Stress Markers In Women Research Articles

Exploring Biopsychosocial Stress Markers in Women With Fibromyalgia

Identification of fibromyalgia has been a challenge for healthcare professionals due to the lack of a clinical biomarker. A well-supported integrative hypothesis holds that this condition is a chronic pain problem partly caused by long-term dysregulation of stress response. Therefore, stress assessment from a biopsychosocial perspective may be a useful approach to recognizing fibromyalgia. A cross-sectional case-control study was conducted to explore stress markers from a multidimensional perspective, including heart rate variability (as a biomarker of stress) as well as psychological distress and social stress. Forty-seven women with fibromyalgia were recruited from support groups and another 47 were recruited as matched pain-free controls. Comparison and discriminant function analyses were performed. The data support the goodness of biopsychosocial stress markers in women with fibromyalgia, resulting in the identification of between 70% and 74.5% of fibromyalgia cases (sensitivity) and 85%-87% pain-free controls (specificity), with medium-high levels of fit (λ = 0.58 and λ = 0.59; p < .00). Women with fibromyalgia were characterized by high levels of psychological distress, social stress (disorder levels), and autonomic dysregulation. Although distress and social stress had a greater weight in discriminant functions, dysregulation in terms of low parasympathetic activity and high sympathetic activity at rest was also relevant. A biopsychosocial approach to stress with an objective biomarker such as heart rate variability may be a useful tool to identify and manage FM.

Longitudinal Assessment of Oxidative Stress Markers in Women with Preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific disorder and a major contributor to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Role of oxidative stress in early pregnancy with the pathophysiology of the disorder is unclear. The current study aims to analyse maternal levels of oxidative stress markers (MDA and protein carbonyl) longitudinally across gestation and placental levels of oxidative stress markers (MDA, protein carbonyl and 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine) in women with PE and compare them with non-PE women. 324 pregnant women (216 non-PE and 108 PE women) were longitudinally followed during pregnancy. Women with preeclampsia were stratified as early onset preeclampsia (EOP) and late onset preeclampsia (LOP) Maternal blood at four time points across gestation (11-14weeks, 18-22weeks, 26-28weeks, and at delivery) and placenta were collected. Maternal and placental levels of oxidative stress markers were assessed using commercially available kits. Maternal plasma MDA and protein carbonyl levels were comparable between the PE and non-PE group at all timepoints across gestation. Maternal plasma MDA were significantly higher levels at 26-28weeks in EOP women when compared to non-PE women (p < 0.05). Placental 8-oxo-dG levels were lower in the EOP group as compared to non-PE (p < 0.05). Elevated plasma MDA levels were positively associated with birth length at 18-22weeks and 26-28weeks in the PE group (p < 0.05 for both). Maternal plasma MDA levels were positively associated with systolic blood pressure at 18-22weeks. Oxidative stress in early pregnancy is not associated with risk of PE.

Assessment of oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress markers in women with uterine myomas

Assessment of oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress markers in women with uterine myomas

Effect of inulin supplementation on clinical symptoms, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in women with migraine: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundMigraine is a complex, chronic, and debilitating multifactorial disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of headache and related symptoms. It typically begins in early ages and is more prevalent in women than in men. Recently, the gut–brain axis has emerged as a new candidate that may be linked to neurological diseases. We hypothesize that selective modulation of the intestinal microbiota, oxidative stress, and inflammation through inulin supplementation may improve clinical outcomes in these patients. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effects of high-performance inulin supplementation on clinical symptoms, mental health, quality of life (QOL), intestinal permeability, and inflammatory and oxidative stress factors in women with migraine.MethodsThis is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 80 women with migraine who meet the inclusion criteria (aged between 20 and 50 years with a diagnosis of migraine by a neurologist based on the ICDH-3). Participants will be assigned to receive a daily dose of 10 g of inulin for 12 weeks (intervention group, n = 40) or 10 g of maltodextrin as a placebo for the same duration (control group, n = 40). The primary outcome will measure the variations in the frequency of headache experienced by the patients. Secondary outcomes will encompass serum levels of zonulin, high-sensitive C-reactive protein, total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status, nitric oxide, mental status, QOL, duration, and severity of migraine attacks.DiscussionThis clinical trial aims to evaluate the effect of inulin supplementation on inflammatory status, oxidative stress, intestinal permeability, clinical symptoms, mental health, and QOL in women with migraine. The findings of this trial could contribute to the identification of mechanistic action and evidence-based clinical guidelines that address gut microbiota manipulation to maximize health benefits in the management of clinical outcomes in migraine patients.Trial registrationIranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir) (ID: IRCT20121216011763N58). Registration date: 23 April 2023.Trial statusThe protocol is version 3.0, September 17, 2023. Recruitment began August 21, 2023, and is anticipated to be completed by March 22, 2024.

