Allostatic Load Biomarkers Research Articles

Affect regulation and allostatic load over time

ObjectiveEmerging work suggests that affect regulation strategies (e.g., active coping, anger expression) predict disease and mortality risk, with sometimes divergent estimates by sex or education levels. However, few studies have examined potential underlying biological mechanisms. This study assessed the longitudinal association of affect regulation with future allostatic load. MethodIn 2004–2006, 574 participants from the Midlife in the United States study completed validated scales assessing use of nine general and emotion-specific regulatory strategies (e.g., denial, anger expression). As a proxy for how flexibly participants regulate their affect, variability in the use of regulatory strategies was operationalized using a standard deviation-based algorithm and considered categorically (i.e., lower, moderate, greater variability) to assess non-linear effects. Participants also provided data on relevant covariates and 24 allostatic load biomarkers (e.g., cortisol, blood pressure). In 2017–2021, these biomarkers were again collected. Linear regressions modeled betas (β) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) examining associations of affect regulatory constructs with future allostatic load. ResultsIn fully-adjusted models including initial allostatic load, general regulatory strategies were unrelated to future allostatic load. Yet, greater versus moderate affect regulation variability levels predicted lower allostatic load (β=−0.14; 95 %CI: −0.27, −0.01). Only among more educated participants, greater use of anger expression predicted lower allostatic load, while the reverse was noted with anger control (βexpression=−0.12; 95 %CI: −0.20, −0.05; βcontrol=0.14; 95 %CI: 0.05, 0.24). ConclusionsWhile general regulatory strategies appeared unrelated to allostatic load, greater variability in their use and anger-related strategies showed predictive value. Subsequent studies should examine these associations in larger, more diverse samples.

An evaluation of the All of Us Research Program database to examine cumulative stress.

To evaluate the NIH All of Us Research Program database as a potential data source for studying allostatic load and stress among adults in the United States (US). We evaluated the All of Us database to determine sample size significance for original-10 allostatic load biomarkers, Allostatic Load Index-5 (ALI-5), Allostatic Load Five, and Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). We conducted a priori, post hoc, and sensitivity power analyses to determine sample sizes for conducting null hypothesis significance tests. The maximum number of responses available for each measure is 21 participants for the original-10 allostatic load biomarkers, 150 for the ALI-5, 22476 for Allostatic Load Five, and n = 90583 for the PSS. The NIH All of Us Research Program is well-suited for studying allostatic load using the Allostatic Load Five and psychological stress using PSS. Improving biomarker data collection in All of Us will facilitate more nuanced examinations of allostatic load among US adults.

Mental COP: Mental Health Cohort Of Police officers in Korea

PurposeThis cohort study addresses the need for comprehensive and longitudinal research on police officers’ mental health, focusing on the relationship between occupational factors, individual characteristics and mental health status or...

Characterization of depression subtypes and their relationships to stressor profiles among middle-aged and older adults: An analysis of the canadian longitudinal study on aging (CLSA)

The current diagnostic criteria for depression do not sufficiently reflect its heterogeneous clinical presentations. Associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), allostatic load (AL), and depression subtypes have not been extensively studied. Depression subtypes were determined based on clinical presentations, and their relationships to AL biomarkers and ACEs were elucidated in a sample of middle-aged and older adults. Participants from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging who screened positive for depression were included (n = 3966). Depression subtypes, AL profiles and ACE profiles were determined with latent profile analyses, and associations between them were determined using multinomial logistic regression. Four depression subtypes were identified: positive affect, melancholic, typical, and atypical. Distinct associations between depression subtypes, stressor profiles and covariates were observed. Among the subtypes compared to positive affect, atypical subtype had the most numerous significant associations, and the subtypes had unique relationships to stressor profiles. Age, sex, smoking status, chronic conditions, marital status, and physical activity were significant covariates. The present study describes distinct associations between depression subtypes and measures of stress (objective and self-reported), as well as related factors that differentiate subtypes. The findings may inform more targeted and integrated clinical management strategies for depression in individuals exposed to multiple stressors.

