Hormonin

Hormonin is a term used in some languages to denote the body's chemical messengers that regulate physiology and behavior. In English, these molecules are typically called hormones. Hormonin encompasses diverse substances—peptides, steroids, amines and others—that are produced by endocrine glands or dispersed cells, released into body fluids, and transported to distant target tissues bearing specific receptors.

Synthesis and release: Most hormonin are synthesized in specialized cells; secretion is controlled by neural, humoral, or metabolic signals and is often stored in vesicles until stimulation. They can originate from classic endocrine glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, pancreas, and gonads, as well as from extragonadal sources including adipose tissue and enteroendocrine cells. Secretion is frequently pulsatile, aligning with circadian or physiological needs.

Mechanism of action: Hormonin exert their effects by binding to receptors on target cells. Some interact with intracellular receptors and regulate gene transcription; others engage membrane receptors that trigger signaling cascades, rapidly altering enzyme activity, ion channels, or cell communication. The result is coordinated changes in metabolism, growth, development, reproduction, and homeostasis.

Physiological roles and health aspects: Examples include insulin for glucose uptake, adrenaline in the fight-or-flight response, cortisol in stress adaptation, and thyroid hormones in metabolic rate. Dysfunctions of hormonin signaling underlie diseases such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and hormonal cancers. Hormonin-related therapies often involve hormone replacement, receptor agonists or antagonists, and modulators of signaling pathways.