0Validation and utility of hair cortisol analysis as a measure of long-term physiological stress in the Pallas’s squirrel Callosciurus erythraeus

2021 ◽  
pp. 113944
Author(s):  
Tatsuki Shimamoto
Keyword(s):  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Hair Cortisol ◽  
Callosciurus Erythraeus

Hair cortisol concentration as a noninvasive measure of long-term stress in free-ranging grizzly bears (Ursus arctos): considerations with implications for other wildlife

2010 ◽  
Vol 88 (10) ◽  
pp. 935-949 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. J. Macbeth ◽  
M.R.L. Cattet ◽  
G. B. Stenhouse ◽  
M. L. Gibeau ◽  
D. M. Janz
Keyword(s):  
Landscape Change ◽  
Ursus Arctos ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Hair Shaft ◽  
Cortisol Concentration ◽  
Body Region ◽  
Grizzly Bears ◽  
Grizzly Bear ◽  
Hair Cortisol

Human-caused landscape change negatively affects the sustainability of many wildlife populations. In Alberta, Canada, grizzly bears ( Ursus arctos L., 1758) live in one of the most populated and heavily exploited landscapes in which the species survives. Long-term physiological stress in individual animals may be the predominant mechanism linking landscape change with impaired wildlife population health. Hair cortisol concentration has been validated as a biomarker of long-term stress in humans and domestic animals; however, limited work has examined factors that may affect its measurement or interpretation. We have measured cortisol in as few as five guard hairs of a grizzly bear and have identified factors influencing hair cortisol concentration in this species. Hair cortisol varies with hair type, body region, and capture method. It is not influenced by colour, age, sex, environmental exposure (18 days), or prolonged laboratory storage (>1 year) and does not vary along the length of the hair shaft. Recommendations for prudent use of hair cortisol analysis in grizzly bears are discussed with implications for the development of hair cortisol concentration as a tool to monitor long-term stress in other wildlife.

scholarly journals Hair Cortisol Concentration as a Biomarker of Sleep Quality and Related Disorders

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 81
Author(s):  
Nisrin El Mlili ◽  
Hanan Ahabrach ◽  
Omar Cauli
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Disorders ◽  
Reference Ranges ◽  
Hair Cortisol ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Diseases ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
Adults And Children ◽  
Experimental Approaches ◽  
Common Manifestation ◽  
Functional Alteration

Cortisol is the end product of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and its production is increased mainly in stressful situations or in chronic disorders accompanied by stress enhancement. Altered cortisol concentrations have been reported in a number of neuropsychiatric diseases and sleep disorders. Cortisol concentrations have been measured using several methods, and in several matrixes, such as blood, saliva, and urine. However, lately, hair cortisol, for several reasons, has emerged as a promising biomarker of long-term retrospective HPA activation. Several experimental approaches for cortisol measurement with the corresponding concentration reference ranges and a summary of findings from scientific literature on this field are presented. There is evidence of a close relationship between HPA functional alteration and the development of neuropsychiatric disorders. Sleep disorders are the most common manifestation in several neuropsychiatric conditions, and have also been associated to cortisol alterations in both adults and children. Many studies indicate that hair cortisol constitutes a valuable tool for further contributing to existing data on salivary, plasma, or urinary cortisol concentrations in patients with sleep disorders.

Exploring the effects of oily fish consumption on measures of acute and long-term stress in healthy 8-9-year-old children: The FiSK Junior randomized trial

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-26
Author(s):  
Marie N Teisen ◽  
Stine Vuholm ◽  
Jesper M Rantanen ◽  
Jeppe H Christensen ◽  
Camilla T Damsgaard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Fish Consumption ◽  
Cold Pressor Test ◽  
Cold Pressor ◽  
Heart Beat ◽  
Autonomic Response ◽  
Hair Cortisol ◽  
Oily Fish ◽  
Fish Group