Greater Childhood Adversity and Allostatic Load Biomarkers Among Pediatric Onset vs. Adult Onset Multiple Sclerosis (P5-4.006)

Greater Childhood Adversity and Allostatic Load Biomarkers Among Pediatric Onset vs. Adult Onset Multiple Sclerosis (P5-4.006)

Weight stigma and allostatic load in adults: protocol for a scoping review

IntroductionWeight-related stigma (WS) has been associated with adverse psychosocial and physical health effects. Despite the relationship between WS and allostatic load, there are no integrative reviews of this association. This...

Association Between Perceived Stress and Salivary Biomarkers of Allostatic Load Among Gender Minorities in Chennai: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Transgender individuals in India experience immense psychosocial stressors, stigma, and violence. In response to stress, the body exhibits adaptive responses that necessitate the production of organic chemicals ensuing in the detection of blood serum and saliva.There are currently no laboratory tests that are confirmatory for the diagnosis of stress and facilitate necessary treatment to be carried out in a timely manner. Thus, potential salivary biomarkers could be a helpful tool in overseeing the efficacy of pharmacological treatment prescribed by a psychiatrist. Aim This study aimed to assess the correlation between perceived stress and salivary stress biomarker levels in transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals in Chennai, India. Methodology Twenty-two TGNC individuals and 22 age-matched controls in Chennai were administered the Perceived Stress Scale-10 questionnaire. Following this, their saliva samples were collected using the passive drool technique and subjected to sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique for measuring salivary cortisol, salivary tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and salivary C-reactive protein (CRP). Independent t-test was used to compare salivary stress biomarker levels between the TGNC and age-matched control groups. Pearson's correlation test was done to correlate perceived stress and salivary stress biomarker levels in the TGNC group. Results Significant difference was seen between the TGNC and control groups with respect to salivary cortisol and salivary TNF-alpha levels, with the levels being higher in the TGNC group. A significant positive correlation was seen between perceived stress and salivary cortisol and between perceived stress and salivary TNF-alpha levels. Conclusion There is a significant correlation between perceived stress and salivary biomarkers of stress among TGNC people in Chennai.

Elucidating individual differences in chronic pain and whole person health with allostatic load biomarkers

Chronic pain is a stressor that affects whole person functioning. Persistent and prolonged activation of the body's stress systems without adequate recovery can result in measurable physiological and neurobiological dysregulation recognized as allostatic load. We and others have shown chronic pain is associated with measures of allostatic load including clinical biomarker composites, telomere length, and brain structures. Less is known regarding how different measures of allostatic load align. The purpose of the study was to evaluate relationships among two measures of allostatic load: a clinical composite and pain-related brain structures, pain, function, and socioenvironmental measures. Participants were non-Hispanic black and non-Hispanic white community-dwelling adults between 45 and 85 years old with knee pain. Data were from a brain MRI, questionnaires specific to pain, physical and psychosocial function, and a blood draw. Individuals with all measures for the clinical composite were included in the analysis (n = 175). Indicating higher allostatic load, higher levels of the clinical composite were associated with thinner insula cortices with trends for thinner inferior temporal lobes and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices (DLPFC). Higher allostatic load as measured by the clinical composite was associated with greater knee osteoarthritis pathology, pain disability, and lower physical function. Lower allostatic load as indicated by thicker insula cortices was associated with higher income and education, and greater physical functioning. Thicker insula and DLPFC were associated with a lower chronic pain stage. Multiple linear regression models with pain and socioenvironmental measures as the predictors were significant for the clinical composite, insular, and inferior temporal lobes. We replicate our previously reported bilateral temporal lobe group difference pattern and show that individuals with high chronic pain stage and greater socioenvironmental risk have a higher allostatic load as measured by the clinical composite compared to those individuals with high chronic pain stage and greater socioenvironmental buffers. Although brain structure differences are shown in individuals with chronic pain, brain MRIs are not yet clinically applicable. Our findings suggest that a clinical composite measure of allostatic load may help identify individuals with chronic pain who have biological vulnerabilities which increase the risk for poor health outcomes.

