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GDF-8

Meaning

GDF-8, or Growth Differentiation Factor 8, is the formal scientific nomenclature for the protein more commonly known as myostatin, a potent, naturally occurring myokine that acts as a negative regulator of muscle growth. This secreted protein restricts the size of muscle fibers, ensuring that muscle mass does not grow indefinitely. From a clinical perspective, GDF-8 is a crucial target in research aimed at treating muscle-wasting conditions, such as sarcopenia and muscular dystrophy, and is of interest in performance enhancement. Its activity is a primary limiting factor in the human body’s potential for muscular hypertrophy.