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Induction and Diverse Assessment Indicators of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Induction and Diverse Assessment Indicators of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Published on: September 9, 2022

Stress and autoimmunity.

Ljudmila Stojanovich¹

¹"Bezhanijska Kosa", University Medical Center, Belgrade University, Serbia. Ljudmila_Stojanovich@yahoo.com

Autoimmunity Reviews

|November 26, 2009

Summary

The exact causes of autoimmune diseases are unknown, but stress may play a role. Further research is needed to understand the link between stress, hormones, and immune system dysfunction in autoimmune conditions.

Area of Science:

Immunology
Endocrinology
Psychoneuroimmunology

Background:

Autoimmune disease etiology is multifactorial, involving genetic, environmental, hormonal, and immunological factors.
The precise onset of autoimmune disorders remains enigmatic.
Physical and psychological stress are implicated in autoimmune disease development, supported by animal and human studies on stressor effects on immune function.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the potential role of psychological stress and stress-related hormones in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease.
To examine the hypothesis that stress-induced neuroendocrine hormones cause immune dysregulation, leading to autoimmune disease via altered cytokine production.
To discuss the implications for patient care and the need for multidisciplinary interventions.

Main Methods:

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Literature review of animal and human studies on stress and immune function.
Analysis of retrospective studies reporting emotional stress preceding autoimmune disease onset.
Review of recent literature discussing the role of psychological stress and stress hormones in autoimmune pathogenesis.

Main Results:

Numerous studies demonstrate the effect of stressors on immune function.
A high proportion of autoimmune patients (up to 80%) report uncommon emotional stress before disease onset.
Current evidence lacks direct research supporting the concept that stress-triggered neuroendocrine hormones directly cause autoimmune disease, though the link is presumed.

Conclusions:

While the direct causal link between stress hormones and autoimmune disease requires more evidence-based research, stress reactions are a relevant topic for discussion with patients.
Multidisciplinary care interventions are crucial for managing autoimmune disease symptoms and aiding patient coping mechanisms.
Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interplay between stress, neuroendocrine factors, and immune dysregulation in autoimmune disease pathogenesis.