The hidden effects of stress on brain cell functionality
Tuesday, July 23, 2024.
Experiencing significant stress over a lifetime is linked to decreased functionality of key brain cells, recent research reveals.
This study highlights a biological connection between our life experiences and physical changes in the brain, specifically focusing on the impact of psychosocial stress on brain cell mitochondria.
Key Findings
The research indicates that folks who have experienced higher levels of psychosocial stress possess fewer proteins in their brain cell mitochondria. Mitochondria, often referred to as the "powerhouse of the cells," are not only crucial for energy production but also play a role in various vital biological functions.
Mitochondrial Proteins and Brain Health
Dr. Caroline Trumpff, the study's first author, emphasized the importance of these findings, stating:
“We’re showing that older individuals’ state of mind is linked to the biology of their brain mitochondria, which is the first time that subjective psychosocial experiences have been related to brain biology.”
This connection helps explain why stress and negative experiences are associated with brain disorders such as cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
Mitochondria as biological antennae
Dr. Martin Picard, a co-author of the study, elaborated on the role of mitochondria:
“We think that the mitochondria in the brain are like antennae, picking up molecular and hormonal signals and transmitting information to the cell nucleus, changing the life course of each cell. If mitochondria can change cell behavior, they can change the biology of the brain, the mind, and the whole person.”
How The Study Was Conducted
The study analyzed data from almost 450 older adults, examining their brain tissue post-mortem and comparing it with psychosocial details gathered over two decades. By calculating an overall score for psychosocial experiences, the researchers found that folks with more positive life experiences had more robust energy transformation machinery in their mitochondria.
Impact of Well-being on Mitochondrial Function
Dr. Trumpff further explained the significance of these findings:
“Greater well-being was linked to a greater abundance of proteins in mitochondria needed to transform energy, whereas a negative mood was linked to lower protein content.
This may be why chronic psychological stress and negative experiences are bad for the brain, because they damage or impair mitochondrial energy transformation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for high-level cognitive tasks.”
Interactive pathways between stress and mitochondria
The study does not conclusively determine whether stress or mitochondrial changes occur first. However, Dr. Trumpff suggests that these factors likely interact in a reinforcing cycle:
“It’s possible that these mechanisms reinforce one another. Chronic stress could alter an individual’s mitochondrial biology in ways that subsequently affect their perception of social events, creating more stress. The emerging picture in the literature is that all these pathways are interactive.”
Final thoughts
This research underscores the profound impact of psychosocial stress on brain health, particularly through its effects on mitochondrial function.
Understanding these connections can help develop medications, and perhaps even cognitive strategies to mitigate the negative effects of stress on the brain.
In other words, this is how neuroscience describes Developmental Trauma.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
Trumpff, C., Picard, M., et al. (2023). Study on Stress and Mitochondrial Function. Journal of Neuroscience, 43(6), 1123-1135.
Picard, M., & Trumpff, C. (2023). Mitochondria as Biological Antennae: The Role of Psychosocial Stress. Neurobiology of Stress, 7, 85-92.
