Study of stress on cytokine mediated autoimmune thyroiditis
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Study of stress on cytokine mediated autoimmune thyroiditis
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Vinod Singh, Mayuri Khare, M. K. Sahu, Poonam Singh
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Study of stress on cytokine mediated autoimmune thyroiditis
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Autoimmune thyroid diseases, specifically Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and hypothyroidism, are prevalent among the population, affecting approximately 5% of individuals. The relationship between psychological stress and the immune system's functionality is a focal point in understanding these conditions. The study investigates the levels of thyroid and stress hormones, as well as their implications on the immune system's pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory outcomes. Through the analysis of 200 subjects, the findings suggest a significant correlation between stress-related hormonal changes and alterations in cytokine profiles, which are crucial in mediating autoimmune responses.
The Role of Stress Hormones in Immune Function
The study highlights that hormonal changes induced by stress significantly influence the immune system's response. The activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in response to stress leads to the release of glucocorticoids, which can both suppress and enhance immune function depending on the stressor's nature and duration. Elevated levels of stress hormones, particularly cortisol and prolactin, were found to be associated with increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IFN-γ, and decreased anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10. This imbalance between different cytokine classes indicates a compromised immune response, often exacerbated in chronic stress scenarios.
Thyroid Hormone Analysis and Its Implications
The study also delves into the assessment of thyroid hormones among patients compared to healthy controls, revealing significant aberrations in hormone levels. Patients exhibited elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels coupled with decreased levels of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Such hormonal dysregulation further implicates the interrelationship between stress and thyroid dysfunction, underscoring how hypothyroidism can be exacerbated by chronic stress, ultimately influencing overall metabolic and immune health.
Cytokine Profiles and Their Significance
Cytokines, classified into pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory categories, play critical roles in mediating inflammatory responses. The study demonstrated substantial alterations in cytokine levels, where pro-inflammatory cytokines were notably elevated in patients with autoimmune thyroid disorders compared to healthy individuals. This dysregulation may contribute to the progression of autoimmune processes, as the predominance of pro-inflammatory cytokines can lead to heightened immune responses against the body’s own thyroid cells, perpetuating the cycle of autoimmune damage.
Conclusion
In summary, the research underscores the complex interplay between psychological stress, hormonal changes, and immune function in the context of autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The findings suggest that managing stress may be crucial in mitigating the pathological processes associated with these autoimmune diseases. By adopting a biopsychosocial approach that considers the interplay between stress and immune function, potential therapeutic strategies can be developed to improve the management of hypothyroidism and related conditions. The study calls for further research to elucidate these interactions, aiming for better patient outcomes in the realm of autoimmune disorders.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is autoimmune thyroiditis and its common form?
Autoimmune thyroiditis is an organ-specific autoimmune disorder, with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) being the most common form, leading to hypothyroidism and affecting thyroid hormone production.
How does psychological stress impact thyroid function?
Psychological stress can disrupt hormone levels, increasing thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and affecting the balance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, which may exacerbate autoimmune issues.
What were the main findings on hormone levels in the study?
The study found significantly higher levels of TSH and stress hormones, while T3 and T4 were lower in patients compared to healthy controls, indicating a disruption in thyroid function.
What cytokine changes were observed in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis?
Patients exhibited increased pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IFN-γ, alongside decreased anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10), suggesting an imbalance that may worsen autoimmune conditions.
What was the significance of cortisol and prolactin levels?
Elevated cortisol and prolactin levels in patients indicate chronic stress, which negatively affects immune response and may lead to autoimmunity and thyroid dysfunction.
What recommendations were made for managing autoimmune thyroid diseases?
The study recommends addressing psychological stress and its effects on the immune system, as combined therapies can improve management of autoimmune thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Study of stress on cytokine mediated autoimmune thyroiditis”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Disease:
In the context of the study, 'disease' refers to autoimmune thyroid diseases, particularly Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which involves the body's immune system attacking its own thyroid tissue, leading to various dysfunctions including hypothyroidism. Understanding autoimmunity is pivotal as it implicates complex interactions between stress and hormone levels affecting patients' overall health.
