Welcome to part 7 of the ODX Stress Biomarkers Series. In this post, the ODX Research team the major biomarkers and patterns associated with stress, including those reflecting acute and chronic stress, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
A biomarker reflects underlying physiology and reflects either homeostasis or dysfunction. Blood chemistry biomarkers that reflect HPA axis activity and the physiological stress response include cortisol and DHEA/DHEA-S, corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), anti-diuretic hormone (also known as vasopressin or arginine vasopressin), epinephrine, norepinephrine, and aldosterone. Prolonged stress can also prolong disruption to the HPA axis and promote metabolic and cardiovascular consequences.[1]
Examples of the association between biomarker changes and stress include: [2]
Ultimately, stress manifests as an increase in blood glucose, blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac contractility, and pupil dilation, and a decrease in gastrointestinal function. Prolongation of this sympathetic nervous system activation can become detrimental and damage tissues and organs.[3]
The stress response is characterized by measurable biochemical changes including:[4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11]
Recognition of the patterns associated with acute or chronic stress may help address which phase of the stress response an individual is experiencing. Note the biomarker shifts as one transitions from acute to chronic stress:
The biochemical changes associated with stress clearly reflect the body’s shift into fight or flight mode and the mobilization of resources to fuel this response. It is important to resolve the changes that take place during acute stress and support the changes that can occur with prolonged stress and exhaustion Healthy lifestyle changes can factor into both stages.
[1] Burford, Natalie G et al. “Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Modulation of Glucocorticoids in the Cardiovascular System.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 18,10 2150. 16 Oct. 2017, doi:10.3390/ijms18102150
[2] Nater, Urs M et al. “Biomarkers of stress in behavioural medicine.” Current opinion in psychiatry vol. 26,5 (2013): 440-5. doi:10.1097/YCO.0b013e328363b4ed
[3] Piazza, Jennifer R et al. “Frontiers in the use of biomarkers of health in research on stress and aging.” The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences vol. 65,5 (2010): 513-25. doi:10.1093/geronb/gbq049
[4] Dhama, Kuldeep et al. “Biomarkers in Stress Related Diseases/Disorders: Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Values.” Frontiers in molecular biosciences vol. 6 91. 18 Oct. 2019, doi:10.3389/fmolb.2019.00091
[5] Pagana, Kathleen Deska; Pagana, Timothy J.; Pagana, Theresa N. Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference. Elsevier Health Sciences. 2019.
[6] Singh, K. "Nutrient and stress management." J Nutr Food Sci 6.4 (2016): 528.
[7] Noland, Diana, Jeanne A. Drisko, and Leigh Wagner, eds. Integrative and functional medical nutrition therapy: principles and practices. Springer Nature, 2020.
[8] Ranabir, Salam, and K Reetu. “Stress and hormones.” Indian journal of endocrinology and metabolism vol. 15,1 (2011): 18-22. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.77573
[9] Vita, Roberto et al. “Stress triggers the onset and the recurrences of hyperthyroidism in patients with Graves' disease.” Endocrine vol. 48,1 (2015): 254-63. doi:10.1007/s12020-014-0289-8
[10] Wardle, Jon, and Jerome Sarris. Clinical naturopathy: an evidence-based guide to practice. Elsevier Health Sciences, 2019. 3rd edition.
[11] Noushad, Shamoon et al. “Physiological biomarkers of chronic stress: A systematic review.” International journal of health sciences vol. 15,5 (2021): 46-59.