Complexity and network dynamics in physiological adaptation: An integrated view
View/ Open
Published Version
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.04.018Metadata
Show full item recordCitation
Baffy, György, and Joseph Loscalzo. 2014. “Complexity and Network Dynamics in Physiological Adaptation: An Integrated View.” Physiology & Behavior 131 (May): 49–56. doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.04.018.Abstract
Living organisms constantly interact with their surroundings and sustain internal stability against perturbations. This dynamic process follows three fundamental strategies (restore, explore, and abandon) articulated in historical concepts of physiological adaptation such as homeostasis, allostasis, and the general adaptation syndrome. These strategies correspond to elementary forms of behavior (ordered, chaotic, and static) in complex adaptive systems and invite a network-based analysis of the operational characteristics, allowing us to propose an integrated framework of physiological adaptation from a complex network perspective. Applicability of this concept is illustrated by analyzing molecular and cellular mechanisms of adaptation in response to the pervasive challenge of obesity, a chronic condition resulting from sustained nutrient excess that prompts chaotic exploration for system stability associated with tradeoffs and a risk of adverse outcomes such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Deconstruction of this complexity holds the promise of gaining novel insights into physiological adaptation in health and disease.Terms of Use
This article is made available under the terms and conditions applicable to Other Posted Material, as set forth at http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:dash.current.terms-of-use#LAACitable link to this page
http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:34864845
Collections
- HMS Scholarly Articles [17918]
Contact administrator regarding this item (to report mistakes or request changes)