What is a consequence of chronic stress on cytokine production?

• A. Decreased inflammation and improved immunity
• B. No change in cytokines
• C. Increased inflammation and immune suppression
• D. Immediate resolution of inflammation

Answer: (C)

Chronic stress keeps the body's stress systems activated, which reshapes cytokine signaling and immune function. Prolonged exposure to stress hormones promotes the release of inflammatory cytokines, so inflammation tends to rise. At the same time, the same hormonal environment dampens parts of the immune system, particularly adaptive immunity, making responses to new infections or vaccines less effective. So you get a state of increased inflammation along with immune suppression. This explains why the other ideas—less inflammation, no change, or immediate inflammation resolution—don’t fit chronic stress.