HORMESIS AS A MANIFESTATION OF BIOLOGICAL PLASTICITY IN RESPONSE TO ENVIRONMENTAL STRESSORS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11603/mcch.2410-681X.2026.i3.16734Keywords:
hormesis; biological plasticity; molecular mechanisms; signaling pathways; oxidative stress; cellular adaptationAbstract
Introduction. Hormesis is a fundamental biological phenomenon characterized by a biphasic dose – response relationship in which low-intensity stressors induce adaptive and protective responses, whereas high-intensity exposure causes cellular dysfunction and damage. Increasing evidence indicates that hormetic mechanisms play a pivotal role in maintaining cellular homeostasis, enhancing stress resistance, and promoting healthy aging. The aim of the study – to analyze the principal molecular pathways involved in hormetic responses and evaluate their contribution to cellular resilience, longevity, and protection against environmental and endogenous stressors. Research Methods. An analytical review of publications from 2016 to 2025 was conducted using the MEDLINE/PubMed database. Results and Discussion. Current evidence demonstrates that hormesis represents an evolutionarily conserved adaptive mechanism mediated by coordinated activation of multiple stress-responsive signaling pathways. The molecular basis of hormetic responses involves integrated regulation of the NF-κB, Nrf2/Keap1, AMPK, and MAPK pathways, mitochondrial signaling, and reactive oxygen species acting as secondary messengers at low concentrations. These interconnected regulatory networks stimulate antioxidant defense, maintain redox homeostasis, enhance autophagy, regulate apoptosis, improve mitochondrial biogenesis and energy metabolism, and induce the expression of cytoprotective genes. Furthermore, epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone remodeling, and non-coding RNA-mediated regulation, contribute to long-term adaptive responses by establishing cellular stress memory. Intercellular communication further coordinates tissue-level adaptation, transforming individual cellular responses into an integrated organismwide protective strategy. Conclusions. Hormesis should be regarded as a complex multilevel adaptive process rather than merely a dose-dependent biological response. A deeper understanding of hormetic mechanisms provides a scientific basis for developing innovative preventive and therapeutic approaches targeting oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, metabolic disorders, and age-related diseases.
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