Abstract Long-chain n-3 PUFA (n-3 LCPUFA) have been shown to reduce blood pressure, heart rate and vagal tone, but potential stress-mitigating effects of n-3 LCPUFA are not well investigated. We aim to explore the effects of oily fish consumption on long-term stress and the stress response in schoolchildren. Healthy 8-9-year-old children were randomized to receive ~300 g/week of oily fish or poultry for 12 ± 2 weeks. At baseline and endpoint, we measured erythrocyte n-3 LCPUFA, hair cortisol and the response to a 1-min cold pressor test (CPT) on saliva cortisol, blood pressure, and continuous electrocardiogram recordings. Of the 199 randomized children, 197 completed the trial. Hair cortisol did not differ between the groups, but a sex-interaction was indicated (Psex*group = 0.074, difference between means -0.9 (95% CI: -2.9,1.0) ng/g and 0.7 (-0.2,1.6) ng/g in boys and girls, respectively). The children in the fish group tended to be less prone to terminate CPT prematurely (OR 0.20 [0.02,1.04]). The mean heart beat interval during CPT was 18.2 (0.3,36.6) ms longer and the high frequency power increased (159 (29,289) ms2) in the fish versus the poultry group. The cardiac autonomic response in the 10 min following CPT was characterized by a sympathetic peak followed by a parasympathetic peak, which was most pronounced in the fish group. This exploratory study does not support a strong effect of oily fish consumption on stress, but indicates that oily fish consumption may increase vagal cardiac tone during the physiological response to CPT. These results warrant further investigation.

scholarly journals Quantifying long-term stress in brown bears with the hair cortisol concentration: a biomarker that may be confounded by rapid changes in response to capture and handling

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. cou026-cou026 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Cattet ◽  
B. J. Macbeth ◽  
D. M. Janz ◽  
A. Zedrosser ◽  
J. E. Swenson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cortisol Concentration ◽  
Hair Cortisol ◽  
Brown Bears ◽  
Rapid Changes

Developmental Timing of Stress Effects on the Brain

2018 ◽  
pp. 560-584
Author(s):  
Keira B. Leneman ◽  
Megan R. Gunnar
Keyword(s):  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Rapid Change ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Stress Effects ◽  
Physiological Stress Response ◽  
Infancy And Early Childhood ◽  
The Brain

The physiological stress response integrates endocrine, autonomic, and neural structures and pathways to respond and adapt to an organism’s environment. This integration is dynamic throughout development, with certain periods of rapid change for each system. With the introduction of chronic stress, physiological responses that may be adaptive in the immediate context can have long-term consequences for physical and emotional health, influencing systems differently depending upon developmental status at the time of stress exposure. From the nonhuman literature, prenatal, infancy, and adolescence are developmental stages that seem especially sensitive to major stress exposures. Human studies are less conclusive. Although much work has been done on prenatal stress and certain stressors (e.g., deprivation) during infancy and early childhood, more work is needed that addresses the challenges of isolating periods of environmental insults as well as carefully considering how prior developmental and subsequent experiences moderate exposure to major stress conditions at different points in development. Information on the transition from childhood to adolescence is especially sparse. A more comprehensive understanding of these developmental processes will enable a more targeted approach to ameliorating negative consequences of stress with both prevention and intervention.

scholarly journals Corticosterone secretion in tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus): Influential factors and conservation applications

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Lindsay Erin Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Population Variation ◽  
Monitoring Tool ◽  
Extrinsic Factors ◽  
Corticosterone Secretion ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Sphenodon Punctatus ◽  
Gravid Females

