Hormones and Inflammation

What about energy storage hormones?

Energy storage hormones such as insulin play a crucial role in regulating glucose and lipid storage in the body. Insulin helps to facilitate the uptake of glucose into cells, where it can be stored for later use as energy. It also promotes the storage of excess glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscles, and as triglycerides in adipose tissue. Additionally, insulin plays a role in stimulating growth-related processes, such as cell proliferation and protein synthesis.

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is another hormone that is involved in promoting growth, particularly in muscle and bone tissue. IGF-1 works in conjunction with insulin to support muscle growth and repair, as well as bone mineralization and growth. Androgens, such as testosterone, also play a role in muscle and bone growth by promoting protein synthesis and increasing muscle mass.

Vitamin D is important for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, as it helps to regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the body. Vitamin D also supports insulin sensitivity, which is important for maintaining proper blood glucose levels.

Osteocalcin is a hormone that is produced by bone cells and plays a role in bone growth and remodelling. Osteocalcin also supports insulin sensitivity and may have a regulatory role in testosterone production. Osteocalcin, a hormone produced by bone cells, is considered to positively influence insulin sensitivity, meaning it helps the body utilize insulin more effectively, thereby playing a role in regulating blood sugar levels; research suggests that higher levels of osteocalcin are associated with improved insulin sensitivity and better glucose metabolism. 

Osteocalcin is thought to enhance insulin sensitivity by directly stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells and by increasing the sensitivity of peripheral tissues like muscle and adipose tissue to insulin. 

Studies in mice have shown that mice deficient in osteocalcin exhibit impaired glucose tolerance and increased insulin resistance, further supporting the role of osteocalcin in regulating glucose metabolism. 

So how does this relate to us as humans and life extension? Lower levels of osteocalcin have been linked to increased risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, suggesting a potential role for osteocalcin in managing blood sugar levels. 

What about chronic inflammation and insulin sensitivity?

Chronic inflammation is strongly linked to decreased insulin sensitivity, meaning the body becomes less responsive to insulin, which is a key hormone for regulating blood sugar levels; essentially, when inflammation is present, the body struggles to effectively utilize insulin, often contributing to conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes. 

When inflammation occurs, particularly in adipose tissue (fat cells), inflammatory molecules like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are released, which can disrupt insulin signaling pathways, hindering the body's ability to use insulin effectively. 

Is there a link between obesity and chronic inflammation? Obesity is a major contributor to chronic inflammation, as excess fat tissue can trigger inflammatory responses, leading to insulin resistance. 

How does insulin resistance impact our health? Insulin resistance caused by inflammation can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other metabolic complications. 

A great test that can be checked is something called  C-reactive protein. Elevated levels of inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood are often associated with insulin resistance. 

So what can you do to manage inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity:

• Diet modifications:

Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein while limiting processed foods and saturated fats can help reduce inflammation. 

• Exercise:

Regular physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity and decrease inflammation levels. 

• Weight management:

Losing excess weight, if applicable, can significantly reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. 

• Medications:

In some cases, medications like metformin or thiazolidinediones may be prescribed to manage insulin resistance and related inflammation. 

What about energy expenditure and hormones? Energy expenditure hormones such as cortisol play a role in breaking down stored energy sources, such as liver glycogen, adipose tissue triglycerides, and muscle protein. Cortisol is released in response to stress and helps to mobilize energy stores to provide fuel for the body during times of need. Additionally, cortisol stimulates gluconeogenesis, the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, to maintain blood glucose levels.

Why does cortisol have a role in breaking down adipose tissue triglycerides aka stored fats? Well simply put it functions to release fatty acids that can be used as an energy source. Additionally, cortisol can break down muscle protein to release amino acids that can be used for energy production.

Overall, cortisol helps to mobilize stored energy sources to meet the body's energy needs during times of increased demand. However, chronic or excessive cortisol release can have negative effects on the body, including muscle breakdown, decreased immune function, and increased fat storage. Therefore, it is important to manage stress levels and maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep cortisol levels in check and support overall health and well-being.

In conclusion, the balance between energy storage and expenditure hormones is crucial for maintaining proper energy homeostasis in the body. These hormones work together to regulate energy storage