Psychoneuroendocrinology
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Psychoneuroendocrinology · Aug 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialThe effect of growth hormone substitution on cognitive performance in adult patients with hypopituitarism.
Adult hypopituitary patients with growth hormone deficiency, though on adequate adrenal, thyroid or sex hormone replacement therapy, complain of attention and memory disabilities. During the past years several studies have evidenced that growth hormone (GH) may exert distinctive effects on the central nervous system and induce beneficial effects on psychological capabilities. The aim of our study was to determine whether a long-term replacement therapy of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) affects cognitive performance in adults with GH deficiency. ⋯ RhGH treatment appears to have a beneficial effect on attentional performance in adult hypopituitary patients with GH deficiency when treated for at least 3 months. Our study does not support a role for GH in influencing verbal memory or non-verbal intelligence.
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Psychoneuroendocrinology · Jul 2004
Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialIncreased responsiveness of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to stress in newborns with atopic disposition.
In previous studies, atopic patients showed attenuated cortisol responses to psychosocial stress which is suggestive of a hyporeactive hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in this patient group. Regarding the anti-inflammatory role of glucocorticoids, reduced responsiveness of the HPA axis under stress may be one potential explanation of stress-induced exacerbation of atopic symptoms. The present study evaluated whether hyporeactivity of the HPA axis is a feature related to the disposition of atopy rather than a consequence of an ongoing chronic allergic inflammatory process. ⋯ Neonates with a positive parental atopic heritage and elevated cord IgE were found to show significantly elevated cortisol responses to the heel prick stress when compared to newborns without a parental atopic history and normal cord IgE values. Moreover, cord IgE levels were significantly correlated with basal cortisol levels and the cortisol response to the stressor. These findings suggest that atopic disposition in neonates is associated with altered responsiveness of the HPA axis to stress which may increase the vulnerability to develop manifestation of atopy in later life.
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Psychoneuroendocrinology · Jul 2004
Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialLevels of DHEA and DHEAS and responses to CRH stimulation and hydrocortisone treatment in chronic fatigue syndrome.
An association between chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and abnormalities of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis has been described, and other adrenal steroid abnormalities have been suggested. Dehydroepiandrostenedione (DHEA) and its sulphate (DHEA-S), apart from being a precursor of sex steroids, have other functions associated with memory, depression and sleep. It has been suggested that CFS may be associated with a state of relative DHEA(-S) deficiency. Therefore we investigated basal levels of DHEA(-S), the cortisol/DHEA molar ratio and the responsiveness of DHEA to stimulation by corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH). Recent studies have also suggested that low dose hydrocortisone may be effective at reducing fatigue in CFS. We therefore also assessed these parameters prior to and following treatment with low dose oral hydrocortisone. ⋯ DHEA levels are raised in CFS and correlate with the degree of self-reported disability. Hydrocortisone therapy leads to a reduction in these levels towards normal, and an increased DHEA response to CRH, most marked in those who show a clinical response to this therapy.
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Psychoneuroendocrinology · Jun 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialSalivary cortisol sampling compliance: comparison of patients and healthy volunteers.
Problems of compliance with in vivo data collection and treatment protocols have been identified. This study investigated compliance with salivary cortisol sampling in a 7-day protocol. Impact of non-compliance on cortisol data was evaluated. ⋯ Self-report of compliance in a salivary cortisol sampling protocol substantially overestimates actual compliance in the absence of objective monitoring. Non-compliance with the sampling protocol results in cortisol data that significantly differs from compliant data. Awareness of electronic monitoring of sampling results in satisfactory compliance.
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Psychoneuroendocrinology · May 2004
Comment LetterLetter to the Editor: Two formulas for computation of the area under the curve represent measures of total hormone concentration versus time-dependent change. A Letter to the Editor in response to J.C. Preussner et al. (2003) Psychoneuroendocrinology 28, 916-931.