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Biochemical markers of stress: how the body responds to stress
Stress is the body's natural response to external or internal stimuli. In the short term, it can be beneficial, mobilizing resources to overcome difficulties. However, chronic stress negatively affects health, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and immune disorders. Modern laboratory diagnostics allow you to assess the level of stress in the body using biochemical markers.
Main biochemical markers of stress
Cortisol
Cortisol is the main stress hormone, synthesized by the adrenal glands. Its level increases in response to physical or emotional stress. In the short term, it helps the body adapt by increasing glucose concentration and activating energy resources. Chronically elevated cortisol, on the other hand, leads to obesity, insulin resistance and depletion of the immune system.
Adrenaline and noradrenaline
Catecholamines are another important indicator of the stress response. They are released almost instantly and are responsible for increasing blood pressure, increasing heart rate, and mobilizing muscles. Analyzing the levels of these hormones in the blood or urine allows us to assess the degree of activation of the sympathetic nervous system.
Salivary alpha-amylase
This enzyme is often used as a non-invasive marker of stress. Its levels in saliva increase when the sympathetic nervous system is activated, making it useful for quick and simple tests.
Prolactin
The hormone, which is usually associated with lactation, also responds to stress factors. Its increase is observed during emotional or physical stress.
Immunological markers
Chronic stress affects immunity. Decreased salivary immunoglobulin A levels and changes in cytokine profiles (e.g., increased IL-6, TNF-α) are also considered biomarkers of stress.
How stress marker tests are performed
Tests can be performed using blood, saliva, or urine. The most common stress test is a cortisol test, which can be measured in the morning and evening, as its levels change throughout the day. Additionally, non-invasive saliva collection methods are used, which is convenient for dynamic monitoring.
Main biochemical markers of stress
| Marker | Biological material | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Cortisol | Blood, saliva | The main stress hormone, reflects the level of stress |
| Adrenaline, noradrenaline | Blood, urine | Show activation of the sympathetic nervous system |
| Alpha-amylase | Saliva | Rapid marker of acute stress |
| Prolactin | Blood | Increases with emotional stress |
| Immunoglobulin A, cytokines | Saliva, blood | Show immune changes in chronic stress |
The practical importance of identifying stress markers
Measuring biochemical parameters helps to assess how much stress affects the body. This is useful in sports medicine, psychology, endocrinology and cardiology. For patients with chronic diseases, determining stress markers can be important in choosing therapy and preventing complications.
Biochemical markers of stress are a tool that allows you to objectively assess the state of the body under emotional or physical stress. Timely diagnosis helps prevent the development of serious diseases and find the optimal approach to reducing stress levels through lifestyle changes, psychological support, or drug therapy.
