GLOSSARY

Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)
EGF is an EGFR ligand supporting context-dependent epithelial and other cellular responses.

Local growth-factor networks

Growth factors influence proliferation, differentiation, survival and extracellular matrix remodeling through receptor-specific pathways. Their actions depend on tissue state, dose, timing and interactions with other signals. More signaling is not automatically equivalent to better repair or functional adaptation.

A distinction that matters

• Physiological repair signaling differs from persistent dysregulation associated with disease.

From pathway to performance

Circulating concentrations and phosphorylation markers do not directly quantify local tissue regeneration. Evidence for a proposed exercise benefit should link the relevant tissue signal with meaningful structural or functional outcomes, while distinguishing human findings from experimental models.