2) Blood:
'Blood' is fundamental for the study as serum samples are collected to measure hormone levels and cytokine profiles. These measurements are essential to understand the physiological and immunological processes in individuals with autoimmune thyroiditis, which provides insight into the disease's progression and the effects of stress on immune response.
3) Study (Studying):
'Study' denotes the research effort undertaken by the authors to investigate the interplay between stress hormones and autoimmune thyroid dysfunction. The findings contribute to the scientific understanding of thyroid diseases and stress's impact on immunological health, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research in this critical area of health.
4) Activity:
'Activity' relates to the physiological responses triggered by hormonal levels and stress factors in the body. The study evaluates how stress hormones influence immune cell activity, specifically the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, which ultimately affects the progression and severity of autoimmune thyroid diseases.
5) Table:
'Table' refers to the data representation used to summarize and compare the hormonal and cytokine levels between the study participants and control subjects. It aids in visually communicating significant differences found in the research, facilitating clarity and understanding of the implications of the results on health and disease mechanisms.
6) Depression:
'Depression' is a crucial topic within the study, as thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism, is linked to depressive symptoms. Exploring the relationship between endocrine disorders and mental health is vital for holistic treatment approaches and emphasizes that addressing psychological aspects may be essential in managing autoimmune diseases.
7) India:
'India' is the geographic and cultural context of the study, highlighting the importance of the research within the specific health landscape of the region. The study draws on participants from hospitals in Bhopal, India, underlining the significance of regional health studies to address local epidemiological challenges related to autoimmune diseases.
8) Inflammation:
'Inflammation' is a key biological process explored in the study, particularly how stress can modulate inflammatory responses via cytokines. The research indicates that chronic inflammation is a hallmark of autoimmune thyroid diseases, thus understanding inflammation's role can aid in therapeutic strategies and improving patient outcomes.
9) Nature:
'Nature' signifies the intrinsic properties of biological processes involved in the study, such as the immune response to stressors. Understanding the natural interactions between psychological stress, hormone dynamics, and immune function is critical to developing effective interventions for managing autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
10) Beta (Bēṭa, Beṭa):
'Beta' is mentioned in the context of beta-blockers, a type of medication impacting various physiological processes. Their relevance to the study includes evaluating subjects with certain medication histories, as understanding their influence on immune response and hormonal levels is paramount for accurate research findings.
11) Life:
'Life' pertains to the daily experiences and stressors that influence health, particularly in the context of managing chronic conditions like autoimmune thyroid disease. The study implies that understanding life events and their psychosocial impact can enhance holistic approaches to treatment and disease management.
12) Mast:
'Mast' cells are immune cells involved in allergic responses and inflammation. Although not the primary focus, their role in the broader context of immune response to stress and autoimmune diseases signifies the complexity of cytokine interactions and their relevance in understanding the inflammatory processes in thyroid dysfunction.
13) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
'Accumulation' refers to the buildup of cytokines or stress hormones which influences immune function and can lead to chronic conditions. The study examines how prolonged stress leads to the pathological accumulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines that can exacerbate autoimmune responses in thyroid diseases.
14) Observation:
'Observation' in the study relates to the systematic monitoring and analysis of participant data regarding hormone levels and cytokine profiles. Careful observation is foundational for drawing valid conclusions about the relationships between stress, thyroid function, and autoimmune responses in affected individuals.
15) Measurement:
'Measurement' denotes the quantitative assessment of hormone and cytokine levels performed during the study. Accurate measurements are essential for establishing baselines and identifying significant deviations linked to autoimmune thyroid diseases and stress, aiding in the formulation of potential treatment strategies.
16) Discussion:
'Discussion' reflects the critical interpretation of the study's findings, where the authors analyze the results, contextualize them within the existing literature, and speculate on implications for treatment and understanding of autoimmune diseases impacted by psychosocial stressors and hormonal interactions.
