Systemic Feedback Loop Fidelity describes the accuracy, responsiveness, and precision of the body’s homeostatic regulatory systems, particularly the neuroendocrine axes, in sensing deviations and initiating corrective signals. High fidelity means the body maintains a tight, stable internal environment despite external stressors, which is a hallmark of youthful physiological function. Loss of fidelity is characteristic of age-related endocrine resistance and dysregulation.
Origin
The term is derived from control systems engineering and applied to human physiology, where feedback loops (e.g., HPA, HPT, HPG axes) are the core mechanism of homeostasis. “Fidelity” quantifies the quality and reliability of the signal transmission and response.
Mechanism
Fidelity relies on the sensitivity of hormone receptors and the integrity of the central command centers in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. For example, the HPA axis must accurately sense cortisol levels to modulate ACTH release. Aging often leads to receptor downregulation or central insensitivity, resulting in dampened or erratic signaling. Clinical interventions aim to restore receptor density and central regulatory function to improve loop fidelity.
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