THE INFLUENCE OF STRESS ON THE IMMUNE SYSTEM: A SPOTLIGHT ON VITILIGO

Abstract

This paper addresses the impact of stress on the human body, focusing on its consequences on the immune system and the development of autoimmune diseases, such as vitiligo. It begins by highlighting that stress is a natural response of the body to external factors that require adaptation, leading to the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare the body to face alert situations. However, chronic stress, when maintained for prolonged periods, can cause serious damage to the body, suppressing immune function and making the body more vulnerable to infections and diseases. Cortisol, known as the "stress hormone", plays a central role in this process, and when at high levels for a long time, it inhibits the action of immune cells, such as lymphocytes and macrophages, impairing the body's ability to fight pathogens and increasing the risk of inflammation and disease. The paper explores vitiligo as an example of an autoimmune disease influenced by stress. Studies show that vitiligo is often triggered or worsened by stress, which creates a cycle that is difficult to break: stress worsens the disease, and worsening of the disease increases stress. In addition, the paper discusses the role of telomeres, structures that protect DNA at the ends of chromosomes. Chronic stress is associated with telomere shortening, which accelerates cellular aging and impairs immune health.