Abstract
Psychoneuroimmunology (or Brain, Behaviour and Immunity) research at USC
2007 University Research Conference Book of Abstracts, p.8
University Research Conference: Advancing Sustainable Regions, 2007 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 21-Nov-2007)
2007
Abstract
Our immune system is designed to protect us against infectious diseases, cancers, and other reactions to the environment. Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a relatively new field of research, which examines the impacts of psychosocial aspects of life on the healthy functioning of the immune, nervous and endocrine systems. Work at USC has been particularly focused on the impacts of psychological stress on immunity. Assessment of biomarkers in saliva has proved an extremely useful tool, allowing assessment of biomarkers of stress and immunity, in a painless, non-invasive manner. Most of the studies examined levels of cortisol (a biomarker of physiological stress). lgA (provides specific immunity to infection in the external body fluids, by preventing attachment of pathogens to mucosa I cells) and lysozyme (present in serum, plasma, milk, saliva, urine and many other biological fluids; has non-specific anti-bacterial properties). Research studies in the field of PNI, carried out or underway at USC to date, include: • Mucosa I immunity and stress in university staff: are salivary biomarkers reliable indicators? " Biomarkers of acute psychological distress: the impact of 'cyberostracism' on mucosa! immunity • The impact of media messages on the physical and mental health of women • Impact of a short-term Iyengar Yoga program on the holistic health and wellbeing of physically inactive people aged 55 years and over.
Details
- Title
- Psychoneuroimmunology (or Brain, Behaviour and Immunity) research at USC
- Authors
- Fiona Burnell (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and EducationLily O'Hara (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and EducationJane A Gregg (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and EducationCarolyn Siddel (Author)Karen Smallcombe (Author)Juliane Vogler (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and Education
- Publication details
- 2007 University Research Conference Book of Abstracts, p.8
- Conference details
- University Research Conference: Advancing Sustainable Regions, 2007 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 21-Nov-2007)
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Date published
- 2007
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; School of Health - Public Health
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449265302621
- Output Type
- Abstract
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