1.
Coping Strategies Influence Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Chronic Psychological Stress: A Post Hoc Analysis of A Randomized Pilot Study.
Armborst, D, Bitterlich, N, Alteheld, B, Rösler, D, Metzner, C, Siener, R
Nutrients. 2021;14(1)
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Chronic psychological stress is increasingly recognized as a significant contributor to mental and physiological disorders in modern societies. The individual response to chronic stressors and resulting disorders depends on numerous factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the cardiometabolic risk profile in participants with ‘high’ and ‘very high’ chronic stress loads and the impact of positive and negative coping factors used. This study is a post hoc analysis of a randomised pilot study. For this analysis, baseline data were available for 62 chronic psychologically stressed participants, of whom 61 participants (43 women and 18 men) were included in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. Results indicate that: - perceiving high chronic stress is significantly associated with the criteria of the metabolic syndrome. - on the contrary, a very high perceived chronic stress load seemed to be rather associated with mental health risk than with cardiometabolic risk. - inflammation and oxidative stress markers significantly correlated with cardiometabolic risk parameters. - stress load can be coped with in diverse ways and that the coping strategy is crucial for cardiometabolic risk. Authors conclude that long-term studies are necessary to examine further adaptations to chronic stress and to evaluate individual stress-management strategies.
Abstract
Chronic psychological stress can result in physiological and mental health risks via the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, sympathoadrenal activity and emotion-focused coping strategies. The impact of different stress loads on cardiometabolic risk is poorly understood. This post hoc analysis of a randomized pilot study was conducted on 61 participants (18-65 years of age) with perceived chronic stress. The Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ30), Psychological Neurological Questionnaire (PNF), anthropometric, clinical and blood parameters were assessed. Subjects were assigned to 'high stress' (HS; PSQ30 score: 0.573 ± 0.057) and 'very high stress' (VHS; PSQ30 score: 0.771 ± 0.069) groups based on the PSQ30. Morning salivary cortisol and CRP were elevated in both groups. Visceral adiposity, elevated blood pressure and metabolic syndrome were significantly more frequent in the HS group vs. the VHS group. The fatty liver index (FLI) was higher (p = 0.045), while the PNF score was lower (p < 0.001) in the HS group. The HS group was comprised of more smokers (p = 0.016). Energy intake and physical activity levels were similar in both groups. Thus, high chronic stress was related to visceral adiposity, FLI, elevated blood pressure and metabolic syndrome in the HS group, while very high chronic stress was associated with psychological-neurological symptoms and a lower cardiometabolic risk in the VHS group, probably due to different coping strategies.
2.
Metabolic and Microbiota Measures as Peripheral Biomarkers in Major Depressive Disorder.
Horne, R, Foster, JA
Frontiers in psychiatry. 2018;9:513
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Though the connection between the gut microbiome, physical health and mental health is becoming more established, there remains a lack of understanding around the underlying cause of major depressive disorder (MDD). There is a need to identify biomarkers in MDD in order to help identify individual differences and improve treatment outcomes. The aim of this review is to investigate the link between metabolic biomarkers and the gut microbiota in individuals experiencing MDD. The current literature points to two potential biomarkers, leptin and ghrelin, which play a role in both metabolic disease and depression. Based on these findings, the authors conclude these biomarkers may help researchers and clinicians establish subgroups in depressed individuals in order to better predict treatment responses and develop more targeted therapies.
Abstract
Advances in understanding the role of the microbiome in physical and mental health are at the forefront of medical research and hold potential to have a direct impact on precision medicine approaches. In the past 7 years, we have studied the role of microbiota-brain communication on behavior in mouse models using germ-free mice, mice exposed to antibiotics, and healthy specific pathogen free mice. Through our work and that of others, we have seen an amazing increase in our knowledge of how bacteria signal to the brain and the implications this has for psychiatry. Gut microbiota composition and function are influenced both by genetics, age, sex, diet, life experiences, and many other factors of psychiatric and bodily disorders and thus may act as potential biomarkers of the gut-brain axis that could be used in psychiatry and co-morbid conditions. There is a particular need in major depressive disorder and other mental illness to identify biomarkers that can stratify patients into more homogeneous groups to provide better treatment and for development of new therapeutic approaches. Peripheral outcome measures of host-microbe bidirectional communication have significant translational value as biomarkers. Enabling stratification of clinical populations, based on individual biological differences, to predict treatment response to pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Here we consider the links between co-morbid metabolic syndrome and depression, focusing on biomarkers including leptin and ghrelin in combination with assessing gut microbiota composition, as a potential tool to help identify individual differences in depressed population.
3.
Association between weight bias internalization and metabolic syndrome among treatment-seeking individuals with obesity.
Pearl, RL, Wadden, TA, Hopkins, CM, Shaw, JA, Hayes, MR, Bakizada, ZM, Alfaris, N, Chao, AM, Pinkasavage, E, Berkowitz, RI, et al
Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.). 2017;25(2):317-322
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Plain language summary
Weight stigma is a psychosocial consequence in which individuals with obesity experience public discrimination and devaluation. Some individuals apply these negative stereotypes to themselves, which creates a self-directed stigma referred to as weight bias internalization (WBI). While studies have found perceived weight discrimination to be associated with an increased risk of mortality, no study has investigated the relationship between WBI and obesity on the risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between WBI and MetS. The authors hypothesised that among obese individuals, higher levels of WBI would be associated with increased odds of having MetS. Among the 178 obese adults recruited, 159 completed the study. Tests included anthropometric measurements, blood analysis, the Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire. This study found that individuals who self-stigmatise may have a heightened risk of dyslipidemia, one component of MetS. Based on these results, the authors conclude that weight stigma is a chronic stressor and may contribute to poor health. Future studies are needed to identify specific pathways in which WBI exacerbates cardiometaoblic risk factors.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Weight stigma is a chronic stressor that may increase cardiometabolic risk. Some individuals with obesity self-stigmatize (i.e., weight bias internalization, WBI). No study to date has examined whether WBI is associated with metabolic syndrome. METHODS Blood pressure, waist circumference, and fasting glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were measured at baseline in 178 adults with obesity enrolled in a weight-loss trial. Medication use for hypertension, dyslipidemia, and prediabetes was included in criteria for metabolic syndrome. One hundred fifty-nine participants (88.1% female, 67.3% black, mean BMI = 41.1 kg/m2 ) completed the Weight Bias Internalization Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9, to assess depressive symptoms). Odds ratios and partial correlations were calculated adjusting for demographics, BMI, and PHQ-9 scores. RESULTS Fifty-one participants (32.1%) met criteria for metabolic syndrome. Odds of meeting criteria for metabolic syndrome were greater among participants with higher WBI, but not when controlling for all covariates (OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.00-2.13, P = 0.052). Higher WBI predicted greater odds of having high triglycerides (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.14-3.09, P = 0.043). Analyzed categorically, high (vs. low) WBI predicted greater odds of metabolic syndrome and high triglycerides (Ps < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Individuals with obesity who self-stigmatize may have heightened cardiometabolic risk. Biological and behavioral pathways linking WBI and metabolic syndrome require further exploration.