Heat exposure intervention, anxiety level, and multi-omic profiles: A randomized crossover study

Bibliographic Details
Title: Heat exposure intervention, anxiety level, and multi-omic profiles: A randomized crossover study
Authors: Wen Fang, Linfeng Liu, Bo Yin, Limei Ke, Yao Su, Fang Liu, Xindong Ma, Qian Di
Source: Environment International, Vol 181, Iss , Pp 108247- (2023)
Publisher Information: Elsevier, 2023.
Publication Year: 2023
Collection: LCC:Environmental sciences
Subject Terms: Heat exposure intervention, Anxiety, RCT, Multi-omics, HPA axis, Oxidative stress, Environmental sciences, GE1-350
More Details: Background: Climate change has led to the frequent occurrence of high-temperature weather, which has various adverse effects on health, ranging from blood metabolism to systemic organ function. In particular, the sequelae of heat stress injury in most people are related to the nervous system. However, the mechanisms between heat stress and mental health conditions, especially heat stress and anxiety, remain unclear. Objective: We attempted to elucidate the effect of heat exposure intervention on anxiety levels in the population and its mechanism. Methods: We first carried out a randomized controlled trial in 20 college students in Beijing, China, to observe the results of the effects of heat exposure intervention on human anxiety. Then, we collected blood samples before and after heat exposure experiment and used metabolomic and transcriptomic approaches to quantify serum metabolites and ELISA measurements to explore the underlying mechanisms. Results: We found that even 1.5-hour heat exposure intervention significantly increased anxiety levels. Heat stress-induced anxiety was mediated by the activation of the HPA axis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and subsequently unbalanced neurotransmitters. Metabolites such as BDNF, GABA, and glucocorticoids released by the adrenal glands are biomarkers of heat stress-induced anxiety. Conclusions: We have demonstrated a causal link between heat stress and anxiety, explored possible biological pathway between heat stress and anxiety. Heat stress can cause the activation of the HPA axis and lead to changes in the body's metabolism, resulting in a series of changes such as inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to anxiety. This study reveals hidden health cost of climate change that has been underexplored, and also reminds us the importance of immediate climate actions.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 0160-4120
Relation: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412023005202; https://doaj.org/toc/0160-4120
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108247
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/1a9539c9e568409b807e3ebad319419b
Accession Number: edsdoj.1a9539c9e568409b807e3ebad319419b
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
More Details
ISSN:01604120
DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2023.108247
Published in:Environment International
Language:English