Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene is associated with adolescents ’ cortisol reactivity and anxiety

Adolescence is marked by drastic shifts in neuroendocrine activity and stress physiology which may confer risk for affective disorders (Gunnar et al., 2009; Romeo, 2013; Stroud et al., 2009). The Hypothalamus Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) axis, part of the neuroendocrine system, regulates stress response during acute or chronic stress. Identifying factors that contribute to its dysregulation during adolescence may have important clinical implications. Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) is a well-established inflammatory marker and regulator of the HPA axis (Dunn, 2000; Turnbull and Rivier, 1995).

Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology - May 26, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Rebecca Lipschutz, Johanna Bick, Victoria Nguyen, Maria Lee, Lin Leng, Elena Grigorenko, Richard Bucala, Linda C. Mayes, Michael J. Crowley Source Type: research