Publications by authors named "E A Trachtenberg"
Article Synopsis
- Social isolation (SI) in both humans and rats correlates with increased cancer risk and mortality, but its underlying mechanisms are still unclear.
- In a study with rats, isolation led to significant weight loss, higher rates of pulmonary metastases, but slower tumor growth in those with cancer.
- Alterations in immune response and brain gene expression were observed, particularly affecting stress and social behavior, indicating that SI has serious physiological ramifications.
The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the pivotal role of the social environment, prompting a surge in research on its impact on well-being and health. This article aims to examine the link between the social environment, the immune system, and health outcomes, with a particular focus on positive aspects like social support and prosocial behaviors that are under-explored. Different aspects of the social environment are examined: the negative effects of loneliness and adverse social conditions, contrasted with the benefits of social support and prosocial behaviors.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe outset of the COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by prolonged periods of chronic stress and social isolation. While studies have investigated the changes to well-being (WB) during this period, the impact of the social environment on long-term physical and mental health requires further study. This study aimed to assess the factors influencing WB and health outcomes, with the hypothesis that a positive social environment would play a significant immediate and long-term role in improving WB and preventing the effects of anxiety associated with the pandemic.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPerioperative stress and inflammatory signaling can invigorate pro-metastatic molecular processes in patients' tumors, potentially worsening long-term survival. Yet, it is unknown whether pre-operative psychotherapeutic interventions can attenuate such effects. Herein, three weeks before surgery, forty women diagnosed with stage I-III invasive ductal/lobular breast carcinoma were randomized to a 6-week one-on-one psychological intervention (6 meetings with a medical psychologist and bi-weekly phone calls) versus standard nursing-staff-attention.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Stress-induced activation of β2-adrenergic receptors (β2AR) in B cells leads to increased IgG secretion but results in lower surface IgG expression and reduced B cell expansion.
- In mice, β2AR activation after immunization with ovalbumin or SARS-CoV-2 RBD enhances the binding of IgG to the target while blocking β2AR eliminates these effects.
- The study also shows that β2AR activation significantly boosts the affinity of monoclonal antibodies produced by B cells from convalescent SARS-CoV-2 donors, linking these changes to enhanced B cell receptor signaling and increased cell mobility.