Relationship between the cortisol awakening response and other features of the diurnal cortisol rhythm: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Cumulative cortisol burden is known to influence neuropsychiatric and metabolic disorders. To better understand the relationship between daily cortisol exposure and measures of the diurnal circadian cortisol rhythm, we examined the cross-sectional association of the cortisol awakening response (CAR) with wake-up cortisol, bedtime cortisol, diurnal slope, and total cortisol area under the curve (AUC). Up to 18 salivary cortisol samples were collected over 3 days from 935 White, Hispanic, and Black individuals (mean age 65 ± 9.

Diurnal salivary cortisol is associated with body mass index and waist circumference: the Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Objective: Neuroendocrine abnormalities, such as activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, are associated with obesity; however, few large-scale population-based studies have examined HPA axis and markers of obesity. We examined the cross-sectional association of the cortisol awakening response (CAR) and diurnal salivary cortisol curve with obesity.

Design And Methods: The Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis Stress Study includes 1,002 White, Hispanic, and Black men and women (mean age 65 ± 9.

Ultrasound-mediated vascular gene transfection by cavitation of endothelial-targeted cationic microbubbles.

Objectives: Ultrasound-mediated gene delivery can be amplified by acoustic disruption of microbubble carriers that undergo cavitation. We hypothesized that endothelial targeting of microbubbles bearing cDNA is feasible and, through optimizing proximity to the vessel wall, increases the efficacy of gene transfection.

Background: Contrast ultrasound-mediated gene delivery is a promising approach for site-specific gene therapy, although there are concerns with the reproducibility of this technique and the safety when using high-power ultrasound.

Diurnal salivary cortisol and urinary catecholamines are associated with diabetes mellitus: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

The objective was to examine the cross-sectional association of diurnal salivary cortisol curve components and urinary catecholamines with diabetes status. Up to 18 salivary cortisol samples over 3 days and overnight urinary catecholamines were collected from 1002 participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Diabetes was defined as a fasting blood glucose of at least 126 mg/dL or medication use.

Biological basis of depression in adults with diabetes.

Diabetes and depression are common comorbid conditions. Although certain health behaviors and risk factors partially explain the association of depression and diabetes, other potential mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. Certain neuroendocrine alterations such as activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) may contribute to the association.