Effects of acute psychological stress on adhesion molecules, interleukins and sex hormones: implications for coronary heart disease

Abstract

Rationale. Subjects with high levels of daily stress suffer from an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Increased concentrations of the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) contribute to atherosclerosis. Cell adhesion molecules may be activated by psychological stress exposure, depending on their interaction with the interleukin network, sex hormones and cortisol secretion.

Objectives. To assess effects of acute psychological stress on the interaction between cell adhesion molecules, interleukins, sex hormones and cortisol in healthy male subjects.

Methods. Cell adhesion molecules, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-2, IL-6, sex hormones and cortisol levels of 18 healthy male physicians were measured before and after an academic oral presentation and on a control day.

Results. The oral presentation was perceived as a stressful event and was accompanied by a significant increase in cortisol secretion in all volunteers. Soluble ICAM-1 and IL-1β also increased in all subjects after psychological stress exposure. The stress-associated increase in IL-2 concentrations approached statistical significance and correlated negatively with luteinizing hormone plasma levels. Estradiol concentrations correlated positively with IL-6 levels.

Conclusions. Subjective ratings and the increase in cortisol plasma concentrations support the validity of the chosen stress model. Acute stress exposure was followed by an increase in IL-1β, IL-2 and soluble ICAM-1 plasma concentrations, which can contribute to coronary heart disease and immunological disorders.