Interplay between neuroimmunoendocrine systems during post-traumatic stress disorder: a minireview

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Immunology

Background:

• Early life stress, including childhood maltreatment, is linked to vulnerability to affective disorders.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop from childhood trauma like abuse or neglect.
• Limited research exists on the long-term physiological impacts of early life stress compared to adult trauma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the interplay of cognitive, neuroendocrine, and immunological changes in PTSD.
• To focus on the long-term implications of childhood maltreatment on PTSD development.
• To synthesize current knowledge on the biological underpinnings of early life stress-induced PTSD.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on early life stress and PTSD.
• Analysis of cognitive, neuroendocrine, and immunological alterations in PTSD.
• Focus on research examining long-term effects of childhood maltreatment.

Main Results:

• PTSD is associated with impaired cognitive functions.
• Neuroendocrine changes include attenuated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function (hypocortisolism).
• Immunological alterations involve the activation of innate immune responses, leading to low-grade inflammation.

Conclusions:

• Childhood maltreatment significantly impacts long-term physiological systems.
• Cognitive, neuroendocrine, and immune dysregulations are key features of PTSD linked to early stress.
• Understanding these biological changes is crucial for addressing PTSD stemming from early life adversity.