What is the Origin of Allostatic Load Manifestation?

The term "allostatic load" was coined by McEwen and Stellar in the 1990s, building upon Selye's earlier concept of stress and the General Adaptation Syndrome. Allostasis, meaning "achieving stability through change," contrasts with static homeostasis. The manifestation component specifically refers to the measurable clinical and subclinical outputs of this prolonged physiological dysregulation.

What is the Mechanism of Allostatic Load Manifestation?

The mechanism involves the chronic over- or under-activity of primary mediators, notably cortisol and catecholamines, leading to downstream effects on metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune function. For instance, persistent HPA axis activation can lead to glucocorticoid receptor insensitivity, dysregulating glucose metabolism and promoting visceral adiposity. These hormonal and neurological imbalances progressively damage tissues, ultimately manifesting as hypertension, immune dysfunction, or metabolic syndrome.

Allostatic Load Manifestation ∞ Area

Allostatic Load Manifestation

Meaning

Allostatic Load Manifestation describes the tangible, measurable physiological consequences resulting from chronic or repeated exposure to stress, which forces the body’s allostatic systems to work outside their optimal range. This cumulative wear and tear on the body’s regulatory systems, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, is reflected in adverse changes in biomarkers. It signals a loss of homeostatic efficiency and predicts an increased risk for various stress-related diseases and accelerated aging.