Inflammation is an elaborate reflex response of the body to the action of harmful agents. This reaction manifests itself in the form of functional and structural changes of vascular tissues. The inflammatory response is the result of the human evolutionary process. It has three main stages, which are closely related to each other and evolve simultaneously: tissue dystrophy (alteration); impairment of blood circulation (transudation of fluid and migration of leukocytes) and multiplication of cellular elements (proliferation). These phenomena express both a disturbance of biological activity in body tissues and the defense mechanisms to restore the damaged areas. There are two interrelated processes which are often inseparable from each other in the inflammatory response. First, there is the pathological process itself, the tissue damage in form of dystrophy, necrobiosis or necrosis. Second, there is the physiological mechanism of defense, the process of recovery or the physiological response against the disease, manifested as exudation, phagocytosis and proliferation. Simultaneity of both processes is characteristic to inflammatory processes.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a medical condition which is primarily characterized by airway inflammation and destruction of the pulmonary parenchyma. Besides the well-known physical comorbidities, psychological comorbidities such as anxiety have been found to be also increased in this category of patients. Our main three hypotheses referred to the biochemical markers of COPD (erythrocyte sedimentation rate- ESR, total serum protein and forced expiratory volume in the first second- FEV1) and their power of predicting the level of anxiety in this population. The study was conducted on 150 patients suffering from COPD. Based on their anxiety level, they were distributed in 2 groups: high anxiety and low anxiety. The results showed statistical significant differences between the two experimental groups regarding all three of our dependent variables, validating all of our three hypotheses. More specific, the patients in the high anxiety group had a significantly lower mean of FEV1 compared to low anxiety group (M = 46.01 vs. M = 41.47; p = 0.042). Also, patients from the high anxiety group had a significantly higher mean of total serum proteins compared to low anxiety group (M = 9.2 vs. M = 8.6; p = 0.002). And lastly, patients with high anxiety symptoms had a higher mean of ESR compared to those with low anxiety symptoms (M = 27.54 vs. M = 22.8; p = 0.045). Therefore, these biochemical markers commonly used in the diagnosing of COPD may be also used in predicting the severity of anxiety symptoms in this at risk group of patients.
Is a cyclic neuropeptide produced primarily in the hypothalamus and plays an important neuromodulatory role for other neurotransmitter systems, with an impact on behavior, response to danger, stress, and complex social interactions, such as pair bonding and child care. This narrative expert review examines the literature on oxytocin as a brain hormone. We focused on oxytocin structure, distribution, genetics, and the oxytocin receptor system, as well as the relationship of oxytocin with other neurotransmitters and the resulting impacts on the main psychiatric disorders. Oxytocin levels have been correlated over time with mental illness, with numerous studies focusing on oxytocin and the pathophysiology of the main psychiatric disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia, personality disorders, mood, and eating disorders. We highlight the role oxytocin plays in improving symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and social behavior, as the literature suggests. Risk factors and causes for psychiatric disorders range from genetic to environmental and social factors. Oxytocin could impact the latter, being linked with other neurotransmitter systems that are responsible for integrating different situations during the development phases of individuals. Also, these systems have an important role in how the body responds to stressors or bonding with others, helping with the creation of social support groups that could speed up recovery in many situations. Oxytocin has the potential to become a key therapeutic agent for future treatment and prevention strategies concerning the main psychiatric disorders.
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