Predictors of Psychological Strain and Allostatic Load in Teachers: Examining the Long-Term Effects of Biopsychosocial Risk and Protective Factors Using a LASSO Regression Approach.

Teacher stress significantly challenges teachers' health, teaching quality, and students' motivation and achievement. Thus, it is crucial to identify factors that effectively prevent it. Using a LASSO regression approach, we examined which factors predict teachers' psychological strain and allostatic load over two years. The study included 42 teachers (28 female, Mage = 39.66, SD = 11.99) and three measurement time points: At baseline, we assessed teachers' (a) self-reports (i.e., on personality, coping styles, and psychological strain), (b) behavioral data (i.e., videotaped lessons), and (c) allostatic load (i.e., body mass index, blood pressure, and hair cortisol concentration). At 1- and 2-year follow-ups, psychological strain and allostatic load biomarkers were reassessed. Neuroticism and perceived student disruptions at baseline emerged as the most significant risk factors regarding teachers' psychological strain two years later, while a positive core self-evaluation was the most important protective factor. Perceived support from other teachers and the school administration as well as adaptive coping styles were protective factors against allostatic load after two years. The findings suggest that teachers' psychological strain and allostatic load do not primarily originate from objective classroom conditions but are attributable to teachers' idiosyncratic perception of this environment through the lens of personality and coping strategies.

Allostatic Load and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes

ABSTRACT Approximately one-fourth of pregnancies experience adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs), preterm birth, stillbirth, and small-for-gestational age (SGA) neonates. Although an uncertain pathophysiology leading to these outcomes of pregnancy is understood, a major contributing factor may be cumulative stress. Chronic wear and tear on the adaptive system of the body, as well as chronic stress exposure, can be assessed via allostatic load. Chronic stress hailing from circumstances such as food or housing insecurity, racism, unemployment, or a combination of these may contribute to the racial and ethnic disparities observed in pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to assess the relationship between the allostatic load and adverse pregnancy outcomes, while hypothesizing that higher odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes are directly associated with higher allostatic loads. Second, the authors hypothesized that a significant portion of racial and ethnic disparities in adverse pregnancy outcomes will be accounted for with high allostatic loads. The primary outcome was a composite adverse pregnancy outcome: HDPs, SGA, preterm birth, and stillbirth. Between October 2010 and September 2013, the nuMoM2b study (Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-Be) enrolled 10,038 nulliparous individuals with singleton pregnancies. Eligible individuals were nulliparous, had a viable single gestation with an estimated gestational age of 60/7 and 136/7 weeks, and intended delivery at a participating clinical site. Exclusionary criteria were as follows: unable to provide informed consent, age younger than 13 years, planned termination of pregnancy, 3 or more prior pregnancy losses, fetal malformations or aneuploidy upon enrollment, or having a donor ovum pregnancy. Included within the study were 3 study visits during pregnancy and a final visit at delivery. Baseline clinical assessments, standardized questionnaires by trained chart abstracts, and medical record abstraction were used to ascertain maternal characteristics. Assessment of urine and serum collected between 6 and 14 weeks granted insight into allostatic load biomarkers. A total of 4266 pregnant individuals were included in the primary analysis, with high allostatic load being identified in 35% of the population (≥4 biomarkers in the worst quartile). Some 1171 individuals (27.5%) were identified to have adverse pregnancy outcomes: 386 preterm births (8.6%), 586 HDPs (14.0%), 12 stillbirths (0.3%), and 449 SGA neonates (11%). Adverse pregnancy outcomes occurred in the following numbers: 1 adverse outcome for 967 individuals, 2 for 165, 3 for 38, and 1 for all 4. High allostatic load held significant association with composite adverse pregnancy outcome, whereas HDPs differed by self-reported race. After adjustment for maternal age, gravidity, smoking, bleeding in the first trimester, and health insurance, high allostatic load was associated with the composite adverse pregnancy outcome (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3–1.7) and hypertensive disorders (aOR, 2.5; 95% CI, 2.0–2.9), but not preterm birth or SGA. High allostatic load only partially mediated the association between self-reported race and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The association between allostatic load and hypertensive disorders differed by self-reported race, but it did not differ for the composite adverse pregnancy outcome, preterm birth, or SGA. Limitations of the study included the small number of stillbirths. Furthermore, the study used the 10-factor allostatic load index and did not assess additional cardiovascular and metabolic indicators in the broader allostatic load index. In addition, the cohort only included nulliparous individuals with tertiary care center access, which is not necessarily generalizable to other populations. Strengths of the study included its use of a large, well-characterized prospective cohort, as well as equal weighing of allostatic load biomarkers and a study population that was racially, ethnically, and geographically diverse. In conclusion, the study indicates that early-pregnancy high allostatic loads are associated with subsequent adverse pregnancy outcomes (HDPs in particular). Allostatic load was also a partial mediator between adverse pregnancy outcomes and race. Further evaluation of components of chronic stress and allostatic load as potentially modifiable risk factors is supported by these findings as a means of improving pregnancy outcomes via these potentially modifiable risk factors.

