Molecules that fight infection also act on the brain, inducing anxiety or sociability

Mood Swings During Sickness Are Caused by Complex Brain-Immune Crosstalk

Understanding the molecular mechanisms of ‘sickness behavior’ could open new avenues for treating anxiety and depression.

Molecules that fight infection also act on the brain, inducing anxiety or sociability

Scientists find the protein IL-17 that fights infection also acts on the brain, inducing anxiety or sociability. This adds to evidence that immune molecules can influence behavior during illness.

Inflammation and the brain: how immune activity can alter mood and fuel anxiety

At a glance: Research in mice shows that inflammatory molecules influence mood and behavior by acting on specific brain regions. The findings help explain why some people experience lasting mood changes after infections or autoimmune disease flare-ups. The research could lead to new therapies for anxiety disorders and autism spectrum disorders.

Salt can cause depression

Salt is known to raise the risk of various health issues and a new study conducted on mice in China has found that eating too much can lead to depression-like symptoms. Scientists at Nanjing Medical University say this is because a high salt diet affects the production of the cytokine IL-17A. Cytokines are signalling proteins that help to control inflammation in the body – allowing the immune system to defend it from germs or other substanc…

Study identifies link between high-salt diet and depression - Scientific Inquirer

A new study published in The Journal of Immunology found that a high-salt diet (HSD) induces depression-like symptoms in mice by driving the production of a protein called IL-17A. This protein has previously been identified as a contributor to depression in human clinical studies.  “This work supports dietary interventions, such as salt reduction, as a preventive measure for mental illness. It also paves the way for novel therapeutic strategies …

You should only remember these words if you find yourself in a situation that gives you anxiety.