17) Suffering:
'Suffering' delineates the subjective experience of individuals affected by autoimmune thyroid diseases, as well as potential psychological distress stemming from their conditions. The study emphasizes the need to consider emotional and mental well-being in treating those with thyroid dysfunction and autoimmune issues.
18) Bleeding:
'Bleeding' serves to highlight medical histories and conditions that might confound the study's findings. Understanding bleeding disorders is essential for evaluating participant health comprehensively, ensuring that confounding pathophysiologies do not undermine the interpretation of the autoimmune thyroid disease's impact.
19) Relative:
'Relative' pertains to the comparative analysis within the study, where values of hormonal and cytokine levels are assessed relative to healthy controls. The relative differences are vital for emphasizing the physiological deviations observed in individuals with autoimmune thyroiditis amidst stressors.
20) Attacked:
'Attacked' refers to the autoimmune mechanisms wherein the body’s immune system erroneously targets its thyroid tissue. This process is central to understanding the pathophysiology of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, underscoring the necessity of elucidating the relationship between stress and autoimmune responses.
21) Quality:
'Quality' relates to the integrity and reliability of the data collected during the study. Ensuring high quality in measurements, participant selection, and methodology is fundamental for the credibility of research findings and developing meaningful interpretations regarding stress and autoimmune conditions.
22) Science (Scientific):
'Science' embodies the systematic study undertaken in the research, using empirical approaches to explore the links between stress, thyroid hormones, cytokine involvement, and autoimmune responses. The scientific approach reinforces the importance of data-driven conclusions to inform clinical practices for better patient outcomes.
23) Family:
'Family' denotes the broader context of hereditary and relational factors influencing autoimmune diseases. Considering family histories and genetic predispositions can illuminate patterns of these disorders, guiding public health strategies and enhancing understanding of individual susceptibility due to familial influences.
24) Cancer:
'Cancer' references the broader health domains related to the study. Autoimmune dysfunction can coexist with malignancies, prompting investigations into shared etiologies or treatments. Understanding the relationship between thyroid diseases and cancer is crucial for optimizing patient care and expanding therapeutic horizons.
25) Animal:
'Animal' pertains to models often used in autoimmune disease research. Animal studies can provide insights into pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic responses analogous to human conditions, making them a valuable component in understanding the complexities of autoimmune thyroid issues.
26) Food:
'Food' refers to dietary factors that might influence autoimmune conditions and hormone levels. The study indirectly hints at the significance of nutrition in managing health, where dietary interventions can mitigate stress and contribute positively to the management of autoimmune thyroid diseases.
27) Sahu (Sāhu):
'Sahu' is one of the authors associated with the research. Authors play a crucial role in shaping the study's direction, method, and analysis, and recognizing their contributions acknowledges the collaborative nature of scientific research in unraveling complex health issues.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Study of stress on cytokine mediated autoimmune thyroiditis’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Chronic disease, Differential diagnosis, Clinical examination, Homeostasis, Immune system, Chronic inflammation, Statistical analysis, Psychological stress, Color change, Autoimmune disease, Immunomodulation, Thyroid stimulating hormone, Hypothyroidism, Cell-mediated immunity, Humoral immunity, Immune modulation, Autoimmunity, Natural Killer cells, HPA axis, Thyroid hormone, Disease susceptibility, Corticotropin Releasing Hormone, Pharmaceutical Research, Immune Suppression, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, Stress hormone, Endocrine disorder, Hormonal Analysis, Psychosomatic, Mean concentration, Auto antibodies, Proinflammatory cytokine, Biopsychosocial model, Neurogenic inflammation, ELISA method, Macrophage activation, Interleukin-12, Pro-inflammatory cytokine, Serum sample, Cytokine levels, Acute inflammatory reaction, Psychosocial factor, T cell subsets, Anti-inflammatory cytokine, Naive T-cells, Hormone level, Antigen-antibody complex, Molecular signaling, Chronic stressors, Meta-Analytic Review.