures analyses of variance examined changes in cortisol from prepandemic to during the pandemic and the effect of attachment in each sample separately. After accounting for age, both studies revealed nonsignificant changes in hair cortisol and a nonsignificant effect of attachment. A significant effect of sex emerged in Study 1, with Dutch girls showing a significant cortisol increase during the pandemic, which was not explained by puberty. These findings suggest differential associations of the pandemic with hair cortisol increases by sex and country.

THU623 Leuprolide Treatment Of Mild Cortisol Secretion (MACS) Due To Primary Bilateral Macronodular Hyperplasia (PBMAH) Expressing Aberrant LH Receptors

Abstract Disclosure: L. Branchaud-Croisetière: None. M. St-Jean: Speaker; Self; Recordati rare disease, GlaxoSmithKline. Stock Owner; Self; Spruce bioscience. Cushing syndrome (CS) is caused by PBMAH in &amp;lt;2% of cases. Treatment is mostly surgical with unilateral or bilateral adrenalectomy, but in some cases, identification of aberrant receptors can allow the use of targeted medical therapies. Only a few cases of adrenal CS associated with an aberrant LH/hCG receptors that were treated with GnRH agonist were described. In December 2020, we saw a 72-year-old woman for bilateral adrenal nodules and an ACTH independent hypercortisolism. Her past medical history includes depression, insomnia, and osteoporosis with multiples fragility fractures. She was taking citalopram, calcium, vitamin D and alendronate was added in 2021. In the follow-up she developed dyslipidemia and hypertension. There were no sign of CS on physical examination. In 2020, a non-contrast thoracic scan was done and showed a right adrenal nodule of 3x1,4 cm and a left adrenal nodule of 3 x 2 cm both with densities &amp;lt; 10 HU and no atrophy of the adrenal limbs. In August 2021, a FDG PET scan showed an SUV of 3,4 on the right side and 3,7 on the left side. Morning cortisol after 1 mg DST (done twice) were 122 and 133 nmol/L (N &amp;lt;50). Aldosterone to renin ratio and 17-OHP were normal. In September 2020, a 4 mg IV dexamethasone suppression test was done and cortisol was 189 nmol/L at 9h am on day 2. Between 2020 and 2021, ACTH (3 values) were between 1,3-1,7 pmol/L (N 0-10 pmol/L) and DHEAS (3 values) between 1-1,6 (N 0,95-11,67 mol/L). 24h UFC (7 values) varied from 280,6 to 600,6 nmol/d (N 153-789 nmol/d). LNSC (8 values) were normal &amp;lt;2 to 3 nmol/L (N &amp;lt;5) except for one value at 6 nmol/L. In February 2022, systematic research for aberrant receptors was done. The cortisol have showed an ACTH-independent increased of 242% following 100 mcg IV of LHRH. There was also a significant ACTH-independent increase after 10 IU of vasopressin (+ 66%) and 10 mg of maxeran PO (+ 98%). There was no significant increase in cortisol after stimulation with glucagon 1mg IV and the upright posture test. We couldn’t obtain cortisol measures after stimulation with cortrosyn and the mixed-meal test because of issues with samples. Treatment with Leuprolide 3,75mg IM monthly was started in April 2022 and the dose was increased to 7,5 mg in August 2022 because of partial response observed initially. There was a response with an increase in ACTH from &amp;lt;1,1 to 2,6 pmol/L until December 2022. Since January 2023, ACTH (3 values) have decreased between 1,8-2 pmol/L. In January 2023, the morning cortisol after 1 mg DST was 104 nmol/L and 24h UFC were 161 and 306 nmol/d and two LNSC were &amp;lt;2 nmol/L. However, with the recent decrease in ACTH, we suspect an escape to Leuprolide. In summary, this is a rare case of MACS due to PBMAH expressing aberrant LH receptors with initial response to Leuprolide. We are waiting for the results of genetic testing. The patient could eventually benefit from a left unilateral adrenalectomy if escape from medical treatment is confirmed. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Comparative Assessment of the Stress Response of Cattle to Common Dairy Management Practices.

