Long-term health consequences of early-life exposure to substance abuse: an epigenetic perspective

2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 269-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. Vaiserman
Keyword(s):  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Developmental Programming ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Maternal Substance Abuse ◽  
Organ Systems ◽  
Abuse During Pregnancy ◽  
The Impact

A growing body of evidence highlights the importance of the nutritional or other environmental stimuli during critical periods of development in the long-term programming of organ systems and homeostatic pathways of the organism. The adverse influences early in development and particularly during intrauterine life have been shown to programme the risks for adverse health outcomes in adult life. The mechanisms underlying developmental programming remain still unclear. However, increasing evidence has been accumulated indicating the important role of epigenetic regulation including DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs in the developmental programming of late-onset pathologies, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and type 2 diabetes. The maternal substance abuse during pregnancy, including smoking, drinking and psychoactive drug intake, is one of the important factors determining the process of developmental programming in modern human beings. The impact of prenatal drug/substance exposure on infant and early childhood development is currently in the main focus. The long-term programming effects of such exposures on aging and associated pathologies, however, have been reported only rarely. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary of recent research findings which indicate that maternal substance abuse during pregnancy and/or neonatal period can programme not only a child's health status, but also can cause long-term or even life-long health outcomes via mechanisms of epigenetic memory.

scholarly journals Examining the impact of mental disease on type 2 diabetes outcomes: results from the EpiChron Cohort

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Guerrero Fernández de Alba ◽  
A Gimeno-Miguel ◽  
B Poblador Plou ◽  
K Bliek Bueno ◽  
J Carmona Pirez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Early Detection ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Emergency Room ◽  
Mental Disease ◽  
Emergency Room Visits ◽  
Mental Diseases ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is often accompanied by other chronic diseases, including mental diseases (MD). This work aimed at studying MD prevalence in T2D patients and analyse its impact on T2D health outcomes. Methods Retrospective, observational study of individuals of the EpiChron Cohort aged 18 and over with prevalent T2D at baseline (2011) in Aragón, Spain (n = 63,365). Participants were categorized by the existence or absence of MD, defined as the presence of depression, anxiety, schizophrenia or substance abuse. MD prevalence was calculated, and a logistic regression model was performed to analyse the likelihood of the four studied health outcomes (4-year all-cause mortality, all-cause hospitalization, T2D-hospitalization, and emergency room visits) based on the presence of each type of MD, after adjusting by age, sex and number of comorbidities. Results Mental diseases were observed in 19% of T2D patients, with depression being the most frequent condition, especially in women (20.7% vs. 7.57%). Mortality risk was significantly higher in patients with MD (odds ratio -OR- 1.24; 95% confidence interval -CI- 1.16-1.31), especially in those with substance abuse (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.84-2.57) and schizophrenia (OR 1.82; 95% CI 1.50-2.21). The presence of MD also increased the risk of T2D-hospitalization (OR 1.51; 95% CI 1.18-1.93), emergency room visits (OR 1.26; 95% CI 1.21-1.32) and all-cause hospitalization (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.10-1.23). Conclusions The high prevalence of MD among T2D patients, and its association with health outcomes, underscores the importance of providing integrated, person-centred care and early detection of comorbid mental diseases in T2D patients to improve disease management and health outcomes. Key messages Comprehensive care of T2D should include specific strategies for prevention, early detection, and management of comorbidities, especially mental disorders, in order to reduce their impact on health. Substance abuse was the mental disease with the highest risk of T2D-hospitalization, emergency room visits and all-cause hospitalization.

scholarly journals The Consequential Increase of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse During Covid- Its Causes and Implications

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Oyindrila Basu ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Social Behavior ◽  
World Order ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Online Sales ◽  
Alcohol And Drugs ◽  
Economic Strategies

Covid-19 is not just a virus which is risking human lives everyday, but it is a phenomenon which has inflicted major changes on the long-term global survival and economic strategies. The pandemic has brought about major diversions in the world order, which philosophers and scientists have predicted to occur once in a century’s time. Covid-19 has also affected the personal health, physical and psychological of all human beings. It has forced people to change their social behaviors significantly, which has had consequential effect on their mental health. One significant result of the pandemic is the increased consumption of alcohol and other psychoactive substances among people. As people are forced to lock themselves up inside their homes, some have resorted to exercising, biking, running, and meditation to maintain sanity, while others have boosted their addictive behavior by consuming more alcohol and drugs to make staying-indoors more entertaining. Nielsen has reported a 54% rise in the national consumption of alcohol on the week of March 21st 2020, as compared to the same in 2019. The online sales of alcohol have also risen enormously from 2019 to 2020. The study aims to address the problem of increased alcoholism and substance abuse during Covid-19 by understanding the causes of this rise. The method is based on analysis and comparison of available survey reports, to find out exactly what amount of human consumption has increased during the pandemic. From the findings we can conclude that alcoholism and substance abuse has risen significantly during Covid-19, and psychological distress, anxiety and depression can be some major causes for this abnormal social behavior. It can also be implied that this increased alcoholism is likely to affect the physical health, neural and social behavior, and the work life of many human beings through the pandemic.