Evaluation of serum oxidative stress markers in women with leiomyoma

Evaluation of serum oxidative stress markers in women with leiomyoma

Determination of Oxidative Stress Markers in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that increases the risk of metabolic diseases, such as insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, and obesity, among others. Oxidative stress is a state of elevated oxidants and reduced antioxidants, which can be detrimental to the body. Reduced glutathione (GSH) is an important material with antioxidant properties. This study aimed to investigate the status of oxidative stress in PCOS women by measuring total oxidant status (TOS) and GSH in their serum, and explore the possibility of using oxidative stress biomarkers in the diagnosis of the disease. The study included 60 women with PCOS and 30 women without PCOS as controls. PCOS women had significantly higher values of body mass index, testosterone, and TOS, while GSH levels were significantly reduced. There was also a significant negative correlation between TOS and GSH levels in PCOS women. These findings indicate that PCOS women exhibit systemic oxidative stress, and suggest the use of anti-oxidative drugs to manage the health consequences of PCOS. The study demonstrates the excellent sensitivity of TOS and GSH as prognostic biomarkers for PCOS.

Study of Risk Factors and Assessment of Hematotoxicity and Oxidative Stress Among Women Stroke Patient with Metabolic Syndrome

This study aims at evaluating some risk factors and the variation of certain hematological and oxidative stress markers in women with stroke disease. The observation (clinical study) was done on 130 voluntary women, divided into metabolic syndrome patients with and without stroke disease. Risk factors were estimated by Chi-square test. Results demonstrated that the high levels of family stress, self-medication and anticoagulants treatment were the most dangerous risk factors to stroke diseases, whereas brushing of teeth daily had an important protective factors against participants from disease. From biological study, results showed that RBC, hemoglobin, GSH and total thiol levels were significantly decreased (p&lt;0.05) while WBC, neutrophile, platelet, MDA, SOD, ORAC and vit C levels were significantly increased (p&lt;0.05) in women with metabolic syndrome (MS) + stroke patients as compared to MS patients without stroke. In conclusion, several socioeconomic and clinical factors contributed to the dispersion and development of the stroke. In addition, oxidative stress during metabolic syndrome contributes to the development of stroke disease. Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 21(2): 195-203, 2022 (December)

Effects of antineoplastic drugs on oxidative stress and prognosis of hematological and various biochemical parameters in the treatment of breast cancer

Objective: This study aimed to to evaluate the variation and importance of certain hematological, enzymatic, and oxidative stress markers in women with breast cancer under chemotherapy treatment. Methods: The study comprised forty histopathologically proven female breast cancer patients at Omega Cancer Hospital in Visakhapatnam. All subjects were divided into four groups: a control group of 40 healthy females of similar age, a group of 40 breast cancer patients (before chemotherapy, during chemotherapy, and after chemotherapy), and all subjects were undergoing treatment with anticancer agents. Results: During chemotherapy, lipid peroxidation and Nitric oxide (NO) levels were significantly increased in AC-treated breast cancer patients than in controls. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were non-significant increase in treatment group than controls. Whereas biochemical profiles, were decreased in treatment group than controls. In AC-treated breast cancer patients, Hematological profiles were found significantly reduced than in controls. Conclusion: Chemotherapy causes a certain amount of systemic oxidative stress, which persists during subsequent clinical interventions and may influence the patients' clinical outcomes. Chemotherapy produced significant adverse effects such as anaemia, neutropenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and hepatic dysfunction as a side effect of treatment due to disturbed and lowered levels of haematological parameters.breast cancer

