HealthAugust 7, 2026

cathepsin

kuh-THEP-sin

Definition

A specific type of enzyme identified in the article as an exerkine, released by muscles during exercise to help protect and support brain cell health.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'kata-' meaning 'down' and 'hepsein' meaning 'to boil', referring to the enzyme's role in breaking down or digesting proteins.

In the news

Cathepsin B is listed as a key signaling molecule (exerkine) produced by skeletal muscles that travels to the brain to provide neuroprotective benefits in Parkinson's patients.

Exercise Shields Dopamine Neurons in Parkinson’s

Read the full article ↗

Neuroscience News

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