Stress Can Increase Autoimmune Disease Risk
Stress Can Increase Autoimmune Disease Risk
May 1, 2013
Medical Research, Press Releases
BEER-SHEVA, Israel, May 1, 2013 – Chronic Variable Stress (CVS) increases the susceptibility to an autoimmune disease similar to multiple sclerosis, which is characterized by damage to the brain’s nervous system, according to a new study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) researchers.
Prof. Alon Monsonego, Dr. Idan Harpaz and Prof. Hagit Cohen, of BGU’s Faculty of Health Sciences, characterized for the first time the leading mechanisms that cause damage to immune system immunoregulatory functions in mice under chronic stress.
According to the study published in the European Journal of Immunology, this phenomenon appeared more significantly in female than in male mice and could partly explain higher autoimmune disease rates in women.
It occurs partly because of inadequate release of glucocorticoids levels (cortisol in humans) in response to stimulus. A lack of sensitivity in immune system cells causes inflammation. As a result, glucocorticoids do not effectively inhibit the cells that encourage inflammation.
Moreover, the researchers showed that exposure to high cortisone levels in those suffering from chronic stress increased the number of cells that encourage pathogenic inflammation compared to those that inhibit it.
Typically, steroids are used to treat chronic inflammation. But their use, particularly in patients suffering from chronic stress, should be carefully weighed and considered, according to Prof. Monsonego. While a high level of glucocorticoids generally protects against the worsening of autoimmune diseases, for those under chronic stress, such treatment could lead to worsening autoimmune disease symptoms.
The researchers are also investigating the effects of glucocorticoids in aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, and report that there is apparently a connection between the effects of glucocorticoids on the immune system and aging.
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About Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev embraces the endless potential we have as individuals and as a commonality to adapt and to thrive in changing environments. Inspired by our location in the desert, we aim to discover, to create, and to develop solutions to dynamic challenges, to pose questions that have yet to be asked, and to push beyond the boundaries of the commonly accepted and possible.
We are proud to be a central force for inclusion, diversity and innovation in Israel, and we strive to extend the Negev’s potential and our entrepreneurial spirit throughout the world. For example, the multi-disciplinary School for Sustainability and Climate Change at BGU leverages over 50 years of expertise on living and thriving in the desert into scalable solutions for people everywhere.
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20,000 students | 800 senior faculty | 3 campuses | 6 faculties: humanities & social sciences, health sciences, engineering sciences, natural sciences, business & management, and desert research.
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