The Effect of Combined Vitamin C and Vitamin E Supplementation on Oxidative Stress Markers in Women with Endometriosis: A Randomized, Triple-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Background Endometriosis is a chronic and estrogen-dependent pelvic inflammatory disease, which may have various causes, such as oxidative stress. Dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and pelvic pain are well-known symptoms of endometriosis. The present clinical trial assessed the role of supplementation with antioxidant vitamins on the indices of oxidative stress as well as the severity of pain in women with endometriosis. Materials and Methods We enrolled 60 reproductive-aged (15–45 years) women with pelvic pain in this triple-blind clinical trial. They had 1–3 stages of laparoscopic-proven endometriosis. The participants were randomized to group A (n = 30), given vitamin C (1000 mg/day, 2 tablets of 500 mg each) and vitamin E (800 IU/day, 2 tablets of 400 IU each) combination, or group B (n = 30), given placebo pills daily for 8 weeks. Results Following treatment with vitamin C and vitamin E, we found a significant reduction in MDA and ROS compared with the placebo group. There was no significant decline in total antioxidant capacity after treatment. However, the severity of pelvic pain (p value <0.001), dysmenorrhea (p value <0.001), and dyspareunia (p value <0.001) significantly decreased in the treatment group after 8 weeks of supplementation. Conclusions The present findings support the potential role of antioxidants in the management of endometriosis. The intake of vitamin C and vitamin E supplements effectively reduced dysmenorrhea severity and improved dyspareunia and severity of pelvic pain.

Hypomagnesemia and Its Relationship with Oxidative Stress Markers in Women with Breast Cancer.

Reduced serum magnesium concentrations in women with breast cancer compromises one of the antioxidant defense system involved in the carcinogenesis process. To evaluate parameters of magnesium, the enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase, and its relation with oxidative stress markers in women with breast cancer. A case-control study was conducted, involving 60 women in the age range between 29 and 65years, divided into two groups: women with breast cancer (n = 30) and women without breast cancer (n = 30). Plasma; ionized, erythrocytic, and urinary magnesium intake; plasma concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances; and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase enzyme activity were evaluated. The mean value of the amount of dietary magnesium was below the recommended level in both groups studied, with no statistical difference (p > 0.05). Plasma, ionized, and erythrocyte magnesium concentrations of women with breast cancer were reduced in relation to the control group (p < 0.0001) and inadequate according to the reference values. Urinary excretion was high, with a significant difference between groups (p < 0.0001). The mean concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances was high in the study participants, with no significant statistical difference between the groups (p > 0.05). The mean values of superoxide dismutase enzyme activity were adequate, with no statistically significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Women with breast cancer have impaired magnesium homeostasis, characterized by its reduction in diet, plasma, and erythrocytes and its increase in urine.

The biological underpinnings of perinatal depressive symptoms: A multi-systems approach.

BackgroundWell-established evidence exists of an association between depressive symptoms and alterations in the stress and inflammatory response systems; however, the picture is far less coherent during the perinatal period. This study combines the assessment of multiple stress and inflammatory biomarkers in late pregnancy and after delivery in order to investigate cross-sectional and prospective associations with perinatal depressive symptoms. MethodsOne-hundred-ten healthy women were assessed in late pregnancy (mean gestational age=34.76; SD=1.12) and 89 were re-evaluated after delivery (mean hours after delivery=52.36; SD=19.70) for depressive and anxiety symptoms through the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Serum Interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and diurnal salivary cortisol levels were measured on both occasions, while diurnal salivary alpha amylase (sAA) levels were assessed in late pregnancy. ResultsUsing Hierarchical Linear Models, higher depressive symptoms were found to be associated with higher IL-6 levels, lower morning cortisol levels and a flatter cortisol diurnal slope during pregnancy, while adjusting for potential confounders. No significant associations were found after delivery or with change in biomarker levels from pre- to post-partum. Furthermore, preliminary evidence of a positive association between inflammation and stress markers in women with higher antenatal depressive symptoms was found. LimitationsThe sample was relatively small and highly selected, thus limiting generalizability of the findings. ConclusionsResults emphasize the need for an integrated multi-systems approach to the understanding of the biological underpinnings of perinatal depression and suggest that the stress-immune interactions represent a promising avenue for future endeavor.

Evaluation of urinary oxidative stress markers, inflammatory sialoproteins and neopterin in pregnant women with intrauterine growth restriction

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) represents major cause for perinatal morbidity and mortality. Oxidative stress and altered inflammatory response may contribute to the pathogenesis of IUGR. The present study was aimed to investigate the urinary and blood levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in women with IUGR. 23 pregnant women with intrauterine growth restriction and 30 healthy pregnant women were included in the present study. Detailed demographic data were collected. Total protein, albumin, total anti-oxidant status ( TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), malondialdehyde (MDA), neopterin and protein bound sialic acid (PBSA) were estimated in the blood. TOS, TAS and neopterin were measured in urine samples of women with IUGR. Serum MDA (16.2 ± 1.8) and Sialic acid (2.5 ± 0.8) levels were significantly elevated in women with IUGR. Urinary TOS (20.4 ± 4.4) and OSI (5.4 ± 1.2) were significantly increased in pregnant women with IUGR. The cut off value in ROC analysis for urinary oxidative stress index was 4.6 for the diagnosis of IUGR. Oxidative stress in maternal blood is positively associated with the development of IUGR in pregnant women. Estimation of these parameters in serum and urine could serve as screening tool for the early prediction and diagnosis of IUGR which will further aid in the better management of neonatal health.

