Neuroendocrine biomarkers, allostatic load, and the challenge of measurement: A commentary on Gersten

Abstract

In this commentary, we discuss Gersten's findings particularly in relation to the challenge of accurately measuring stress, neuroendocrine markers and allostatic load. Allostatic load is a timely, potentially useful tool to measure the degree in which the body's physiological function is outside of optimal range. As with most biomarkers early on in development, there are sound opportunities to advance methods that will help understand the etiology of allostatic load and allow it to become more accurately measured. We present a biomarker development framework that should aid in furthering measurement of allostatic load, emphasizing the importance of biomarker measurement accuracy, standardization of methods, and relevance to clinically meaningful outcomes.