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Molecular mechanism underlying stress response and adaptation
Joshua Ayodele Yusuf1, Stephen Tunmise Akanbi2, Darasimi Racheal Olorunlowu3
1Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Division, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria; Neuroscience Unit, Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Progress in Brain Research
|April 13, 2025
Summary
Stress significantly impacts health by activating the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) and Sympathetic-Adrenal-Medullary (SAM) axes. Chronic stress leads to allostatic load, affecting multiple body systems and necessitating research into new therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Psychology
Background:
- Stress profoundly affects mental and physical well-being, contributing to anxiety and cardiovascular issues.
- Physiological stress responses involve the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) and Sympathetic-Adrenal-Medullary (SAM) axes, regulated by the autonomic nervous system.
- Glucocorticoid system dysregulation is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying stress responses.
- To investigate the role of cellular pathways and epigenetic modifications in stress.
- To review current and emerging therapeutic interventions for stress-related conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on stress physiology and molecular pathways.
- Analysis of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) and Sympathetic-Adrenal-Medullary (SAM) axes.
- Examination of cellular pathways (e.g., PI3K/Akt, NF-κB) and epigenetic factors.
Main Results:
- Stress activates the HPA and SAM axes, influencing homeostasis through glucocorticoid regulation.
- Cellular pathways and epigenetic changes mediate long-term stress effects on gene expression.
- Allostatic load from chronic stress detrimentally impacts immune, endocrine, and nervous systems.
Conclusions:
- Understanding stress mechanisms is crucial for addressing associated health conditions.
- Therapeutic targets include cellular pathways, epigenetic modifications, and stress-response systems.
- Future treatments may involve psychobiotics and precision medicine for effective stress management.
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