Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jody A. Rusch, Brian T. Layden, Lara R. Dugas
Summary: Cognitive function in humans relies on the complex interplay between multiple body systems, including the HPA axis. The gut microbiota, which outnumbers human cells and has a greater genetic potential, plays a crucial role through the MGB axis, a bidirectional communication pathway. Stress can affect the MGB axis through the HPA axis and other pathways, and animal research has contributed to a paradigm shift in understanding the influence of microbiota on human health and disease. Preclinical and human trials are currently investigating the applicability of these findings in humans.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Cynthia R. Rovnaghi, Joseph Rigdon, Jean-Michel Roue, Monica O. Ruiz, Victor G. Carrion, Kanwaljeet J. S. Anand
Summary: This study aimed to identify children at risk for altered HPA-axis function due to early life stress by examining longitudinal trajectories of hair cortisol concentrations. The results revealed different classes of children with distinct HCC profiles, suggesting varying impacts of ELS on HPA-axis function.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jacinda C. Li, Molly A. Hall, Idan Shalev, Hannah M. C. Schreier, Tomas Gonzalez Zarzar, Isabel Marcovici, Frank W. Putnam, Jennie G. Noll
Summary: This study suggests a mechanistic association between HPA axis attenuation and obesity, with the attenuated cortisol growth rate mediating the effects of childhood sexual abuse on accelerated BMI accumulation and elevated adulthood obesity rates.
PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Qian Liu, Jianhui Wu, Liang Zhang, Xiaofang Sun, Qing Guan, Zhuxi Yao
Summary: This study found that, for the same level of stress, the subjective perceived level of control in young adults can influence the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Juan P. Sanabria-Mazo, Ariadna Colomer-Carbonell, Meritxell Carmona-Cervello, Albert Feliu-Soler, Xavier Borras, Mar Grasa, Montserrat Esteve, Michael Maes, Silvia Edo, Antoni Sanz, Juan V. Luciano
Summary: This systematic review identified preliminary evidence of increased levels of certain immune-inflammatory and HPA axis biomarkers in individuals with NSLBP, but also noted inconsistent results for some biomarkers. Additionally, insufficient evidence was found for IL-6, TNF-alpha, and CRP levels in NSLBP when compared exclusively with healthy controls. The dysregulated functioning of cortisol in NSLBP patients further adds complexity to the understanding of the immune-inflammatory and HPA axis biomarkers in this population.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Ali S. Alzahrani, Noha Mukhtar, Abeer Aljomaiah, Hadeel Aljamei, Abdulmohsen Bakhsh, Nada Alsudani, Tarek Elsayed, Nahlah Alrashidi, Roqayh Fadel, Eman Alqahtani, Hussein Raef, Muhammad Imran Butt, Othman Sulaiman
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the adrenocortical response to COVID-19 infection. The results revealed that patients with more severe disease had lower cortisol and ACTH levels, indicating a direct link between COVID-19 infection and impaired glucocorticoid response.
ENDOCRINE PRACTICE
(2021)
Article
Allergy
Wisdom Alemya Akurugu, Carel Jacobus Van Heerden, Nicola Mulder, Ekkehard Werner Zollner
Summary: This study found that some SNPs of the CRHR1 and NR3C1 genes are associated with HPAS in asthmatic children, with the C allele of rs41423247 potentially having a protective effect on HPAS, and the CC genotype being associated with the highest PMTP ACTH response.
PEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Skand Shekhar, Raven McGlotten, Sunyoung Auh, Kristina Rother, Lynnette K. Nieman
Summary: The study revealed that abnormal thyroid function, likely mediated by subnormal nocturnal TSH levels, is prevalent in patients with Cushing syndrome. This abnormality can be reversed after cure.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Martin Werdermann, Ilona Berger, Laura D. Scriba, Alice Santambrogio, Pia Schlinkert, Heike Brendel, Henning Morawietz, Andreas Schedl, Mirko Peitzsch, Aileen J. F. King, Cynthia L. Andoniadou, Stefan R. Bornstein, Charlotte Steenblock
Summary: This study investigated the impact of metabolic diseases on progenitor cells in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, showing that insulin enhances proliferation and differentiation of these cells, while chronic metabolic stress leads to hyperactivation of the axis. This suggests a potential link between early life stress and the development of metabolic syndrome in adulthood.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2021)
Article
Pediatrics
Elanur Uzuntas, Peter Schuermann, Thomas Rothaemel, Thilo Doerk, Michael Klintschar
Summary: The study found that single nucleotide polymorphisms relevant to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates the stress hormone cortisol, are associated with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). These variants appear to decrease cortisol concentration and impair stress response.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Nina Smyth, Monica Milani, Lisa Thorn, Maria Flynn, John F. Golding, Phil Evans, Angela Clow
Summary: The study explored the link between the cortisol awakening response (CAR), associated with circadian HPA axis activity, and visual dependency in postural sway for the first time. Results showed that participants with smaller CARs experienced greater deterioration in postural sway when presented with moving visual stimuli, indicating an association between CAR and visual dependency in postural control.
Article
Pediatrics
Lekshmi Sambhu Hema, Prawin Kumar, Jagdish Prasad Goyal, Varuna Vyas, Kuldeep Singh
Summary: This study aims to assess the effect of long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. By measuring cortisol levels and conducting adreno-corticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation tests, it was found that only a few asthmatic children using ICS showed HPA axis suppression, and there was no clinical evidence supporting this suppression.
INDIAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bei Zhou, Qilong Xu, Junjie Guo, Qinliang Chen, Qingqing Lv, Kan Xiao, Huiling Zhu, Jiangchao Zhao, Yulan Liu
Summary: This study investigates the role of necroptosis in the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in a stress model induced by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The findings indicate that necroptosis is present and contributes to HPA axis activation induced by LPS. Necroptosis may serve as a potential intervention target for alleviating HPA axis activation and stress responses.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Margo D. Nathan, Aleta Wiley, Pamela B. Mahon, Julie Camuso, Kathryn Sullivan, Kathleen McCormick, Akanksha Srivastava, Kim Albert, Paul Newhouse, Hadine Joffe
Summary: This study found that women with vasomotor symptoms (VMS) exhibited differences in physiological and subjective stress responses following experimental stress paradigms compared to women without VMS, suggesting that VMS may represent a chronic stress condition.
MENOPAUSE-THE JOURNAL OF THE NORTH AMERICAN MENOPAUSE SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Emre Durcan, Aysa Hacioglu, Zuleyha Karaca, Kursad Unluhizarci, Mustafa Sait Gonen, Fahrettin Kelestimur
Summary: The outbreak of COVID-19 has had a significant impact globally, with over 500 million people affected and more than 6 million deaths since 2019. The virus primarily affects the lungs but can also have systemic effects on multiple endocrine organs. Dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is particularly important, as it may lead to death if not diagnosed. COVID-19 may cause both primary and secondary adrenal insufficiencies, and the clinical manifestations are non-specific, often attributed to complications of the infection. This article reviews the evaluation of the HPA axis in COVID-19 patients and highlights the importance of repeated cortisol measurements and ACTH stimulation tests for diagnosis.
NEUROIMMUNOMODULATION
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Matias M. Pulopulos, Jens Allaert, Marie-Anne Vanderhasselt, Alvaro Sanchez-Lopez, Sara De Witte, Chris Baeken, Rudi De Raedt
Summary: Previous research supports the distinction between proactive and reactive control, and this study investigates the role of the left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in these processes. The results show that high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) on the left DLPFC enhances proactive control, while HF-rTMS on the right DLPFC is associated with increased reactive control. Pupil measures indicate sustained resource allocation after both left and right HF-rTMS.
SOCIAL COGNITIVE AND AFFECTIVE NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Matias M. Pulopulos, Kristof Hoorelbeke, Sophie Vandenbroucke, Kim Van Durme, Jill M. Hooley, Rudi De Raedt
Summary: Research shows that self-esteem, expectancy, and cognitive control are related and play a role in stress regulation. High self-esteem is associated with higher self-efficacy, which is related to better attentional and anxiety control and lower perceived stress. Higher perceived stress is linked to more distress symptoms through increased rumination. This study provides a data-driven examination of how individuals with low self-esteem, expectancy, and deficits in cognitive control may struggle with daily stressors.
CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Isabel Crespo-Sanmiguel, Mariola Zapater-Fajari, Ruth Garrido-Chaves, Vanesa Hidalgo, Alicia Salvador
Summary: Loneliness is a complex and uncomfortable feeling that is accentuated with aging. It is related to health indicators and is a risk factor for morbidity and mortality. This study investigated the relationship between loneliness, subjective health, and cortisol in a mixed-sex sample, and found a relationship between loneliness and psychological health in males.
FRONTIERS IN BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Social
Mariola Zapater-Fajari, Isabel Crespo-Sanmiguel, Vanesa Perez, Vanesa Hidalgo, Alicia Salvador
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of anxiety and positivity in SMCs in different age periods and found differences in the relationship between SMCs and the HPA axis between younger and older adults.
PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES
(2022)
Review
Psychology, Clinical
Barbara Gomez-Caceres, Irene Cano-Lopez, Marta Alino, Sara Puig-Perez
Summary: Virtual reality (VR)-based neuropsychological interventions have been found to be effective in improving cognitive functioning in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The interventions have moderate effects on global cognition, small effects on attention, and large effects on executive function. There are no significant effects on working memory, episodic memory, language, or visuoconstruction. However, interventions of 15 or more hours have moderate to large effects on working memory, language, and visuoconstruction.
CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Vanesa Perez, Ruth Garrido-Chaves, Mariola Zapater-Fajari, Matias M. Pulopulos, Vanesa Hidalgo, Alicia Salvador
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between subjective memory complaints and EEG rhythms in older adults and young people. The results showed that subjective memory complaints in older adults were associated with alterations in EEG rhythms and cognitive deficits. Compared to the control group, older adults with memory complaints showed increased theta power and a loss of alpha reactivity to eyes open.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Tania Llana, Marta Mendez, Sara Garces-Arilla, Vanesa Hidalgo, Magdalena Mendez-Lopez, M. -Carmen Juan
Summary: This study aimed to explore the association between reported olfactory dysfunction and subjective and objective cognitive performance in long-COVID patients, as well as the relationship between emotional symptoms and cognition. The results showed that acute olfactory dysfunction was related to cognitive deficits in objective tests, and mood disturbances were associated with self-reported and objective memory. These findings contribute to understanding the neuropsychological and emotional aspects of long-COVID.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Experimental
Linde De Wandel, Stefanie De Smet, Matias M. Pulopulos, Gilbert M. D. Lemmens, Vanesa Hidalgo, Alicia Salvador, Marie-Anne Vanderhasselt, Jens Pruessner, Chris Baeken
Summary: Research suggests that stress impacts the capacity to mentally simulate specific episodic future events, possibly through the effects of cortisol on brain regions supporting this cognitive function. This study investigates the underlying mechanisms by using transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The results show a link between higher cortisol levels and less specific episodic future thoughts, while tDCS enhances episodic future thinking regardless of cortisol levels.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Teresa Montoliu, Mariola Zapater-Fajari, Vanesa Hidalgo, Alicia Salvador
Summary: Openness to experience is consistently associated with better cognitive functioning in older people, but its association with cognitive decline is less clear. This study aimed to analyze the potential mediating role of cognitive reserve in the association between openness and cognitive functioning and decline in healthy older people.
Article
Psychology, Biological
Zefeng Li, Matias Pulopulos, Jens Allaert, Stefanie De Smet, Linde De Wandel, Mitchel Kappen, Louise Puttevils, Lais B. Razza, Emmanuelle Schoonjans, Gert Vanhollebeke, Chris Baeken, Rudi De Raedt, Marie-Anne Vanderhasselt
Summary: The results of this study in a large sample of healthy individuals indicate that vagally-mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) is not a marker of trait rumination (as measured by the Ruminative Response Scale).
Article
Neurosciences
Sara Garces-Arilla, Camino Fidalgo, Magdalena Mendez-Lopez, Jorge Osma, Teresa Peiro, Alicia Salvador, Vanesa Hidalgo
Summary: This study found that women with high neuroticism and moderate extraversion are more susceptible to psychological stress during real-life examinations, exhibiting higher levels of perceived stress, emotional dysregulation, and negative affect. Compared to other women, they also experience higher levels of state anxiety two days before and shortly after the examination. However, their cortisol response is similar to that of other women.
ANXIETY STRESS AND COPING
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Daniela Batallas, Valerie Rodriguez-Hernandez, Vanesa Hidalgo, Alicia Salvador
Summary: This study examined the effects of post-lockdown social restrictions on psychological, biological, and cognitive dimensions, with a focus on perceived loneliness and living situation. The findings indicated that participants who experienced significant family changes and international relocation reported fewer face-to-face interactions, higher hair cortisol levels, and worse working and prospective memory performance compared to those who maintained their nuclear family and did not move from their home country. The study highlights the complex relationships between loneliness, cortisol, and memory.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Pablo L. Martino, Mauricio A. Cervigni, Matias M. Pulopulos, Eduardo O. Audisio, Jose L. Bonet, Miguel A. De Bortoli, Daniel G. Politis
Summary: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of reproductive aging on executive functions. The study found that there were no differences in executive functions between women in different menopausal phases, but perimenopausal and postmenopausal women performed worse than premenopausal women in semantic verbal fluency, especially in occupations with lower intellectual demands.
AGING NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Farrah N. Madison, Verner P. Bingman, Tom Smulders, Christine R. Lattin
Summary: Although research on the avian hippocampus has been limited, it is crucial for understanding its evolution and changes over time. The avian hippocampus plays important roles in spatial cognition as well as regulating anxiety, approach-avoidance behavior, and stress responses. Future research should focus on elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms, including endocrinology, to resolve outstanding questions about avian hippocampal function and organization.
HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Judith A. H. Smit, Riet Vooijs, Peter Lindenburg, Alexander T. Baugh, Wouter Halfwerk
Summary: This study investigates the effects of urbanization on hormone levels in tungara frogs and found that urban frogs and forest frogs have different endocrine phenotypes. Exposure to urban noise and light pollution led to an increase in testosterone and a decrease in corticosterone in urban frogs, while forest frogs showed no endocrine response to sensory pollutants. These results suggest that urbanization can modulate hormone levels and influence behavior in frogs.
HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Hannah D. Fulenwider, Yangmiao Zhang, Andrey E. Ryabinin
Summary: Social hierarchies have significant effects on overall health of individuals in animal groups, particularly the lowest-ranking individuals. Tube test can be used to determine social rank in male and female mice, and the complex interactions between social rank, sex, environment, and testing length influence peptide levels.
HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR
(2024)
