System Level Physiology is a holistic conceptual framework used in clinical practice to analyze and understand the integrated, interdependent function of multiple organ systems—such as the endocrine, metabolic, immune, and nervous systems—as a unified biological network. This approach recognizes that health and disease are not isolated phenomena but rather emergent properties arising from the complex interactions and communication among these systems. It is essential for identifying the upstream root causes of dysfunction that manifest as symptoms in a single, seemingly isolated system.
Origin
This term originates from the field of systems biology, which applies engineering and computational principles to biological complexity, and has been adopted by functional and preventative medicine. The emphasis on “System Level” contrasts with reductionist approaches that focus on single molecules or organs, advocating for a comprehensive, interconnected view of human biology. It is the theoretical basis for personalized, multi-target interventions.
Mechanism
The mechanism of analysis involves mapping the feedback loops, communication pathways, and regulatory nodes that connect different organ systems, such as the bi-directional signaling between the gut microbiome, the immune system, and the brain (the gut-brain axis). Dysfunction in one system, like chronic stress on the HPA axis, is understood to cascade into secondary effects, such as insulin resistance in the metabolic system. By addressing the primary systemic imbalance, this physiological approach aims to restore global homeostasis.
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