The efficacy of third-generation cephalosporin plus metronidazole versus third-generation cephalosporin plus clarithromycin in neonatal outcomes and oxidative stress markers in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes

The efficacy of third-generation cephalosporin plus metronidazole versus third-generation cephalosporin plus clarithromycin in neonatal outcomes and oxidative stress markers in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes

Age at Menarche and Oxidative Stress Markers in Women with Endometriosis

Endometriosis is one of the most frequent gynecological disorders defined as the existence and growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Aim of this study was to evaluate the level of six oxidative stress markers in the serum of patients with and without endometriosis. This study included 46 women who were undergoing laparoscopy. The participants were divided into two groups based on their laparoscopic results. Thirty-one women had visually and histopathologically confirmed endometriosis, whereas 15 did not. The serum level of ADMA (asymmetric dimethylarginine), MCP1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein 1), MMP2 (matrix metalloproteinases 2), MMP9 (matrix metalloproteinases 9), RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and presumably secreted), and VEGF-A (vascular endothelial growth factor) as oxidative stress markers were measured and compared between the two groups. No significant difference in the ADMA, MCP1, MMP2, MMP9, RANTES, and VEGF-A serum levels was detected between the entometriosis patients and controls. The disease stage did not affect any of the markers’ level either. Women with endometriosis had menarche at an earlier age compared to controls [11.7 (SD 1.09) vs 12.6 (SD 1.4), p = 0.04)]. These results suggest that there is no association between endometriosis and increased oxidative stress. The elevation and possible role of oxidative stress markers in the diagnosis and pathogenesis of endometriosis should be evaluated in more extended studies.

Thiol/Disulphide Homeostasis, Ischemia Modified Albumin, and Ferroxidase as Oxidative Stress Markers in Women with Obesity with Insulin Resistance.

SummaryBackgroundThe purpose of the study was to determine oxidative stress-related plasma thiol/disulphide, ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels and ferroxidase activity among women with obesity in insulin-resistant and non-insulin-resistant groups in comparison with an overweight group.MethodsWe compared plasma thiol/disulphide, IMA levels, and ferroxidase activity between the study groups. We analyzed plasma thiol/disulphide homeostasis with a newly developed automated measurement method; IMA with Albumin Cobalt Binding Test and ferroxidase (ceruloplasmin) levels with an automated, colourimetric method.ResultsThere were no significant differences between insulin-resistant and non-insulin-resistant women with obesity in terms of plasma native thiol, total thiol, disulphide, disulphide/native thiol ratio, disulphide/total thiol or native thiol/total thiol values. Ferroxidase activity was higher in insulin-resistant than in non-insulin-resistant women with obesity and higher in the total women with obesity group than in the overweight subjects (p<0.001, and p=0.014, respectively). IMA was lower in the insulin-resistant group than in the non-insulin-resistant group and overweight groups (p=0.011, and p=0.042, respectively).ConclusionsThe significantly greater increase in ferroxidase activity in insulin-resistant subjects with obesity may reflect its role as a positive acute phase protein. These findings may be related to the pathogenesis of the disease. Changes in oxidative status occur in women with obesity, and partially in overweight subjects. The ferroxidase activity of ceruloplasmin plays a crucial role in iron homeostasis and lowers oxidative stress by reducing the detrimental effects of iron.

Sex-specific Effects of Music Listening on Couples\u2019 Stress in Everyday Life

Music listening in daily life is associated with stress-reducing effects on the individual with increasing effects when music listening occurs in a social context. As little is known about effects on couples, we investigated whether beneficial effects can be found in couples. Forty heterosexual couples were investigated using ambulatory assessment. Participants completed six assessments on music listening and subjective stress per day for five consecutive days. With each assessment, saliva samples for the later analysis of cortisol and alpha-amylase were collected. Music listening affected biopsychological stress markers in women and men, however in different ways: While music listening reduced cortisol in women, it increased alpha-amylase in men. Dyadic effects of music listening on stress markers were found. Men showed lower secretion of cortisol if women listened to music which was more pronounced when couples shared musical preferences. Both men and women showed higher alpha-amylase activity when their partner had listened to music. Music listening influences couples’ psychobiological stress levels in a sex-dependent manner with evidence of dyadic co-variation in physiological responses to music. Interventions for promoting stress reduction should consider that women and men differ in their use of music in everyday life.

