These changes are important because both stressors and depression can sensitize the inflammatory response in such a way that they produce heightened responsiveness to stressful events as well as antigen challenge.25, 27,28,60 Furthermore, more frequent or
persistent stress - related changes in plasma levels
of these key cytokines have broad implications for health; elevated levels
of proinflammatory cytokines have been linked to a variety
of age - related disease, including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, type 2
diabetes mellitus, certain cancers, and frailty and functional decline.29 Moreover, inflammatory activation can enhance development
of depressive
symptoms.30, 31 Thus, relationships characterized by hostility, repeated conflicts, and heightened IL - 6 levels could have negative consequences for both physical and mental health.