What is the Origin of Endogenous Anabolic Hormones?

The term combines 'endogenous,' from the Greek endogenēs meaning 'produced from within,' with 'anabolic,' from anabolē meaning 'a rising up' or 'building up,' and 'hormones,' from hormān meaning 'to set in motion.' This clinical terminology is fundamental to endocrinology and is used to distinguish the body's native, growth-promoting signals from external or catabolic influences.

What is the Mechanism of Endogenous Anabolic Hormones?

These hormones exert their effects by binding to specific receptors on target cells, triggering intracellular signaling cascades that ultimately promote gene transcription for protein synthesis and inhibit protein degradation. For instance, testosterone acts directly on muscle and bone tissue to increase protein accretion and mineralization. Maintaining optimal levels and pulsatile secretion of these hormones is essential for physiological resilience and longevity.

Endogenous Anabolic Hormones

Meaning

Endogenous Anabolic Hormones are naturally produced signaling molecules within the body that promote anabolism, the constructive phase of metabolism involving the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones. These hormones are crucial for tissue growth, cellular repair, bone density maintenance, and the preservation of lean muscle mass. Key examples include testosterone, growth hormone, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1).