Catabolism

Catabolism or catabolic means the breakdown of complex molecules to simpler ones with release of energy or destructive metabolism. Catabolism is the process of transforming chemical fuels such as glucose into energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate or ATP. Catabolic hormones include epinephrine, cortisol, and glucagon.

Epinephrine or adrenaline with norepinephrine and dopamine are a group of biogenic amines called catecholamines. Stimulation of the adrenal gland activate stores of norepinephrine to epinephrine and its release into the bloodstream. At the cellular level, epinephrine binds to liver and muscle cells at receptors on the cell membrane. The fight or flight or stress reaction includes increased blood glucose, increased vasoconstriction in certain areas of the body, and increased heart rate. By use of cellular intermediates, epinephrine activates an enzyme that breaks down glycogen into glucose for release into the bloodstream. Epinephrine through a second messenger halts synthesis of fatty acids. During the fight or flight reaction, there is the need to release energy in the form of glucose and fatty acids initiated by epinephrine.

Clinically, epinephrine can have a lifesaving role by reducing or countering the effects of anaphylactic shock as response to an allergen. Allergic reactions cause the release of histamines that constrict smooth muscle including the airway. Epinephrine relaxes the smooth muscle using different receptors to treat anaphylactic shock. Adrenaline increases heart rate and is administered during cardiac arrest as a lifesaving attempt. Epinephrine may also be used in conjunction with local anesthetics to constrict blood vessels near the site to keep the anesthetic from diffusing from the site.

Cortisol is involved in regulation of metabolism within cells and regulate stress within the body. Cortisol is a steroid based hormone synthesized from cholesterol and belongs to a group of hormones called glucocorticoids. Cortisol is produced from the adrenal cortex. Cortisol is produced in response to stress to manufacture glucose from proteins and fatty acids by the process of gluconeogenesis. Cortisol saves glucose for the brain and nerves forcing the body to use fatty acids from stored fat as energy. Cortisol also forces the breakdown of stored proteins into amino acids for making enzymes or repairing cells. Cortisol increases blood pressure and flow to distribute glucose and nutrients quickly to cells.

Cortisol reduces inflammatory and immune response in the body. Stress causes an increase in glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids in the blood in response to cortisol. Cortisol is used in treatments like hydrocortisone to control inflammatory response such as rashes or allergies. It may also be injected to treat more serious autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Cortisol deficiency or hyposecretion can result in Addison’s disease. People affected by Addison’s disease present with low blood glucose and sodium levels, increased potassium, as well as weight loss. This may also cause low blood pressure and dehydration. Cortisol deficiency is usually treated with corticosteroid replacement. Hypersecretion of excess cortisol can result in decreased inflammatory or immune response. There is a more serious condition called Cushing’s disease that can cause hypersecretion of cortisol. The cause of Cushing’s disease is either a tumor of the pituitary gland or adrenal cortex. It has some serious side effects including water and salt retention, high blood pressure, swelling, muscle tissue and bone loss, fat deposits in the abdomen and back of the neck, and poor wound healing. The most severe side effect may be the tendency to develop severe infections before showing symptoms. Treatment is removal of the tumor or discontinuing glucocorticoid drugs.

Excessive stress can have adverse physiological results. Managing stress has become a major topic addressed in recent years. Even though cortisol has some positive effects by suppressing inflammation, excess blood cortisol over time has shown to lead to cellular damage, depression, weight gain, decreased neural function, and severely affect mood.

Glucagon is a twenty-nine-amino acid peptide produced by the alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Glucagon secretion is stimulated by ingestion of protein, low blood glucose or hypoglycemia, and exercise. Glucagon strongly opposes the action of insulin. It raises blood glucose by promoting the breakdown of glycogen and gluconeogenesis which is production of glucose from amino acids and glycerol. Glucagon increases blood glucose during fasting and exercise. Glucagon is considered the main catabolic hormone of the body. Glucagon and insulin are part of a feedback system that stabilize blood glucose levels. Glucagon increases energy expenditure and is elevated under conditions of stress.

Glucagon injections can be administered to diabetics during periods of hypoglycemia to promote blood glucose. Abnormally high levels of glucagon may be caused by pancreatic tumors such as glucagonoma. Symptoms include necrolytic migratory erythema, reduced amino acids, and hyperglycemia. Necrolytic migratory erythema is a red, blistering rash that spreads across the skin. It often affects the skin around the mouth and distal extremities, but may also be found on the lower abdomen, buttocks, perineum. and groin. Catabolic hormones regulate energy metabolism during stress, exercise, and fasting. Excessive catabolic hormone may have adverse effects on the body. It is important to exercise appropriately, eat a balanced diet with proper nutritional breakdown, and manage stress for maximum health, longevity, and quality of life. Please visit tpnbodyperfect.com and view our innovative nutrition software demonstration video. Eat smart.