CHRONIC ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE AS A BIOLOGICAL STRESSOR: MECHANISTIC PATHWAYS AND REGIONAL EXPOSURE CONTEXT IN THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46991/PYSUB.2026.60.1.009Keywords:
noise pollution, pathophysiological mechanisms, HPA axis, oxidative stress, neuroendocrinology, cardiovascular risk, biological stressorAbstract
Environmental noise pollution is increasingly recognized as a profound biological stressor rather than a mere ecological nuisance. This review synthesizes current scientific evidence on the pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic noise exposure, emphasizing its role in activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. Sustained acoustic stress induces neuroendocrine dysregulation, triggering the overproduction of reactive oxygen species endothelial dysfunction, and systemic inflammation, which are primary drivers of cardiovascular, metabolic, and cognitive disorders. By examining structural characteristics of the urban environment in Yerevan, where highly reflective stone architecture and high-density environments amplify acoustic stimuli the study highlights a sustained allostatic load and heightened physiological vulnerability among the population. The paper concludes that mitigating chronic noise exposure is critical for cellular and systemic physiological restoration, advocating for the integration of neurobiological parameters into public health strategies to prevent noise-induced systemic pathologies.
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