Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
Chronic psychological stress is associated with an increased risk for relapse of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and impedes the treatment of this condition. However, the impact of stress on the risk of IBD onset remains unclear. The goal of the present study was to examine whether chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) could initiate or aggravate the onset of colon inflammation in rats which, in turn, would be capable of triggering bowel disease. We found that CUMS exposure increased infiltration of CD-45 positive cells and MPO activity, as well as augmented the expression of the inflammatory cytokines, IFN-γ and IL-6 within the colon of these rats. In addition, CUMS treatment changed the composition and diversity of gut microbiota and enhanced intestinal epithelial permeability, indicating the presence of a defect in the intestinal barrier. This CUMS-induced disruption of mucosal barrier integrity was associated with a reduction in expression of the tight junction protein, occludin 1, and an inhibition in mucosal layer functioning via reductions in goblet cells. Results from bacterial cultures revealed an increased presence of bacterial invasion after CUMS treatment as compared with that observed in controls. Thus, our data indicate that CUMS treatment induces alterations of the fecal microbiome and intestinal barrier defects, which facilitates bacterial invasion into colonic mucosa and further exacerbates inflammatory reactions within the colon. Accordingly, chronic stress may predispose patients to gastrointestinal infection and increase the risk of inflammation-related gut diseases.
Highlights
Chronic psychosocial disorders represent risk factors for the etiology or exacerbation of several gastrointestinal diseases such as functional intestinal disorders and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs)
In the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) animal model of depression used in this report, anhedonia was evaluated with use of the sucrose preference test while behavioral despair by the forced swim test
These results indicated that CUMS rats were showing behaviors indicative of induced despair/depression
Summary
Chronic psychosocial disorders represent risk factors for the etiology or exacerbation of several gastrointestinal diseases such as functional intestinal disorders and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). IBD patients showed an increased frequency of depression and anxiety as compared to that in the general population, and anti-depressant medications have been shown to improve Crohn’s disease activity indices in some IBD patients (Yanartas et al, 2016). Chronic stress or depression appears to increase the frequency and severity of relapses in IBD patients and impedes the treatment of this disorder. The influence of depression or anxiety on the risk of IBD onset remains unclear (Nowakowski et al, 2016). Findings from a retrospective study revealed that some UC patients experienced depression or anxiety at 1 year before the onset of UC, implying that depression may predispose patients to IBD (Kurina et al, 2001). Whether chronic stress or depression is a risk factor and the mechanisms involved for the onset of developing IBD warrants further investigation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