While studies have been conducted examining the stress response of dairy cattle to individual acute and chronic stressors, the results are difficult to compare due to differences in study design and analysis methods. The aim of the present study was to conduct a comparative assessment of the impact of eight common stimuli: artificial insemination (AI), embryo transfer (ET), morning milking (MM), evening milking (EM), veterinary examination (VE), ultrasound examination (US), hoof trimming (HT), and natural breeding (NB) on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and milk production of 24 Holstein-Friesian cattle. After random allocation into control and treatment groups, a total of five blood samples were collected 40 min (Ba1) and 20 min (Ba2) prior to stimulus application, immediately following the stimulus (St), as well as 20 min (Re1) and 40 min (Re2) post-stimulus. A comparison between the overall serum cortisol concentrations in the treatment groups showed a significant difference between HT to AI (p = 0.006), ET (p = 0.010), MM (p = 0.021), VE (p = 0.009), EM (p = 0.007), and US (p = 0.010), except for NB (p = 0.542). There is no significant difference between the control groups (p > 0.05). The stimuli HT (p < 0.001) and NB (p < 0.001) showed significant increases in cortisol following stimulus application, and the levels failed to decrease significantly by sample Re2. No significant differences in daily milk yield (kg) were measured amongst the tested stimuli (p = 0.472) nor amongst the groups 'Control', 'Treatment' and 'no stimulus' (p = 0.350). In conclusion, when factors such as increased physical activity, novel social interaction, sexual arousal, and a more intense restriction of movement are present, the animal's perceived controllability and predictability might decrease, affecting the animal's response to stress. Treatments carried out while animals are restrained in a headlock while remaining within their regular group likely result in a less intense activation of the HPA axis.

Investigating the effect of hormonal contraceptive use on salivary cortisol response to a CO2 challenge

Hormonal contraceptive (HC) use has been associated with many physiological effects, such as blunted cortisol stress responses, when compared to naturally cycling (NC) women. However, no previous studies comparing these groups have utilized a CO2 challenge to induce stress. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to use a CO2 challenge to compare cortisol stress reactivity in women using HC relative to NC women. While this task has been previously used to induce panic, few studies have assessed its effects on cortisol, especially as it relates to HC use. Thirty-five women (19 current HC users,16 self-reported NC women) were assessed in the lab. Participants had a mean age of 25.2 years and were 74.3% White. A 35% CO2 challenge was used to provoke a stress response. Saliva samples were collected to measure cortisol (1 pre-stress baseline sample, 5 post-stress samples). Linear mixed effects modeling was used to examine whether there was a significant increase in cortisol following the challenge. There were no group differences in baseline cortisol (b = -.0117, p =.801), however, there was a significant difference in cortisol responses from baseline, with NC women having a more robust cortisol response (linear effect, b=.0065, p=.001; quadratic effect, b=-.0001, p<.001). Results are consistent with previous research demonstrating a more blunted cortisol response to a laboratory-based stressor among individuals using HC. In contrast, participants in the NC group displayed greater post-stress peak cortisol levels and a clear down-regulatory response.

Does a laboratory-based CO2 challenge induce a hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis stress response in healthy adults?

A methodological limitation to studying hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning is that there are few laboratory-based tasks that consistently induce a stress response. Moreover, most tasks use a socially-evaluative approach to eliciting a stress response. The aim of the current study was to test whether a CO2 inhalation challenge (originally designed to induce panic symptoms) produces a robust HPA-axis stress response. Forty-eight adults (mean age = 25.6; 69% women; 73% white) were recruited from a local university in the mid-southern part of the United States. Participants were asked to complete a 35% CO2 inhalation challenge. Six saliva samples were collected to measure cortisol responses to the task (a pre-stress baseline sample followed by 5 post-stress samples). Linear mixed effects modeling was used to examine whether there was a significant increase in cortisol following the challenge. There was substantial between-subjects variability in cortisol responses to the challenge. That said, the mean group cortisol response indicated that participants experienced an increase in cortisol 15-30 minutes post-challenge and a subsequent decrease in cortisol 45-60 minutes post-challenge (linear effect, b=0.007, p<0.001; quadratic effect, b=-0.0001, p<0.001). On average, there was a 53% increase in cortisol from baseline and nearly two-thirds of participants had at least a 45% increase in cortisol. The data suggest that a CO2 inhalation challenge can be used to induce a cortisol stress response among healthy participants and offers an alternative laboratory-based task that does not rely on socially-evaluative cues to induce stress.

