Cortisol awakening response (CAR)’s flexibility leads to larger and more consistent associations with psychological factors than CAR magnitude

in Psychoneuroendocrinology (2010)

The cortisol awakening response (CAR) is increasingly recognized as a potential biological marker of psychological and physical health status. Yet, the CAR literature is replete with contradictory results ... [more ▼]

The cortisol awakening response (CAR) is increasingly recognized as a potential biological marker of psychological and physical health status. Yet, the CAR literature is replete with contradictory results: both supposedly protective and vulnerability psychosocial factors have been associated with both increased and decreased CAR. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the CAR flexibility would be a better indicator of psychological status than CAR magnitude. Forty-two men measures of happiness, perceived stress and neuroticism, and took saliva samples immediately on awakening, then at 15, 30, 45 and 60 min post-awakening on three study days (i.e., Sunday, Monday and Tuesday). When considering the CAR magnitude, our effects perfectly reflect the inconsistencies previously observed in the literature (i.e., the main effects of the psychological predictors are not consistent with each other, and the effect of one predictor on a given day contradicts the effect of the same predictor on another day). However, considering the CAR flexibility leads to a fully consistent pattern: protective factors (i.e., high happiness, low stress, low neurotiscim) are associated with a flexible CAR (i.e., lower CAR during weekends compared to workdays) whereas vulnerability factors (i.e., low happiness, high stress, high neurotiscim) are associated with a stiff CAR (i.e., same magnitude during weekends and workdays). We conclude that considering the CAR flexibility (e.g., between weekends and workdays) rather than the traditional CAR magnitude might be a way to understand the apparent conflicts in the CAR literature. [less ▲]

Plasma oxytocin levels and anxiety in patients with major depression

in Psychoneuroendocrinology (2007), 32(4), 407-410

Cerebrospinal fluid and plasmatic levels of oxytocin (OT) have been found to change in mood disorders. In post-mortem studies, the numbers of OT-expressing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus have been ... [more ▼]

Cerebrospinal fluid and plasmatic levels of oxytocin (OT) have been found to change in mood disorders. In post-mortem studies, the numbers of OT-expressing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus have been reported to be increased. Moreover, OT is considered as an endogenous antistress hormone. It has also revealed antidepressive effects. OT may contribute to the dysregulation of the HPA system in major depression. The aim of the study was to assess a possible relationship between anxiety and plasma oxytocin (OT) Levels in depressive patients. Severity of depression was estimated with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and anxiety by using the Spielberger State-Anxiety Inventory. Results showed a significant negative correlation between oxytocin and the scored symptoms depression (r = -0.58, p = 0.003) and anxiety (r = -0.61, p = 0.005). (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. [less ▲]

No major month to month variation in free testosterone levels in aging mates. Minor impact on the biological diagnosis of 'andropause'

in Psychoneuroendocrinology (2005), 30(7), 638-646

BACKGROUND: The measurement of bioavailable testosterone (BT) or free testosterone (FT) levels is currently considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of androgen deficiency in elderly men. While the ... [more ▼]

