The complex, highly conserved sequence of cellular and molecular events—including inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling—that the body initiates to restore structural integrity and functional capacity following injury or cellular damage. These pathways are profoundly regulated by endocrine signals, including growth factors, sex steroids, and thyroid hormones, which modulate fibroblast activity, collagen synthesis, and stem cell differentiation. Efficient repair is a hallmark of youthful biological age and a key determinant of recovery from injury.
Origin
The term is foundational to pathology, regenerative medicine, and wound healing, describing the biological imperative to restore homeostasis after insult. In the context of hormonal health, the focus shifts to the endocrine regulation of these pathways, recognizing that age-related hormonal decline impairs the speed and completeness of the repair process. The concept is central to understanding musculoskeletal and dermal longevity.
Mechanism
The pathways are mechanistically orchestrated by a precise temporal release of signaling molecules. Initial injury triggers inflammatory cytokines, followed by the release of growth factors like IGF-1 and PDGF, which drive cellular proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition. Anabolic hormones, such as testosterone and Growth Hormone, enhance the synthesis of structural proteins
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