Academic stress-induced changes in Th1- and Th2-cytokine response

Abstract

Psychological stress stimulates physiological responses releasing catecholamines and corticoids, which act via corresponding receptors on immune cells, producing a shift in the cytokine balance. These responses are variable depending on the nature of stressors. The effect of the academic stress on the production of the Th1-cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-8) and Th2-cytokines (IL-1ra, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10) on 35 medical/health sciences students after completing their questionnaires was investigated. Blood samples were taken at three stages; baseline stage at the beginning, midterm and final academic examination stages. Plasma cortisol and cytokines were measured during the three stages. The last two stages were compared with the baseline non-stress period. Results of the stress induced during the final examination stage were the highest with a significant increase in cortisol release, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-1ra release with a shift in Th1:Th2 cytokines balance towards Th2. Whereby, the midterm stage did not show significant reduction in Th1-cytokines except for TNF-α, with an increase in IFN-γ level that was reduced in the third stage. Th2 cytokine, IL-1ra, had positive correlations with Th1 cytokines; IL-2 and IFN-γ in the second stage and IL-6 cytokine in the third stage. Cortisol was positively correlated with IL-8 in the last stage and heart rates had negative correlation with IL-10 in the first and last stages. Findings of this study indicate that exam stress down-regulates Th1 with a selective up-regulation of Th2-cytokines. In conclusion, Cortisol might have a role in suppressing the release of Th1- mediated cellular immune response which could increase the vulnerability among the students to infectious diseases.

Association between the Inflammatory Potential of Diet and Stress among Female College Students

“…A previous study reported that while female students generally had healthier dietary habits than their male counterparts, females were more susceptible to making unhealthy food choices (e.g., sweets) as a coping mechanism when experiencing stress [ 9 ]. Academic-related stress due to anticipated failure during one’s academic career may increase systemic cortisol levels, which might alter cytokine levels, resulting in immune dysregulation rather than overall immunosuppression [ 12 ]. Moreover, food choices can be influenced by stress, which, therefore, may cause unhealthy dietary habits that promote inflammation [ 13 ].…”

Correlation Between SNOT-22, Nasal Cytology, and Mood Disorders in Patients With Allergic Rhinitis Treated With a Liposomal Nasal Spray

“…The exact mechanisms underlying this effect in AR patients are currently unknown, but it is possible that increased Th2 cytokine and endocrine function may be involved, as stress-induced anxiety has been shown to be associated with significant interleukin 6, cortisol, and epinephrine production [39][40][41][42][43] in AR patients.…”

Immunity in Space: Prokaryote Adaptations and Immune Response in Microgravity

“…APC activation causes the release of the cytokines shown along the lines that signal for which class the naïve T cell will differentiate into. Once differentiated, the T cells secrete the cytokines shown by the bullet points to the right [ 79 , 80 , 81 ].…”