The Experts below are selected from a list of 7140 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Robert-paul Juster - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Allostatic Load: Implications for the pathophysiology, evolution, and treatment of bipolar disorder
Neurobiology of Bipolar Disorder, 2021Co-Authors: Anaïs Dubow, Jean-pierre Melun, Robert-paul JusterAbstract:Abstract Bipolar disorder is a severe and chronic mental illness that is a leading cause of disability worldwide. It is associated with cognitive impairments and metabolic comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The model of allostasis and Allostatic Load proposes that internal and environmental stressors solicit adaptive biological system responses driven by mediators such as cytokines, neurotrophins, and glucocorticoids. If chronically activated, these systems become dysregulated and eventually damaging for the brain and body. Bipolar disorder can be conceptualized not only as a disorder born in part from increased Allostatic Load but also as an Allostatic state that leads to heightened Allostatic Load. In this chapter, we describe many of the alterations seen in the biological mediators involved in the effects of allostasis and Allostatic Load in bipolar disorder and the opportunities that these represent in the diagnosis, follow-up, and management of patients with this disorder.
-
Allostatic Load scoring using item response theory
Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology, 2021Co-Authors: Shelley H. Liu, Robert-paul Juster, Kristen Dams-o'connor, Julie SpicerAbstract:Summary Allostatic Load is commonly operationalized using a sum-score of high-risk biomarkers. However, this method implies that biomarkers contribute equally to Allostatic Load, as each is given equal weight. Our goal in this methodological paper is to evaluate this, and complementarily, to identify biomarkers that are most informative and least informative for developing an Allostatic Load index. Item response theory models provide an alternate approach to calculating the Allostatic Load score, by treating individual biomarkers (e.g. “items”) as indicators of a latent Allostatic Load construct. Item response theory scores account for the data-driven discriminating power of each biomarker, and an individual’s pattern of biomarker responses. To demonstrate feasibility of this approach, we used data from the 2015-2016 National Health Examination and Nutrition Survey (NHANES; N = 3751), with twelve Allostatic Load biomarkers representing immune response, metabolic function and cardiovascular health. Item response theory models revealed that body-mass-index and C-reactive protein were the most informative biomarkers for Allostatic Load. Both higher Allostatic Load sum-score and item response theory score were associated with lower socio-economic status (p=0.008; p
-
A time to be chronically stressed? Maladaptive time perspectives are associated with Allostatic Load.
Biological Psychology, 2020Co-Authors: Olivier Bourdon, Sonia J. Lupien, Catherine Raymond, Marie-france Marin, Lening A. Olivera-figueroa, Robert-paul JusterAbstract:Abstract Living in the past, the present, or the future can affect stress and health. Our group has shown that acute stress (cortisol reactivity) is modulated by time perspectives, the ways we psychologically relate to time. Here, we expand this research with a comprehensive measure of multi-systemic chronic stress (Allostatic Load). Among 204 healthy adults (60 men; 144 women), we examined whether time perspectives modulate Allostatic Load measured with 23 neuroendocrine, immune, metabolic, and cardiovascular biomarkers. Five time perspective categories were measured (past negative, past positive, present hedonistic, present fatalistic, future). Multiple regressions controlling for sex, age, and depressive symptoms were used. Increased present fatalistic time perspective was positively correlated with Allostatic Load, while future time perspective was negatively correlated with Allostatic Load. Our preliminary findings link time perspective to multisystemic chronic stress and are discussed in the context of potential clinical implications.
-
Allostatic Load and women's brain health: A systematic review.
Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, 2020Co-Authors: Philippe Kerr, Sarah Kheloui, Mathias Rossi, Marie Désilets, Robert-paul JusterAbstract:Allostatic Load represents the 'wear and tear' of chronic stress on the brain and body that may differ between men and women. A small but growing number of studies are assessing Allostatic Load in relation to mental health. The objective of this systematic review was to (1) assess sex differences in Allostatic Load and (2) identify Allostatic Load associations that are specific to women. We systematically searched for Allostatic Load studies that included psychosocial causes and/or psychiatric consequences. Our search focused on Allostatic Load studies that disaggregated by sex and that include women. Sixty-two studies were included in this systematic review. First, men appear to have higher Allostatic Load than women. Second, women show gender-specific variation for numerous factors such as age, race/ethnicity, adversities, social support, and health behaviors that influence associations between Allostatic Load and mental health. Recommendations are made to guide researchers advance sex and gender approaches.
