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

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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The Effect of Body Region on Hair Cortisol Concentration in Common Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

Comparative Medicine ◽

10.30802/aalas-cm-20-000091 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Evelyn E Bartling-John ◽

Kimberley A Phillips

Keyword(s):

Callithrix Jacchus ◽

Cortisol Concentration ◽

The Body ◽

Body Region ◽

Research Model ◽

Hair Cortisol ◽

Social Stimuli ◽

Common Marmosets ◽

Hpa Axis Activity

Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are a valuable research model for the study of neuroscience and the biologicimpact of aging due to their adaptivity, physiologic characteristics, and ease of handling for experimental manipulations. Quantification of cortisol in hair provides a noninvasive, retrospective biomarker of hypothalamics-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)axis activity and information on animal wellbeing, including responses to environmental and social stimuli. To obtain valid and reliable measurements of long-term HPA activity, we investigated the variability of cortisol concentration in the hair depending on the body region of marmosets. Hair was collected from the back and tail of 9 adult common marmosets during annual health screenings (male n = 3; female n = 6) and these samples were analyzed for cortisol via methanol extraction and enzyme immunoassay. We found that hair cortisol concentration differed between the tail and back regions, with the tail samples having a significantly higher cortisol concentration. These results indicate intraindividual and interindividual comparisons of hair cortisol concentration should use hair obtained from the same body region in marmosets.

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Long-term stress in dogs is related to the human–dog relationship and personality traits

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-88201-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Amanda Höglin ◽

Enya Van Poucke ◽

Rebecca Katajamaa ◽

Per Jensen ◽

Elvar Theodorsson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Personality Traits ◽

Big Five ◽

Cortisol Concentration ◽

Hair Cortisol ◽

Hunting Dogs ◽

Breed Group ◽

Hair Samples ◽

Stress Levels ◽

Inventory Survey

AbstractPreviously, we found that dogs belonging to the herding breed group, selected for human cooperation, synchronise their long-term stress levels with their owners. The aim of the current study was to investigate features that could influence long-term stress levels in ancient dog breeds, genetically closer to wolves, and dogs specifically selected to work independently of their owner. Twenty-four ancient breed dogs and 18 solitary hunting dogs were recruited and hair samples were obtained from both dogs and owners from which hair cortisol concentration (HCC) was analysed. Additionally, the owners completed lifestyle surveys, the Monash Dog Owner Relationship Scale (MDORS) on human–dog relationship, and both dog and owner personality questionnaires (Dog Personality questionnaire and Big Five Inventory survey). The results from the MDORS indicate that the subscale Perceived cost correlated to the dog HCC of tested breed groups: solitary hunting breeds (χ2 = 4.95, P = 0.026, β = 0.055), ancient breeds (χ2 = 2.74, P = 0.098, β = 0.027), and herding dogs included from a previous study (χ2 = 6.82, P = 0.009, β = − 0.061). The HCC of the solitary hunting dogs was also related to the owner personality traits Agreeableness (χ2 = 12.30, P < 0.001, β = − 0.060) and Openness (χ2 = 9.56, P = 0.002, β = 0.048) suggesting a more substantial influence of the owner on the solitary hunting dog’s HCC compared to the ancient breeds. No effect of owner HCC on dog HCC was found in either ancient or in solitary hunting breeds. Hence, the long-term stress synchronisation is likely to be a trait in breeds selected for human cooperation. In conclusion, dog HCC is often related to the owners’ personality, but is primarily influenced by the owner-dog relationship.

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Increased Scalp Hair Cortisol Concentrations in Obese Children

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism ◽

10.1210/jc.2013-2924 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 99 (1) ◽

pp. 285-290 ◽

Cited By ~ 62

Author(s):

Margriet A. B. Veldhorst ◽

Gerard Noppe ◽

Mieke H. T. M. Jongejan ◽

Chantine B. M. Kok ◽

Selma Mekic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Waist Circumference ◽

Scalp Hair ◽

Blood Lipid ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Cortisol Concentration ◽

Hair Cortisol ◽

Obese Children ◽

Hair Samples

Context: Pathologically increased cortisol exposure induces obesity, but it is not known whether relatively high cortisol within the physiological range is related to childhood obesity. Objective: The aim of the study was to compare hair cortisol concentrations between obese and normal-weight children. Design: We performed an observational case-control study. Participants: Twenty obese children (body mass index-SD score [BMI-SDS] > 2.3) and 20 age- and sex-matched normal-weight children (BMI-SDS < 1.1) aged 8–12 years were recruited. Main Outcome Measures: Scalp hair samples from the posterior vertex were collected, and hair cortisol concentrations were measured using ELISA. Body weight, height, and waist circumference were measured. From the obese children, additional data on blood pressure and blood lipid concentrations were collected. Results: In both groups, five boys and 15 girls were included; their mean age was 10.8 ± 1.3 vs 10.8 ± 1.2 years (obese vs normal weight; not significant). Body weight, BMI, BMI-SDS, and waist circumference were higher in the obese children compared with the normal-weight children (69.8 ± 17.2 vs 35.5 ± 7.2 kg; 29.6 ± 4.9 vs 16.4 ± 1.6 kg/m2; 3.4 ± 0.5 vs −0.2 ± 0.8 SDS; 94 ± 13 vs 62 ± 6 cm; P < .001 all). Hair cortisol concentration was higher in obese than normal-weight children (median [interquartile range], 25 [17, 32] vs 17 [13, 21] pg/mg; P < .05). Conclusions: Hair cortisol concentration, a measure for long-term cortisol exposure, was higher in obese children than normal-weight children. This suggests long-term activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis in obese children and may provide a novel target for treatment of obesity in children.

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Evaluation of hair cortisol concentration as a biomarker of long-term stress in free-ranging polar bears

Wildlife Society Bulletin ◽

10.1002/wsb.219 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 36 (4) ◽

pp. 747-758 ◽

Cited By ~ 44

Author(s):

Bryan J. Macbeth ◽

Marc R. L. Cattet ◽

Martyn E. Obbard ◽

Kevin Middel ◽

David M. Janz

Keyword(s):

Cortisol Concentration ◽

Polar Bears ◽

Hair Cortisol ◽

Free Ranging

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

Canadian Journal of Zoology ◽

10.1139/z10-057 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 88 (10) ◽

pp. 935-949 ◽

Cited By ~ 119

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.

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Long-term residential exposure to air pollution is associated with hair cortisol concentration and differential leucocyte count in Flemish adolescent boys

Environmental Research ◽

10.1016/j.envres.2021.111595 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 111595

Author(s):

Veerle J. Verheyen ◽

Sylvie Remy ◽

Esmée M. Bijnens ◽

Ann Colles ◽

Eva Govarts ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Air Pollution ◽

Leucocyte Count ◽

Cortisol Concentration ◽

Hair Cortisol ◽

Adolescent Boys ◽

Residential Exposure ◽

Differential Leucocyte Count

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

Life ◽

10.3390/life11020081 ◽

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.

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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

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s000711452000519x ◽

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.

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