Hormones, Circadian Rhythms, and Mental Health

2019 ◽  
pp. 365-379
Author(s):  
Yasmine-Marie Cisse ◽  
Jeremy C. Borniger ◽  
Randy J. Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Circadian Rhythms ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Night Shift ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
The Body ◽  
Affective Symptoms ◽  
Nighttime Light ◽  
Mood And Cognition ◽  
Endocrine Signaling

Circadian rhythms permit adaptations to predictable temporal environmental changes. Daily 24-hour rhythms are controlled by molecular clockworks within the brain that are set by the daily light–dark cycle. Downstream endocrine signaling conveys temporal information throughout the body. Mood disorders often present with disruptions in circadian clock-controlled responses, such as sleep and cortisol secretion, whereas circadian rhythm disruptions via jet lag, night-shift work, or light at night increase disordered affective symptoms. Evidence suggests strong associations between circadian rhythms and mental health, but only recently have studies begun to discover the direct interactions between the circadian system and mood regulation. This chapter provides an overview of circadian rhythms and the circadian regulation of the endocrine system. It discusses how the circadian and endocrine systems interact to affect depressive, anxious, and addictive responses. Finally, it discusses the potential detrimental effects the widespread use of nighttime light has for mood and cognition.

scholarly journals Circadian Rhythms of the Hypothalamus: From Function to Physiology

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 189-226
Author(s):  
Rachel Van Drunen ◽  
Kristin Eckel-Mahan
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythms ◽  
Energy Homeostasis ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Internal Clock ◽  
The Body ◽  
Hypothalamic Nuclei ◽  
Increased Risk

The nearly ubiquitous expression of endogenous 24 h oscillations known as circadian rhythms regulate the timing of physiological functions in the body. These intrinsic rhythms are sensitive to external cues, known as zeitgebers, which entrain the internal biological processes to the daily environmental changes in light, temperature, and food availability. Light directly entrains the master clock, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) which lies in the hypothalamus of the brain and is responsible for synchronizing internal rhythms. However, recent evidence underscores the importance of other hypothalamic nuclei in regulating several essential rhythmic biological functions. These extra-SCN hypothalamic nuclei also express circadian rhythms, suggesting distinct regions that oscillate either semi-autonomously or independent of SCN innervation. Concurrently, the extra-SCN hypothalamic nuclei are also sensitized to fluctuations in nutrient and hormonal signals. Thus, food intake acts as another powerful entrainer for the hypothalamic oscillators’ mediation of energy homeostasis. Ablation studies and genetic mouse models with perturbed extra-SCN hypothalamic nuclei function reveal their critical downstream involvement in an array of functions including metabolism, thermogenesis, food consumption, thirst, mood and sleep. Large epidemiological studies of individuals whose internal circadian cycle is chronically disrupted reveal that disruption of our internal clock is associated with an increased risk of obesity and several neurological diseases and disorders. In this review, we discuss the profound role of the extra-SCN hypothalamic nuclei in rhythmically regulating and coordinating body wide functions.

Effects of Exercise on Mental Health

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Olex ◽  
Krista Olex
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Aerobic Exercise ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Large Body ◽  
The Body ◽  
Mental Health Clinicians ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Mind And Body ◽  
Mood And Cognition

While the beneficial effects of exercise on the body are well established, there is now substantial evidence that physical activity has significant benefits on brain function and mental health as well. Physical activity including aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, yoga, and Tai Chi can influence mental health through numerous mechanisms on multiple levels, ranging from the microscopic to the level of human connection. A large body of clinical data suggests that exercise has beneficial effects on mood and cognition. While the evidence is strongest for the effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive dysfunction and depression, there is promising data in the use of aerobic exercise in other populations with mental illness as well as for the use of the other types of movement for mental health. Clinicians should be aware of physical activity as a powerful tool in their clinical toolbox with the potential for tremendous benefit on mind and body.

Melatonin Modulates Lactation by Regulating Prolactin Secretion Via Tuberoinfundibular Dopaminergic Neurons in the Hypothalamus- Pituitary System

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
pp. 744-750 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongyang Li ◽  
JingyaWei ◽  
Fengtao Ma ◽  
Qiang Shan ◽  
Duo Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pineal Gland ◽  
Pituitary Gland ◽  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Dopaminergic Neurons ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Mammary Glands ◽  
Prolactin Secretion ◽  
The Body ◽  
Stimulation Of

In-depth studies have identified many hormones important for controlling mammary growth and maintaining lactation. One of these is melatonin, which is synthesized and secreted by the pineal gland to regulate circadian rhythms, improve antioxidant capacity, and enhance immunity. Prolactin is secreted by the pituitary gland and is associated with the growth and development of mammary glands as well as initiation and maintenance of lactation. The hypothalamus-pituitary system, the most important endocrine system in the body, regulates prolactin secretion mainly through dopamine released from tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons. This review provides a reference for further study and describes the regulation of lactation and prolactin secretion by melatonin, primarily via the protection and stimulation of tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons.

