Apoptosis is the process of programmed cell death, a highly organized and genetically regulated biological mechanism essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis and eliminating damaged or superfluous cells. Unlike necrosis, apoptosis is an orderly cellular self-destruction that does not elicit an inflammatory response in surrounding tissue, which is vital for systemic health. This precise cellular demise is crucial for normal embryonic development, immune system regulation, and preventing the proliferation of potentially malignant cells.
Origin
The term is derived from ancient Greek, meaning “falling off” or “dropping off,” like leaves from a tree, which was formally introduced to the field of cell biology in 1972 to describe this characteristic morphological process. In endocrinology, its relevance is often seen in the cyclical, hormone-dependent regression of tissues, such as the endometrium during the menstrual cycle.
Mechanism
Apoptosis is executed through both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, which ultimately converge on the activation of specialized protease enzymes known as caspases. The intrinsic pathway is frequently triggered by internal cellular stress signals, such as DNA damage or severe mitochondrial dysfunction. Conversely, the extrinsic pathway involves external signals, such as the binding of specific death ligands to cell surface receptors, with hormones playing a modulatory role in both pathways to control tissue remodeling.
Discontinuing androgen therapy triggers a reversible cellular downsizing in tissues like muscle, a process the body reverses by restarting its own hormonal signals.
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