Psychologically traumatic stress inducing redox - inflammation interplay; which comes first?

Abstract

Evidence suggests the involvement of redox and inflammation fields under conditions of psychological trauma. Factors from immunity, Hypothalamic-Adrenal-Pituitary axis, Kynurenine pathway, Dysglycemia, Glutamatergic systems as well as elements from redox mechanisms participate in a highly complex neurobiological process. Yet, little is known about their interplay. There is evidence suggesting a psychologically traumatic stress induced redox-originated inflammatory activation and vice versa. A holistic approach would suggest a parallel activation of the involved mechanisms with highly tight interdependency. The present report aims at collecting the evidence supporting either directionality of the involved mechanisms, finally suggesting a diagram depicting a synthesis of this interplay.

Keywords: Immune system; Inflammation; Oxidative stress; Psychologically traumatic stress; Redox.