Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 15, 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

3.8K

Chronic stress is associated with reduced circulating hematopoietic progenitor cell number: A maternal caregiving

Kirstin Aschbacher1, Jeffrey M Milush2, Amanda Gilbert3

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; The Institute for Integrative Health, Baltimore, MD, United States.

Brain, Behavior, and Immunity
|September 14, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Chronic psychological stress in mothers is linked to fewer circulating progenitor cells (CPCs), which are key for vascular health. Negative family interactions, particularly with children, exacerbate this stress-related cardiovascular risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Disease Research
  • Stress and Health Psychology
  • Stem Cell Biology

Background:

  • Chronic psychological stress is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality.
  • Circulating hematopoietic progenitor cells (CPCs) are crucial for vascular homeostasis and predict cardiovascular events.
  • This study investigates the impact of chronic caregiving stress on CPC numbers and family dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if chronic caregiving stress in mothers is associated with reduced CPC numbers.
  • To explore whether negative family interactions mediate the relationship between stress and CPC levels.
  • To identify psychological predictors of stress-related CVD risk in maternal caregivers.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 68 healthy mothers (31 with children with autism spectrum disorder, 37 with neurotypical children).
  • Assayed CPCs (CD45+CD34+KDR+ and CD45+CD133+KDR+) via flow cytometry and created a CPC index.
  • Measured perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and daily family interactions using validated scales.

Main Results:

  • Mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder had significantly lower CPCs compared to mothers of neurotypical children.
  • Positive family interactions correlated with higher CPCs, while negative interactions correlated with lower CPCs.
  • Negative interactions with the child mediated the adverse effect of group status on CPCs, independent of traditional CVD risk factors.

Conclusions:

  • Chronic stress negatively impacts CPC numbers, serving as an early biomarker for subclinical atherosclerosis and future CVD events.
  • Child-related interpersonal stress is a significant psychological predictor of stress-related CVD risk in maternal caregivers.
  • Interventions addressing negative family interactions may mitigate stress-related cardiovascular risks in mothers.
Abstract

Keywords:
AutismCardiovascular riskCholesterolChronic stressCirculating angiogenic cells (CACs)Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs)Family interactionsMaternal caregivingMonocytesPreclinical atherosclerosis

More Related Videos

Using Chronic Social Stress to Model Postpartum Depression in Lactating Rodents07:30

Using Chronic Social Stress to Model Postpartum Depression in Lactating Rodents

Published on: June 10, 2013

25.7K
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

2.8K

Related Concept Videos

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...
596
Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells01:01

Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells

All blood and immune cells are produced from the multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by the process of hematopoiesis. However, they all have a limited life span. In addition, many are depleted in immune surveillance or combatting an injury or infection. This makes blood one of the most regenerative tissues. Hematopoiesis helps replenish these blood and immune cells, restoring the body's normal functioning. However, overproduction of blood and immune cells can make them cancerous or...
4.3K
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...
647
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis01:37

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

The response to stress—be it physical or psychological, acute or chronic—involves activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is part of the neuroendocrine system because it involves both neuronal and hormonal communication. Its function is to regulate homeostatic systems—metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune—providing the necessary means to respond to a stressor.
69.3K
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...
831