Childhood maltreatment and inflammatory markers: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Psychoneuroimmunology
• Epidemiology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Childhood maltreatment (CM) is linked to adult diseases like diabetes, obesity, and mental health disorders.
• Inflammatory processes are hypothesized as key mediators in the CM-disease relationship.
• Understanding the link between CM and inflammation is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the association between childhood maltreatment and inflammatory markers in adulthood.
• To synthesize existing evidence on the impact of CM on systemic inflammation.
• To identify gaps in the literature regarding CM and inflammatory responses.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of PubMed, ISI, EMBASE, and PsychINFO databases.
• Utilized keywords related to child maltreatment (e.g., 'Child Maltreatment', 'Childhood Trauma') and inflammatory markers (e.g., 'C-reactive Protein', 'Cytokine').
• Included 20 articles after applying exclusion criteria.

Main Results:

• A history of CM was associated with elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, and proinflammatory cytokines.
• Increased circulating CRP levels in individuals with a history of CM emerged as the most consistent finding.
• Data on anti-inflammatory mediators remain limited and inconsistent.

Conclusions:

• Childhood maltreatment is associated with a chronic inflammatory state, independent of clinical comorbidities.
• Heterogeneity in CM assessment and definition across studies presents a challenge.
• Methodological improvements are needed to clarify the impact of CM on inflammatory responses.