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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Cross-Country Differences in Basal and Stress-Induced Cortisol Secretion in Older Adults

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Author(s):
Souza-Talarico, Juliana N. [1, 2] ; Plusquellec, Pierrich [3, 4] ; Lupien, Sonia J. [4] ; Fiocco, Alexandra [5] ; Suchecki, Deborah [1]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Psychobiol, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Med Surg Nursing, Sch Nursing, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] Univ Montreal, Sch Psychoeduc, Montreal, PQ - Canada
[4] Univ Montreal, Dept Psychiat, Ctr Studies Human Stress, Mental Hlth Inst, Montreal Res Ctr, Montreal, PQ H3C 3J7 - Canada
[5] Ryerson Univ, Dept Psychol, Toronto, ON - Canada
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: PLoS One; v. 9, n. 8 AUG 25 2014.
Web of Science Citations: 7
Abstract

Objectives: Several studies have emphasized the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and inadequate response of the biological stress system. However, other factors related to SES are rarely considered, such as cultural values, social norms, organization, language and communication skills, which raises the need to investigate cross-country differences in stress response. Although some studies have shown differences in cortisol levels between immigrants and natives, there is no cross-country evidence regarding cortisol levels in country-native elders. This is particularly important given the high prevalence of stress-related disorders across nations during aging. The current study examined basal diurnal and reactive cortisol levels in healthy older adults living in two different countries. Methods: Salivary cortisol of 260 older adults from Canada and Brazil were nalyzed. Diurnal cortisol was measured in saliva samples collected at home throughout two working days at awakening, 30 min after waking, 1400 h, 1600 h and before bedtime. Cortisol reactivity was assessed in response to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) in both populations. Results: Our results showed that even under similar health status, psychological and cognitive characteristics, Brazilian elders exhibited higher basal and stress-induced cortisol secretion compared to the Canadian participants. Conclusion: These findings suggest that country context may modulate cortisol secretion and could impact the population health. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 09/13911-6 - Environmental exposure and cognitive decline in healthy elderly: influence of psychosocial stress and oxidative stress
Grantee:Deborah Suchecki
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants