Markers of Inflammation in Midlife Women with Intimate Partner Violence Histories

Abstract

Background: Lifetime occurrence of intimate partner violence (IPV) in women has been associated with increased prevalence of aging-related chronic diseases, including those with a pathophysiology involving inflammation. To begin to identify potential biologic mediators of this relationship, this cross-sectional study examined associations between past IPV and circulating levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)-measures linked with emergence of aging-related diseases-along with in vitro IL-6 production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated with either phytohemagglutinin A (PHA) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods: Apparently healthy, midlife women with divorce histories were recruited from the community. Histories of intimate partner psychological aggression, physical assault, sexual coercion, and stalking were assessed, along with current depression, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and health-related characteristics. At two visits, blood was drawn for assessment of biologic measures; measures were averaged across visits. Results: In this sample (n = 68), a history of being stalked was significantly positively correlated with CRP levels; in a multiple regression analysis that included body mass index (BMI) and current symptoms, this association was attenuated by adjusting for BMI. Physical assault history was significantly negatively correlated with PHA-stimulated IL-6 production. This was most apparent for severe assault and was not accounted for by BMI or symptoms. Conclusions: IPV histories remitted for an average of 10 years were associated with biologic mediators of inflammation. The profile was not uniformly proinflammatory, suggesting that in situations of traumatic or chronic stress, different aspects of the inflammatory response are differentially regulated and subjected to diverse compensatory mechanisms.

Screening and Intervening

“…13 In addition, IPV has been linked to chronic pain, 14 chronic fear and stress states, 15 postpartum depression, 16 substance use, 17,18 cardiovascular disease and hypertension, 19 as well as chronic inflammation 20 and accelerated telomeric attrition. 6 Clearly, the trauma of IPV thus extends well beyond the acutely abusive experience and the provision of traumainformed care to affected individuals is crucial to reducing its impact.…”

Greentree White Paper: Sexual Violence, Genitoanal Injury, and HIV: Priorities for Research, Policy, and Practice

“…7 Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression-comorbidities associated with intimate partner violence-can also contribute to immune suppression, proinflammatory responses, and faster progression to AIDS. [41][42][43] Priority scientific research questions identified by the participants included the following: The influence of sex and age-related anatomic characteristics on HIV transmission, acquisition, and pathogenesis UNAIDS estimates that 40% of new adult infections each year are among those 15 to 24 years of age. 44 Of all young people living with HIV-some five million-75% are in subSaharan Africa 45 and 71% of these are female (Table 1).…”

Interleukin-6 and soluble interleukin-6 receptor levels in posttraumatic stress disorder: Associations with lifetime diagnostic status and psychological context

“…Physically healthy women with histories of divorce or separation were recruited from the community as part of a broader investigation of recovery from intimate partner violence (IPV) and inflammation at midlife (Newton et al, 2011). A phone interview assessed inclusion criteria (history of divorce; 45 to 60 years of age; post-menopausal defined as cessation of menses for ≥ 12 months), and exclusion criteria (no English language skills; ongoing divorce-related legal issues; psychiatric hospitalization in the preceding 6 months; active suicidal ideation; current IPV—i.e., IPV involving an ex-partner in the preceding year, or any IPV history with a current partner, defined by a score ≥ 1 on the Slapped, Threatened and Throw screener (Paranjape, Rask, & Liebschutz, 2006); chronic disease other than unmedicated hypertension; use of prescription or over-the-counter medications with inflammatory effects (including psychotropics and botanicals); blood or needle phobia; use of street drugs; current alcohol use disorder defined as ≥ 5 on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test consumption questions (Dawson, Grant, Stinson, & Zhou, 2005)).…”

“…Related reports from this database have been published (Fernandez-Botran, Miller, Burns, & Newton, 2011; Newton et al, 2013; Newton et al, 2011). This research was supported by funding from the National Institute on Aging, and by a Research on Women grant from the University of Louisville.…”