Does whole body vibration exercise improve oxidative stress markers in women with fibromyalgia?

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of whole body vibration (WBV) exercise on oxidative stress markers in a group of women with fibromyalgia (FM) compared to a group of healthy women (CT). Twenty-one women diagnosed with FM and 21 age- and weight-matched healthy women were enrolled the study. Plasma oxidative stress markers (primary outcomes) were evaluated at rest and after WBV, and included thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), iron reduction capacity (FRAP), superoxide dismutase antioxidant enzymes activity (SOD), and catalase (CAT). At rest, the FM group had higher TBARS (P<0.001) and FRAP (P<0.001), and lower CAT (P=0.005) compared to the CT. In the CT group, the WBV had no effect on TBARS (P=0.559) and FRAP (P=0.926), whereas it increased both SOD (P<0.001) and CAT (P<0.001). In the FM group, the WBV reduced TBARS (p <0.001), FRAP (P<0.001), and CAT (P=0.005), while it increased SOD (P=0.019). There was an interaction effect (moments vs groups) in the TBARS (effect size=1.34), FRAP (effect size=0.93), CAT (effect size=1.45), and SOD (effect size=1.44) (P<0.001). A single trial of WBV exercise improved all oxidant and antioxidant parameters towards a greater adaptation to the stress response in FM women.

Evaluation of Agraz Consumption on Adipocytokines, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress Markers in Women with Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by increased oxidative stress and a pro-inflammatory state. Vaccinium meridionale Swartz (known as “agraz”) is a berry rich in polyphenolic compounds with demonstrated antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of agraz consumption on inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in women with MetS. Forty women with MetS (47 ± 9 years) were randomly assigned to consume daily either 200 mL of agraz nectar or placebo over four weeks in a double-blind, cross-over design study, separated by a 4-week washout period. Metabolic and inflammatory markers in serum and antioxidant/oxidative stress markers in serum and urine were assessed at the end of each period. Serum antioxidant capacity measured by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method was significantly higher (p = 0.028), while urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was lower (p = 0.041) after agraz consumption, compared to placebo. In conclusion, consumption of agraz during four weeks increased serum antioxidant capacity and decreased a marker of DNA oxidative damage in women with MetS, compared to placebo. These results suggest that agraz consumption may play a protective role in patients with MetS.

Metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers in women exposed to secondhand smoke.

BackgroundSecondhand smoke (SHS) exposure has adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. This study aimed to determine the effects of SHS on the cardiovascular disease biomarkers, namely the metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers in healthy adult women.MethodsThis comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among healthy women. The cases included those women exposed to SHS, and the controls included those women not exposed to SHS. SHS exposure was defined as being exposed to SHS for at least 15 min for 2 days per week. Venous blood was taken to measure the metabolic markers (high molecular weight adiponectin, insulin level, insulin resistance, and nonesterified fatty acids), oxidative stress markers (oxidized low density lipoprotein cholesterol and 8-isoprostane), and inflammatory markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6). A hair nicotine analysis was also performed. An analysis of covariance and a simple linear regression analysis were conducted.ResultsThere were 101 women in the SHS exposure group and 91 women in the non-SHS exposure group. The mean (with standard deviation) of the hair nicotine levels was significantly higher in the SHS exposure group when compared to the non-SHS exposure group [0.22 (0.62) vs. 0.04 (0.11) ng/mg; P = 0.009]. No significant differences were observed in the high molecular weight adiponectin, insulin and insulin resistance, nonesterified fatty acids, 8-isoprostane, oxidized low density lipoprotein cholesterol, interleukin-6, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein between the two groups. The serum high molecular weight adiponectin was negatively associated with the insulin level and insulin resistance in the women exposed to SHS. However, no significant relationships were seen between the high molecular weight adiponectin and nonesterified fatty acids, 8-isoprostane, oxidized low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in the SHS group.DiscussionThere were no significant differences in the metabolic, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers between the SHS exposure and non-SHS exposure healthy women. A low serum level of high molecular weight adiponectin was associated with an increased insulin level and resistance in the women exposed to SHS.

Examination of Oxidative Stress Markers in Women with Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Examination of Oxidative Stress Markers in Women with Postmenopausal Osteoporosis