Stress Might Make You Sick

In response to immediate danger, stress can initiate a fight-or-flight response that can lead to the release of cortisol, increased blood sugar levels, and reduced inflammation. However, high stress levels over a longer time period can increase the risk of diseases including heart problems, allergic reactions, asthma, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Many people meditate, sleep, and exercise more to reduce the harmful effects of stress. A recent study investigates the effect of stress on the immune system to identify key therapeutic targets that could also help reduce stress-related diseases.

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF-1), a stress receptor, can activate mast cells, after which the immune response is initiated. However, long term stress can cause CRF-1 to stimulate inflammatory and allergic diseases such as asthma, food allergies, IBS, and autoimmune disorders. Histamine is known not only for helping clear allergens from the body, but also for initiating allergic reactions. A similar response can be seen to severe allergy and high stress. A comparison of histamine responses of mice with or without CRF-1 under two different types of stress, psychological and allergic, were monitored. The data suggests that CRF-1 is critical for the risk and development of diseases initiated by stress. By identifying how stress can make us sick, potential new drug targets could help treat asthma, IBS, and other common stress-related diseases.

For more information: http://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2018/heres-how-stress-may-be-making-you-sick/

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