What is the Origin of Allostatic Load Accumulation?

The term "allostasis" was coined by Sterling and Eyer in 1988, combining the Greek roots allo- (variable) and stasis (stability), referring to stability through change. The concept of "allostatic load" was later introduced by McEwen and Stellar in 1993 to quantify the physiological consequences of chronic allostatic efforts. This framework shifted clinical focus from simple homeostasis to dynamic, adaptive regulation of internal systems.

What is the Mechanism of Allostatic Load Accumulation?

Repeated activation of the primary stress mediators, such as cortisol and catecholamines, initially promotes survival but eventually leads to secondary changes in metabolic, immune, and cardiovascular parameters. Over time, the dysregulated feedback loops, particularly within the HPA axis, fail to restore baseline effectively, resulting in persistent high levels or insufficient responses of stress hormones. This chronic imbalance drives pathology, contributing to issues like insulin resistance, immune suppression, and hormonal imbalances across the endocrine system.

Allostatic Load Accumulation

Meaning

The physiological cost of chronic exposure to fluctuating or heightened neural and endocrine responses resulting from repeated or sustained stress. It represents the cumulative wear and tear on the body’s systems, particularly the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, as it attempts to maintain stability (allostasis) under adverse conditions. This buildup of dysregulation is a clinical marker for increased risk of chronic disease and accelerated biological aging.