Methods of Enhancing Homeostatic Capacity in a Subject by Modulating Homeostatic System Synchrony, and Devices for Use in Practicing the Same

Abstract

Methods of enhancing homeostatic capacity in a subject are provided. Aspects of the methods include modulating synchrony, e.g., via modulating communication and/or coordination, among two or more distinct homeostatic systems of the subject in a manner sufficient to enhance homeostatic capacity of the subject. Also provided are devices configured for use in practicing the methods. Aspects of the invention further include methods of treating a subject for a condition via enhancement of homeostatic capacity. The methods and devices described herein find use in a variety of applications.

1 . A method of enhancing homeostatic capacity of a subject, the method comprising:
 modulating synchrony among two or more distinct homeostatic systems of the subject in a manner sufficient to enhance homeostatic capacity of the subject.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the homeostatic systems comprise a circadian rhythm system of the subject. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein the circadian rhythm system comprises a master clock system. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the method modulates the subject's suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein the circadian rhythm system comprises a peripheral oscillator system. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the homeostatic systems comprise a thermoregulatory system. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the homeostatic systems comprise a blood pressure regulatory system. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the homeostatic systems comprise a pH regulatory system. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises evaluating homeostatic capacity of the subject. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein the homeostatic capacity is evaluated by:
 obtaining dynamic biometric data from the subject; and   evaluating the homeostatic capacity of the subject from the dynamic biometric data.   
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the dynamic biometric data comprises biometric data obtained over a period of time. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the biometric data is continuously obtained over the period of time. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the dynamic biometric data is obtained by evaluating a biometric parameter for a change in response to one or more of an applied stimulus, a withdrawal of a stimulus and a change in contextual environment. 
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein the applied stimulus comprises a chemical stimulus. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the dynamic biometric data is obtained by evaluating a biometric parameter for a rate of change over a period of time. 
     
     
         17 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein modulating communication comprises administering a therapy to the subject. 
     
     
         20 - 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the method comprises treating the subject for a condition. 
     
     
         31 . The method according to  claim 30 , wherein the condition is a disease condition. 
     
     
         32 - 33 . (canceled) 
     
     
         34 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the subject is a mammal. 
     
     
         35 - 37 . (canceled)