Consistent evidence links major depression and its affective components to negative health outcomes. Although\r\nthe pathways of these effects are likely complex and multifactorial, recent evidence suggests that innate\r\ninflammatory processes may play a role. An overview of current literature suggests that pathways between\r\nnegative moods and inflammation are bi-directional. Indeed, negative moods activate peripheral physiologic\r\nmechanisms that result in an up regulation of systemic levels of inflammation. Conversely, peripheral inflammatory\r\nmediators signal the brain to affect behavioral, affective and cognitive changes that are consistent with symptoms\r\nof major depressive disorder. It is likely that these pathways are part of a complex feedback loop that involves the\r\nnervous, endocrine, and immune systems and plays a role in the modulation of peripheral inflammatory responses\r\nto central and peripheral stimuli, in central responses to peripheral immune activation and in the maintenance of\r\nhomeostatic balance. Further research is warranted to fully understand the role of central processes in this\r\nfeedback loop, which likely contributes to the pathophysiology of mental and physical health
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