SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Chronic stress can aggravate neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory diseases, U.S. researchers said.

A study by scientists at Texas A&M University, presented at the 115th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, said stress-related increases in central nervous system inflammation are behind the adverse effects of stress in an animal model of MS.

The study suggests that stress-induced increases of pro-inflammatory cytokines -- proteins that regulate immune and inflammatory functions -- inhibit the clearing of a virus and allow the inflammatory process to run amok. The researchers said stress may also interact with viral infections to increase vulnerability to diseases such as MS, the APA said Friday in a release.

Dr. Mary Meagher, the lead researcher, said adverse effects may be prevented or reversed by treatments aimed at blocking increases in this cytokine. Potential interventions include certain anti-inflammatory drugs, exercise, anti-depressant medication, omega-3 fatty acids and mindfulness relaxation training, the APA report said.