Does exposure to stressors predict changes in physiological dysregulation?

ABSTRACT: The allostatic load framework implies that cumulative exposure to stressors results in multi-system physiological dysregulation.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of stress burden on subsequent changes (2000-2006) in physiological dysregulation.Data came from a population-based cohort study in Taiwan (n?=?521, aged 54+ in 2000, re-examined in 2006). Measures of stressful events and chronic strain were based on questions asked in 1996, 1999, and 2000. A measure of trauma was based on exposure to the 1999 earthquake. Dysregulation was based on 17 biomarkers (e.g., metabolic, inflammatory, neuroendocrine).There were some small effects among men: chronic strain was associated with subsequent increases in dysregulation (standardized ??=?0.08, 95 % CI?=?0.01 to 0.20), particularly inflammation; life events were also associated with increased inflammation (??=?0.10, CI?=?0.01 to 0.26). There were no significant effects in women.We found weak evidence that stress burden is associated with changes in dysregulation.

SUBMITTER: Glei DA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3708988 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature