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The major components of the stress response mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Both alcohol and stress can induce nerve cells in one brain region (i.e., the hypothalamus) to produce and release corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). Within the hypothalamus, CRF stimulates the release of a hormone that produces morphine-like effects (i.e., b-endorphin). CRF also is transported to a key endocrine gland, the anterior pituitary gland. There, CRF stimulates production of a protein proopiomelano cortin (POMC). POMC serves as the basis for a number of stress-related hormones, including adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), b-lipotropin (b-LPH), and bendorphin. ACTH stimulates cells of the adrenal glands to produce and release the stress hormone cortisol. When cortisol levels reach a certain level, CRF and ACTH release diminishes. Other neurons releasing serotonin (5-HT), norepin ephrine (NE), g-aminobutyric acid (GABA), or endogenous opioids also regulate CRH release.
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Stress has long been suggested to be an important correlate of uncontrolled drinking and relapse. An important hormonal response system to stress-the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis-may be involved in this process, particularly stress hormones known as glucocorticoids and primarily cortisol. The actions of this hormone system normally are...
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Context 1
... self-regulating processes include multiple behavioral and physiological components. Perhaps the best-studied component of the stress response in humans and mammals is activation of the HPA axis (see figure 1). Neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus release two neurohormones-CRF and arginine vasopressin (AVP)-into the blood vessels connecting the hypotha- lamus and the pituitary gland (i.e., hypophysial portal blood). ...
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Background . Cognitive dysfunction is a common feature in alcohol use disorders. Its persistence following alcohol detoxification may impair quality of life and increase the risk of relapse. We analyzed cognitive impairment changes using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score in a large sample of alcohol-dependent inpatients hospitalized fo...
Background:
Stress and anxiety are widely considered to be causally related to alcohol craving and consumption, as well as development and maintenance of alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, numerous preclinical and human studies examining effects of stress or anxiety on alcohol use and alcohol-related problems have been equivocal. This study exam...
Citations
... The positive correlation between perceived stress levels and pain intensity suggests that interventions aimed at reducing stress could significantly alleviate pain [25,[29][30][31]. Psychological factors are thus significant in managing endometriosis pain, highlighting the potential of psychosocial interventions to improve overall well-being in women with endometriosis [20]. ...
Introduction/Objectives: Endometriosis affects 10% of women worldwide. It is noteworthy that this condition is often accompanied by pelvic pain and stress. Endometriosis is a debilitating gynecological condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often causing significant pain and reproductive issues. We aimed to study the relationship between the intensity of pelvic pain, and stress and inflammatory markers in women with deep endometriosis. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed women diagnosed with deep endometriosis through imaging, surgery, and/or biopsy. We assessed pain using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Stress was assessed with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) questionnaire and the serum cortisol levels. Additionally, we analyzed inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Results: Fifty-two women, with an average age of 37.8 ± 6.9 years, participated in this study. Forty-four percent of these participants demonstrated high levels of stress, as indicated by scores above 26 on the PSS-10. Those categorized with “high stress” on the PSS-10 questionnaire exhibited significantly higher pain levels compared to those with “low stress” (p < 0.05). Furthermore, patients experiencing more-severe pelvic pain (pain score > 7) had notably higher serum cortisol levels. Women with intense pelvic pain (scores above 7 on the NRS) had significantly elevated serum cortisol levels (Cohen’s d = 0.72; p = 0.018). Conclusions: A positive association was found between stress levels and the intensity of pelvic pain in women with deep endometriosis, suggesting an interconnection between emotional aspects and biological responses.
... In humans, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the extra-hypothalamic brain stress axis are under circadian control and regulate stress-related behavioral and neuroendocrine responses (Herman et al., 2016;Nader et al., 2010). These regions are also affected by alcohol (Stephens & Wand, 2012). From a molecular standpoint, evidence suggests that circadian genes such as CLOCK and CRY regulate the HPA axis and the secretion of hormones and neuropeptides associated with stress (Koch et al., 2017;Nader et al., 2010). ...
Alcohol exposure is known to trigger homeostatic adaptations in the brain that lead to the development of tolerance and dependence. These adaptations are also believed to be the root of a series of disturbances in sleep patterns that often manifest during the development of alcoholism and can have significant clinical and economic consequences. Unfortunately, the neuronal and genetic pathways that control the effects of alcohol on sleep are currently unknown, thus limiting our efforts to find effective treatment. In this study, we conduct a mechanistic exploration of the relationships between alcohol and sleep alterations using a Drosophila model system. We show that the genetic manipulation of the ventral lateral neurons (LNv) —a set of neurons known to control sleep in Drosophila — disrupts alcohol sensitivity and tolerance. Moreover, we show that alcohol exposure induces a series of alterations in sleep patterns that last for several days. Our results demonstrate that a single alcohol exposure promotes daytime sleep, alters the structure of sleep during the night, and reduces morning anticipatory behavior. In addition, we show that some of these alterations partially depend on the activity of the neuropeptide PDF, a key element in regulating sleep architecture. We propose that alcohol-induced sleep disruption stems from alterations in the activity of the PDF-releasing LNv neurons and that these alterations are similar to those that produce alcohol tolerance.
... Chronic stress is a well-established trigger of the adrenal cortex in animals, leading to the generation of corticosterone through a complex hormonal process [34]. Corticosterone levels serve as a widely accepted biomarker of stress. ...
This research aimed to investigate the possible anti-amnesic effects of a combined therapy involving melatonin and H2S in a rat model displaying Depressive-Like Behaviors caused by Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS). Our study aims to assess the efficacy of this treatment in mitigating
oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the striatum and hippocampus. Furthermore, we seek to investigate its ability to restore BDNF levels within this specific rat model. The rats underwent a 4-week CUMS protocol and were administered sodium hydrosulfide (a H2S donor) at a dose of 5.6 μmol/100 g/day, as well as melatonin at a dose of 1 mg/100 g/day from
the first day of the CUMS protocol. Following the CUMS exposure, the rats were assessed through various behavioral tests. Subsequently, the rats were euthanized after the behavioral tests, and blood samples were collected for corticosterone analysis. Oxidative stress (OS) markers, BDNF and TNF-α levels were analyzed in both the striatum and HP. Concurrently administering H2S and melatonin in a rat model of CUMS-induced depression demonstrates antidepressant-like effects. Furthermore, this combined treatment effectively prevents the development of learning and memory impairments associated with CUMS. Additionally, it reduces Malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels, enhances glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity in the striatum and HP, and mitigates CUMS-induced elevations in TNF-α levels in both brain regions.
Significantly, long-term administration of this combination reverses the chronic stress-induced reduction of hippocampal BDNF levels. These findings suggest that the synergy between H2S and melatonin holds promise in alleviating cognitive impairments.
... An excess of psoriasis can parch the skin and damage its barrier, depleting crucial compounds vital for its proper functioning 56 . Intriguingly, administering RU-486 or antalarmin to mentally stressed mice enhance barrier recovery, shedding light on the intricate interplay between stress, glucocorticoids, and skin barrier resilience 57 . The application of glucocorticoids, whether systemic or topical, can bring about detrimental effects on the structure and function of the skin, akin to those witnessed in the presence of psychological stress (PS) 58 . ...
The genesis of chronic skin illnesses is intricately intertwined with genetics, the environment, psychological and the immune system. However, recent studies have shown that mental health issues can exacerbate and control the severity of chronic skin disorders. Focusing on illnesses including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and urticaria, this article seeks to evaluate and discuss the current literature on the interplay of psychological aspects in chronic skin diseases. Here, we investigate the two-way connection between emotional discomfort (such as stress, worry, or depression) and the physiology of various skin conditions. Furthermore, we address possible mechanisms underlying the link between mental health and skin diseases, which will help the physicians to select the medicines and treatment approach.
... Studies suggest that the sensitivity of central reward circuitry to foods in which the mesocorticolimbic pathway plays a central role is lower in stressful situations, which may increase the preference for "comfort foods", i.e. foods that are more palatable and higher in energy (40,(42)(43)(44)(45). Although the change in food consumption is an addictive response more related to the stress-obesity interface, it brings us a warning sign for other addictive behaviors related to mesolimbic dopaminergic system and hypercortisolism, such as the consumption of alcohol and drugs in individuals affected by stress (46,47). It is believed that the dysregulation of the HPA axis through chronic stress is responsible for the ability to increase the body's vulnerability to these substances (48). ...
Introduction
Hair cortisol level has recently been identified as a promising marker for detecting long-term cortisol levels and a marker of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal cortex (HPA) axis activity. However, research on the association between obesity and an altered cortisol metabolism remains controversial.
Objective
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hair cortisol levels and overweight and obesity in participants from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study involving 2,499 participants from the second follow-up (visit 3, 2017-2019) attending research centers in Rio de Janeiro and Rio Grande do Sul states. Hair samples were collected, and cortisol levels were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Cortisol levels were classified as low (< 40 pg/mg), medium (40–128 pg/mg), or high (> 128 pg/mg). The participants were classified as eutrophic, overweight, or obese according to their weight (kg) and height (m ² ). Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated.
