Environmental and occupational stress and autoimmunity
Section snippets
The targets of neuroendocrine features
The cellular and the humoral areas of immunity involve two distinct subsets of CD4+ T helper (Th) cells: the first produces Th1-type cytokines, such as IL-2, IFN-γ and lymphotoxins, and the second generates Th2-type cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-2 and IL-12 [5]. Furthermore, skewing of the Th1/Th2 balance toward a Th2-dominant response is a clue to the prevalence of allergic diseases in populations from developing countries, over those people from the third-world countries. This difference may be
Occupational stress and immune system
Prolonged sorrow affects a variety of natural defences, impairs inflammatory responses, exaggerates susceptibility to infections, and accelerates the development of autoimmune traits [2], [3], [8]. Viral and bacterial infections, allergic diseases, intense exercise, pregnancy and post-partum states all feed the stress machinery. Moreover, relationships between stress on the one hand, and asthma, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis on the other, have been established, both in adults and children [12]
Environmental stress and autoimmunity
A flurry of cytokines and chemokines, including IL-32, the novel pro-inflammatory cytokine, contribute in making-up the complicated network of inflammatory interactions [24]. Impaired modulation of the systemic and local, pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokine homeostasis set up an autoimmunity-prone status in genetically-predisposed individuals [25]. In this regard, stresses due to serious life-events, interpersonal conflicts, complicated bereavement anxiety and depression are acknowledged as
Occupational stress and autoimmunity
Work context factors, such as job field, employment status and hours of work are associated with greater perceived strain in employed persons with arthritis [35]. Shift work, which induces circadian disruption of physiological neuroendocrine and immune rhythms, may also activate autoimmune derangements. In this respect, it has been noticed that night-shift workers perceive their environment as less favorable than day-shift workers [36]. In order to detect any relation of shift work to
Take-home messages
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The central nervous system takes the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis to modulate immune functions.
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Experimental stress polarizes immune activity toward a Th2-type humoral response.
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High levels of blood NK and lymphocyte-activated killer activity characterized individuals with easy lifestyle.
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Serious life events generate pro-inflammatory cytokines.
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Stressors trigger mechanisms responsible for autoimmune diseases.
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