Sow's pre- and post-delivery in different confinement systems evaluated by hair hormones concentrations

Several matrices are available to detect the concentrations of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) as markers of allostatic load and resilience but most of them provide a measurement of the concentration at a single-time point or within a 12– 24 h period and are subjected to daily fluctuations; conversely, keratinized derivatives, as hair is, provide a measure of the hormonal concentrations over medium- and long-term periods, appearing unaffected by circadian changes or by factors inducing short-term variations. Aim of this study was to evaluate hair cortisol (HC), hair DHEA (HDHEA) and their ratio (HC/HDHEA ratio) as biomarkers of allostatic load and resilience in sows around farrowing, in relation to four different models of farrowing crates, and in relation to different batches by a non-invasive sampling. The study has been conducted on 296 pregnant sows managed in a batch farrowing system from February to June. Sows were kept in multiple pens of 10–15 sows until 5 days before farrowing, then were randomly divided in 4 different models of farrowing crates. The hair samples were taken by shaving for the first time (ST1) 2.6 ± 1.6 days before the expected delivery date and for the second time (ST2) 88.9 ± 3.3 days after parturition. The environmental temperature and the relative humidity data were recorded and used to calculate the Temperature Humidity Index (THI). HC and HDHEA were determined using a solid-phase microtiter radioimmunoassay (RIA) while HC/HDHEA ratio has been calculated. No differences in terms of hair steroids concentration were found between the four models of farrowing crates and the sampling times (P > 0.05). The interaction between batch and sampling time has been significant for all the biomarkers considered (HC (P < 0.01), HDHEA (P < 0.05) and their ratio (P < 0.01)). During the pregnancy period in collective pens (ST1) HC/HDHEA ratios were never lower (with an exclusion of February) than those in the following characterized by the early postpartum and lactation in individual crates (ST2). It seems that an aggregate effect of different stressors acts on the sows exhausting their ability to cope with adverse events; it should be further investigated the influence of the social interaction in collective pens that cyclically re-occurs in the standard swine production system.