Results
Of the 2499 individuals, 30% had eutrophic weight, 40% were overweight, and 30% were obese. Notably, cortisol levels gradually increased with increasing body weight. Among participants with high hair cortisol levels, 41.2% were classified as overweight and 34.2% as obese. Multinomial logistic regression analysis indicated that participants with high cortisol levels were 43% (OR =1.43; 95%CI: 1.02–2.03) more likely to be overweight and 72% (OR =1.72; 95%CI:1.20–2.47) more likely to be obese than participants with low hair cortisol levels. After adjustment for all covariates, high cortisol levels remained associated with obesity (OR = 1.54; 95%CI:1.02–2.31) and overweight (OR =1.33; 95%CI:0.91–1.94).
Conclusion
In the ELSA-Brazil cohort, hair stress were positively associated with overweight and obesity. These results underscore the importance of considering stress and cortisol as potential factors in obesity prevention and intervention efforts, and highlight a novel aspect of the complex relationship between stress and obesity in the Brazilian population.
... The amygdala will then provide stimulation to the hypothalamus for CRF release to occur. Release from CRF will increase the pituitary's release of Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (Stephens and Wand, 2012;Kageyama et al., 2021). In the adrenal cortex, ACTH binds to receptors that cause cortisol secretion. ...
Stress is a condition that triggers a change in behavior and physiological state, affecting mental health. Beta-Ionone is a monocyclic terpenoid compound that can lower stress levels. However, there is a lack of studies about the anti-stress capability of Beta-Ionone inhalation, although Beta-Ionone is commonly used as a fragrance in perfumes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Beta-Ionone addition as the fragrance in perfumes on mice stress. The Beta-Ionone perfume was formulated with Bergamot Oil, Lavender Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Tea Tree Oil, and Patchouli Oil to produce Fem, Fem-Ion (Fem + Beta-Ionone), Masc, and Masc-Ion (Fem + Beta-Ionone), which had different preferable odors. The anti-stress effectivity was then evaluated in stress induced mice, which were restrained for one hour every day for one week. The perfumes were then given by inhalation every alternate day. The stress level of the mice was evaluated using a tail suspension test and serum cortisol level assays. The results showed that inhalation of the perfumes lowered the immobility time of mice in the tail suspension test, albeit the addition of Beta Ionone did not give a significant difference. Based on the results of serum cortisol level, there was a substantial decrease in serum cortisol by inhaling the Fem and Fem-Ion, showing decreases in stress level. However, there were increases in serum cortisol levels for Masc and Masc-Ion, indicating stress induction, which was suggested to be caused by 1,8-cineole, a compound in the Eucalyptus oil as the perfume oil components.
... These errors may be the consequences of prenatal stressful events that experienced from embryo/fetus who is predisposed to develop psychological disorders. It has been found that HPA axis dysfunction that resulted from stress was significantly associated to mood disorders (Stephens, M.A.C.;Wand, 2012). ...
... These errors may be the consequences of prenatal stressful events that experienced from embryo/fetus who is predisposed to develop psychological disorders. It has been found that HPA axis dysfunction that resulted from stress was significantly associated to mood disorders (Stephens, M.A.C.;Wand, 2012). ...
The increase in number of cases with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) requires further investigation to the etiology of it, which is not fully understood. It is suggested that children who are vulnerable to psychological disorders more likely to develop ASD when experience prenatally stress than children who do not. The researcher sought to conduct a natural experiment by collecting data from a sample derived from population lived in a region that experienced number of the worst civil wars in Libya. The sample consisted of 38 parents of children with ASD and 40 parents of typical children living in south Tripoli. These children were in utero during the civil wars that happened in 2011, 2014, and 2019. A case-control study was carried out comparing the two groups in terms of family history of psychological disorders. The child’s sex, parents’ age, and birth complications were controlled. Conditional logistic regression models were utilized to examine whether family history of psychological disorders predicted ASD. Findings from this study indicated that: children with ASD were more likely to have relatives with psychological disorders than those without ASD; the proportion of relatives with psychological disorders was significantly higher among children with ASD than those without ASD; there was significant associations between ASD and parents’, grandparents’, uncles’, aunts’ psychological disorders, having a first-degree relative suffers from a psychological disorder was associated with increase in odds of ASD. ,having second-degree relatives with a psychological disorder was significantly associated with increase odds of ASD, psychological disorders in first degree relatives and second degree relatives had comparable effect on the risk of ASD, when first degree relatives and second degree relatives affected the risk of ASD did not increase compared to the presence of a psychological disorder in either relatives
... Besides this, stress proved to be an important factor in risk of relapse or therapy outcome for both alcohol use disorder [107,108] and gambling disorder [109,110]. This could also be valid for cortisol levels that might be able to predict relapses in individuals with alcohol use disorder who are currently abstinent from alcohol [111]. Examining the role of stress in the development of CBSD and considering its role in relapse/therapy outcome seem to be important areas of future research fostering tailored prevention, therapy and relapse prevention strategies. ...
