Week 3.3: The role of neuroinflammation in affective disorders

Question 1

Is the body’s protective response to injury or infection.

Answer 1

Inflammation

Question 2

It helps the body heal itself after an injury, defend against foreign invaders like viruses and bacteria, and repair damaged tissue.

Answer 2

Inflammation

Question 3

What is the link between inflammation and the immune response?

Answer 3

Inflammation is part of the immune response. When the body detects a threat, it releases inflammatory molecules called cytokines.

Question 4

Are small proteins released by cells, particularly those in the immune system, that have a specific effect on the interactions and communications between cells.

Answer 4

Cytokines

Question 5

Can be pro-inflammatory (promoting inflammation) or anti-inflammatory (reducing inflammation), and their balance is crucial for maintaining health and responding to disease.

Answer 5

Cytokines

Question 6

A type of cytokines involved in the defense against viral infections and in the regulation of the immune system.

Answer 6

Interferons (IFNs)

Question 7

Are released as emergency signals to recruit immune cells, hormones, and nutrients to the injury site.

Answer 7

Cytokines

Question 8

Blood cells that release clotting proteins to stop bleeding at the injury site.

Answer 8

Platelets

Question 9

These cells release factors that cause vasodilation and vascular constriction to control blood flow to the area.

Answer 9

Mast Cells

Question 10

A type of white blood cell that is one of the first immune cells to arrive at a site of infection.

They kill and digest pathogens through a process called phagocytosis.

Answer 10

Neutrophils

Question 11

Another type of white blood cell that secretes cytokines to attract more immune cells and activate tissue repair processes.

Answer 11

Macrophages

Question 12

Large white blood cells that engulf and digest pathogens and dead cells.

Answer 12

Macrophages

Question 13

The process by which cells (like neutrophils) engulf and digest pathogens and debris.

Answer 13

Phagocytosis

Question 14

The widening of blood vessels to increase blood flow.

Answer 14

Vasodilation

Question 15

The narrowing of blood vessels to reduce blood flow.

Answer 15

Vascular Constriction

Question 16

Microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that can cause disease.

Answer 16

Pathogens

Question 17

The liquid component of blood that carries cells and proteins throughout the body.

Answer 17

Blood Plasma

Question 18

Are produced anew for each injury or infection, ensuring a tailored and effective immune response each time.

Answer 18

Cytokines

Question 19

What is the difference between acute and chronic inflammation?

Answer 19

Acute inflammation is a short-term response that is beneficial for dealing with immediate threats. However, if inflammation becomes chronic, it can lead to tissue damage and contribute to various diseases

Question 20

What are the characteristics of inflammation?

Answer 20

1) Redness
2) Warmth
3) Swelling (Edema)
4) Pain
5) Loss of Function (Immobility)

Question 21

These are caused by vasodilation. This increases blood flow to the affected area, particularly in peripheral parts of the body like the skin.

Answer 21

Redness and Warmth

Question 22

This is due to vascular permeability, which allows plasma fluids to accumulate outside the blood vessels. This fluid buildup leads to the swelling observed in inflamed areas.

Answer 22

Swelling (Edema)

Question 23

Results from the distortion of tissues caused by edema and the pressure of fluids on nerve endings.

Additionally, certain chemical mediators of inflammation, such as bradykinin, serotonin, and prostaglandins, also induce pain.

Answer 23

Pain

Question 24

This can result from pain that inhibits movement or from severe swelling that physically prevents movement in the affected area.

This was noted by the German pathologist Rudolf Virchow in the 19th century.

Answer 24

Loss of Function (Immobility)

Question 25

The circulation of blood in the smallest blood vessels, including capillaries, arterioles, and venules.

Answer 25

Microcirculation

Question 26

The ability of blood vessel walls to allow the flow of small molecules or cells into and out of the blood vessel.

Answer 26

Vascular Permeability

Question 27

A neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness. It also plays a role in the body's inflammatory response.

Answer 27

Serotonin

Question 28

A peptide that causes blood vessels to dilate (enlarge), and therefore causes blood pressure to fall. It also increases vascular permeability and is involved in the pain response.

Answer 28

Bradykinin

Question 29

A group of lipids made at sites of tissue damage or infection that are involved in dealing with injury and illness. They control processes such as inflammation, blood flow, and the formation of blood clots.

Answer 29

Prostaglandins

Question 30

Is the body's immediate response to injury or infection, involving the innate immune system. This response is usually quick and resolves shortly after the threat is eliminated.

Answer 30

Acute Inflammation

Question 31

Occurs when the acute inflammatory response does not resolve and persists over a longer period. This response is delayed and can last from weeks to months to years. If severe and prolonged, chronic inflammation can lead to tissue damage.

Answer 31

Chronic Inflammation

Question 32

A type of white blood cell that can differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells to respond to infection.

Answer 32

Monocytes

Question 33

Cells that produce collagen and other fibers, playing a crucial role in wound healing.

Answer 33

Fibroblasts

Question 34

A type of white blood cell involved in the adaptive immune response, including T cells and B cells.

Answer 34

Lymphocytes

Question 35

Cells that develop from B lymphocytes and produce antibodies to fight infections.

Answer 35

Plasma Cells

Question 36

It is synthesized from cholesterol and has widespread effects on the body.

Answer 36

Cortisol

Question 37

Are the final product of the HPA axis.