Indicators of functional integrity in production animals

An ability to describe the quality of lived experience across the course of an animal’s life is of increasing interest in studies on wellbeing in farm animals. Integrity of physical functions is an important aspect of the tripartite model of wellbeing: feeling, functioning and interacting well. This review examines measures of functional integrity as potential indicators of functional (eudaimonic) wellbeing. Copious literature shows that coping with day-to-day fluctuations in the environment influences (1) periodicity of biorhythms, (2) allocation of resources to growth, defence and repair, and (3) rate of biological aging. Here we review opportunities for assessing functional integrity through analysis of (1) the dynamic status of physiological and behavioural variables, (2) the accretion of resources in production tissues (milk, eggs, body mass, offspring) and physical structures (fibre, hoof, bone, tooth, placoid scale, otolith, beak), and (3) biological age. A reduction in periodicity of biorhythms, complexity of behaviours, or uniformity of trajectories of growth and production is often associated with poorer current and future health outcomes and shorter functional longevity. These analytical approaches are grounded in statistical measures of stability in complex dynamic systems. Additionally, the cumulative effect of wear and tear on biological age can be assessed via telomere length, DNA methylation, biomarkers of allostatic load, hair cortisol, and physiological functional capacity. Timeseries of behaviour, physiology and accretion provide a richer record of functional integrity than do cumulative indicators of biological age. Indicators of integrity are needed for each phase of the animal’s life course including attainment of developmental competencies, stability of mature performance, and rate of decline with advancing age, to provide a comprehensive record across the whole of the animal’s life. The utility of measures may differ between real-time and retrospective assessments and between application to every individual versus sentinels. Further validation is required for interpretating measures of functional integrity as indicators of the functional aspect of wellbeing, together with determining their practicality and reliability before translation to commercial settings is feasible. A single type of indicator of functional wellbeing (e.g. DNA methylation) is unlikely to have utility for all life stages, species, production systems, and environments.

Allostatic load in patients with diabetic retinopathy

This study investigates the allostatic load in patients with diabetic retinopathy and attempts to identify the biomarkers that determine it to the fullest extent. Allostatic load was studied in 78 elderly patients with diabetic retinopathy and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and in 62 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without diabetic retinopathy. Allostatic load was evaluated by analyzing systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, albumins, C-reactive protein, homocysteine in the blood and glomerular filtration rate. It was found that in patients with diabetic retinopathy the most pronounced and statistically significant excess was in the content of glycated hemoglobin in the blood up to 10.2% versus 7.4%, and homocysteine up to 15.5 mmol/L versus 7.9 mmol/L compared to patients with diabetes mellitus without diabetic retinopathy, respectively. The value of the allostatic index was significantly higher in patients with diabetic retinopathy, amounting to 4.6±0.4 points, versus 2.9±0.3 points in patients with diabetes mellitus without the studied ophthalmic pathology (p<0.001). Factor analysis made it possible to identify biomarkers of allostatic load in patients with diabetic retinopathy - glycated hemoglobin, homocysteine, triglycerides and albumins. The identified biomarkers can be used for assessing the viability and the effectiveness of rehabilitation measures carried out in patients with diabetic retinopathy.

Biomarkers of Allostatic Load in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy occupies a special place among the causes of the progression of decrease and loss of visual acuity, significantly impairing the quality of life and age-related viability, an integral indicator that is considered allostatic load. However, the allostatic load in patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy, as well as in other ophthalmological diseases, has not been practically studied and biomarkers characterizing the allostatic load of patients with diabetic retinopathy remain unknown.Purpose. To study of allostatic load in patients with diabetic retinopathy and the identification of biomarkers that most determine it.Patients and methods. Allostatic load was studied in 78 elderly patients with diabetic retinopathy and in 62 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without diabetic retinopathy. Allostatic load was analyzed according to systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, albumins, C-reactive protein, homocysteine in the blood and glomerular filtration rate.Results. The most pronounced and statistically significant excess in patients with diabetic retinopathy compared with patients with diabetes mellitus without diabetic retinopathy was found to be the content of glycated hemoglobin in the blood up to 10.2 % versus 7.4 % and homocysteine up to 15.5 mmol/l versus 7.9 mmol/l, respectively. The value of the allostatic index was significantly higher in patients with diabetic retinopathy, amounting to 4.6 ± 0.4 points, versus 2.9 ± 0.3 points in patients with diabetes mellitus without ophthalmopathology under consideration (p &lt; 0.001). Factor analysis made it possible to identify biomarkers of allostatic load in patients with diabetic retinopathy — glycated hemoglobin, homocysteine, triglycerides and albumins.Conclusion. These biomarkers are proposed to be used in assessing the age-related viability and effectiveness of rehabilitation measures carried out among patients with diabetic retinopathy.

