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Exposure to humor failed to reduce cytokines in patients with SLE
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Exposing patients with systemic lupus erythematosus to humor failed to reduce serum levels of cytokines, according to researchers at McGill University and the University of Calgary.
Fifty-eight women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were recruited from the Montreal General Hospital Lupus Clinic. Participation required a diagnosis of SLE based on the 1982 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) SLE criteria. Patients were excluded in the presence of pregnancy or current infection.
Clinical evaluations were conducted and the ACR 2000 SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI-2K) and the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/ACR damage index were assessed. Patient questionnaires included the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, the Coping with Health Injuries and Problems assessment and the Humor Response Scale (HRS).
Patients were randomly assigned to watch either 120 minutes of Just for Laughs: Gag Collection — a non-offensive video of visual practical jokes that appeal to wide audiences — or a 120-minute, international, award-winning science documentary about endangered ocean species, which the researchers hypothesized would provoke mild, mixed emotions.
Serum cortisol and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured in addition to the cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor-necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) and B-cell activating factor (BAFF) in both groups. An angiocatheter attached to a needle-free, saline luer lock adapter was placed in each participant’s antecubital vein before the intervention to collect samples without interrupted viewing.
A baseline sample was drawn after 15 minutes of resting, after 60 minutes of viewing the respective video and after the respective video ended. An additional sample was collected 24 hours later. Patients were asked to provide a 24-hour urine sample to test cortisol levels the following day, which only 17 patients in the humor group and 10 patients in the documentary group provided.
Patients in the humor group had significantly higher HRS scores but did not show reduced cytokines from baseline or compared with the non-humor group, according to the researchers. Serum cortisol levels were similar at baseline and after the intervention. A slight decrease in cortisol was seen in the 24-hour urine sample from the humor group.
An unexpected trend in rising cortisol levels was seen in the humor group, and an insignificant trend of decreased IL-6 over time was observed in the non-humor group. No consistent changes in either group were detected for serum levels of BAFF, IL-10 or TNF-a. – by Shirley Pulawski
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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