Answer 37

Glucocorticoids/Cortisol

Question 38

What are the roles of glucocorticoids?

Answer 38

Manage and adapt to stress. Restores and maintains balance in the body during stress. Modulate neuroendocrine and immune responses Regulate energy metabolism and inflammatory reactions Influence cardiovascular function

Question 39

To exert their effects, they must bind to glucocorticoid receptors (GR)

Answer 39

Glucocorticoids

Question 40

Are specialized proteins that assist other proteins in folding correctly, preventing misfolding and aggregation. They help newly synthesized proteins achieve their functional shapes and assist in refolding damaged proteins

Answer 40

Chaperone Proteins

Question 41

A group of proteins that help other proteins fold correctly and stabilize them. This complex includes heat-shock proteins, which are produced in response to stress.

Answer 41

Multimeric Complex of Chaperone Proteins

Question 42

A type of chaperone protein that helps protect cells from stress by ensuring proteins maintain their proper shape and function.

Answer 42

Heat-Shock Proteins

Question 43

A change in the shape of a protein that can affect its function.

Answer 43

Conformational Change

Question 44

Moves from one part of the cell to another.

Answer 44

Translocate

Question 45

The process of increasing or decreasing the expression of specific genes.

Answer 45

Up or Down Regulation

Question 45

The part of the cell that contains genetic material (DNA) and controls many cellular activities.

Answer 45

Nucleus

Question 46

Resides in the cytoplasm with chaperone proteins.

Answer 46

Unactivated GR

Question 47

Effective response depends on the number, affinity, and function of GRs.

Answer 47

GR Sensitivity

Question 48

What are the GR Sensitivity Factors?

Answer 48

Number of Receptors: The quantity of GRs available to bind glucocorticoids. Affinity: How strongly the GRs bind to glucocorticoids. Function: The ability of GRs to bind the ligand (glucocorticoid), translocate to the nucleus, and interact with other signaling pathways.

Question 49

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA, which is the first step in gene expression.

Answer 49

Transcription

Question 50

The process by which glucocorticoid receptors (GR) increase the transcription rate of a target gene, leading to higher gene expression.

Answer 50

Transactivation

Question 51

The process by which GR suppresses the activity of other transcription factors, leading to a decrease in gene expression.

Answer 51

Transrepression

Question 52

Reducing the activity or efficiency of the immune system.

Answer 52

Immunosuppression

Question 53

Reducing inflammation or swelling in the body.

Answer 53

Anti-Inflammatory

Question 54

How does the GR help the body?

Answer 54

Reducing inflammation through transrepression. Increasing protein production when needed through transactivation.

Question 55

Leads to higher levels of cortisol. This is observed in conditions like major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease.

Answer 55

Hyperactive HPA Axis

Question 56

Leads to lower levels of cortisol. This is seen in conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and atypical depression.

Answer 56

Hypoactive HPA Axis

Question 57

Chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, that transmit signals between nerve cells.

Answer 57

Monoamine Neurotransmitters

Question 57

The extent to which genetic factors contribute to a trait or disorder.

Answer 57

Heritability

Question 58

What is the connection between depression and HPA Axis?

Answer 58

One of the most consistent findings in psychiatry is the upregulation (increased activity) of the HPA axis in major depression. This is believed to play a role in the development (aetiology) and progression (pathogenesis) of the disease. Most patients with severe depression show increased cortisol levels in saliva, blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). They also exhibit an exaggerated cortisol response to ACTH and enlargement of both the pituitary and adrenal glands

Question 59

The progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, including their death.

Answer 59

Neurodegeneration

Question 60

What is the connection between depression and heart diseases?

Answer 60

Chronic inflammation from depression can contribute to the development of heart disease

Question 61

Depression and cardiovascular disease (CVD) influence each other. This means that having one increases the risk of developing the other

Answer 61

Bi-directional Association of depression and cardiovascular disease

Question 62

Inflammation can decrease GR sensitivity, and reduced GR sensitivity can increase inflammation

Answer 62

Bi-directional effect of inflammation and GR sensitivity

Question 63

Support for neuron growth

Answer 63

Neurotropic

Question 64

This is an amino acid that serves as a precursor (building block) for serotonin

Answer 64

Tryptophan

Question 65

Can be converted into different metabolites. Some, like kynurenic acid, are neuroprotective, while others, like 3-hydroxykynurenine and quinolinic acid, can be neurotoxic and contribute to conditions like depression

Answer 65

Kynurenine

Question 66

Is a metabolite of the amino acid tryptophan and plays a role in various physiological processes, including immune regulation and neurotransmission

Answer 66

Kynurenine

Question 67

Is a substance produced during metabolism

Answer 67

Metabolite

Question 68

The process your body uses to convert food into energy and build or repair tissues.

Answer 68

Metabolism

Question 69

Includes interactions between the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems

Answer 69

Neural Endocrine Immune Mechanism

Question 70

How can we target inflammation-induced depression?

Answer 70

Identifying inflammatory biomarkers Prevention of the development of depression involves understanding and managing inflammation. Developing new treatments that target inflammation could improve outcomes for patients with depression

Question 71

A part of the brain that can't always distinguish between real and perceived threats

Answer 71

Amygdala

Question 72

This automatic response is triggered by the amygdala

Answer 72

Fight or Flight Response