Self-rated Health and Inflammatory/Immune Responses

This chapter aimed to update knowledge about the possible association betweenSelf-rated health (SRH) self-rated health (SRH) and inflammatory/immune parameters. Based on the current literature search, poor SRH was associated with increased inflammatory responses as represented by elevated levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferonInterferon (IFN)-γ, C-reactive protein (CRP)C-reactive protein (CRP), WBC/total leukocytes, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and fibrinogen, as well as activation of humoral immune responses such as an increase in the number of peripheral B lymphocytes and serum immunoglobulinImmunoglobulin G concentrations; those with poorer SRH had an increased chance of reactivation of latent viruses as evidenced by increases of antibodies against these viruses. In conclusion, inflammatory/immune disruption was found to be a candidate pathway for the association between poor SRH and morbidityMorbidity (especially cardiovascular disorders) and mortalityMortality. Still, the causality is inconclusive since most studies were based on a cross-sectional design. Studies that employ a longitudinal approach are needed to provide a cause-and-effect relationship to clarify the role of the inflammatory/immune responses in the link between SRH and mortalityMortality.