scholarly journals Loneliness Mediates the Relationship Between Early Life Stress and Perceived Stress but not Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis Functioning

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Crespo-Sanmiguel ◽  
Mariola Zapater-Fajarí ◽  
Matias M. Pulopulos ◽  
Vanesa Hidalgo ◽  
Alicia Salvador
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Hpa Axis ◽  
Life Stress ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Early Life Stress ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Diurnal Cortisol ◽  
Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal ◽  
Hpa Axis Functioning ◽  
The Relationship

Many authors have proposed that early life stress (ELS) provokes a dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and contributes negatively to the management of stress in adulthood. However, these associations have not always been observed, making it necessary to include new factors that could explain the different results found. In this regard, people with ELS experiences report less social support during adulthood, suggesting that loneliness could be a mediating factor. Thus, our aims were to investigate whether ELS was related to both perceived stress and diurnal HPA axis activity, and whether loneliness mediates these relationships, in a community sample (N=187, 18–55years old). Fourteen cortisol samples were collected on two non-consecutive days to obtain the overall diurnal cortisol, diurnal cortisol slope, and bedtime levels. Additionally, ELS was assessed with the Risky Families Questionnaire (RFQ) and the Recalled Childhood and Adolescence Perceived Stress (ReCAPS) measure. Results revealed that ELS was associated with perceived stress, but not HPA axis functioning, and loneliness mediated the relationship between ELS and perceived stress, but not between ELS and HPA axis functioning. Similar results were found for both ELS questionnaires, suggesting that the ReCAPS is an adequate tool. These results highlight the importance of loneliness in understanding the long-term effects of ELS, and they indicate different effects of ELS on subjective and physiological stress indicators.

scholarly journals Influence of early life stress on later hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis functioning and its covariation with mental health symptoms: A study of the allostatic process from childhood into adolescence

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 1039-1058 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marilyn J. Essex ◽  
Elizabeth A. Shirtcliff ◽  
Linnea R. Burk ◽  
Paula L. Ruttle ◽  
Marjorie H. Klein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Hpa Axis ◽  
Life Stress ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Specific Activity ◽  
Early Life Stress ◽  
Hierarchical Linear Model ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal

AbstractThe hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis is a primary mechanism in the allostatic process through which early life stress (ELS) contributes to disease. Studies of the influence of ELS on children's HPA axis functioning have yielded inconsistent findings. To address this issue, the present study considers multiple types of ELS (maternal depression, paternal depression, and family expressed anger), mental health symptoms, and two components of HPA functioning (traitlike and epoch-specific activity) in a long-term prospective community study of 357 children. ELS was assessed during the infancy and preschool periods; mental health symptoms and cortisol were assessed at child ages 9, 11, 13, and 15 years. A three-level hierarchical linear model addressed questions regarding the influences of ELS on HPA functioning and its covariation with mental health symptoms. ELS influenced traitlike cortisol level and slope, with both hyper- and hypoarousal evident depending on type of ELS. Further, type(s) of ELS influenced covariation of epoch-specific HPA functioning and mental health symptoms, with a tighter coupling of HPA alterations with symptom severity among children exposed previously to ELS. Results highlight the importance of examining multiple types of ELS and dynamic HPA functioning in order to capture the allostatic process unfolding across the transition into adolescence.

Assessment of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activity: glucocorticoid receptor and mineralocorticoid receptor function in depression with early life stress – a systematic review

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristiane Von Werne Baes ◽  
Sandra M. de Carvalho Tofoli ◽  
Camila Maria S. Martins ◽  
Mario F. Juruena
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Glucocorticoid Receptor ◽  
Hpa Axis ◽  
Life Stress ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Mineralocorticoid Receptor ◽  
Early Life Stress ◽  
Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal ◽  
Depressed Patients ◽  
Suppression Test

Objective:The mechanisms involved in the dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, especially in the functioning of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in depressed patients, are not well elucidated. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of articles that assess the HPA axis activity from GR and MR in depressed patients and healthy controls with or without early life stress.Methods:We conducted a systematic review of articles in PubMed, SCOPUS and SciELO published between 2000 and 2011, using the following search terms:child abuse,depression,HPA axis,dexamethasone,prednisolone,fludrocortisoneandspironolactone. Thirty-four papers were selected for this review.Results:Most studies identified in this review used the dexamethasone/corticotropin-releasing hormone test and dexamethasone suppression test. In these studies, hypercortisolaemia was associated with depression. We identified three studies with the Prednisolone suppression test, only one study with the use of fludrocortisone and one with spironolactone. This review found nine studies that evaluated the HPA axis in individuals with early life stress.Conclusions:The majority of the studies assessed in this review show that early life stress leads to permanent changes in the HPA axis and may lead to development of depression in adults. The most consistent findings in the literature show increased activity of the HPA axis in depression associated with hypercortisolaemia and reduced inhibitory feedback. These findings suggest that this dysregulation of the HPA axis is partially attributable to an imbalance between GR and MR. Evidences have consistently showed that GR function is impaired in major depression, but few studies have assessed the activity of MR in depression and early life stress.

scholarly journals Update on stress and depression: the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis

2003 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 231-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea de Abreu Feijó de Mello ◽  
Marcelo Feijó de Mello ◽  
Linda L Carpenter ◽  
Lawrence H Price
Keyword(s):  
Hpa Axis ◽  
Life Stress ◽  
Early Life Stress ◽  
Major Focus ◽  
Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal ◽  
The Past ◽  
Hpa Axis Dysregulation ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Adult Psychopathology