Validation of an online version of the Trier Social Stress Test in adult men and women

The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) is a reliable laboratory protocol to induce acute psychosocial stress in the laboratory. If circumstances do not allow in-person assessments, an online version of the TSST could create more flexible research opportunities. To date, studies have confirmed subjective and autonomic stress responses to online TSST protocols. In this preregistered study, we focused on the effect of a TSST online for adults (TSST-OA) on cortisol and alpha amylase levels, and pleasure and arousal ratings. We hypothesized significant increases in cortisol, alpha amylase and arousal, and a decrease in pleasure in response to the TSST-OA. Also, we expected stronger cortisol responses in males as compared with females, as in the laboratory TSST. N=48 adults (56% female, meanage=23.02, SD=3.19) participated in the study. Saliva sampling devices were sent to participants’ home before testing sessions, during which the experimenter, a mixed-sex panel, and the participant joined a video call. Participants underwent the TSST-OA and overall provided five saliva samples for cortisol and alpha amylase detection. Pleasure and arousal ratings and psychometric questionnaires were also completed online. As hypothesized, the TSST-OA significantly increased cortisol, alpha amylase, and arousal levels, while it decreased pleasure. Moreover, cortisol responses were significantly stronger in males as compared to females. 64% of subjects were classified as responders (cortisol rise>1.5nmol/l). The TSST-OA successfully induced psychophysiological stress in adults. Our protocol offers new possibilities to study stress outside of the laboratory.

Metabolism, antioxidant and immunity in acute and chronic hypoxic stress and the improving effect of vitamin C in the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus).

Hypoxia is the most significant factor that threatens the health and even survival of freshwater and marine fish. Priority should be given to the investigation of hypoxia adaptation mechanisms and their subsequent modulation. Acute and chronic studies were designed for the current study. Acute hypoxia comprised of normoxia dissolved oxygen (DO) 7.0 ± 0.5 mg/mL (N0), low-oxygen 5.0 ± 0.5 mg/mL(L0), and hypoxia 1.0 ± 0.1 mg/mL (H0) and 300 mg/L Vc for hypoxia regulation (N300, L300, H300). Chronic hypoxia comprised of normoxia (DO 7.0 ± 0.5 mg/mL) with 50 mg/kg Vc in the diet (N50) and low oxygen (5.0 ± 0.5 mg/mL) with 50, 250, 500 mg/kg Vc in the diet (L50, L250, L500) to assess the effect of Vc in hypoxia. The growth, behavior, hematological parameters, metabolism, antioxidants, and related inflammatory factors of channel catfish were investigated, and it was found that channel catfish have a variety of adaptive mechanisms in response to acute and chronic hypoxia. Under acute 5 mg/mL DO, the body color lightened (P < 0.05) and reverted to normal with 300 mg/mL Vc. PLT was significantly elevated after 300 mg/L Vc (P < 0.05), indicating that Vc can effectively restore hemostasis following oxygen-induced tissue damage. Under acute hypoxia, the significantly increased of cortisol, blood glucose, the gene of pyruvate kinase (pk), and phosphofructokinase (pfk), together with the decreased expression of fructose1,6-bisphosphatase (fbp) and the reduction in myoglycogen, suggested that Vc might enhance the glycolytic ability of the channel catfish. And the enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and the gene expression of sod rose significantly, showing that Vc might improve the antioxidant capacity of the channel catfish. The significant up-regulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (tnf-α), interleukin-1β (il-1β), and cd68 under acute hypoxia implies that hypoxia may generate inflammation in channel catfish, whereas the addition of Vc and down-regulation of these genes suggests that Vc suppresses inflammation under acute hypoxia. We found that the final weight, WGR, FCR, and FI of channel catfish were significantly reduced under chronic hypoxia, and that feeding 250 mg/kg of Vc in the diet was effective in alleviating the growth retardation caused by hypoxia. The significant increase in cortisol, blood glucose, myoglycogen, and the expression of tnf-α, il-1β, and cd68 (P < 0.05) and the significant decrease in lactate (P < 0.05) under chronic hypoxia indicated that the channel catfish had gradually adapted to the survival threat posed by hypoxia and no longer relied on carbohydrates as their primary source of energy. While the addition of Vc did not appear to increase the energy supply of the fish under hypoxia in terms of glucose metabolism, but the significantly decreased expression of tnf-α, il-1β, and cd68 (P < 0.05) also were found, indicating that chronic hypoxia, similar acute hypoxia, may increase inflammation in the channel catfish. This study indicates that under acute stress, channel catfish withstand stress by raising energy supply through glycolysis, and acute hypoxic stress significantly promotes inflammation in channel catfish, but Vc assists the channel catfish resist stress by raising glycolysis, antioxidant capacity, and decreasing the production of inflammatory markers. Under chronic hypoxia, the channel catfish no longer utilize carbohydrates as their primary energy source, and Vc may still effectively reduce inflammation in the channel catfish under hypoxia.