<p>Animals are regularly exposed to environmental, social and physiological challenges. In reaction to these challenges, individuals adjust their physiology and behaviour to maintain essential processes and optimise fitness. The most widely used indicators of physiological stress in vertebrates are glucocorticoid hormones (corticosterone (CORT) or cortisol), which are commonly referred to as ‘stress hormones’. The use of CORT as a tool to understand how individuals respond to natural or human-caused challenges is central to stress physiology research. Here, I investigated intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with CORT secretion, CORT secretion as an indicator of physiological response to challenges/stressors, and the value of CORT secretion as conservation tool in an iconic protected reptile (the tuatara, Sphenodon punctatus).  A capture-restraint time series revealed a significant CORT response over a 24 h period in male and female (non-gravid and gravid) tuatara. Baseline CORT and the CORT response to capture and restraint (i.e. a standardised capture-stress protocol) were similar between sexes; however, female reproductive condition was correlated with CORT secretion in that higher baseline CORT and a lower CORT response were observed in gravid females. An observational study incorporating data across a wide range of ambient temperatures (from four island sites) confirmed that body temperature (Tb) is positively correlated with baseline CORT in gravid females only, and revealed a positive correlation between the CORT response and higher Tb in all adults. A supporting experimental study showed that acute ambient temperature increase (in which mean Tb reached 21.4±0.4°C) elicits a significant CORT response to capture-restraint in gravid females. These results confirmed that gravid females are not secreting CORT maximally during nesting, but actively modulate secretion. An inter-island comparison of CORT secretion (for four populations) revealed that baseline CORT secretion was similar among populations during the non-breeding and breeding seasons; however, the CORT response to capture-restraint varied significantly among populations. Inter-population variation in testosterone (T) was observed in males (but not females) and was positively linked with increased baseline CORT from the non-breeding season to the breeding season, suggesting male reproductive activity may drive seasonal change of baseline CORT. Significant correlations were observed between the CORT response to capture-restraint (but not baseline CORT) and habitat elements of latitude, tuatara density and seabird abundance and 2) demogenetic factors of sex ratio and genetic diversity. The measurement of CORT as a physiological monitoring tool indicated that short- and long- term dynamics of CORT secretion in tuatara are not altered through translocation to a new island, as the acute CORT response remained stable throughout exposure to cumulative stressors and long-term dynamics of CORT secretion in translocated populations simultaneously mirrored those in source populations.  These findings deliver the most detailed study of CORT secretion patterns in tuatara to date. Moreover, as the first study to apply CORT secretion data as an conservation physiology monitoring tool in tuatara, these results serve as a baseline reference for future research and monitoring of conservation efforts.</p>

Hair Cortisol and Self-Injurious Behavior Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 126 (2) ◽  
pp. 158-166
Author(s):  
Andrea B. Courtemanche ◽  
William R. Black ◽  
Jerrold S. Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Problem Behavior ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Parent Ratings ◽  
Hair Cortisol ◽  
Hpa Axis Activity ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Elevated salivary cortisol levels have been documented in individuals who engage in self-injurious behavior (SIB), indicating acute physiological stress. Less is known about the chronicity of stress and SIB. We analyzed the relationship between parent ratings of problem behavior and hair cortisol concentrations (an index of chronic adrenocortical activity) in 23 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Parent ratings of problem behavior were not significantly correlated with hair cortisol concentrations. When children were categorized into groups based on the frequency and severity of SIB, participants with the greatest frequency and severity of SIB had higher hair cortisol concentrations compared to children without SIB. Frequent and severe SIB may be associated with altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity in children with ASD.

scholarly journals Approach to stress endocrine response: somatization in the context of gastroenterological symptoms: a systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 2537-2545
Author(s):  
Gülseren Keskin
Keyword(s):  
Stress Responses ◽  
Stressful Life Events ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Endocrine Response ◽  
Response To Stress

Background: Stress can be defined as an acute threat to the homeostasis of an organism, and in order to manage stress, and maintain stability, the allostatic systems activate an adaptive response. Stress has been shown to have both short - and long-term effects on the function of the gastrointestinal tract, but long-term exposure to stress is more likely to cause endocrine disorders.Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the endocrine response to stress, and evaluate the relationship between somatization and gastrointestinal symptoms.Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted on several academic databases, which included, Pubmed, EBSCO and Science Direct. The search was performed using the keywords, “endocrine response to stress”, “somatization” and “gastrointestinal symptoms”. Results: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is essential in controlling physiological stress responses. Dysfunction is related to several mental disorders, including anxiety and depression, or somatization. Symptoms associated with genetic, or other traumatic experiences of individuals under stress, can lead to a maladaptive response to stress. These stressful life events were found to be associated with digestive system-related chronic diseases. Gastrointestinal disorders significantly affect millions of people worldwide. Conclusion: This study examined how the endocrine system responds to stress, and the effect this has in causing stress-related gastrointestinal distresses. Our findings indicate that stress-related psychological disorders are strongly associated with the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms.Keywords: Stress, endocrine response, somatization, gastrointestinal symptoms.

