HORMESIS Meaning and
Definition
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Hormesis is a phenomenon in biology and toxicology that describes a biphasic dose-response relationship, in which a beneficial or stimulatory effect is observed at low doses of a substance, while high doses have toxic or inhibitory effects. The concept of hormesis challenges the traditional linear approach to understanding the effects of a substance, suggesting that low to moderate amounts of some stressors can actually promote adaptation, resilience, and improved function in living organisms.
In hormesis, the stimulation observed at low doses may include increased metabolic activities, enhanced cellular repair mechanisms, or improved immune response. This response is believed to be a result of the organism's ability to activate defense mechanisms and adaptation pathways, preparing itself for potential future challenges. However, at higher doses, the adverse effects can outweigh the benefits, leading to a decline in function or damage to the organism.
Hormesis has been observed in various settings, including the exposure to low levels of radiation, certain chemicals, temperature variations, exercise, and dietary interventions. The concept has implications in medicine, environmental science, and toxicology, as it challenges the traditional assumption that higher doses of a substance will always have proportionally stronger effects.
Understanding the biphasic response of hormesis is crucial in determining optimal exposure levels and dose thresholds for various substances, helping to inform risk assessments and regulatory guidelines. However, it is important to note that hormesis is a complex phenomenon, and its mechanisms and applicability to different substances and contexts are still being explored and debated within the scientific community.
Common Misspellings for HORMESIS
- gormesis
- bormesis
- normesis
- jormesis
- uormesis
- yormesis
- hirmesis
- hkrmesis
- hlrmesis
- hprmesis
- h0rmesis
- h9rmesis
- hoemesis
- hodmesis
- hofmesis
- hotmesis
- ho5mesis
- ho4mesis
- hornesis
- horkesis
Etymology of HORMESIS
The word "hormesis" is derived from the Greek term "hormáō" (ὁρμάω), which means "to excite" or "to set in motion". In the context of toxicology and biology, "hormesis" refers to a phenomenon where low doses of a substance that would typically be harmful in high doses can actually have a beneficial or stimulatory effect on an organism. The term was coined by toxicologist Chester W. Price in 1943, combining the Greek root "hormé" (ὁρμή), meaning "impulse" or "onset", and the suffix "-sis", indicating a condition or process.
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