-
Elevated Allostatic Load in individuals presenting at psychiatric emergency services
Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 2018Co-Authors: Robert-paul Juster, Marc Sasseville, Charles-Édouard Giguère, Sonia J. LupienAbstract:Abstract Objective Individuals requiring psychiatric emergency services are often highly distressed and intoxicated. To provide an objective and comprehensive measure of their stress-related physiological dysregulations, we indexed Allostatic Load with 14 biomarkers collected within 24 h of patients' admission to the largest psychiatric hospital in the Canadian province of Quebec. Methods This study (N = 278) combines data for emergency patients (n = 76; 65.8% women; M age = 44.97, SE = 1.6) and hospital workers who served as sex- and age-matched controls (n = 202; 70.8% women; M age = 40.10, SE = 0.83). Sex-specific Allostatic Load indices summarized neuroendocrine (cortisol), immune (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, c-reactive protein), metabolic (insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, body mass index), and cardiovascular (heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure) functioning. Well-validated questionnaires assessed substance (ab)use. Results Individuals presenting at psychiatric emergency showed elevated Allostatic Load, drug abuse, and tobacco use compared to controls. Elevated Allostatic Load in emergency patients was driven by elevated cortisol, interleukin-6, systolic blood pressure, and heart rate; however, Allostatic Load was not explained by substance (ab)use or demographic variables. Sub-group analyses revealed that emergency patients primarily diagnosed with bipolar, depressive, or anxiety disorders showed higher Allostatic Load than those diagnosed with personality disorder(s). Conclusions This study demonstrates that individuals presenting at psychiatric emergency services show physiological dysregulations associated with chronic stress. Future research should explore the clinical utility of Allostatic Load in predicting comorbidities among psychiatric patients.
Douglas E. Crews - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Climate change, uncertainty and Allostatic Load.
Annals of Human Biology, 2019Co-Authors: Douglas E. Crews, Nicholas C. Kawa, Jeffrey H. Cohen, Gordon L. Ulmer, Ashley N. EdesAbstract:CONTEXT Humans constantly respond to environmental stressors challenging their somatic stability. Allostasis, an evolved neuroendocrine/physiological stressor response system, is our main pathway for doing so. Effective allostasis returns somatic systems to their current optima; over a lifetime of stressor responses, related systems fail, effectiveness declines, and physiological dysregulation (i.e. Allostatic Load) increases. Global Climate Change (GCC) multiplies environmental stressors on human populations and is likely to increase Allostatic Load. OBJECTIVES As a population-level stressor, GCC increases risks for multiple stressors, including sociocultural instability and food and water insecurity, while also motivating migration. We predict GCC increases risk for elevated Allostatic Load. Here, we review pathways by which GCC increases climatic and social stressors contributing to greater stress and Allostatic Load. METHODS Based upon published sources and primary ethnographic case studies, this review examines how GCC, by multiplying climate-related stressors, likely increases social instability, food and water insecurity, and migration. Thereby, it is proposed that GCC contributes to Allostatic Load. RESULTS GCC multiplies stressors on local populations. Those experiencing social insecurity related to GCC during growth and development are expected to show the largest influences on their lifetime Allostatic Load. Similarly, as GCC increases food and water insecurity, it likely will increase Allostatic Load in those affected and is likely to propel migrants to seek improved living circumstances. These stressors may be continued among their descendants via historical trauma or epigenetic responses. CONCLUSION GCC accentuates effects of environmental and sociocultural stressors on human populations. Those exposed to GCC are likely to show lifelong elevated Allostatic Load.
