Allostatic Load Is Linked to Cortical Thickness Changes Depending on Body-Weight Status

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Endocrinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Overweight and stress are independently linked to health issues, cognitive decline, and brain atrophy.
• The allostatic load model provides a framework for understanding the cumulative impact of chronic stress on the body.
• The relationship between allostatic load and brain integrity, especially in overweight individuals, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between allostatic load and cortical thickness in healthy overweight-to-obese and lean adults.
• To explore how body weight status modifies the relationship between allostatic load and brain structure.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-four overweight-to-obese and 29 lean adults participated.
• Participants underwent blood testing, neuropsychological assessments, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Allostatic load was calculated using an index of 15 biomarkers including blood pressure, glucose, lipids, inflammatory markers, and hormones.

Main Results:

• Allostatic load index showed significant correlations with cortical thickness across various brain regions.
• These correlations varied depending on body weight status, with both positive and negative associations observed (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

• Increased allostatic load is associated with alterations in gray matter composition.
• These brain changes occur in regions critical for behavior, sensory-reward processing, and cognitive function.
• Findings highlight the interconnectedness of metabolic health, stress, and brain integrity.