BACKGROUND: The measurement of bioavailable testosterone (BT) or free testosterone (FT) levels is currently considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of androgen deficiency in elderly men. While the impact of age on circulating testosterone levels (total, bioavailable and free) has been strongly documented, the existence of seasonal variations in testosterone levels remains debated. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether seasonal variations in serum calculated free testosterone (cFT) levels may translate into variations in the prevalence of low testosterone levels. Diagnosis was on the basis of biochemical determinations and was cross-checked with the prevalence of clinical signs and symptoms of 'andropause', as assessed by the Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males (ADAM) questionnaire. METHODS: The study recruited 5028 men aged 50 years and over from September 2000 to January 2003. Their serum FT levels were assessed and they completed the French ADAM test. Men were considered eugonadal when cFT was > or =70 ng/l. The ADAM test was scored as described originally. The prevalence of 'andropause', diagnosed by the two methods, was compared throughout the year, on a month by month basis. RESULTS: The percentage of subjects with cFT levels below 70 ng/l increased significantly with age (P<0.001). Serum cFT levels (mean [SD]) varied significantly with the month of sampling (P<0.0001), the highest (88.1 [30.2] ng/l) and lowest (76.9 [28.0] ng/l) mean values occurring in April and in October, respectively. Conversely, the prevalence of testosterone deficiency (cFT<70 ng/l) reached a peak in October (45.7%) and a nadir in April (29.7%). Although the prevalence of 'andropause', based on the ADAM questionnaire, increased significantly with age (P<0.0001), no influence of the month of the year was noticed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm a progressive age-related decline in FT levels. The monthly variations in serum FT values, observed throughout the year, do not show a major seasonal rhythm in elderly community-dwelling males, since the magnitude of the variations (<15%) remains marginal. This slight variation may, however, have an impact on the number of elderly men diagnosed with Partial Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males (PADAM). [less ▲]

Andropause and psychopathology: minor symptoms rather than pathological ones.

in Psychoneuroendocrinology (2003), 28(7), 863-74

This study examined the psychological symptomatology of men diagnosed with andropause and the association between calculated free testosterone (T) and depressed mood, anxiety and quality of life. Subjects ... [more ▼]

This study examined the psychological symptomatology of men diagnosed with andropause and the association between calculated free testosterone (T) and depressed mood, anxiety and quality of life. Subjects were 153 men, aged 50-70 years, who participated in a screening of andropause. Total testosterone, FSH, LH and SHBG levels were measured. Depressed mood was assessed with the Carroll Rating Scale, anxiety with the "anxiety-insomnia" dimension of the General Health Questionnaire, and quality of life with the World Health Organisation Quality of Life questionnaire. The results showed that levels of free T decreased with age, whereas FSH and LH increased. Carroll Rating Scale scores were higher among hypogonadal subjects, but the mean score was low and not pathological. A negative correlation was observed between severity of depression as assessed by the Carroll Rating Scale and free T levels. However, subjects with a significant score on this scale did not exhibit different free T levels compared to subjects with a non-significant depressive score. Anxiety and quality of life did not differ between hypogonadal and eugonadal subjects. The present study therefore suggests that andropause is not characterised by specific psychological symptoms, but may be associated with "depressive symptoms" that are not considered as pathological. [less ▲]

Catecholaminergic function and temperament in major depressive disorder: a negative report.

in Psychoneuroendocrinology (1998), 23(5), 477-83

In the biosocial model of Cloninger, the three personality dimensions are related to different central neurotransmission systems. In agreement with this model, a recent study (Wiesbeck et al., 1995 ... [more ▼]

In the biosocial model of Cloninger, the three personality dimensions are related to different central neurotransmission systems. In agreement with this model, a recent study (Wiesbeck et al., 1995) showed an association between growth hormone response to apomorphine, an indirect assessment of the dopaminergic system, and novelty seeking score in alcohol-dependent men. In the present study we investigated the same methodology in a sample of major depressive patients. In addition, we assessed the relationship between noradrenergic function and Cloninger's dimensions using the clonidine test, an indirect assessment of the noradrenergic system. Growth hormone responses to apomorphine and clonidine were not associated with novelty seeking, reward dependence or harm avoidance dimension scores. This study therefore does not confirm the results of Wiesbeck et al. (1995), and does not support an association between noradrenergic activity and reward dependence dimension. However, given the complexity of central neurotransmission systems and the limitations of neuroendocrine challenges for the assessment of those processes, this study could not be considered as definitive evidence against the association between personality dimensions and their hypothesized central substrates. [less ▲]

Inhibitory influence of oxytocin infusion on contingent negative variation and some memory tasks in normal men

in Psychoneuroendocrinology (1988), 13

Release of human neurophysin I during insulin-induced hypoglycemia is abolished after recovery with clomipramine treatment

in Psychoneuroendocrinology (1985), 10