-
EVALUATING Allostatic Load: A NEW APPROACH TO MEASURING LONG-TERM STRESS IN WILDLIFE
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 2018Co-Authors: Ashley N. Edes, Barbara A. Wolfe, Douglas E. CrewsAbstract:Abstract: Animal welfare, conservation, and stress assessment are all critical components of species survival. As organisms experience stressors, they accumulate physiologic dysregulation, leading to multiple negative health outcomes. This brief review suggests measuring the degree of stress-induced damage, known as Allostatic Load, and then using Allostatic Load to evaluate changes implemented to improve animal welfare and conservation efforts. Over the past two decades, human clinical research has developed multiple Allostatic Load indices constructed from composites of neuroendocrine, cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune biomarkers. These indices are designed to estimate Allostatic Load in hopes of ameliorating or even negating damaging effects of stress. Among humans, Allostatic Load is associated with a variety of factors such as age, sex, stressful experiences, personality, social position, and early life history. Despite conservation of stress responses throughout mammalian species, reported allo...
-
The first multi-zoo application of an Allostatic Load index to western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla).
General and Comparative Endocrinology, 2018Co-Authors: Ashley N. Edes, Barbara A. Wolfe, Douglas E. CrewsAbstract:Abstract Vertebrate stress responses are highly adaptive biological functions, maximizing survival probability in life-threatening situations. However, experiencing repeated and/or chronic stressors can generate physiological dysregulation and lead to disease. Because stress responses are multi-systemic and involve a wide range of physiological functions, identifying responses to stressors is best accomplished using integrated biomarker models. Allostatic Load, defined as the physiological dysregulation that accumulates over the lifespan due to stressful experiences, is one such model. Allostatic Load is measured using Allostatic Load indices, which are composites of biomarkers from multiple somatic systems. Previously, we reported the use of a 7-biomarker Allostatic Load index (albumin, CRH, cortisol, DHEA-S, glucose, IL-6, TNF-α) in western lowland gorillas housed at a single zoo. Herein, this index is expanded to examine Allostatic Load responses to lifetime stressors in gorillas from two additional zoos (n = 63) as well as two pooled samples. The index was created using quartile cut-points for each biomarker. Significant associations were observed between multiple predictor variables and Allostatic Load, including sex, age, number of stressful events (anesthetic events, zoo transfers, agonistic interactions with wounding, pregnancies), and rearing history (mother-reared, nursery-reared, wild-caught). Additionally, Allostatic Load was associated with indicators of morbidity (creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides), age at death, and mortality risk. These results are consistent with those reported in human Allostatic Load research, suggesting Allostatic Load indices have potential as an investigative and clinical tool for gorillas and other great apes.
-
Assessing Stress in Zoo-Housed Western Lowland Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) Using Allostatic Load
International Journal of Primatology, 2016Co-Authors: Ashley N. Edes, Barbara A. Wolfe, Douglas E. CrewsAbstract:Stress contributes to the development of chronic degenerative diseases in primates. Allostatic Load is an estimate of stress-induced physiological dysregulation based on an index of multiple biomarkers. It has been applied to humans to measure effects of stress and predict health outcomes. Assessing Allostatic Load in nonhuman primates may aid in understanding factors promoting compromised health and longevity in captive populations, as well as risk assessment among wild populations following human activities. We applied an Allostatic Load index to gorillas housed at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (N = 27, 1956–2014) using data from medical records and biomarkers from banked serum. We estimated Allostatic Load using seven biomarkers (albumin, cortisol, corticotropin-releasing hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, glucose, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha) and then examined this index for associations with age, sex, number of stressful events, parturition, physiological health measures, and age at death. Stressful events were defined as agonistic interactions with wounding, translocations, and anesthetizations. Allostatic Load positively associated with age and total number of lifetime stressful events. Allostatic Load was significantly higher in females than in males. Allostatic Load was not associated with number of pregnancies and was not different between nulliparous and parous females. Allostatic Load associated positively with serum creatinine and triglyceride levels, showed a nonsignificant negative association with cholesterol, and did not associate significantly with age at death. These results demonstrate the potential utility of Allostatic Load for exploring long-term stress and health risks, as well as for evaluating environmental stressors for gorillas and other nonhuman primates in captivity and in the wild.