The energetic cost of allostasis and allostatic load

Chronic psychosocial stress increases disease risk and mortality, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. Here we outline an energy-based model for the transduction of chronic stress into disease over time. The energetic model of allostatic load (EMAL) emphasizes the energetic cost of allostasis and allostatic load, where the “load” is the additional energetic burden required to support allostasis and stress-induced energy needs. Living organisms have a limited capacity to consume energy. Overconsumption of energy by allostatic brain-body processes leads to hypermetabolism, defined as excess energy expenditure above the organism’s optimum. In turn, hypermetabolism accelerates physiological decline in cells, laboratory animals, and humans, and may drive biological aging. Therefore, we propose that the transition from adaptive allostasis to maladaptive allostatic states, allostatic load, and allostatic overload arises when the added energetic cost of stress competes with longevity-promoting growth, maintenance, and repair. Mechanistically, the energetic restriction of growth, maintenance and repair processes leads to the progressive wear-and-tear of molecular and organ systems. The proposed model makes testable predictions around the physiological, cellular, and sub-cellular energetic mechanisms that transduce chronic stress into disease risk and mortality. We also highlight new avenues to quantify allostatic load and its link to health across the lifespan, via the integration of systemic and cellular energy expenditure measurements together with classic allostatic load biomarkers.

Allostatic load in patients with breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. However, the allostatic load in breast cancer patients has not been sufficiently studied. Objective: to study the allostatic load in middle-aged and elderly patients with breast cancer. Material and methods. The study included 65 middle-aged and 60 elderly patients with histologically confirmed breast cancer and 45 people aged 60-74 years, who had no breast cancer. The allostatic load was studied in these three groups according to the level: systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high and low density lipoproteins, glucose, albumins and waist circumference. Results. The allostatic load score was significantly higher in elderly breast cancer patients than in middle-aged breast cancer patients (4.3 ± 0.3 points versus 2.9 ± 0.2 points, p&lt;0.01). In addition, the allostatic load score in the middle-aged patients with breast cancer was significantly higher (2.7 ± 0.2 points) than in people of the same age, who had no breast cancer (1.6 ± 0.1 points). In elderly patients, the allostatic load score was also significantly higher in patients with breast cancer than in people without breast cancer (4.3 ± 0.3 points and 2.9 ± 0.2 points, respectively; p&lt;0.001). Significant differences in the allostatic load parameters, such as the levels of total cholesterol (5.8 ± 1.3 mmol/l versus 4.0 ± 0.8 mmol/l), and albumin (45.1 ± 7.4 % versus 61.4 ± 7.6 %) were found between breast cancer patients aged 60-74 years and people of an identical age, who had no breast cancer. statistically significant differences in allostatic load biomarkers, such as systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, blood levels of triglycerides and glucose, and waist circumference were found between elderly patients with breast cancer and age controls (without breast cancer). The content of triglycerides in the blood of patients aged 60-74 years with breast cancer was 1.8 times higher than that in patients of the same age with no breast cancer (p&lt;0.001). The blood glucose level was significantly higher in patients with breast cancer than in the age controls (5.8 ± 1.2 g/l versus 4.4 ± 1.1 g/l, p&lt;0.01). Conclusion. The allostatic load and its variables should be used as biomarkers of increased risk of breast cancer.

