Redox dysregulation, inflammation and mental health in adults with high risk of childhood maltreatment

Childhood maltreatment (CM) increases the risk of lifelong mental illness, but the underlying biochemical pathways remain unclear. Oxidative stress (OS), alongside inflammation, may contribute to this link. This study examined OS as a potential mediator between CM and mental health in a high-risk group of formerly placed young adults. The relationship between OS and inflammation was also explored. Data were collected from 131 participants (30.5% women, M age = 26.29 ± 3.5 years) with histories of youth residential care. CM was assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and mental health via the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA). Biomarkers of OS (superoxide dismutase [SOD] and glutathione peroxidase/glutathione reductase ratio [GPx/GRed]) and inflammation (IL-1RA, IL-6, IL-10, CRP, TNF𝛼) were analyzed. Multiple regression models examined associations among CM, OS, inflammation, and mental health, adjusting for covariates. Greater CM exposure was significantly linked to poorer mental health (β = .39, p  < .001). GPx/GRed—but not SOD—was associated with CM (β = .20, p  = .03), particularly emotional abuse. TNF𝛼 predicted current mental health problems (β = .21, p  = .03). Significant correlations emerged between inflammatory and OS markers. Neither OS nor inflammation mediated the CM–mental health relationship. Findings suggest a complex interplay requiring further research into moderating factors.