scholarly journals Neurological, neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental complications of COVID-19

2020 ◽  
pp. 000486742096147
Author(s):  
Christos Pantelis ◽  
Mahesh Jayaram ◽  
Anthony J Hannan ◽  
Robb Wesselingh ◽  
Jess Nithianantharajah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organ Damage ◽  
Multiple Organ ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Organ Systems ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Collaborative Efforts ◽  
The Brain

Although COVID-19 is predominantly a respiratory disease, it is known to affect multiple organ systems. In this article, we highlight the impact of SARS-CoV-2 (the coronavirus causing COVID-19) on the central nervous system as there is an urgent need to understand the longitudinal impacts of COVID-19 on brain function, behaviour and cognition. Furthermore, we address the possibility of intergenerational impacts of COVID-19 on the brain, potentially via both maternal and paternal routes. Evidence from preclinical models of earlier coronaviruses has shown direct viral infiltration across the blood–brain barrier and indirect secondary effects due to other organ pathology and inflammation. In the most severely ill patients with pneumonia requiring intensive care, there appears to be additional severe inflammatory response and associated thrombophilia with widespread organ damage, including the brain. Maternal viral (and other) infections during pregnancy can affect the offspring, with greater incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia and epilepsy. Available reports suggest possible vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2, although longitudinal cohort studies of such offspring are needed. The impact of paternal infection on the offspring and intergenerational effects should also be considered. Research targeted at mechanistic insights into all aspects of pathogenesis, including neurological, neuropsychiatric and haematological systems alongside pulmonary pathology, will be critical in informing future therapeutic approaches. With these future challenges in mind, we highlight the importance of national and international collaborative efforts to gather the required clinical and preclinical data to effectively address the possible long-term sequelae of this global pandemic, particularly with respect to the brain and mental health.

612 Assessing the Impact of Burns on Children Aged 5–18 Years: A Narrative Review of Health Outcomes Literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S150-S150
Author(s):  
Amelia Austen ◽  
Carina Hou ◽  
Khushbu Patel ◽  
Keri Brady ◽  
Gabrielle G Grant ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Social Functioning ◽  
Physical Functioning ◽  
Psychological Functioning ◽  
Burn Injury ◽  
Health Domains ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction Burn injuries can have major long-term effects on the health and quality of life for children and adolescents. This study narratively reviewed the health outcomes literature focusing on the impact of burn injury for children aged 5–18. Methods Literature targeting pediatric outcomes was reviewed to identify the effects of burns on children aged 5–18 (n=16). Inclusion criteria included studies that focused on the impact of burns on health and quality of life and were age-appropriate for this population. Articles were identified via PubMed, Web of Science, and manual reference checks. Data collected included the outcomes and health domains assessed in each article and the findings of the effects of the burn injury on those specific outcomes. The Preschool LIBRE Conceptual Model served as a ‘domains framework’ to guide the identification of outcomes and health domains. Results Long-term burn-specific outcomes and broad health domains identified were physical functioning (n=9), psychological functioning (n=12), social functioning (n=4), symptoms (n=8), and family (n=7). Some studies exclusively focused on one domain whereas others assessed two domains or more. Subdomains such as upper extremity functioning and functional independence were addressed in the physical functioning domain. Psychological functioning outcomes included subdomains such as emotional health and behavioral problems. Social functioning outcomes evaluated subdomains such as problems with peers and social participation. The symptoms domain addressed post-burn pain and itch. Family outcomes subdomains such as parental satisfaction with appearance and general family functioning were identified. Conclusions Burn-specific outcomes and health domains assessing the effects of burns on children aged 5–18 were identified among 16 studies. There is a need for a comprehensive assessment tool that more precisely measures the impact of burn injury across these domains. This work will inform the development of the School-Aged Life Impact Burn Recovery Evaluation (LIBRE) Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) Profile – a new outcome metric for children and adolescents with burns. Applicability of Research to Practice This review is relevant to researchers and clinicians assessing health outcomes and measuring burn recovery in children aged 5–18.

Acceptance and Feasibility of Seated Elliptical Pedaling to Replace Sedentary Behavior in Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 844-853
Author(s):  
Nicholas L. Lerma ◽  
Chi C. Cho ◽  
Ann M. Swartz ◽  
Hotaka Maeda ◽  
Young Cho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Light Intensity ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Activity Monitor ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility and acceptability of a seated pedaling device to reduce sedentary behavior (SB) in the homes of older adults. Methods: Each participant (N = 20) was outfitted with an activity monitor and seated pedaling device in the home for 7 days and randomly assigned to one of four light-intensity pedaling groups (15, 30, 45, and 60 min/day). Results: There was 100% adherence in all groups and significant group differences in the minutes pedaled per day (p < .001), with no significant difference in the total pedaling days completed (p = .241). The 15-, 30-, 45-, and 60-min groups experienced a 4.0%, 5.4%, 10.6%, and 11.3% reduction in SB on the days pedaled, respectively. Conclusion: Clinically relevant reductions in SB time were achievable in this 1-week trial. Long-term adherence and the impact of replacing SB with seated light activities on geriatric-relevant health outcomes should be investigated.

