Physiological or pharmacological processes designed to inhibit or reduce catabolism, the destructive metabolic phase that breaks down complex molecules into simpler ones, often resulting in tissue loss. These actions are clinically vital for preserving lean body mass, particularly muscle and bone, which are susceptible to degradation during periods of stress, illness, or aging. Effective anti-catabolic strategies maintain cellular and structural integrity, supporting overall physical resilience.
Origin
The concept stems directly from the foundational principles of metabolism and clinical nutrition, where the balance between anabolism (building) and catabolism (breaking down) dictates tissue homeostasis. In the hormonal health space, it gained prominence with the understanding of catabolic hormones like cortisol and their detrimental effects on muscle protein breakdown. The term underscores the therapeutic goal of shifting the body’s state away from a breakdown-dominant environment.
Mechanism
Anti-catabolic mechanisms primarily involve reducing the secretion or receptor binding affinity of glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, which are potent drivers of protein degradation. Furthermore, they often include supplying adequate substrate, such as essential amino acids, to limit the need for the body to break down its own structural proteins for energy or synthesis. This systemic inhibition of proteolytic and lipolytic pathways safeguards muscle protein and prevents excessive mobilization of energy stores.
We use cookies to personalize content and marketing, and to analyze our traffic. This helps us maintain the quality of our free resources. manage your preferences below.
Detailed Cookie Preferences
This helps support our free resources through personalized marketing efforts and promotions.
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website, improving user experience and website performance.
Personalization cookies enable us to customize the content and features of our site based on your interactions, offering a more tailored experience.