Over the past 50 years, relationships between stress and the neurobiological changes seen in psychiatric disorders have been well-documented. A major focus of investigations in this area has been the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, both as a marker of stress response and as a mediator of additional downstream pathophysiologic changes. This review examines the emerging literature concerning the relationship between stress, HPA axis function, and depression, as well as the role of early life stress as an important risk factor for HPA axis dysregulation. The more recent studies reviewed suggest that the prominence of HPA axis hyperactivity in adults with depressive and anxiety disorders may constitute a link between the occurrence of adversity in childhood and the development of adult psychopathology

The Role of Early Life Stress in HPA Axis and Anxiety

2020 ◽  
pp. 141-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario F. Juruena ◽  
Filip Eror ◽  
Anthony J. Cleare ◽  
Allan H. Young
Keyword(s):  
Hpa Axis ◽  
Life Stress ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Early Life Stress

scholarly journals Effects of Early-Life Stress on the Brain and Behaviors: Implications of Early Maternal Separation in Rodents

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (19) ◽  
pp. 7212
Author(s):  
Mayumi Nishi
Keyword(s):  
Child Abuse ◽  
Hpa Axis ◽  
Brain Function ◽  
Life Stress ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Maternal Separation ◽  
Early Life Stress ◽  
Emotional Behavior ◽  
Neural Basis ◽  
The Brain

Early-life stress during the prenatal and postnatal periods affects the formation of neural networks that influence brain function throughout life. Previous studies have indicated that maternal separation (MS), a typical rodent model equivalent to early-life stress and, more specifically, to child abuse and/or neglect in humans, can modulate the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, affecting subsequent neuronal function and emotional behavior. However, the neural basis of the long-lasting effects of early-life stress on brain function has not been clarified. In the present review, we describe the alterations in the HPA-axis activity—focusing on serum corticosterone (CORT)—and in the end products of the HPA axis as well as on the CORT receptor in rodents. We then introduce the brain regions activated during various patterns of MS, including repeated MS and single exposure to MS at various stages before weaning, via an investigation of c-Fos expression, which is a biological marker of neuronal activity. Furthermore, we discuss the alterations in behavior and gene expression in the brains of adult mice exposed to MS. Finally, we ask whether MS repeats itself and whether intergenerational transmission of child abuse and neglect is possible.

scholarly journals Developmental stress and social phenotypes: integrating neuroendocrine, behavioural and evolutionary perspectives

2017 ◽  
Vol 372 (1727) ◽  
pp. 20160242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen A. Spencer
Keyword(s):  
Hpa Axis ◽  
Social Behaviour ◽  
Life Stress ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Early Life Stress ◽  
Developmental Stress ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Neuroendocrine Axis ◽  
Complex Relationships ◽  
Social Behaviours

The social world is filled with different types of interactions, and social experience interacts with stress on several different levels. Activation of the neuroendocrine axis that regulates the response to stress can have consequences for innumerable behavioural responses, including social decision-making and aspects of sociality, such as gregariousness and aggression. This is especially true for stress experienced during early life, when physiological systems are developing and highly sensitive to perturbation. Stress at this time can have persistent effects on social behaviours into adulthood. One important question remaining is to what extent these effects are adaptive. This paper initially reviews the current literature investigating the complex relationships between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and other neuroendocrine systems and several aspects of social behaviour in vertebrates. In addition, the review explores the evidence surrounding the potential for ‘social programming’ via differential development and activation of the HPA axis, providing an insight into the potential for positive effects on fitness following early life stress. Finally, the paper provides a framework from which novel investigations could work to fully understand the adaptive significance of early life effects on social behaviours. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Physiological determinants of social behaviour in animals'.

Early Life Stress: Long-Term Physiological Impact in Rodents and Primates

Physiology ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 150-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher R. Pryce ◽  
Daniela Rüedi-Bettschen ◽  
Andrea C. Dettling ◽  
Joram Feldon
Keyword(s):  
Life Span ◽  
Stress Responses ◽  
Life Stress ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Early Life Stress ◽  
Human Infants ◽  
Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal ◽  
Physiological Impact ◽  
Pituitary Adrenal Axis

Rat, monkey, and human infants have evolved to expect certain patterns of care. Spontaneous or experimental deviations of care from the norm result in infant stress responses. Hyperactivity of immature stress systems such as the limbic-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the limbic-sympatho-adrenomedullary axis can alter their subsequent reactivity across the life span.

scholarly journals Early life adversity, dispositional mindfulness, and longitudinal stress experience during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annika Benz ◽  
Maria Meier ◽  
Ulrike U. Bentele ◽  
Stephanie J. Dimitroff ◽  
Bernadette Denk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Life Stress ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Early Life Stress ◽  
Dispositional Mindfulness ◽  
Early Life Adversity ◽  
Stress Buffering ◽  
Psychopathological Symptoms ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

Experiencing severe or prolonged stressors in early life is associated with increased risk for mental and physical disorders in adulthood. Further, individuals who experienced early life stress (ELS) may use dysfunctional coping strategies like stress-related eating, in contrast to more beneficial stress buffering mechanisms e.g. based on mindfulness. Whether these mechanisms contribute to increased levels of perceived stress and symptoms of mental disorders in individuals with ELS in times of crisis is yet unclear. As part of a larger project, we assessed changes in perceived stress and psychopathological symptoms in a sample of N=102 participants (81% female; meanage=23.49, SDage= 7.11, range 18–62) from October/December 2019 (prior to the Covid-19 pandemic) to April/June 2020 (after the German government introduced Covid-19 related restrictions). Additionally, we assessed ELS and dispositional mindfulness.Perceived stress and depression significantly increased while anxiety levels decreased. No significant change was observed for somatization. ELS and dispositional mindfulness were not associated with change scores, but with perceived stress and psychopathological symptoms at both assessments. The increase in perceived stress during the pandemic in a majority of participants demonstrates the impact of the pandemic in the general population.

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