Bruce S Mcewen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
social inequalities and the road to Allostatic Load from vulnerability to resilience
Development and Psychopathology, 2016Co-Authors: Robert-paul Juster, Bruce S Mcewen, Teresa E Seeman, Martin Picard, Ian Mahar, Naguib Mechawar, Shireen Sindi, Nathan Grant Smith, Juliana Nery De Souzatalarico, Zoltan SarnyaiAbstract:Vulnerability and resilience are intertwined yet unraveling constructs in the Allostatic Load literature centered on stress-disease pathways. In examining this paradigm shift, this chapter focuses on Allostatic Load indices of multisystemic physiological dysregulations among marginalized populations. Social inequalities reviewed include early adversity, socioeconomic health gradients, race/ethnicity and discrimination, Brazil's shifting economy, the struggles of North American and Australian Indigenous peoples, and finally sex/gender diversity and sexual orientation as key determinants of Allostatic Load. We then present innovative biochemical, neurological, and cognitive approaches for future empirical consideration, with conclusions centered on clinical and social policy implications. In espousing a developmental psychopathology approach that emphasizes causal processes, developmental mechanisms, and diverse conceptualizations of health, we highlight Allostatic Load studies that focus on resilient pathways and how these trajectories can be promoted to protect populations otherwise considered vulnerable. Keywords: developmental trajectories; vulnerability; resilience; social inequalities; cortisol; Allostatic Load; transdisciplinary; health gradients
-
Developmental Psychopathology - Social Inequalities and the Road to Allostatic Load: From Vulnerability to Resilience
Developmental Psychopathology, 2016Co-Authors: Robert-paul Juster, Bruce S Mcewen, Teresa E Seeman, Martin Picard, Ian Mahar, Naguib Mechawar, Shireen Sindi, Nathan Grant Smith, Juliana Nery De Souza-talarico, Zoltan SarnyaiAbstract:Vulnerability and resilience are intertwined yet unraveling constructs in the Allostatic Load literature centered on stress-disease pathways. In examining this paradigm shift, this chapter focuses on Allostatic Load indices of multisystemic physiological dysregulations among marginalized populations. Social inequalities reviewed include early adversity, socioeconomic health gradients, race/ethnicity and discrimination, Brazil's shifting economy, the struggles of North American and Australian Indigenous peoples, and finally sex/gender diversity and sexual orientation as key determinants of Allostatic Load. We then present innovative biochemical, neurological, and cognitive approaches for future empirical consideration, with conclusions centered on clinical and social policy implications. In espousing a developmental psychopathology approach that emphasizes causal processes, developmental mechanisms, and diverse conceptualizations of health, we highlight Allostatic Load studies that focus on resilient pathways and how these trajectories can be promoted to protect populations otherwise considered vulnerable. Keywords: developmental trajectories; vulnerability; resilience; social inequalities; cortisol; Allostatic Load; transdisciplinary; health gradients
-
Allostatic Load biomarkers of chronic stress and impact on health and cognition
Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 2010Co-Authors: Robert-paul Juster, Bruce S Mcewen, Sonia J. LupienAbstract:The Allostatic Load model expands the stress-disease literature by proposing a temporal cascade of multi-systemic physiological dysregulations that contribute to disease trajectories. By incorporating an Allostatic Load index representing neuroendocrine, immune, metabolic, and cardiovascular system functioning, numerous studies have demonstrated greater prediction of morbidity and mortality over and beyond traditional detection methods employed in biomedical practice. This article reviews theoretical and empirical work using the Allostatic Load model vis-a-vis the effects of chronic stress on physical and mental health. Specific risk and protective factors associated with increased Allostatic Load are elucidated and policies for promoting successful aging are proposed.
-
Allostasis and Allostatic Load
Encyclopedia of Stress, 2007Co-Authors: Bruce S Mcewen, John C. WingfieldAbstract:Allostasis and Allostatic Load are terms which supplement the classic terms homeostasis and stress. Allostasis is the active process that leads to adaptation to a stressor, and mediators of allostasis include stress hormones as well as the autonomic nervous systems and pro-inflammatory cytokines and metabolic hormones. Allostatic Load and its more severe form, Allostatic overLoad, represent the cumulative effects of chronic physiologic stress, which may be generated by internal processes (e.g., anxiety) and by external factors such as chronic stressors or by life styles (e.g., overeating, insufficient sleep) that also dysregulate the mediators of allostasis. Consequences of Allostatic overLoad include many of the common diseases of modern life. In nature, however, Allostatic Load is used to achieve beneficial effects such as putting on fat for hibernation.
-
Mood disorders and Allostatic Load.
