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Chronic stress and its biological effects: The role of social inequalities as the main cause of chronic stress in causing premature aging and cellular senescence
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Mohammad-Reza Vaez-Mahdavi   , Leila Nasiri |
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Abstract: (233 Views) |
| Introduction: Aging involves a decline in a range of functional abilities and phenotypes, many of which are also associated with socioeconomic status (SES). These associations are underpinned by biological processes such as chronic allostatic load sustained inflammation and lifestyle factors. SES is a major determinant of health, with people of lower SES being at increased risk of premature mortality. The different socioeconomic conditions, the feeling of inequality and, the lack of justice and instability in the social situation create a level of sustainable chronic stress in the body. In the majority of societies, the life expectancy and well-being of the impoverished are lower than those of the prosperous. According to the available research, poverty is a chronic social stressor that activates the body's chronic stress-related mechanisms and has long-term effects on tissues and organs, including the HPA axis (through disruptions in the levels of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone secretion and the cortisol escape phenomenon) and inflammatory system (through impaired CRP, IL-6, and other immune modulators). These effects cause long-term harm to the body's biological systems, which can result in health disorders, increased illness, heightened susceptibility to infections, cell proliferation disorders and tumors, and ultimately a reduction in life expectancy. Recent research indicates that injustice is more lethal than the majority of known dangerous illnesses. The majority of studies have identified poverty's effect on health as "reduced access". This means that malnutrition, lack of access to health facilities, illiteracy, and low culture, as well as a summary of the negative social factors created by poverty and deprivation, cause more illness or lack of necessary care and treatment, and are detrimental to the health of the poor. There is consistent and strong empirical evidence for social inequalities in health, as a vast and fast-growing literature shows. These results have recently pushed health equity up the international research and policy agendas. |
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| Keywords: Social inequities, Chronic stress, Poverty, Cellular senescence, Premature aging |
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Full-Text [PDF 255 kb]
(32 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
General
Received: 2024/02/24 | Accepted: 2023/08/10 | Published: 2023/08/10
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