Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 26, 2026

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
06:39

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants

Published on: June 13, 2021

3.9K

The association between maternal psychological stress and inflammatory cytokines in allergic young children

Mayumi Tsuji1, Chihaya Koriyama2, Megumi Yamamoto3

  • 1Department of Environmental Health, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyusyu, Japan; Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, United States.

Peerj
|January 29, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Maternal psychological stress, measured by depression and perceived stress scales, is linked to increased inflammatory gene expression (IL-6, IL-8) in young allergic children, particularly those with asthma or allergic rhinitis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Psychoneuroimmunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Existing research indicates a correlation between psychological stress and asthma prevalence.
  • Parental psychological stress may impact inflammatory pathways in allergic children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between maternal psychological status and inflammatory gene expression in young allergic children.

Main Methods:

  • Quantified mRNA expression of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-22 in 152 young allergic children using qRT-PCR.
  • Assessed maternal depression using the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D).
  • Assessed maternal perceived stress using the Japanese Perceived Stress Scale (JPSS).

Main Results:

  • Maternal CES-D scores positively correlated with IL-6 mRNA expression in children with asthma.
  • Maternal JPSS scores positively correlated with IL-8 mRNA expression in asthmatic children and IL-6 mRNA expression in children with allergic rhinitis.
  • Trends observed in children with house dust mite-specific IgE were not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal psychological stress is associated with altered inflammatory responses in allergic children.
  • Findings support the hypothesis linking maternal stress to pediatric allergic inflammation.

Keywords:
AllergyChildrenCytokinesPsychological stress

More Related Videos

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

11.1K
Author Spotlight: Exploring Microglial Interactions with Stress-Response Circuitry Using the Limited Bedding and Nesting Model04:20

Author Spotlight: Exploring Microglial Interactions with Stress-Response Circuitry Using the Limited Bedding and Nesting Model

Published on: July 12, 2024

2.9K

Related Concept Videos

Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease01:27

Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
662
Stress and Mental Health01:30

Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
1.1K
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer01:19

Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer

Chronic stress has been linked to both the onset and progression of serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Type 2 diabetes, a widespread chronic illness, is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance, both of which often worsen under stress. Studies indicate that men experiencing high levels of chronic stress face a 45% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with minimal stress. Stress triggers physiological responses that elevate blood...
630
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle01:27

Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle

Stress is a multifaceted response to events perceived as challenging or threatening, highlighting physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reactions. Physically, stress can lead to fatigue, sleep disruptions, and various health issues such as frequent colds, chest pains, and nausea. Emotionally, it can manifest as anxiety, depression, irritability, and anger triggered by both minor and major life events. Cognitively, it may result in difficulty in concentration, memory, and...
809
Psychological Responses to Stress01:20

Psychological Responses to Stress

Psychological responses to stress encompass the various cognitive and emotional reactions individuals experience when faced with challenging or threatening situations, such as a job loss. Prolonged exposure to stressors can disturb emotional balance, increasing negative emotions (e.g., anxiety and sadness) and diminishing positive emotions (e.g., joy and satisfaction). These persistent emotional shifts are associated with an increased risk of both physical illness and mental health issues, such...
868
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
3.7K