While the mechanisms leading to nasal allergy are not yet well understood, a Japanese study attempted to understand how the stress hormone could promote the development of allergies in the nasal cavity. Results that could prove to be promising in the search for suitable treatments. 

Researchers at Osaka City University in Japan have tried to understand how stress can be an aggravating factor in allergies. Published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, the results of the study demonstrate that corticotropin, the stress hormone, can induce the production of mast cells (CD), the agents involved in the development of allergies in the cavity. nasal. 

Professor Mika Yamanaka-Takaichi of Osaka University who conducted this study, explains: “ In my daily practice, I meet many allergic patients who say that their symptoms have worsened due to psychological stress. ». 

According to Professor Jocelyn Just, president of the French Allergology Society, in 20 years, the proportion of allergic people has doubled (all forms of allergies combined). While in 1970, 5% of the world population was affected by allergies, the World Health Organization projects that half of the world population will be affected by an allergic pathology by 2050. Faced with this observation, it It is essential to better understand the origin of allergies in order to find suitable treatments. 

The discovery of this Japanese study could thus provide avenues for reflection. Indeed, according to Professor Yamanaka-Takaichi who initiated the study, “ We have deepened our knowledge of the effect of stress on allergies and identified promising therapeutic potential in candidates such as tantalarmine, an inhibitor capable of reversing the effect of stress. I think this is great news for people with allergies ».