scholarly journals Wearable Vibration Sensor for Measuring the Wing Flapping of Insects

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 593
Author(s):  
Ryota Yanagisawa ◽  
Shunsuke Shigaki ◽  
Kotaro Yasui ◽  
Dai Owaki ◽  
Yasuhiro Sugimoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Indirect Measurement ◽  
Feedback Mechanism ◽  
The Body ◽  
Vibration Sensor ◽  
Wingbeat Frequency ◽  
Film Sensor ◽  
Insect Wing

In this study, we fabricated a novel wearable vibration sensor for insects and measured their wing flapping. An analysis of insect wing deformation in relation to changes in the environment plays an important role in understanding the underlying mechanism enabling insects to dynamically interact with their surrounding environment. It is common to use a high-speed camera to measure the wing flapping; however, it is difficult to analyze the feedback mechanism caused by the environmental changes caused by the flapping because this method applies an indirect measurement. Therefore, we propose the fabrication of a novel film sensor that is capable of measuring the changes in the wingbeat frequency of an insect. This novel sensor is composed of flat silver particles admixed with a silicone polymer, which changes the value of the resistor when a bending deformation occurs. As a result of attaching this sensor to the wings of a moth and a dragonfly and measuring the flapping of the wings, we were able to measure the frequency of the flapping with high accuracy. In addition, as a result of simultaneously measuring the relationship between the behavior of a moth during its search for an odor source and its wing flapping, it became clear that the frequency of the flapping changed depending on the frequency of the odor reception. From this result, a wearable film sensor for an insect that can measure the displacement of the body during a particular behavior was fabricated.

scholarly journals Aristotle on the Nature and Politics of Medicine

Apeiron ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel H. Baker
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
The Body ◽  
Good For ◽  
Politics Of Medicine

AbstractAccording to Aristotle, the medical art aims at health, which is a virtue of the body, and does so in an unlimited way. Consequently, medicine does not determine the extent to which health should be pursued, and “mental health” falls under medicine only via pros hen predication. Because medicine is inherently oriented to its end, it produces health in accordance with its nature and disease contrary to its nature—even when disease is good for the patient. Aristotle’s politician understands that this inherent orientation can be systematically distorted, and so would see the need for something like the Hippocratic Oath.

scholarly journals Individuals Diagnosed with Binge-Eating Disorder Have DNA Hypomethylated Sites in Genes of the Metabolic System: A Pilot Study

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1413
Author(s):  
Mariana Lizbeth Rodríguez-López ◽  
José Jaime Martínez-Magaña ◽  
David Ruiz-Ramos ◽  
Ana Rosa García ◽  
Laura Gonzalez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Binge Eating ◽  
Binge Eating Disorder ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Diagnostic Category ◽  
The Body ◽  
Metabolic System ◽  
Genome Wide

Binge-eating disorder, recently accepted as a diagnostic category, is differentiated from bulimia nervosa in that the former shows the presence of binge-eating episodes and the absence of compensatory behavior. Epigenetics is a conjunct of mechanisms (like DNA methylation) that regulate gene expression, which are dependent on environmental changes. Analysis of DNA methylation in eating disorders shows that it is reduced. The present study aimed to analyze the genome-wide DNA methylation differences between individuals diagnosed with BED and BN. A total of 46 individuals were analyzed using the Infinium Methylation EPIC array. We found 11 differentially methylated sites between BED- and BN-diagnosed individuals, with genome-wide significance. Most of the associations were found in genes related to metabolic processes (ST3GAL4, PRKAG2, and FRK), which are hypomethylated genes in BED. Cg04781532, located in the body of the PRKAG2 gene (protein kinase AMP-activated non-catalytic subunit gamma 2), was hypomethylated in individuals with BED. Agonists of PRKAG2, which is the subunit of AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), are proposed to treat obesity, BED, and BN. The present study contributes important insights into the effect that BED could have on PRKAG2 activation.

scholarly journals Psychological Consequences of the Delay in the Silent Mentor Programme During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives From Family Members of Silent Mentors

2021 ◽  
pp. 003022282110009
Author(s):  
Li Ping Wong ◽  
Sik Loo Tan ◽  
Haridah Alias ◽  
Thiam Eng Sia ◽  
Aik Saw
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Body ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Psychological Consequences ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Health And Well Being

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a hold on the Silent Mentor Programme (SMP); this pause has not only caused unprecedented challenges for the delivery of medical education but has forced changes in the programme ceremony sessions. We aimed to describe the psychological impact and experiences of family members of silent mentors during the COVID-19 pandemic using qualitative interviews. Many expressed feelings of remorse and unrest about the unprecedented delay of the SMP. The delay increased negative emotions particularly among some elderly family members; however, there was no prominent negative effect on their functional health and well-being. Several participants relayed the belief that the soul cannot rest until the body receives a proper burial while some worried about the deterioration of the physical condition of the mentors. In conclusion, findings provide insights into the importance of not overlooking the mental health implications of delaying the SMP in future outbreaks or crises.

