Hormesis

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Hormesis[edit | edit source]

Hormesis_—_Two_Sides_of_the_Same_Coin

Hormesis is a biological phenomenon where a beneficial effect results from exposure to low doses of an agent that is otherwise toxic or lethal when given at higher doses. This concept is characterized by a biphasic dose-response relationship, where low doses stimulate or benefit the organism, while high doses inhibit or harm it.

Mechanism[edit | edit source]

Hormesis is thought to occur due to the activation of adaptive stress response pathways. When an organism is exposed to a low dose of a stressor, it may trigger cellular and molecular mechanisms that enhance the organism's ability to cope with more significant stress. These mechanisms can include the upregulation of antioxidant defenses, DNA repair processes, and protein chaperones.

Examples[edit | edit source]

Hormesis can be observed in various contexts, including:

Applications[edit | edit source]

The concept of hormesis has implications for toxicology, pharmacology, and medicine. Understanding hormesis can lead to better risk assessment and management strategies, as well as the development of new therapeutic approaches that harness the beneficial effects of low-dose stressors.

Controversies[edit | edit source]

Despite its potential benefits, hormesis remains a controversial topic. Critics argue that the evidence for hormesis is inconsistent and that it may not be applicable to all organisms or stressors. Additionally, the potential risks of low-dose exposure to harmful agents must be carefully considered.

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