Comorbidity Factors and Brain Mechanisms Linking Chronic Stress and Systemic Illness

Figure 2

Role of microglia and inflammasome complex in development of inflammatory responses. Systemic disorders and pathological states can induce activation of microglial cells leading to a local release of proinflammatory cytokines (PICs). This process includes stimulation of microglial P2X7 receptors and downstream activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Consequent systemic increases in circulating PICs may signify one of the fundamental mechanisms responsible for initiation of molecular and functional alteration within the CNS that underlie development of mental illness. Interleukin (IL), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), reactive oxygen species (ROS), NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), and purinergic type 2X7 (P2X7).