Any endogenous or exogenous factor, such as a hormone, nutrient, or mechanical stimulus, that initiates and sustains a net positive protein balance and tissue growth across multiple physiological systems. This driver promotes anabolism, the metabolic process of building complex molecules from simpler ones, which is essential for muscle hypertrophy, bone density accrual, and connective tissue repair. Clinically, optimizing these drivers is crucial for maintaining muscle mass and metabolic health throughout the aging process.
Origin
The term combines ‘Systemic’ (affecting the entire body) with ‘Anabolic’ (from Greek anabole, meaning a rising up or building up) and ‘Driver’ (an initiating force). It is a clinical-physiological term that encapsulates the multi-faceted influences on the body’s building capacity, moving beyond a single hormone focus. This concept is central to the endocrinology of aging and recovery.
Mechanism
The most potent drivers include resistance exercise and hormones like testosterone, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). These factors activate intracellular signaling pathways, notably the mTOR pathway, which directly stimulates protein synthesis and inhibits protein degradation. The systemic nature of the driver ensures that its effects are distributed across skeletal muscle, bone, and other connective tissues, promoting coordinated tissue regeneration and structural integrity.
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