Stress, a phenomenon in which the body is put to the test, can trigger autoimmune diseases in genetically predisposed individuals.
During a period of stress, substances such as catecholamines and glucocorticoids are released, influencing the immune system and altering the production of certain molecules called cytokines. This imbalance can promote the activity of immune cells responsible for attacking body tissues, a characteristic of autoimmune diseases.
Cytokines, notably interleukin-4, interleukin-6 and interleukin-10, are molecules that regulate immune activity. Their balance is crucial to maintaining an appropriate immune response. However, prolonged stress can upset this balance by promoting the production of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines, while reducing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, as research has shown.
In the case of T lymphocytes, stress can directly influence their function. T helper cells, such as Th1, Th2 and Th17, as well as regulatory T cells, are key players in the immune response. Studies have shown that stress can modulate the balance between these different T cell subtypes, often promoting an inflammatory response.
Although the relationship between stress and these diseases is complex, there is evidence that effective stress management, often through psychological or cognitive-behavioural therapies, can improve outcomes in people with these conditions. This underlines the importance of taking the psychological dimension into account in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
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