Yoga is increasingly incorporated into clinical practice for managing a wide range of mental and physical health conditions, especially those related to stress, and has shown beneficial effects on inf Show more
Yoga is increasingly incorporated into clinical practice for managing a wide range of mental and physical health conditions, especially those related to stress, and has shown beneficial effects on inflammatory processes and neuroendocrine regulation. Its influence on cytokines such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, as well as its modulatory action on the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis, suggests a potential role in reducing systemic inflammation and improving stress resilience. Despite these promising indications, there is limited scientific evidence from India evaluating yoga's impact on biological markers of stress and inflammation. The present study was undertaken to assess the effects of a structured yoga program on selected biomarkers in 60 adult volunteers who underwent evaluations before and after 3 months of practice. The intervention consisted of a daily 1-h yoga session conducted 6 days a week and included postures, breathing practices, and relaxation techniques. Assessments focused on brain-derived neurotrophic factor, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, cortisol, and perceived stress levels. Findings indicated an increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor and reductions in inflammatory markers, cortisol, and perceived stress. These outcomes suggest that regular yoga practice can positively influence neurotrophic activity, reduce inflammation, and lower stress, supporting its value as a complementary approach to improving overall health and well-being. Show less
Numerous hypotheses have been proposed for the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD). This study aimed to evaluate serum neuroserpin (NSP), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), Show more
Numerous hypotheses have been proposed for the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD). This study aimed to evaluate serum neuroserpin (NSP), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and sedimentation levels in patients with BD, based on the inflammatory and fibrinolytic system hypothesis, to understand the etiopathogenesis of BD. The second aim of our study was to determine the risk of developing BD type 1 by examining the relationship between tPA and NSP in patients diagnosed with BD type 1. The study included 80 euthymic outpatients with BD type 1 and 80 healthy controls (HC). Individuals with a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) score of less than 7 and a Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) score of less than 4 who did not show any symptoms of mania, depression, or hypomania for the last 6 months were included in the study. In both groups, serum levels of NSP, tPA, IL-6, BDNF, hsCRP, and sedimentation were measured. Compared to the healthy control group, the NSP and tPA levels were lower in the BD group (p<0.001). We found no linear relationship when we analyzed the relationship between tPA and NSP by excluding other variables. (p: 0.027). These findings suggest that tPA and NSP may serve as potential biomarkers for the euthymic period of BD type 1. These biomarkers may provide guidance in understanding the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder. Show less
To evaluate the relationship between the levels of interleukin (IL)-6 (a marker of inflammation), cortisol (a marker of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning), and brain-derived neurotro Show more
To evaluate the relationship between the levels of interleukin (IL)-6 (a marker of inflammation), cortisol (a marker of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF, a key neurotrophic factor) in acute and long-term (after 1 month) periods of traumatic brain injury (TBI) with trauma characteristics, as well as neurological and mental disorders. Analysis of data from a cohort longitudinal prospective study. Changes over time in IL-6, cortisol, and BDNF levels during the 1 month after injury were described: IL-6 and cortisol decreased, while BDNF increased, reflecting mechanisms of primary injury and secondary recovery processes. In the acute period, levels of IL-6, cortisol, and BDNF correlated with the severity of the patient's condition: low BDNF and high IL-6 and cortisol levels were associated with a more severe injury, as assessed by the Glasgow Coma Scale. An association between these markers and the presence of amnesia and abnormal EEG changes in the acute period of TBI was found. IL-6, cortisol, and BDNF are important pathophysiological markers of TBI associated with both immediate features of TBI and its complications. Show less