... Under normal circumstances, the brain responds to stressors by activating the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis [129]. The HPA axis stress response is initiated by the secretion of corticotropinreleasing hormone (CRH) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) from neurons located in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). ...
Endometriosis (EM) is a gynecological inflammatory disease often accompanied by stress, chronic pelvic pain (CPP), anxiety, and depression, leading to a diminished quality of life. This review aims to discuss the relationship between systemic and local inflammatory responses in the central nervous system (CNS), focusing on glial dysfunctions (astrocytes and microglia) as in critical brain regions involved in emotion, cognition, pain processing, anxiety, and depression. The review presents that EM is connected to increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the circulation. Additionally, chronic stress and CPP as stressors may contribute to the dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, depleting the production of inflammatory mediators in the circulatory system and the brain. The systemic cytokines cause blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, activate microglia in the brain, and lead to neuroinflammation. Furthermore, CPP may induce neuronal morphological alterations in critical regions through central sensitization and the activation of glial cells. The activation of glial cells, particularly the polarization of microglia, leads to the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines. These inflammatory cytokines interact with the signaling pathways involved in neural plasticity. Additionally, persistent inflammatory conditions in the brain lead to neuronal death, which is correlated with a reduced volume of key brain regions such as the hippocampus. This review highlights the involvement of glial cells in the pathogenesis of the mental comorbidities of EM (i.e., pain, anxiety, and depression) and to discuss potential therapeutic approaches for targeting the inflammation and activation of microglia in key brain regions.
... In addition to the above, the derangements of metabolic and physiological processes that may result from surgery, as well as the post-surgical recovery process, can be considered a source of chronic stress [35]. During prolonged exposure to these chronic stress sources, the balance of the hypothalamicpituitary-adrenocortical (HPA axis) is disrupted, resulting in high levels of corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) and glucocorticoids (GC) [36,37]. The primary endogenous GC that humans have is CORT, whereas in rodents, it is corticosterone [36]. ...
... Long-term exposure to high concentrations of GC reduces the number of signals of the hippocampal circuits and the prefrontal cortex (PFC) glucocorticoids through at least two receptors, including the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and the glucocorticoid receiver (GR), thereby reducing the negative feedback regulation mechanism of the HPA axis [36,37,39]. In addition, loss of anti-inflammatory signaling mechanisms and an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines are produced, resulting in proliferation of peripheral inflammatory events and pain sensitization [40]. ...
... High concentrations of GC can also affect many neurotransmitter systems. MDD and PTSD are characterized by a noradrenergic system that is associated with stress-related affective disorders like MDD and PTSD [37,41]. It has been documented that GCs can reverse the effects of β-adrenergic signaling [41]. ...
Background: Tonsillectomy is a common surgery in the US, with possible postoperative complications. While small studies indicate postoperative depressive symptoms may occur, large-scale evidence is lacking on the tonsillectomy-depression link.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the TriNetX US collaborative network, offering de-identified electronic health data from 59 collaborative healthcare organizations (HCOs) in the United States. In this study, people being diagnosed of chronic tonsillitis between January 2005 and December 2017 were enrolled. Patients deceased, with previous record of cancers or psychiatric events before index date were excluded. 14,874 chronic tonsillitis patients undergoing tonsillectomy were propensity score matched 1:1 to controls for age, sex, and race. New-onset depression risks were evaluated over 5 years post-tonsillectomy and stratified by age and sex. Confounders were adjusted for including demographics, medications, comorbidities and socioeconomic statuses.
Results: After matching, the difference of key baseline characteristics including age, sex, comedications status and obesity status was insignificant between tonsillectomy and non-tonsillectomy groups. Tonsillectomy had a 1.29 times higher 5-year depression risk versus matched controls (95% CI, 1.19-1.40), with elevated risks seen at 1 year (HR=1.51; 95% CI, 1.28-1.79) and 3 years (HR=1.30; 95% CI, 1.18-1.43). By stratifications, risks were increased for both males (HR=1.30; 95% CI, 1.08-1.57) and females (HR=1.30; 95% CI, 1.18-1.42), and significantly higher in ages 18-64 years (HR=1.37; 1.26-1.49), but no significance observed for those 65 years and older. After performing sensitivity analyses and applying washout periods of 6, 12, and 36 months, the outcome remained consistent with unadjusted results.
Conclusion: This real-world analysis found tonsillectomy was associated with a 30% higher 5-year depression risk versus matched non-tonsillectomy patients with chronic tonsillitis. Further mechanistic research is needed to clarify the pathophysiologic association between depression and tonsillectomy. Depression is not commonly mentioned in the current post-tonsillectomy care realm; however, the outcome of our study emphasized the possibility of these suffering condition after operation. Attention to psychological impacts following tonsillectomy is warranted to support patient well-being, leading to better management of post-tonsillectomy individuals.
