Pathophysiological mechanisms linking chronic stress and cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type: A theoretical framework of the neuroendocrine-immune network.
- Author:
Kai HU
1
;
Ping DONG
2
;
Hao WU
3
;
Yue WANG
1
;
Ruijie HOU
1
;
Guangyuan YAO
4
Author Information
1. College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010110, China.
2. College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010110, China. *Corresponding authors, E-mail: 20120009@immu.edu.cn.
3. College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010110, China. *Corresponding authors, E-mail: 517885111@qq.com.
4. Eleventh Department of Orthopedics, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Foshan 528000, China.
- Publication Type:English Abstract
- MeSH:
Humans;
Neurosecretory Systems/immunology*;
Spondylosis/etiology*;
Vertebral Artery/immunology*;
Stress, Psychological/complications*;
Chronic Disease
- From:
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology
2025;41(7):655-660
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Stress is a critical inducer in the onset and progression of many chronic diseases. Prolonged or intense stress can disrupt the overall balance between the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems. The resulting biological signals may act on corresponding receptors in the cervical spine region, leading to adverse pathological changes. The vertebral artery and the surrounding muscular and connective tissues are influenced by biomechanical abnormalities and inflammatory cascades associated with cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type (CSA), which promotes the release of various hormones. These hormones, through the neuroendocrine-immune system, affect the central nervous system, inducing or exacerbating negative emotional feedback and thereby establishing a "central-local-central" vicious cycle. This article explores the mechanisms underlying the impact of stress on the key CSA symptoms through the neuroendocrine-immune network (NEI) theory, providing a more comprehensive framework for targeted therapeutic interventions in CSA.