scholarly journals Circadian Rhythm: Potential Therapeutic Target for Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 676
Author(s):  
Andy W. C. Man ◽  
Huige Li ◽  
Ning Xia
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythm ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Circadian Rhythms ◽  
Circadian Clock ◽  
Therapeutic Target ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Clock Genes ◽  
Vascular System ◽  
Peripheral Tissues ◽  
Inflammatory Processes

Every organism has an intrinsic biological rhythm that orchestrates biological processes in adjusting to daily environmental changes. Circadian rhythms are maintained by networks of molecular clocks throughout the core and peripheral tissues, including immune cells, blood vessels, and perivascular adipose tissues. Recent findings have suggested strong correlations between the circadian clock and cardiovascular diseases. Desynchronization between the circadian rhythm and body metabolism contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases including arteriosclerosis and thrombosis. Circadian rhythms are involved in controlling inflammatory processes and metabolisms, which can influence the pathology of arteriosclerosis and thrombosis. Circadian clock genes are critical in maintaining the robust relationship between diurnal variation and the cardiovascular system. The circadian machinery in the vascular system may be a novel therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The research on circadian rhythms in cardiovascular diseases is still progressing. In this review, we briefly summarize recent studies on circadian rhythms and cardiovascular homeostasis, focusing on the circadian control of inflammatory processes and metabolisms. Based on the recent findings, we discuss the potential target molecules for future therapeutic strategies against cardiovascular diseases by targeting the circadian clock.

Staphylococcal infection and pathomurfological characteristic of the pituitary-adrenal-thyroid system

2020 ◽  
Vol 03 (04) ◽  
pp. 69-73
Author(s):  
Samira Mammadhasan Yagubova ◽  
◽  
Elchin Chingiz Akbarov ◽  
Tarana Nadir Mirzayeva ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Changes ◽  
Adrenal Glands ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Staphylococcal Infection ◽  
The Body ◽  
Glandular Cells ◽  
Exogenous Factors ◽  
Specific Symptoms

During the staphylococcal infection, changes in the interaction of glandular cells, dystrophic and disorganizing pathologies in tissues, especially acute structural and hemodynamic changes in the stroma of the glands in the pituitary-adrenal-thyroid system, develop from the first day of the experiment. At the end of the experiment, on the background of a decrease in exudative processes, fibroplastic reactions are significantly activated, resulting in signs of incomplete regeneration – mainly sclerotic processes and cystic-atrophic changes in the parenchyma. Structural changes in tissues in the early stages of staphylococcal infection and the dynamics of development are characterized by specific symptoms in each of the glands. Since the pituitary gland is exposed to endogenous and exogenous factors earlier and more often than the adrenal glands, and the adrenal glands are earlier than the thyroid gland, dystrophic and destructive changes in the pituitary and adrenal glands are more pronounced at the early stage of the experiment. These morphological changes can change the hormonal status of the body and lead to dysfunction of the endocrine system as a whole – a decrease in the functional activity of the glands to some extent, and even inhibition of adenohypophyseal cells. Key words: staphylococcal infection, peritonitis, pituitary, adrenal and thyroid glands

Is co-production working well in recovery colleges? Emergent themes from a systematic narrative review

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Louise Bester ◽  
Anne McGlade ◽  
Eithne Darragh
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Social Care ◽  
The Body ◽  
Bibliographic Databases ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practitioner Attitudes ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
The Impact

Purpose “Co-production” is a process in health and social care wherein service users and practitioners work in partnership. Recovery colleges (RCs) are educational establishments offering mental health education; a cornerstone feature is that courses are designed and delivered in parity by both mental health practitioners and “peers” – people with lived experience of mental illness. This paper aims to consider, through the identification of key themes, whether co-production within RCs is operating successfully. Design/methodology/approach The paper is a systematic review of qualitative literature. Relevant concept groups were systematically searched using three bibliographic databases: Medline, Social Care Online and Scopus. Articles were quality appraised and then synthesised through inductive thematic analysis and emergent trends identified. Findings Synthesis identified three key themes relating to the impact of co-production in RCs: practitioner attitudes, power dynamics between practitioners and service users, and RCs’ relationships with their host organisations. As a result of RC engagement, traditional practitioner/patient hierarchies were found to be eroding. Practitioners felt they were more person-centred. RCs can model good co-productive practices to their host organisations. The review concluded, with some caveats, that RC co-production was of high fidelity. Originality/value RC research is growing, but the body of evidence remains relatively small. Most of what exists examine the impact of RCs on individuals’ overall recovery and mental health; there is a limited empirical investigation into whether their flagship feature of parity between peers and practitioners is genuine.

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