Biological Psychiatry, 2003Co-Authors: Bruce S McewenAbstract:The brain controls both the physiologic and the behavioral coping responses to daily events as well as major stressors, and the nervous system is itself a target of the mediators of those responses through circulating hormones. The amygdala and hippocampus interpret what is stressful and regulate appropriate responses. The amygdala becomes hyperactive in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive illness, and hypertrophy of amygdala nerve cells is reported after repeated stress in an animal model. The hippocampus expresses adrenal steroid receptors. It undergoes atrophy in several psychiatric disorders and responds to repeated stressors with decreased dendritic branching and reduction in number of neurons in the dentate gyrus. Stress promotes adaptation ("allostasis"), but a perturbed diurnal rhythm or failed shutoff of mediators after stress ("Allostatic state") leads, over time, to wear and tear on the body ("Allostatic Load"). Neural changes mirror the pattern seen in the cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune systems, that is, short-term adaptation versus long-term damage. Allostatic Load leads to impaired immunity, atherosclerosis, obesity, bone demineralization, and atrophy of nerve cells in brain. Allostatic Load is seen in major depressive illness and may also be expressed in other chronic anxiety disorders such as PTSD and should be documented.
Teresa E Seeman - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
social inequalities and the road to Allostatic Load from vulnerability to resilience
Development and Psychopathology, 2016Co-Authors: Robert-paul Juster, Bruce S Mcewen, Teresa E Seeman, Martin Picard, Ian Mahar, Naguib Mechawar, Shireen Sindi, Nathan Grant Smith, Juliana Nery De Souzatalarico, Zoltan SarnyaiAbstract:Vulnerability and resilience are intertwined yet unraveling constructs in the Allostatic Load literature centered on stress-disease pathways. In examining this paradigm shift, this chapter focuses on Allostatic Load indices of multisystemic physiological dysregulations among marginalized populations. Social inequalities reviewed include early adversity, socioeconomic health gradients, race/ethnicity and discrimination, Brazil's shifting economy, the struggles of North American and Australian Indigenous peoples, and finally sex/gender diversity and sexual orientation as key determinants of Allostatic Load. We then present innovative biochemical, neurological, and cognitive approaches for future empirical consideration, with conclusions centered on clinical and social policy implications. In espousing a developmental psychopathology approach that emphasizes causal processes, developmental mechanisms, and diverse conceptualizations of health, we highlight Allostatic Load studies that focus on resilient pathways and how these trajectories can be promoted to protect populations otherwise considered vulnerable. Keywords: developmental trajectories; vulnerability; resilience; social inequalities; cortisol; Allostatic Load; transdisciplinary; health gradients
-
Developmental Psychopathology - Social Inequalities and the Road to Allostatic Load: From Vulnerability to Resilience
Developmental Psychopathology, 2016Co-Authors: Robert-paul Juster, Bruce S Mcewen, Teresa E Seeman, Martin Picard, Ian Mahar, Naguib Mechawar, Shireen Sindi, Nathan Grant Smith, Juliana Nery De Souza-talarico, Zoltan SarnyaiAbstract:Vulnerability and resilience are intertwined yet unraveling constructs in the Allostatic Load literature centered on stress-disease pathways. In examining this paradigm shift, this chapter focuses on Allostatic Load indices of multisystemic physiological dysregulations among marginalized populations. Social inequalities reviewed include early adversity, socioeconomic health gradients, race/ethnicity and discrimination, Brazil's shifting economy, the struggles of North American and Australian Indigenous peoples, and finally sex/gender diversity and sexual orientation as key determinants of Allostatic Load. We then present innovative biochemical, neurological, and cognitive approaches for future empirical consideration, with conclusions centered on clinical and social policy implications. In espousing a developmental psychopathology approach that emphasizes causal processes, developmental mechanisms, and diverse conceptualizations of health, we highlight Allostatic Load studies that focus on resilient pathways and how these trajectories can be promoted to protect populations otherwise considered vulnerable. Keywords: developmental trajectories; vulnerability; resilience; social inequalities; cortisol; Allostatic Load; transdisciplinary; health gradients
-
Allostatic Load and Frailty in Older Adults
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2009Co-Authors: Tara L. Gruenewald, Teresa E Seeman, Arun S. Karlamangla, Catherine A. SarkisianAbstract:OBJECTIVE To examine the association between Allostatic Load (AL), an index of multisystem physiological dysregulation, and frailty development over a 3-year follow-up in a sample of older adults.
