Hormesis

The mechanism of hormesis is based on the body's ability to adapt to low levels of biological stress. A short-term and controlled stimulus activates a series of molecular pathways responsible for repairing cellular damage, improving energy efficiency, and increasing tissue resistance to subsequent loads.

The following processes are of key importance here:

• activation of heat shock proteins (HSP),
• intensification of autophagy,
• improvement of mitochondrial function,
• increased activity of antioxidant enzymes,
• activation of AMPK and sirtuin pathways,
• reduction of chronic inflammation.

The body does not develop resilience by completely avoiding biological stress, but through its appropriately dosed exposure. This applies to the immune, metabolic, and nervous systems.

A classic example of a hormetic reaction is physical activity. Intense exercise causes muscle micro-damage and an increase in oxidative stress, but in response, the body increases regenerative capacities, improves energy management, and strengthens tissues.

The hormetic curve is biphasic in nature:

• a stimulus that is too weak does not induce adaptation,
• a moderate one has a beneficial effect,
• an excessive one becomes destructive.

In clinical practice, this means the necessity of precise dosing of biological therapies and individualization of regenerative procedures.