A cross-sectional analysis of the relationship between allostatic load and osteoarthritis

Abstract

Purpose: Metabolic influences and systemic low-grade inflammation are increasingly recognised in osteoarthritis (OA) development and pathophysiology. Cumulative stress-response system dysregulation, known as allostatic load (AL), has been suggested as a potential mechanism to explain relationships between social determinants (e.g. adverse childhood experiences) and arthritis but has not yet been explored with a primary outcome of OA. Measured using a composite index of clinical biomarkers to indicate physiological dysregulation, AL is associated with adverse health outcomes including cardiovascular disease, frailty and mortality.