-
Age differences in Allostatic Load: an index of physiological dysregulation.
Experimental Gerontology, 2003Co-Authors: Eileen M. Crimmins, Melanie Johnston, Mark D. Hayward, Teresa E SeemanAbstract:This preliminary report examines variation in Allostatic Load by age for a large nationally representative population of the United States. It uses data on 13 indicators of physiologic dysregulation from a nationally representative sample of the US population 20 years of age and over. Allostatic Load is remarkably constant in the older ages after increasing sharply in the years from 20 to 60. We hypothesize that this represents mortality selectivity of the population by physiological status.
-
social relationships gender and Allostatic Load across two age cohorts
Psychosomatic Medicine, 2002Co-Authors: Teresa E Seeman, Burton H Singer, Carol D Ryff, Gayle D Love, Lene LevystormsAbstract:OBJECTIVE This article addresses the question of biological pathways through which social integration and support may affect morbidity and mortality risks. A new concept of cumulative biological risk, Allostatic Load, is used to test the hypothesis that social experiences affect a range of biological systems. Data from two community-based cohorts are examined to evaluate the consistency of findings across two different age groups. METHODS One cohort included older adults aged 70 to 79 years (N = 765); the other cohort included persons aged 58 to 59 years (N = 106). Allostatic Load was assessed using identical protocols in the two cohorts. Measures of social experience were similar but not identical, reflecting levels of social integration and support for the older cohort vs. childhood and adult experiences of loving/caring relationships with parents and spouse for the younger cohort. Gender-specific analyses were examined to evaluate possible gender differences in patterns of association. RESULTS In the younger cohort, positive cumulative relationship experiences were associated with lower Allostatic Load for men and women. In the older cohort, men who were more socially integrated and those reporting more frequent emotional support from others had lower Allostatic Load scores; similar but nonsignificant associations were seen for women. CONCLUSIONS Evidence from two cohorts provides support for the hypothesis that positive social experiences are associated with lower Allostatic Load. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that social experiences affect a range of biological systems, resulting in cumulative differences in risks that in turn may affect a range of health outcomes.
Ashley N. Edes - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Climate change, uncertainty and Allostatic Load.
Annals of Human Biology, 2019Co-Authors: Douglas E. Crews, Nicholas C. Kawa, Jeffrey H. Cohen, Gordon L. Ulmer, Ashley N. EdesAbstract:CONTEXT Humans constantly respond to environmental stressors challenging their somatic stability. Allostasis, an evolved neuroendocrine/physiological stressor response system, is our main pathway for doing so. Effective allostasis returns somatic systems to their current optima; over a lifetime of stressor responses, related systems fail, effectiveness declines, and physiological dysregulation (i.e. Allostatic Load) increases. Global Climate Change (GCC) multiplies environmental stressors on human populations and is likely to increase Allostatic Load. OBJECTIVES As a population-level stressor, GCC increases risks for multiple stressors, including sociocultural instability and food and water insecurity, while also motivating migration. We predict GCC increases risk for elevated Allostatic Load. Here, we review pathways by which GCC increases climatic and social stressors contributing to greater stress and Allostatic Load. METHODS Based upon published sources and primary ethnographic case studies, this review examines how GCC, by multiplying climate-related stressors, likely increases social instability, food and water insecurity, and migration. Thereby, it is proposed that GCC contributes to Allostatic Load. RESULTS GCC multiplies stressors on local populations. Those experiencing social insecurity related to GCC during growth and development are expected to show the largest influences on their lifetime Allostatic Load. Similarly, as GCC increases food and water insecurity, it likely will increase Allostatic Load in those affected and is likely to propel migrants to seek improved living circumstances. These stressors may be continued among their descendants via historical trauma or epigenetic responses. CONCLUSION GCC accentuates effects of environmental and sociocultural stressors on human populations. Those exposed to GCC are likely to show lifelong elevated Allostatic Load.
-
EVALUATING Allostatic Load: A NEW APPROACH TO MEASURING LONG-TERM STRESS IN WILDLIFE
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 2018Co-Authors: Ashley N. Edes, Barbara A. Wolfe, Douglas E. CrewsAbstract:Abstract: Animal welfare, conservation, and stress assessment are all critical components of species survival. As organisms experience stressors, they accumulate physiologic dysregulation, leading to multiple negative health outcomes. This brief review suggests measuring the degree of stress-induced damage, known as Allostatic Load, and then using Allostatic Load to evaluate changes implemented to improve animal welfare and conservation efforts. Over the past two decades, human clinical research has developed multiple Allostatic Load indices constructed from composites of neuroendocrine, cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune biomarkers. These indices are designed to estimate Allostatic Load in hopes of ameliorating or even negating damaging effects of stress. Among humans, Allostatic Load is associated with a variety of factors such as age, sex, stressful experiences, personality, social position, and early life history. Despite conservation of stress responses throughout mammalian species, reported allo...
-
The first multi-zoo application of an Allostatic Load index to western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla).
General and Comparative Endocrinology, 2018Co-Authors: Ashley N. Edes, Barbara A. Wolfe, Douglas E. CrewsAbstract:Abstract Vertebrate stress responses are highly adaptive biological functions, maximizing survival probability in life-threatening situations. However, experiencing repeated and/or chronic stressors can generate physiological dysregulation and lead to disease. Because stress responses are multi-systemic and involve a wide range of physiological functions, identifying responses to stressors is best accomplished using integrated biomarker models. Allostatic Load, defined as the physiological dysregulation that accumulates over the lifespan due to stressful experiences, is one such model. Allostatic Load is measured using Allostatic Load indices, which are composites of biomarkers from multiple somatic systems. Previously, we reported the use of a 7-biomarker Allostatic Load index (albumin, CRH, cortisol, DHEA-S, glucose, IL-6, TNF-α) in western lowland gorillas housed at a single zoo. Herein, this index is expanded to examine Allostatic Load responses to lifetime stressors in gorillas from two additional zoos (n = 63) as well as two pooled samples. The index was created using quartile cut-points for each biomarker. Significant associations were observed between multiple predictor variables and Allostatic Load, including sex, age, number of stressful events (anesthetic events, zoo transfers, agonistic interactions with wounding, pregnancies), and rearing history (mother-reared, nursery-reared, wild-caught). Additionally, Allostatic Load was associated with indicators of morbidity (creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides), age at death, and mortality risk. These results are consistent with those reported in human Allostatic Load research, suggesting Allostatic Load indices have potential as an investigative and clinical tool for gorillas and other great apes.
-
Assessing Stress in Zoo-Housed Western Lowland Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) Using Allostatic Load
International Journal of Primatology, 2016Co-Authors: Ashley N. Edes, Barbara A. Wolfe, Douglas E. CrewsAbstract:Stress contributes to the development of chronic degenerative diseases in primates. Allostatic Load is an estimate of stress-induced physiological dysregulation based on an index of multiple biomarkers. It has been applied to humans to measure effects of stress and predict health outcomes. Assessing Allostatic Load in nonhuman primates may aid in understanding factors promoting compromised health and longevity in captive populations, as well as risk assessment among wild populations following human activities. We applied an Allostatic Load index to gorillas housed at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (N = 27, 1956–2014) using data from medical records and biomarkers from banked serum. We estimated Allostatic Load using seven biomarkers (albumin, cortisol, corticotropin-releasing hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, glucose, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha) and then examined this index for associations with age, sex, number of stressful events, parturition, physiological health measures, and age at death. Stressful events were defined as agonistic interactions with wounding, translocations, and anesthetizations. Allostatic Load positively associated with age and total number of lifetime stressful events. Allostatic Load was significantly higher in females than in males. Allostatic Load was not associated with number of pregnancies and was not different between nulliparous and parous females. Allostatic Load associated positively with serum creatinine and triglyceride levels, showed a nonsignificant negative association with cholesterol, and did not associate significantly with age at death. These results demonstrate the potential utility of Allostatic Load for exploring long-term stress and health risks, as well as for evaluating environmental stressors for gorillas and other nonhuman primates in captivity and in the wild.
