Quest for Biomarkers of Positive Health: A Review

Abstract

The positive health of a person can be defined as the ability to live long in good health, possibly with no activity limitation. No method is yet available for its objective assessment in individuals, and we propose a framework in this communication that can operationalize this concept. Instead of distal factors, such as diet and lifestyle because these are subjective and difficult to measure, we concentrate on the objectively measurable biomarkers such as immunity level, endorphins, and handgrip strength. The focus is on the major parameters that may protect from diseases and infirmity and can be assessed by noninvasive methods. A combination of such parameters may signify positive health. This may be a novel way to measure positive health at the individual level. In this communication, we briefly review the literature and identify a few major biomarkers that provide a protective shield and could determine the status of positive health at the individual level. This exercise demonstrates that the assessment of the positive health of a person is feasible. A scale based on these and other relevant parameters can be developed later that could quantitatively measure the exact level of positive health. As the exact combination of the parameters that protects from ailments is not fully known yet, a framework such as this may help in identifying the data gaps that require attention in this context. The proposed framework may initiate a discussion on indicators of positive health and characterize the parameters for intervention that could increase a healthy life.

Systematic review: pain, cognition, and cardioprotection—unpacking oxytocin’s contributions in a sport context

“…Additionally, oxytocin’s recognized anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to facilitate tissue regeneration against oxidative stress have been recognized in rat studies ( Wang et al, 2020 ; Frey Law et al, 2008 ; González-Hernández et al, 2017 ; Arabacı Tamer et al, 2020 ). Furthermore, the degree of inflammation seems to be linked directly to oxytocin in a dose-dependent manner in rats ( Juif and Poisbeau, 2013 ; Bhumbra et al, 2009 ; Erbas et al, 2014 ; Indrayan et al, 2023 ). Exogenous oxytocin may have the ability to lower muscle temperature in mice and rats ( Watts et al, 2022 ), inevitably highlighting the importance of temperature and other variables.…”

“…Oxytocin is often used in both human and animal studies as a biomarker of positive health status ( Indrayan et al, 2023 ; Lerner et al, 2022 ). When under stress caused by exercise, W rats produce the adrenocorticotropic hormone, in response to which oxytocin is also secreted as a buffer in the stress response.…”

Systemic immune inflammation indices: novel predictors for preterm premature rupture of membranes and associated complications

“…In the landscape of modern medicine, the search for comprehensive and reliable biomarkers to gauge individuals' overall health and prognostic potential has become increasingly important. 15,16 Within this realm, systemic immune inflammation (SII) and response (SIRI) indices have emerged as promising candidates for providing deeper insights into the functioning of the immune system and their potential implications across various medical conditions. 17, 18 The SII, which is an indicator of inflammatory status, is calculated by platelet count × neutrophil count/lymphocyte count, 19 while the SIRI, which is an indicator of the balance between the inflammatory response and immune status, is calculated by neutrophil count × monocyte count/lymphocyte count.…”