What is the Origin of Stress Biomarker?

The concept originates from stress physiology and clinical chemistry, with a historical focus on identifying quantifiable measures of the body's adaptation and eventual failure to cope with stressors. The advent of highly sensitive assays has allowed for the non-invasive measurement of stress hormones, moving the assessment from purely psychological scales to objective biological metrics. The term provides a concrete, data-driven link between perceived stress and systemic physiological impact.

What is the Mechanism of Stress Biomarker?

The mechanism involves the stressor activating the HPA axis, leading to the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and subsequent adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal glands to secrete cortisol. Cortisol, the primary stress biomarker, then acts on numerous tissues to mobilize energy, while its chronic elevation can suppress immune function and disrupt the balance of other sex and thyroid hormones. The biomarker serves as a proxy for the level of ongoing physiological strain.

Stress Biomarker ∞ Area

Stress Biomarker

Meaning

A stress biomarker is a measurable biological indicator, found in blood, saliva, urine, or hair, whose concentration or activity reliably correlates with the body’s physiological response to acute or chronic psychological or physical stress. In the endocrine context, primary examples include cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and specific inflammatory cytokines, which reflect the activation and function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Clinical monitoring of these markers is essential for assessing allostatic load and guiding stress-management interventions.