Projects per year
Abstract
Background
The effect of the chronic stress of bereavement on immunity is poorly understood. Previous studies have demonstrated negative effects on immunity in older adults, and those who report higher depressive symptoms. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of bereavement on neutrophil function in healthy young and old adults, also assessing serum levels of the stress hormones, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS). 41 young (mean age 32 years) and 52 older adults (mean age 72 years), bereaved and non-bereaved, took part in the study. They completed questionnaires on socio-demographic and health behaviour characteristics, as well as psychosocial variables, and provided a blood sample for analysis of neutrophil function (phagocytosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production) and stress hormone analysis.
Results
Bereaved participants in both age groups reported more symptoms of depression and anxiety than controls and scored moderately highly on bereavement-specific questionnaires for these symptoms. Despite this, young bereaved participants showed robust neutrophil function when compared to age-matched non-bereaved controls, and comparable stress hormone levels, while reduced neutrophil ROS production and raised stress hormone levels (cortisol:DHEAS ratio) were seen in the older bereaved group compared to their age-matched controls.
Conclusions
Reduced neutrophil function among older bereaved participants may be the result of the inability to maintain stress hormone balance, specifically the cortisol:DHEAS ratio.
The effect of the chronic stress of bereavement on immunity is poorly understood. Previous studies have demonstrated negative effects on immunity in older adults, and those who report higher depressive symptoms. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of bereavement on neutrophil function in healthy young and old adults, also assessing serum levels of the stress hormones, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS). 41 young (mean age 32 years) and 52 older adults (mean age 72 years), bereaved and non-bereaved, took part in the study. They completed questionnaires on socio-demographic and health behaviour characteristics, as well as psychosocial variables, and provided a blood sample for analysis of neutrophil function (phagocytosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production) and stress hormone analysis.
Results
Bereaved participants in both age groups reported more symptoms of depression and anxiety than controls and scored moderately highly on bereavement-specific questionnaires for these symptoms. Despite this, young bereaved participants showed robust neutrophil function when compared to age-matched non-bereaved controls, and comparable stress hormone levels, while reduced neutrophil ROS production and raised stress hormone levels (cortisol:DHEAS ratio) were seen in the older bereaved group compared to their age-matched controls.
Conclusions
Reduced neutrophil function among older bereaved participants may be the result of the inability to maintain stress hormone balance, specifically the cortisol:DHEAS ratio.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 13 |
Journal | Immunity & Ageing |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 29 Aug 2014 |
Keywords
- Bereavement
- Neutrophil function
- Cortisol
- DHEAS
- Social support
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Bereavement reduces neutrophil oxidative burst only in older adults : role of the HPA axis and immunesenescence'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 1 Finished
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FP7 MC ITN -NINA: Neuroendocrine Immune Networks in Ageing.
Lord, J., Anderson, G., Bosch, J. & Whittaker, A.
European Commission - Management Costs, European Commission
1/12/09 → 30/11/13
Project: Research
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Stress and healthy ageing
Anna Whittaker (Chair)
28 Oct 2017Activity: Academic and Industrial events › Guest lecture or Invited talk
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Loneliness and isolation, can it affect your immunity
Anna Whittaker (Speaker)
2015Activity: Engagement and Public events › Engagement event
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How stress affects your health.
Anna Whittaker (Speaker)
2015Activity: Engagement and Public events › Engagement event
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British Science Festival
Anna Whittaker (Speaker)
Sept 2014Activity: Engagement and Public events › Engagement event
Press/Media
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How does grief cause physical pain?
Anna Whittaker
6/05/16
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Press / Media
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