scholarly journals Associations between antenatal prednisone exposure and long-term cortisol and cortisone concentrations in children born to women with rheumatoid arthritis: results from a nationwide prospective cohort study

RMD Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e000852 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hilal Ince-Askan ◽  
Erica L T van den Akker ◽  
Yolanda B de Rijke ◽  
Elisabeth F C van Rossum ◽  
Johanna M W Hazes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Prospective Study ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Hair Cortisol

ObjectivesTo identify whether children with antenatal prednisone exposure have chronically elevated cortisol and cortisone concentrations, an altered body composition or higher blood pressure. In addition, to identify whether maternal rheumatoid arthritis disease (RA) activity is associated with these alterations.MethodsIn this prospective study, 56 children (mean age=10.0 years) with and 61 children (mean age=9.6 years) without antenatal prednisone exposure, born to women with RA, were included. Hair cortisol and cortisone were analysed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Linear regression models were built to analyse differences between the two groups, corrected for relevant covariates. Hair cortisol concentrations were also compared between the study population and an age-matched healthy reference group(n=150 children, mean age=9.8 years).ResultsHair cortisol and cortisone concentrations were similar in children with and without antenatal prednisone exposure (median cortisol 1.14 pg/mg (IQR 0.67–1.75) and 1.15 pg/mg (IQR 0.65–2.21) and median cortisone 6.76 pg/mg (IQR 5.42–8.86) and 7.40 pg/mg (IQR 5.39–10.73), respectively). Antenatal prednisone exposure and maternal RA disease activity were also not associated with body composition or blood pressure. Hair cortisol concentrations were not different in children born to mothers with RA compared with children from the reference group.ConclusionThis, in its kind, large and unique long-term prospective study demonstrates that low-dose antenatal prednisone exposure and maternal RA disease activity are not associated with negative consequences in prepubertal childhood. The findings of this study are reassuring and support the assumption that low-dose maternal prednisone use during pregnancy is safe for the offspring, at least until the age of approximately 10 years.

scholarly journals Association of screen time with long-term stress and temperament in preschoolers: results from the DAGIS study

2020 ◽  
Vol 179 (11) ◽  
pp. 1805-1812
Author(s):  
Marja H. Leppänen ◽  
Katri Sääksjärvi ◽  
Henna Vepsäläinen ◽  
Carola Ray ◽  
Pauliina Hiltunen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Preschool Children ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Effortful Control ◽  
Cortisol Concentration ◽  
Hair Cortisol ◽  
Moderating Role

Abstract Screen time is increasing rapidly in young children. The aim of this study was to examine associations of long-term stress and temperament with screen time in Finnish preschool children and the moderating role of socioeconomic status. Cross-sectional DAGIS data were utilized. Long-term stress was assessed using hair cortisol concentration, indicating values of the past 2 months. Temperament was reported by the parents using the Children’s Behavior Questionnaire (the Very Short Form), and three broad temperament dimensions were constructed: surgency, negative affectivity, and effortful control. Screen time was reported by the parents over 7 days. The highest education level in the household was used as an indicator of socioeconomic status. In total, 779 children (mean age, 4.7 ± 0.9 years, 52% boys) were included in the study. Of the temperament dimensions, a higher effortful control was associated with less screen time (B = − 6.70, p = 0.002). There was no evidence for an association between hair cortisol concentration and screen time nor a moderating role of socioeconomic status in the associations (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that preschool children with a higher score in effortful control had less screen time. Because effortful control reflects general self-regulatory abilities, promoting these skills may be effective in reducing screen time in young children. What is Known: • Screen time has increased rapidly during the last decades, and higher screen time has been linked with numerous adverse health consequences in children. • There are no previous studies investigating associations of long-term stress and temperament with screen time in young children. What is New: • Of the temperament dimensions, effortful control was associated with higher screen time in preschool children, but there was no association found between long-term stress and screen time. • Since effortful control reflects general self-regulatory abilities, promoting these skills may be effective in reducing screen time in young children.

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