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Immune System mModulation in Victims of Intimate Partner Violence

Cheung, Michael Brian
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1258134841

Abstract Details

2009, Master of Science, University of Akron, Biology.
The immune system is responsible for protecting the body from disease by identifying by destroying pathogenic microorganisms, materials and even dangerous self-cells. This protection is carried out by specialized cells which are found in the bone marrow, circulating blood, thymus, lymph nodes, spleen, as well as other lymphatic tissues. These cells each carry out specific functions and convey different types of protection. Modulation of the balance of either the number or functionality of these immune cells can lead to immune deficiency, susceptibility to disease, or autoimmune disorders such as chronic inflammation. A number of studies have shown that the immune system can be affected by both physical and psychological stresses, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In the present study we examined immune status in women victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). Immune system parameters measured included both immune cell counts as well as functionality of the cells. The results indicated that victims of IPV who suffered from depression and PTSD showed significantly higher baseline activity of natural killer (NK) cells and decreased change in NK cell activity when stimulated with heat shock protein 60 (HSP60). This drop in reactivity to a typical cellular stress signal could put PTSD positive IPV victims at risk for a number of diseases, including cancer development and viral infection. Also, an increased basal activity of NK cells could indicate an autoimmune pathology. These results may lead to a better understanding of the health issues associated with IPV, PTSD, and depression, and will hopefully assist in the development of better and more complete therapies.
James Holda, PhD (Advisor)
56 p.
Biology; Health; Immunology; Psychobiology; Womens Studies
IPV; intimate partner violence; PTSD; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; Posttraumatic Stress; Immune System; Natural Killer Cells; Psychoneuroimmunology; Immune System Modulation; Stress and the Immune System

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Cheung, M. B. (2009). Immune System mModulation in Victims of Intimate Partner Violence [Master's thesis, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1258134841

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Cheung, Michael. Immune System mModulation in Victims of Intimate Partner Violence. 2009. University of Akron, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1258134841.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Cheung, Michael. "Immune System mModulation in Victims of Intimate Partner Violence." Master's thesis, University of Akron, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1258134841

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

akron1258134841
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© 2009, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Akron and OhioLINK.