Hormesis: A Revolution in Biology, Toxicology and Medicine

Hormesis is defined as any circumstance in which exposure of a cell or organism to a low dose of a substance or condition results in an adaptive stimulatory/beneficial outcome, while exposure to a high dose results in an inhibitory / detrimental outcome. When plotted on a graph the shape of the dose response curve is biphasic, the hallmark of hormesis. This groundbreaking book "Hormesis: A Revolution in Biology, Toxicology and Medicine" describes why and how hormesis is a fundamental feature of all living systems and is based on the evolutionary principle of selection for genetic traits that confer the ability to respond adaptively to adverse environmental conditions. Using numerous specific examples the authors explain why knowledge of hormesis is important for our health, our environment, and the future of our planet. Several chapters of the book describe emerging research findings that elucidate the molecular and cellular underpinnings of the biphasic dose response/hormesis. The implications of the tapping of cellular systems that underlie hormesis for the discovery and optimization of new drugs and dietary formulations are described.

From environmental protection policy to medical practice, it is critical that leaders recognize and understand hormesis, and incorporate it into their decision making process. The authors propose that the prevention of major diseases, including diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease can be achieved using hormetic approaches. Scientists, physicians, environmental gurus and anyone interested in the science underlying biology and medicine will benefit from reading this book.

Features

• Groundbreaking coverage of an oft experienced, but poorly understood phenomenon that affects all forms of life on earth.
• Explains why the principle of hormesis is important to our health, our environment, and the future of our planet.
• Provides specific examples of biphasic dose responses and their importance for the fields of biology, medicine and environmental safety.
• Discusses how knowledge of hormesis is being applied to research aimed understanding the organization and function of biological systems.
• Illustrates how disorders such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease result from the lack of exposure to beneficial environmental stresses.
• Considers the implications of the cellular systems that underlie hormesis for the discovery and optimization of new drugs and dietary formulations.