Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 4, 2025

The Trier Social Stress Test Protocol for Inducing Psychological Stress
09:39

The Trier Social Stress Test Protocol for Inducing Psychological Stress

Published on: October 19, 2011

56.6K

Biomarkers of Stress and Inflammation in Children

Sara L Davis1, Mary Latimer2, Marti Rice3

  • 1College of Nursing, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA.

Biological Research for Nursing
|April 3, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Researchers identified key biomarkers for measuring chronic stress and inflammation in children. Understanding these indicators, like cortisol and C-reactive protein (CRP), is vital for assessing children's health and immune function.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Immunology
  • Stress Physiology

Background:

  • Children face increasing stressors impacting immune function.
  • Stress and inflammation negatively affect child health.
  • Accurate biomarkers are needed to measure stress and inflammation effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Review stress and inflammatory pathways in children.
  • Identify biomarkers for chronic stress and inflammation in pediatric populations.
  • Discuss methodological considerations for measuring stress and inflammation in children.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on stress and inflammatory pathways.
  • Identification of central and peripheral biomarkers for chronic stress (e.g., cortisol, oxytocin).
  • Identification of common and indirect biomarkers for chronic inflammation (e.g., C-reactive protein (CRP), TNF-α, IL-6, IL-2, IL-1β).

Main Results:

  • Cortisol is a frequently used peripheral biomarker for stress in community settings.
  • Common inflammation biomarkers in children include C-reactive protein (CRP), TNF-α, and IL-6.
  • Indirect biomarkers like oxytocin, IL-2, and IL-1β can complement assessments.

Conclusions:

  • Biomarkers for stress and inflammation can be measured using various specimens: blood, saliva, urine, sweat, hair, nails, and tears.
  • Each specimen type has unique collection, storage, and assay requirements.
  • Standardized biomarker levels across pediatric age groups and further research incorporating additional biomarkers are recommended.

Keywords:
biomarkerschildreninflammationstress

More Related Videos

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents06:15

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents

Published on: July 10, 2017

12.9K
Thermal Imaging to Study Stress Non-invasively in Unrestrained Birds10:07

Thermal Imaging to Study Stress Non-invasively in Unrestrained Birds

Published on: November 6, 2015

13.5K

Related Concept Videos

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...
150
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers01:19

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers

Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
129
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...
60
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...
189
Physiological Foundation of Stress01:24

Physiological Foundation of Stress

Stress triggers a coordinated physiological response involving the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This dual activation ensures that the body is prepared for both immediate and prolonged stress management. The process begins with the perception of a stressor. This initial phase activates the SNS, leading to the rapid release of adrenaline (epinephrine) from the adrenal glands.
Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System
Adrenaline triggers the...
126
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...
51