What is the Origin of Systemic Resistance?

The term is derived from clinical pathology and endocrinology, where "Systemic" indicates the widespread, body-wide nature of the condition, and "Resistance" describes the cellular failure to respond to a chemical messenger. The concept is deeply rooted in the understanding of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, where insulin resistance is the central pathophysiological feature. It is a critical descriptor of impaired hormone-receptor signaling.

What is the Mechanism of Systemic Resistance?

The molecular mechanism involves post-receptor defects, such as chronic phosphorylation of the receptor's intracellular domain or the depletion of downstream signaling molecules. In the case of insulin resistance, chronic over-nutrition leads to persistent

Systemic Resistance ∞ Area

Systemic Resistance

Meaning

Systemic Resistance, in the context of hormonal health, refers to the diminished sensitivity of target tissues throughout the body to the signaling action of key hormones, despite adequate or even high circulating levels of those hormones. This phenomenon is a hallmark of metabolic dysfunction, most notably seen as insulin resistance, but also applies to resistance to thyroid hormones, leptin, or androgens. This reduced cellular response compromises metabolic efficiency and homeostatic regulation, contributing to chronic disease states.