High-Temperature Stress Induces Autophagy in Rainbow Trout Skeletal Muscle

Ectothermic animals, such as teleosts, have increasingly been exposed to stressful high-temperature events due to global warming. Currently, the effects of thermal stress on skeletal muscle, a key tissue for fish growth, are unknown. This study examined the impact of high-temperature stress on the skeletal muscle transcriptome of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in control (15 °C) and high-temperature (20 °C) conditions. Additionally, we examined the plasmatic levels of cortisol, glucose, and creatine kinase activity, and examined oxidative damage and autophagy activation in skeletal muscle. High-temperature stress induced significant increases in cortisol and glucose plasmatic levels. Nevertheless, no changes were observed in creatine kinase activity in plasma and skeletal muscle oxidation. Skeletal muscle RNA was isolated and sequenced using the HiSeq Illumina platform. A total of 383,796,290 reads were mapped onto the reference rainbow trout genome. The transcriptomic analysis showed that 293 genes were upregulated in the high-temperature group, mainly associated with autophagosome assembly, amino acid transport, and the glutamine metabolic process. On the other hand, 119 genes were downregulated in the high-temperature group, mainly associated with digestion, proteolysis, and the muscle contraction process. In addition, RT-qPCR of differentially expressed representative genes and Western blot analysis of LC3-II/LC3-I levels confirmed skeletal muscle autophagy induced by high temperature. This study sheds light on intriguing facets of the adaptive response of rainbow trout skeletal muscle to high-temperature stress and provides significant insights into the physiology of autophagy in teleosts.

Comparative study of the analgesic and anti-stress effect of inhalation anesthesia in children with cancer and trauma pathology during surgical treatment

Background. Adequate anesthesia is of great importance for patient safety, it reduces stress reactions to surgery and trauma. The perfection of modern anesthesia allows performing complex operations in different age periods in patients at high surgical and anesthetic risk. To limit the activation of neuroendocrine, inflammatory and immune reactions during surgery, new methods of anesthesia are constantly being searched for, different inhalation and non-inhalation drugs for anesthesia are compared in order to find an ideal “stress-free” anesthetic. Currently, during cancer surgeries, sevoflurane is widely used, but there are few studies showing efficiency of this inhalation anesthetic in children during surgical treatment of tumors and its effect on operative trauma and the reaction of the child’s body to stress. The purpose of our research is to study the extent to which sevoflurane limits the activation of neurovegetative, inflammatory, and immune responses in children during cancer surgery. Materials and methods. Twenty-seven children (first group) aged from 1 to 17 years (6.04 ± 5.84 years), who came for surgical treatment of cancer, were examined. To compare the studied indicators, 23 children (second group) aged from 2 to 17 years (10.68 ± 4.21 years) were additionally examined, they were scheduled for surgical treatment of trauma pathology. Results. Evaluation of the adequacy of sevoflurane anesthesia during operations in cancer and trauma patients showed that most hemodynamic parameters had similar changes at all stages, which is typical for this type of anesthesia. We studied changes in C-reactive protein and circulating cytokines before and after anesthesia with sevoflurane in children with cancer and trauma pathology. C-reactive protein level increased 4 times, but initially its level was 2–2.5 times higher in cancer patients. Similar dynamics was demonstrated with pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor). By the end of surgical intervention, a significant increase of cortisol was noted; however, in the children of the second group, the level of this hormone increased more compared with cancer patients. All spectral indicators of heart rate variability, which testified to the tension of the autonomic nervous system, had a significant difference between the groups. Conclusions. During inhalation anesthesia with sevoflurane, the profile of stress response in children with cancer differs from that in patients with trauma pathology.

