Effect of Gender and Menstrual Cycle on Immune System Response to Acute Mental Stress: Apoptosis as a Mediator

Abstract

Background/Aims: We aimed to explore the immunological outcomes of short-term mental stress in apoptosis in peripheral lymphocytes and variations by gender and hormonal status of the individuals together with possible mediators of this interaction. Methods: Acute mental stress (computerized Stroop color-word interference and cold pressor tests) was applied to men (n = 17) and women (n = 16, in both follicular and luteal phases). Heart rate and blood pressure were monitored throughout the test and after the test until baseline values were recorded. Blood samples were drawn for measuring cortisol and nitric oxide (NO) levels and flow-cytometric cell counting before and after the test. Results: Activation of the stress system was ascertained by increased heart rate, blood pressure and serum cortisol levels after the test. Relative to baseline values, acute mental stress altered the distribution of T and natural killer cells. There was a significant decrease in T helper/T cytotoxic-suppressor cell ratio and an increase in apoptotic T helper cell percentage irrespective of gender or menstrual cycle phase. An increased number of natural killer cells was detected in women, whereas it was decreased in men. After stress induction, serum NO levels remained the same in women and increased in men. Although a correlation was not found between immune system changes and NO levels, glucocorticoids seem to have a role in the observed differences. Conclusion: Acute mental stress triggers apoptotic T helper cell loss which was associated with stress system activation, and sex steroids affect the pattern of stress-related immune cell distribution.

Sex differences in the neuro-immune consequences of stress: Focus on depression and anxiety

“…The few studies in which male and female responses to a laboratory stressor have been compared suggest that females may mount a more robust mobilization of immune cells. Acute mental stress consisting of the Stroop color-word interference and cold pressor test has been reported to increase the number of natural killer cells in the blood of women in both the follicular and luteal phases, whereas theses stressors decreased the number of natural killer cells in the blood of men (Pehlivanoglu et al 2012). The use of oral contraceptives by females has been associated with significantly higher stress-induced responses in number of total leukocytes, neutrophils and CD19 + B cells than the response of either females without the use of oral contraceptives or males, suggesting a strong influence of female sex steroids on immune cells responsivity (Maes et al 1999).…”

“…1.2. Leukocytosis: (Maes et al 1999, Pehlivanoglu et al 2012). Induction of cytokines by stress: (Endrighi et al 2016).…”

Artroplastia total do joelho induz apoptose em linfócitos de sangue periférico e não é evitada por anestesia regional – estudo randomizado

“…Podemos apontar fatores indutores de apoptose como o pré-operatório, com o estresse psicológico e o jejum, e o intraoperatório, com o torniquete pneumático, os danos teciduais, o cimento ósseo e os agentes anestésicos usados durante a cirurgia. [22][23][24] Alguns dos fatores iniciados anteriormente são mantidos no pós-operatório, mas alguns novos, incluindo a imobilização em longo prazo, a presença de implante e o manejo complexo da dor no pós-operatório com o uso de opioides fortes e de ação prolongada, também ocorrem. Em nosso estudo, imediatamente após o término da cirurgia e o fechamento da ferida cirúrgica, a porcentagem de linfócitos com características macroscópicas de apoptose foi significativamente maior do que no pré-operatório.…”

The effects of menstrual cycle phases on immune function and inflammation at rest and after acute exercise: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Absolute counts % leukocytes 3 studies a , 40,41,56 1 study 44 14 studies 36,39,43,44,[47][48][49]53,55,56,[58][59][60][61] 8 studies [38][39][40][41]46,55,59,62 -1 study 63 Monocytes Absolute counts % leukocytes 3 studies 40,44,47 -9 studies 36,[48][49][50]53,55,56,59,61,64 7 studies 40,44,46,55,59,63,64 --…”

“…Absolute counts % lymphocytes 2 Studies 40,41 -10 studies 44,47,53,58,[69][70][71][72][73] 8 studies a , 40,41,44,58,[74][75][76][77] -1 study 78 Th cells Absolute counts % lymphocytes 2 studies 40,41 2 studies 75,79 4 studies 44,60,69,72 8 studies a , 40,41,44,62,70,77,80,81 --…”