Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 23, 2026
05:48
Autonomic Function Following Concussion in Youth Athletes: An Exploration of Heart Rate Variability Using 24-hour Recording Methodology
Published on: September 21, 2018
10.5K
Linking allostatic load, heart rate variability and brain functional networks and structures in healthy men
Juan M Solano-Atehortua1, Gabriel Castrillón2, Jazmin X Suarez-Revelo3
1Physiology and Biochemistry Research Group (PHYSIS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia, Calle 70 No. 52-2, Medellín, Colombia; Neuromuscular Disease Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia, Calle 70 No. 52-2, Medellín, Colombia.
Psychoneuroendocrinology
|January 21, 2026
Summary
Chronic stress, measured by the Allostatic Load Index (ALI), is linked to reduced heart rate variability (HRV) in healthy men. Brain structure and function may influence this relationship, but further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Neuroscience
- Cardiology
Background:
- Allostatic Load Index (ALI) quantifies chronic stress's physiological burden.
- The relationship between ALI, heart rate variability (HRV), and potential brain moderation in healthy individuals remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between ALI and HRV in healthy men.
- To explore the moderating role of brain functional connectivity and structure on the ALI-HRV relationship.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 88 healthy men (21-40 years).
- Calculated ALI using four and seven biomarkers (ALI-4, ALI-7) via quartile-based risk summation.
- Assessed HRV from 24-hour Holter recordings.
- Utilized neuroimaging (MRI) for functional and structural metrics.
- Employed multiple linear regression and exploratory interaction models.
Main Results:
- ALI-7 showed a positive association with the LF/HF ratio, an indicator of sympathetic-vagal imbalance (β = 0.09, p=0.004).
- Exploratory analyses indicated potential moderation of ALI-7's association with SDNN by default mode network functional connectivity and salience network cortical thickness, though not significant after correction.
Conclusions:
- Higher ALI is associated with reduced HRV (higher LF/HF ratio) in healthy men.
- Further investigation in larger, diverse populations is required to confirm findings and clarify brain moderation effects.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Regulation of Heart Rates
3.8K
The regulation of heart rate is a complex process controlled by the autonomic nervous system (ANS), hormonal influences, and intrinsic cardiac mechanisms. The ANS has two main components: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).
The SNS increases heart rate through the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine, which act on beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart. This action increases the rate of depolarization in the sinoatrial (SA) node, the heart's...
The SNS increases heart rate through the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine, which act on beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart. This action increases the rate of depolarization in the sinoatrial (SA) node, the heart's...
3.8K
01:30Factors Influencing Heart Rate
6.2K
The heart rate, or pulse rate, is a vital indicator of cardiovascular health. It reflects the number of times the heart beats per minute. Various physiological and environmental factors influence heart rate, increasing or decreasing cardiac output. Understanding these factors is crucial for assessing heart function and identifying potential health issues.
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...
6.2K
01:28Internal Loadings in Structural Members: Problem Solving
1.7K
When designing or analyzing a structural member, it is important to consider the internal loadings developed within the member. These internal loadings include normal force, shear force, and bending moment. Engineers can ensure that the structural member can support the applied external forces by calculating these internal loadings.
To illustrate this, let's consider a beam OC of 5 kN, inclined at an angle of 53.13° with the horizontal and supported at both ends. Determine the internal...
To illustrate this, let's consider a beam OC of 5 kN, inclined at an angle of 53.13° with the horizontal and supported at both ends. Determine the internal...
1.7K
01:56Structural Protein Function
29.8K
Structural proteins are a category of proteins responsible for functions ranging from cell shape and movement to providing support to major structures such as bones, cartilage, hair, and muscles. This group includes proteins such as collagen, actin, myosin, and keratin.
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to...
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to...
29.8K
01:25Network Function of a Circuit
661
Frequency response analysis in electrical circuits provides vital insights into a circuit's behavior as the frequency of the input signal changes. The transfer function, a mathematical tool, is instrumental in understanding this behavior. It defines the relationship between phasor output and input and comes in four types: voltage gain, current gain, transfer impedance, and transfer admittance. The critical components of the transfer function are the poles and zeros.
661
02:04Covalently Linked Protein Regulators
8.8K
Proteins can undergo many types of post-translational modifications, often in response to changes in their environment. These modifications play an important role in the function and stability of these proteins. Covalently linked molecules include functional groups, such as methyl, acetyl, and phosphate groups, and also small proteins, such as ubiquitin. There are around 200 different types of covalent regulators that have been identified.
These groups modify specific amino acids in a protein....
These groups modify specific amino acids in a protein....
8.8K