0731 Salivary Cortisol and Sleep in Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and Non-Caregiving Grandparents

Abstract Introduction Caregivers often exhibit unhealthy/dampened cortisol profiles and sleep problems due to high stress. Grandparent caregivers (GP-CG) may be particularly vulnerable with caregiving burden and age-related changes in sleep/health. Yet there is lack of empirical evidence examining baseline cortisol and reactivity in GP-CG and how they are associated with sleep. We examined differences between GP-CG and non-GP-CG in cortisol levels pre- and post-stress tasks and the moderating role of caregiving status in the relationship between cortisol and sleep. Methods 486 participants in the second wave of the 2009 MIDUS biomarkers project were characterized as GP-CG who cared for their grandchild for at least 1 year (n=63, Mage=61.80, 64% female) and non-GP-CG (n=423, Mage=62.98, 56.2% female). T-tests and multiple regressions (SPSS PROCESS) examined group differences and moderation by caregiving status in the associations between salivary cortisol (Salivette®; measured before and after Stroop and MATHTurner tasks) and sleep (work-day and non-work-day total sleep time-TST; frequency of Sleep Onset Latency problems-SOLfreq; 1-never to 5-always) over the past month. Analyses controlled for age, gender, cortisol collection time. Results GP-CG had lower baseline cortisol (M=10.35, SD=6.02) than non-GP-CG (M=12.15, SD=7.70; t(485)=2.03, p=.045). GP-CG had lower post-task cortisol reactivity (M=10.99, SD=5.83) than non-GP-CG (M=13.21, SD=7.73; t(485)=2.06, p=.040). Only non-GP-CG had a significant cortisol increase from baseline to post-task (t(1,422)=3.00, p=.001)). Caregiving status interacted with baseline cortisol (t(1, 484)=3.81, p=.04) in its association with SOLfreq (R2=.16, p=.03). Higher baseline cortisol was associated with less SOLfreq in GP-CG with no relationship in non-GP-CG. Additionally, caregiving status interacted with post-task cortisol (t(1,484)=7.79, p=.006) in its association with non-work-day TST (R2=.17, p=.04). Cortisol and TST had a positive relationship in GP-CG but a negative relationship in non-GP-CG. Conclusion GP-CG may have lower baseline cortisol and reactivity compared to non-GP-CG, consistent with previous literature examining individuals with prolonged stress compared to healthy controls. GP-CG’s reduced cortisol reactivity may be adaptive given that the positive relationship between cortisol and sleep in this group, contrary to the negative association found among healthy controls. Future research should utilize longitudinal data to determine the temporality of these relationships. Support (if any) NIA (P01AG020166, R37AG027343; McCrae, PI: R01AG061976)

Adolescents' Hormonal Responses to Social Stress and Associations with Adolescent Social Anxiety and Maternal Comfort: A Preliminary Study.

Both social support and social stress can impact adolescent physiology including hormonal responses during the sensitive transition to adolescence. Social support from parents continues to play an important role in socioemotional development during adolescence. Sources of social support and stress may be particularly impactful for adolescents with social anxiety symptoms. The goal of the current study was to examine whether adolescent social anxiety symptoms and maternal comfort moderated adolescents' hormonal response to social stress and support. We evaluated 47 emotionally healthy 11- to 14-year-old adolescents' cortisol and oxytocin reactivity to social stress and support using a modified version of the Trier Social Stress Test for Adolescents that included a maternal comfort paradigm. Findings demonstrated that adolescents showed significant increases in cortisol and significant decreases in oxytocin following the social stress task. Subsequently, we found that adolescents showed significant decreases in cortisol and increases in oxytocin following the maternal comfort paradigm. Adolescents with greater social anxiety symptoms showed higher levels of cortisol at baseline but greater declines in cortisol response following maternal social support. Social anxiety symptoms were unrelated to oxytocin response to social stress or support. Our findings provide further evidence that mothers play a key role in adolescent regulation of physiological response, particularly if the stressor is consistent with adolescents' anxiety. More specifically, our findings suggest that adolescents with higher social anxiety symptoms show greater sensitivity to maternal social support following social stressors. Encouraging parents to continue to serve as a supportive presence during adolescent distress may be helpful for promoting stress recovery during the vulnerable transition to adolescence.

