Phenotypic and Molecular Evidence Suggests That Decrements in Morning and Evening Energy Are Distinct but Related Symptoms

Abstract

Context Little is known about energy levels in oncology patients and their family caregivers (FCs). Objectives This study sought to identify latent classes of participants, based on self-reported energy levels and to evaluate for differences in phenotypic and genotypic characteristics between these classes. Methods Energy subscale scores from the Lee Fatigue Scale were used to determine latent class membership. Morning and evening energy scores were obtained just prior to, during, and for four months following the completion of radiation therapy. Genetic associations were evaluated for fifteen pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine genes. Results Two latent classes with distinct morning energy trajectories were identified. Participants who were younger, female, not married/partnered, Black, and had more comorbidities, and a lower functional status were more likely to be in the Low Morning Energy class. Two polymorphisms (IL2 rs1479923, NFKB1 rs4648110) were associated with morning energy latent class membership. Two latent classes with distinct evening energy trajectories were identified. Participants who were younger and male and who had more comorbidities, decreased body weight, and a lower functional status were more likely to be in the Moderate Evening Energy class. Five different polymorphisms (IL1R2 rs4141134, IL6 rs4719714, IL17A rs8193036, NFKB2 rs1056890, TNFA rs1800683) were associated with evening energy latent class membership. Conclusion This study provides preliminary evidence that decrements in morning and evening energy are associated with different phenotypic risk factors as well as cytokine gene variations.

Polymorphisms in Cytokine Genes Are Associated With Higher Levels of Fatigue and Lower Levels of Energy in Women After Breast Cancer Surgery

“…Only one study was found that reported on associations between polymorphisms in cytokine genes and decrements in energy in oncology patients undergoing radiation therapy and their family caregivers. (9) This preliminary evidence provides support for the role of molecular mechanisms involved in inflammatory processes, particularly cytokines, in the etiology of fatigue and decrements in energy in oncology patients.…”

“…(7) In contrast, energy can be defined as an individual’s potential to perform physical and mental activity. (8) As noted in our previous publication,(9) an increasing body of evidence suggests that fatigue and energy are distinct but related constructs. (8, 10, 11) For example, instruments like the Profile of Mood States (POMS)(12) have separate scales for fatigue-inertia and energy-vigor.…”

Differences in demographic, clinical, and symptom characteristics and quality of life outcomes among oncology patients with different types of pain

“…Evidence from oncology 3 and HIV 55 patients suggests that decrements in energy levels are a distinct symptom from fatigue. For all four groups of patients in this study, morning and evening energy scores were lower than those reported by patients undergoing RT.…”

Genetic polymorphisms associated with common symptoms experienced by breast cancer patients

“…A number of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in proinflammatory cytokines have been reported to be linked with breast cancer susceptibility and prognosis [44][45][46][47][48] as well as the development of treatment-related adverse effects [49,50]. Some evidences have emerged from recent literatures that the energy level in an individual may be considered as a distinct but related symptom to fatigue [51][52][53][54]. Therefore, owing to the relationship between fatigue and energy level, it is hypothesized that a significant number of cytokines and neurotransmitters [55][56][57][58] could play a vital role in the development of these related symptoms.…”