Journal of Depression and Anxiety
Open Access
ISSN: 2167-1044
ISSN: 2167-1044
Alessandra Graziottin
Via Enrico Panzacchi,
620123 Milan
Italy
Review Article
Inflammation and Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Biological Trigger for Depression in Women?
Author(s): Alessandra Graziottin, Stephen D Skaper and Mariella FuscoAlessandra Graziottin, Stephen D Skaper and Mariella Fusco
Depression is often associated with local and/or systemic diseases. Chronic inflammation, pain and depression are a clinical triad increasingly recognized as co-morbid. Peripheral and central inflammation can alter neuronal activity, thereby contributing to the psych emotional and somatic symptoms of depression. Preliminary evidence suggests that mast cells direct the immune pathways mediating this triad. Chronic pelvic pain in women could be a paradigm of the triad, and of considerable clinical relevance. Mast cells are immune cells which contribute to and modulate inflammation and immunity. Upon stimulation mast cells release an array of mediators, cytokines, and growth factors to orchestrate an inflammatory response. These mediators can directly initiate tissue responses on resident cells, and may also regulate the activity of other immune cell functions, including central nervous .. View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2167-1044.1000142