scholarly journals Laboratory testing for COVID-19 in suspected human cases and the impact of corona virus pandemic on the global health system

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 498-504
Author(s):  
Debashis Mania ◽  
T.K. Mandal ◽  
A.K. Bera ◽  
Brig. Rajiv Sethi
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Testing ◽  
Multiple Organ ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Indian Health ◽  
Corona Virus ◽  
Organ Systems ◽  
The World ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Organ Invasion ◽  
Different Parts

COVID-19, coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection has become pandemic after first appearing in Wuhan, China in December 2019. It destroyed the life of millions of people throughout the different parts of Europe, America, Asia and others in the world. Various groups of scientists throughout the globe have claimed on trialing for the corona vaccine and for finding out suitable medication for the treatment of COVID-19. No vaccine or medicines are successfully reported to short out the issue for saving the valuable life of human beings, till date. The mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 infection and organ invasion are not understood and it creates difficulty in clinical diagnosis and treatment of corona patients. The pathogenic mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 infection is not very much clear and it may invade multiple organ systems of respiratory, digestive and hematological in a confirmed case. The impact of corona virus outbreak on the global and Indian health systems is also reviewed herewith.

scholarly journals A Medication Synchronization Program and Blood Pressure Levels in a Community Pharmacy: Protocol (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Pattin ◽  
Rebekah L Panak ◽  
Rebecca Hunold ◽  
Abagail Kirwen ◽  
Samantha R Minnich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Cardiovascular Complications ◽  
Care Group ◽  
Prescription Medications ◽  
Improve Medication Adherence ◽  
Antihypertensive Medications ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND The lack of adherence to prescribed antihypertensive medication occurs in 50% of patients and leads to poor health outcomes and increased medical costs. Consistent use of antihypertensive medications among patients with hypertension is essential to the reduction of short- and long-term cardiovascular complications. Strategies to improve medication adherence include syncing prescription medications in the pharmacy, which allow patients to retrieve chronically prescribed medications in one visit. The adoption of medication synchronization has been shown to improve adherence to medications; however, there is a lack of data showing if the intervention reduces blood pressure and improves long-term health outcomes. OBJECTIVE This study aims to determine the association between participation in an appointment-based medication synchronization service and blood pressure levels among patients on antihypertensive medications. METHODS This longitudinal prospective cohort study will observe changes in blood pressure among individuals in a medication synchronization program and those in a usual care group. Patients on at least two antihypertensive medications and four total medications have been recruited to participate in the study. All participants will be required to have at least a 6-month history of filling prescriptions at the pharmacy prior to enrollment in the study. Based on an estimated standard deviation of 14 mmHg, a sample size of 70 participants provides approximately 80% power with a two-sided .05 significance to detect a difference of 9 mmHg blood pressure between the two cohorts. RESULTS As of the publication of this paper, patients are completing final blood pressure visits at the pharmacy and medication data are being collected from the pharmacy. Once patients complete all blood pressure visits, data analysis will begin. CONCLUSIONS This study will link medication synchronization and changes in blood pressure levels among individuals with hypertension. This study will provide preliminary data for a randomized clinical trial that will assess the impact of medication synchronization on blood pressure. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR DERR1-10.2196/12527

Breast Cancer Treatment in Older Women: Does Getting What You Want Improve Your Long-Term Body Image and Mental Health?

2004 ◽  
Vol 22 (19) ◽  
pp. 4002-4009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa I. Figueiredo ◽  
Jennifer Cullen ◽  
Yi-Ting Hwang ◽  
Julia H. Rowland ◽  
Jeanne S. Mandelblatt
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Body Image ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Evaluation System ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Breast Conservation ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Little is known about the impact of surgical treatment on body image and health outcomes in older breast cancer patients. The purpose of this article is to evaluate whether concordance between treatment received and treatment preferences predicts posttreatment body image and whether body image, in turn, affects mental health in older women with breast cancer 2 years after treatment. Patients and Methods A longitudinal cohort of 563 women who were 67 years old or older and who had stages I and II breast cancer were surveyed by telephone at 3, 12, and 24 months after surgery. All women were clinically eligible for breast conservation. Body image was measured using questions adapted from the Cancer Rehabilitation Evaluation System–Short Form, and mental health was evaluated using a Medical Outcomes Study subscale. Results Body image was an important factor in treatment decisions for 31% of women. Women who received breast conservation had better body image 2 years after treatment than women who had mastectomies (P < .0001). Women who preferred breast conservation but received mastectomy had the poorest body image. Using generalized estimating equations, we found that body image, in turn, predicted 2-year mental health. Conclusion Body image is important for many older women, and receiving treatment consistent with preferences about appearance was important in long-term mental health outcomes. Health professionals should elicit preferences about appearance from women and provide treatment choices in concordance with these preferences. Enhancing shared decision making has the potential to improve mental health in older breast cancer survivors.

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