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Clinical Trial Journal Article Ppublish 10 citations

PubMed: 39909009 DOI: 10.1097/PSY.0000000000001367

Inflammatory and Cardiovascular Responses to Active and Passive Acute Psychological Stress.

Biopsychosoc Sci Med 87(2):107-117

Authors: Victoria G Linsley, Nicolette C Bishop, Matthew J Roberts, Malik Hamrouni, Mayada Demashkieh, Nicola J Paine

Affiliations

  • From the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, Loughborough University (Linsley, Bishop, Roberts, Hamrouni, Demashkieh, Paine), Loughborough; and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and the University of Leicester (Bishop, Roberts, Paine), Leicester, United Kingdom.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

Acute psychological stress is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), possibly through promoting a heightened inflammatory profile. Active stressors are commonly used to investigate cardiovascular and immune reactivity; however, this response may not translate to other stress modalities. We aimed to decipher potential differences in immune responses to passive and active stressors.

METHODS

Eighty-eight participants completed this study. After a baseline period, a passive (International Affective Picture System [IAPS]) and active stress task (Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test [PASAT]) were completed in a randomized order, with 45-minute rest post-tasks. Cardiovascular measures (including SBP, DBP, HR) were collected continuously. Blood samples were collected after each time point determining inflammatory responses, including circulating and stimulated interleukin-6 (IL-6), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), TNF-α, and P- and E-selectin.

RESULTS

Cardiovascular measures were higher during the PASAT than IAPS (p < .001). Circulating IL-6 levels increased from baseline to 45-minutes after both tasks (p ≤ .001), with no difference between 45-minute post-PASAT and 45-minute post-IAPS (p > .05). SIRI increased from baseline to post-IAPS (p = .013), 45-minute post-IAPS (p = .004), and 45-minute post-PASAT (p < .001). No difference in SIRI between 45-minute post-PASAT and 45-minute post-IAPS existed. NLR increased from baseline to 45-minute post-PASAT (p = .008). There were no significant time effects for TNF-α, P-selectin, or E-selectin (all p > .05).

CONCLUSION

Both stressors increased circulating IL-6 levels and SIRI. Cardiovascular measures were higher during the active task, but the magnitude of inflammatory responses did not significantly differ between tasks. Regardless of stress modality, an immune response ensues, potentially increasing the risk of CVD over time.

MeSH

Stress, Physiological, Interleukin-6, Stress, Psychological, Immunity, Selectins