Testosterone and cortisol responses to acute and prolonged stress during officer training school

Prolonged or severe stress has been found to inhibit the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG) and its testosterone release. In contrast, acute stress, including competition, social evaluation, or physical challenges, shows more inconsistent response patterns. This study examined changes in cortisol and testosterone across different types and durations of stress in the same individuals. We further explored the influence of baseline levels on hormonal stress responses. Sixty-seven male officer cadets in the Swiss Armed Forces (mean age 20.46 years ± 1.33) were assessed during two different acute stressors—the Trier Social Stress Test for Groups (TSST-G) and a brief military field exercise—and in the long-term during the 15-week officer training school. Several saliva samples were collected before and after the acute stressors for cortisol and testosterone. Morning testosterone was assessed four times during officer training school. There were significant increases in cortisol and testosterone during the TSST-G and the field exercise. Baseline levels of testosterone were negatively associated with acute cortisol response during the field exercise but not during the TSST-G. Morning saliva testosterone decreased during the first 12 weeks of officer training school and increased again in week 15, with no differences to baseline levels. The findings suggest that group stress tests such as the TSST-G or field exercises in groups may be particularly challenging for young men. The results also point to an adaptive role of testosterone during acute challenges during prolonged stress.

Effects of a 3-Month Physical Training on Cortisol and Testosterone Responses in Women After Bariatric Surgery

Although it is well established that physical activity (PA) may partially correct the metabolic and hormonal alterations observed in patients with obesity, knowledge of its impact after bariatric surgery (BS) remains poor. The purpose of this study was to assess the repercussions of physical training on cortisol and testosterone responses in post-BS women. According to a randomized clinical trial, a PA group (11 women) started a 3-month physical training 6weeks after BS, whereas no specific activity was proposed to a control group (9 women). Submaximal exercise (i.e., 30min at 60% VO2peak) was performed by all subjects just before and after the 3-month period. Blood samples were taken at rest, after 10, 20, and 30min of exercise and 10min of passive recovery for cortisol and testosterone analyses. Blood glucose, blood lactate, and heart rate were assessed at the same time. Before the program, a significant increase in cortisol, blood lactate, and heart rate was observed in all subjects during the submaximal exercise vs. rest, with no change in blood glucose and testosterone. After vs. before the 3-month period, no modification in any parameter was noted at rest in either group. However, during exercise, lack of cortisol increase and lower heart rate were found in the PA group only, with disappearance of the increase in blood lactate in both groups. Our results show some beneficial effects of physical training on hormonal and physical parameters. Further studies are needed to determine the biological and clinical significance of these adaptations induced by physical training in women after BS.

Cortisol Levels and Psychometric Test CBA2.0 Performance as Predictors of Hypnotherapy Efficacy

It is widely believed that personality has an important role in determining the effectiveness of guided imagery (GI) interventions. The primary aim of the current study was to examine whether the effect of GI on several outcome measures was dependent upon openness to experience, a theoretically relevant variable previously unexplored as a potential moderator. Thirty-five healthy participants were randomised to an animated imagery, verbal imagery or no-intervention control group, with imagery groups receiving 10 × 20 min sessions. Pre/post-assessments of cortisol, sleep, stress and creativity were administered along with the openness to experience scale. Regression analysis indicated a significant increase in cortisol and decrease in tiredness following verbal GI, but only for those high in openness. The efficacy of GI interventions may be dependent upon openness to experience and this variable should be accounted for in future studies.