European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

IMPACT OF STRESS IN INFLAMMATION ASSOCIATED WITH DEPRESSION

Krishna Shah* and Dr. Sunita Goswami

ABSTRACT

Interpersonal loss and social rejection are key proximal risk factors for major depression. The two principal stress response systems namely the sympathetic nervous system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis are responsible. Both systems enable the brain to communicate with the rest of the body. Data from several lines of research converge to demonstrate that stress is associated with elevated inflammatory activity. It is reported that depression is associated with a chronic, low-grade inflammatory response and activation of cell-mediated immunity, as well as activation of the compensatory anti-inflammatory reflex system. It is similarly accompanied by increased oxidative stress, which contributes to neuroprogression in the disorder. Patients with depression exhibit increased inflammatory markers and administration of cytokines and other inflammatory stimuli can induce depressive symptoms. Mechanisms by which cytokines access the brain and influence neurotransmitter systems relevant to depression have also been studied. However, antagonizing inflammatory pathways may improve depressive symptoms.

Keywords: Stress, depression, inflammation, cytokines.