A researcher investigates how chronic psychological stress exacerbates arthritis. Which mechanism explains why prolonged stress amplifies inflammatory responses in the joints?

💡 Explanation

Chronic stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, leading to elevated cortisol, which paradoxically sustains NF-κB activation in chondrocytes. Because NF-κB is a key transcription factor for pro-inflammatory cytokines, this amplifies inflammation. Therefore, sustained NF-κB contributes to worsened arthritis, rather than decreased histamine or enhanced parasympathetic activity.

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