Work Time Control and Allostatic Load Biomarkers: Differences Between and Within Genders

Work Time Control and Allostatic Load Biomarkers: Differences Between and Within Genders

Lived experience and allostatic load among transmasculine people living in the United States

BackgroundTransgender and gender diverse people face significant stigma that can adversely affect their physical and mental health. However, the psychobiological link between lived experience and health has been underexplored in this population. We thus examine perceived distress, mental health, and physiological ‘wear and tear’ by indexing allostatic load (AL) and assess associations with a range of contextual and experiential factors from transmasculine people living in the United States. MethodsSixty-five people who identified as transgender men or along a transmasculine spectrum, living in Massachusetts, Vermont, and Rhode Island participated in The Transition Experience Study (age: M=31.8, range 18–55), which examines lived experience of social and medical transition and embodied gender minority/marginalization stress among a sample of transmasculine people. Based on in-depth in-person interview and survey data and inspired by an ecological systems model, we created indices representing (1) perceived progressive geopolitical climate; (2) socio-demographic advantage; (3) social support and resources; (4) gender minority and marginalization stressors; and (5) health behaviors. The Perceived Stress Scale and psychological symptoms (depression, anxiety, insomnia) were also assessed. AL indexed 10 neuroendocrine, immune, cardiovascular, and metabolic biomarkers. ResultsRegressions revealed that perceived stress and psychological symptoms were negatively correlated with progressive geopolitical climate (respectively B=−1.47, p = 0.19; B=−.77, p < .001) and positively correlated with gender minority and marginalization stressors (respectively B=1.51, p < .001; B =.38, p = .005). AL was negatively associated with perceived progressive geopolitical climate (B=−.55, p = .007) and socio-demographic advantage (B=−3.2, p = .001). DiscussionsThese findings underline the importance of assessing geopolitical context and indexing lived experiences and life domains along with biomarker sampling. Together, these enable the identification of psychobiological pathways to better nuance multi-level contributors to health and well-being and understand embodied inequalities. These analyses of embodied stigma inclusive of AL biomarkers thus provide a model to further research centering transgender people’s health from youth through old age.

Association between bedroom light exposure at night and allostatic load among Chinese young adults

Light at night (LAN) has received increasing attention for its potential health hazards to human and animals. However, to our knowledge, no study has explored the specific effects of bedroom nighttime light exposure on allostatic load (AL). To investigate the association between bedroom individual-level LAN exposure and AL among young adults, an integrative index manifests multiple system dysregulation. Using data from a cohort of 484 Chinese young adults aged 16–22 years. Bedroom light was objectively recorded at 1-min intervals for two nights using a portable illuminance meter. Fasting blood samples were collected at one-year follow-up for the detection of AL parameters. AL score was derived as sum of the top quartile of twelve physiological biomarkers in four systems: metabolic system (BMI, WC, TC, HDL, LDL, TG, HbA1c, INS, GLU); cardiovascular system (SBP, DBP); immune and inflammatory systems (hs-CRP), with HDL was lowest quartile. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between LAN intensity with AL score and separate AL parameters. The average age of subjects was 18.7 years, 64.3% were female. The mean AL score of LAN group (average LAN intensity ≥ 3lx) was significantly higher than Dim group (3.6 ± 2.6 vs. 2.7 ± 2.1; P = 0.007). For each 1 lx increase of LAN intensity was associated with 0.15-unit increase in AL score (95% CI: 0.06, 0.24; P = 0.001). Moreover, LAN group was associated with increased 1.01-unit in AL score (95% CI: 0.36–1.66; P = 0.003) compared to Dim group. Significant associations between bedroom LAN exposure with allostatic load and separate AL biomarkers were observed in our study. Keeping bedroom darkness at night may be a practicable option to reduce the wear of multiple body systems and improve human cardiometabolic health from early in life.

Work Schedule Control and Allostatic Load Biomarkers: Disparities Between and Within Gender

Work Schedule Control and Allostatic Load Biomarkers: Disparities Between and Within Gender